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Allergies in DogsAllergies in dogs are prevalent these days. It seems that dogs and allergies are inseparable. Take a look at your dog. Does she chew or lick her paws all the time? Scratch herself so hard that you wake up in the middle of the night wondering if it is an earthquake? Does she suffer from chronic ear infections? How about digestive upset? Many people tend to think that itchy skin, ear infections, stomach upset are separate health problems. In fact, some veterinarians also regard them as non-related diseases and treat them separately. However, very often these "illnesses" are not the "problem" - they are just symptoms that show that your dog has become hypersensitive or allergic to something in the environment. Allergies in dogs are basically symptoms manifested as a result of the dog's immune system working hard to get rid of outside substances. These substances - allergens - can be anything (natural or artificial, organic or inorganic), and they can be found in a lot of places and things, such as food, in our homes, and in the environment. They can cause allergic reactions after being ingested, inhaled or absorbed.
In my research on the topic of dog allergies, one common theory has come to light - many holistic veterinarians believe that allergies in dogs come, first and foremost, from the "inside", rather than from outside allergens. As mentioned above, these days dogs are exposed to a lot of allergens. However, not all dogs develop symptoms of allergies. Those who do are often pets with problems from the "inside", for example, dogs with an already weakened immune system, hormonal imbalance, bacterial or fungal infections, or those with emotional stress due to boredom, a lack of exercise, etc. When exposed to outside allergy-causing factors, (such as fleas, poor quality food, environmental toxins, over vaccination), these dogs are more prone to develop symptoms of dog allergies. If your pet shows dog allergy symptoms, it is very important that you consult your vet and ask that a thorough check-up (skin and blood tests) be carried out to identify the "inside" cause of the allergy. Finding out the inside "root" problem and getting rid of that problem will strengthen the overall health of your dog, making her more resistant against the outside allergens. Common Symptoms of Dog Allergies
How to deal with Allergies in DogsConventional treatments usually try to control and suppress dog allergy symptoms by using such methods as a hypoallergenic diet and shampoos, drug therapy such as the use of antihistamines and steroids, or allergy shots.Holistic veterinarians, however, focus more on improving the health of the dog so that she is strong enough to fend off outside allergens. Holistic vets usually advise us to tackle allergies in dogs by eliminating the outside allergens, as well as by improving the overall physical and mental wellbeing of the dog. While it may be difficult to identify the exact culprit that triggers allergic reaction in our dogs, here are some common causes of dog allergies: Dog Food Many dogs develop allergies to their food. If your dog is one of those unlucky ones, avoid feeding her poor quality commercial food. Try feeding your dog natural, organic food. Discuss with your veterinarian about a homemade recipe or an organic, preservative-free and artificial coloring-free commercial brand. Try to keep the diet as high quality as possible to avoid stress on organs and to help support the immune system. Nutritional supplements are also important in building a healthier system. In particular, make sure that these minerals and vitamins are present in the supplements that you feed to your dog:
Environment Common allergens in the environment such as weeds, dust, and pollens can cause symptoms of allergies in dogs. But so can a lot of other common household goods. Dogs can develop allergy symptoms when exposed to things such as:
Elimination is usually the best way to avoid allergies in dogs caused by the above items. Air filters and purifiers can help remove allergens in the air, such as pollen, or house dust. Rinsing your dog’s paws after walks may reduce exposure to pesticides. Using a natural and mild shampoo, and natural herbal flea repellents further minimizes exposing your dog to toxic chemicals. Vaccination Many veterinarians (mostly holistic and some conventional as well) now believe that we are over-vaccinating our dogs. In trying to protect our pets from diseases, it has now been found that vaccines can in fact have the potential to cause chronic to life-threatening health problems. Does that mean we should not vaccinate our dogs? No - some vaccines are required by law (e.g. rabies) and others are definitely necessary, especially if you live in high-risk regions (e.g. heartworm). However, take control. Be an informed dog owner. Read up on the subject, understand the necessity, and the pros and cons of various vaccines, and discuss the issues with your veterinarian. TopNatural Allergy ReliefNatural remedies such as herbal and homeopathic remedies can be effectively used to relieve itching caused by dog allergies. Please visit our page on Natural Allergy Relief for more information.
D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
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