How to Treat Dog
Allergies
Author:
Dr. Andrew Jones
Dog allergies are one of the most common conditions
affecting dogs. Dog allergies can be very frustrating for both
yourself and your dog. The constant itching and scratching, paw
licking and chewing, skin rashes or chronic ear infections can
make life very unpleasant.
Dogs allergies become noticeable when your dog's immune system
reacts excessively to substances (called allergens or antigens)
to which she has been exposed. Generally, allergies show up in
three ways. The most common is with the skin – your dog will
itch and scratch either in one area or all over, or you will
see skin sores or lesions. Another way involves the respiratory
system and your dog may cough, sneeze, and/or wheeze, and there
may be an associated nasal or eye discharge. A third type of
allergic reaction involves the digestive system, when your dog
vomits or has diarrhea.
There are several types of dog allergies. Conventionally,
Veterinarians focus on five different types, but I have grouped
them into three areas – these are the most common allergies you
will see with your dog. The first is external allergies, and
these include flea allergies; the second allergy group is with
food; and the third is environmental, and this includes
inhalant, from allergens such as pollens and house dust
mites.
Dog allergies can be difficult to diagnose. Many of the
symptoms you may see can be a result of allergies or of another
illness. It is best to get your pet examined by your
Veterinarian first, before trying any home or alternative
treatments.
If you know or suspect your dog has an allergy, you do have
options. There are conventional ways to treat allergies that
your Veterinarian will discuss, but I would like to focus on
alternative methods in this article. In my book, Veterinary
Secrets Revealed (available at veterinarysecretsrevealed .
com), I focus on alternative home treatments for dogs and cats.
Here are a few of the solutions you can try at home that I
recommend for dog allergies.
For Fleas - here is an obvious solution: eliminate the Fleas!
Practice regular flea-control. Two natural ways to battle fleas
include using aromatic herbs, such as Pennyroyal and Catnip,
and Chinchilla Dust ("diatomaceous earth" – but make sure this
is the type meant for pets).
If you suspect that your pet is allergic to something in their
diet, the first step is to stop all traditional treats (i.e. -
milk bones) and table scraps. If your dog is still reacting
after 3 weeks, then she may be allergic to her regular food. At
this point, try the elimination diet. This means chancing your
dog’s food to an entirely different type which she has never
eaten before.
The most important part is a unique protein source. There are a
number of commercially available allergy diets for pets - one
that I prefer for dogs is Fish and Potato. For cats, it can be
more difficult, but one I have had luck with has duck as the
protein source. The difficulty is that your dog can be allergic
to anything in the food. Regardless, I highly advocate a more
natural, simple diet that is naturally preserved, or a
home-made diet. See my book or join my membership site,
theonlinevet . com, for a choice of allergy diets.
Whatever food you choose, it must be fed for 12 weeks. If after
12 weeks your pet it still scratching, then she probably
doesn't have a food allergy.
With environmental allergies, dogs can react in a way that is
very similar way that we as humans do. One way to help deal
with an allergy to pollen and/or house dust mites is to
purchase an air purifier for your home.
For itchy skin, try an oatmeal shampoo bath with cool water -
this can ease the itchiest skin. Leave the shampoo on for 10
minutes then rinse well. With the most severe allergies, bathe
your pet twice weekly. Also, Calendula ointment (herbal
medication) has been successfully used to relieve the itch.
Apply a thin coat twice daily to affected areas.
There are many herbal solutions for allergies. Phytopica, a
combination of 10 different Chinese herbs, has been shown to be
effective in scientific studies in decreasing the severity of
itching. Xiao Feng San is a common Chinese herbal combination
useful for atopic dermatitis (allergy to inhalants). The dose
is 1/8 of a teaspoon per 10lbs of body weight daily.
I hope you have found this article helpful. If you would like
natural, holistic solutions for many common dog or cat health
problems, visit my site at Veterinary Secrets Revealed.
To your pet’s good health…
About the Author:
Dr. Andrew Jones, a practicing Veterinarian, has a special
interest in alternative, natural pet remedies.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com -
How to Treat Dog Allergies
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