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How To Treat Dog Allergies Holistically
This page focuses on how to treat dog allergies holistically, using a combination of dog allergy medication, natural supplements, and
natural remedies such as herbs and homeopathic remedies.
Before looking at how to treat dog allergies holistically, let us look at the treatment options provided by conventional veterinary medicine.
Corticosteroids
The most common conventional medication for dog allergies is corticosteriods, such as
prednisone. Corticosteriods can be in the form of:
- topical steroid application such as cortisone cremes and related products
- oral steroid medicine
- steroid injection
Antihistamines
The second most common conventional dog allergy medication is antihistamines, such
as Benadryl. While antihistamines do not cause as many systemic side effects as do corticosteroids, they are not as effective in relieving allergy symptoms. Only
about 10 to 30 percent of dogs have been found to show improvement after using antihistamines for their allergies.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, aka allergy shots, is sometimes used when other conventional medication
does not bring about relief. Allergy shots are not as commonly used on dogs because they are somewhat costly and it takes 12 months to find out if the shots are
effective on a particular allergic dog.
Other Therapies
Besides the above common medication, conventional treatment also involves other symptomatic therapies such as cool baths with or without colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts,
or medicated shampoos. There are also sprays and ointments for quick temporary relief of itchiness.
In addition, dogs with allergies are often given Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which can reduce inflammation.
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How to Treat Dog Allergies Holistically
Treating dog allergies holistically does not mean that we should use only alternative remedies such as herbs or supplements. We should remain open-minded and consider
all options which are safe and effective.
When determining how to treat dog allergies holistically, consider the following criteria:
- Safety: The treatment should be safe and must have minimal or preferably no short- and long-term side effects.
- Ease of Administration: The treatment should be easy for the dog parents to administer.
- Cost: The treatment should be cost effective.
- Root Problem: The treatment should address the root problem and not just cover up the allergy symptoms.
Before deciding on how to treat dog allergies holistically, be sure to first get a proper diagnosis to find out the exact cause of your dog's allergy symptoms.
Then, preferably working with a veterinarian who is open to alternative therapies, design a holistic treatment program most suitable for your dog.
As an example, a holistic treatment program may contain the following components:
- Topical Treatment
For quick temporary relief of itchiness, topical treatment can be used. Safe topical treatment include the use of
herbal shampoos and rinse. Herbs usually work slower than conventional
medicines such as corticosteroids, so if your dog is suffering greatly from itchiness
and is mutilating himself by incessant scratching and chewing, you may want to consider a topical steroid cream for faster relief. Once his itchiness has calmed down,
you can reduce or stop the use of steroid cream.
- Homeopathic Remedies to Relieve Allergy Symptoms
Internally, homeopathic remedies can be used to help to relieve allergy symptoms.
Homeopathic remedies are safe and do not have side effects.
- Herbs and Supplements to Reduce Inflammation and Build Up the Immune System
Dogs with allergies usually have immune systems that are weakened or compromised.
Herbs and supplements can be used to reduce inflammation and to build up
the allergic
dog's immune system.
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How to Treat Dog Allergies Holistically - Prevention
Last but not the least, how to treat dog allergies holistically should also include a long-term allergy prevention program.
Dog Food
Many dog parents have seen their dogs' allergies improve upon switching their food to a
natural, organic diet. 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.
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:
- household cleaning chemicals
- flea chemicals
- cigarette smoke
- pesticides
- strong soap or shampoo
- plastic food bowls
Elimination and avoidance is usually the best way to prevent 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.
- Frequent vacuuming and washing your carpets reduces the allergens that live deep in the carpet fibers.
- Rinsing your dog's paws after walks may reduce exposure to pesticides. Consider putting booties or a T-shirt on your dog when going out if he is
severely allergic.
- Changing and cleaning your dog's bedding frequently can reduce the allergenic load such as house dust mites.
- 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.
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How to Treat Dog Allergies - Recap
Dog allergy symptoms often appear as a result of a prolonged build-up of toxins in the body whose immune system is weakened. Managing allergies, therefore, is more than
just suppressing the symptoms of itchy skin or ear infections. It requires vigilant observation of your dog - you must recognize the warning signs, such as excessive
licking, paw chewing, or ear scratching, and timely action needs to be taken to find out the underlying root cause.
Tackling allergies in dogs is a long-term and ongoing process and a healthy body is the best guard against toxic substances invading your dog's body. Find a veterinarian
who is open to using natural, alternative remedies for treatment of allergies in dogs. Keep in mind that alternative remedies do not have to replace conventional
treatments. Instead, many such alternative remedies can often complement conventional treatments and may eliminate or reduce the use of strong drugs.
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Related Topics
Common Dog Allergies
Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Flea Allergies in Dogs
Dog Food Allergies
Prednisone for Dogs
Antihistamines for Dogs
Allergy Shots for Dogs
Natural Allergy Relief for Dogs
References
D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
Messonnier, S., The Allergy Solution for Dogs (Three Rivers Press, 2000).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).
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