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Natural Allergy Relief for Dogs
Natural allergy relief is a safe alternative to alleviate allergy symptoms in dogs In particular, we will look at: Natural Allergy Relief - HerbsOne natural allergy relief is the use of herbs. Herbs can be used topically to alleviate symptoms such as itching. Herbal remedies can also be used to strengthen the dog's weakened body systems, such as the immune system, the liver, kidneys, etc.By tackling dog allergies both topically from the outside and systemically from the inside, long-term use of selected herbs can rid a dog of allergies without causing havoc to his body system functioning. Herbal Remedies for Dog Allergies - Topical Use Oat Topically, oat can be used to ease itchy skin. Give your dog oat baths regularly. Boil about one pound of organic oat straw in 2 quarts of water and add this to your dog's bathwater.
A rinse can be made from dried yellow dock. Add one tablespoon of the herb to 2 cups of boiling water. Let it sit and cool down. Strain off the herb and use the liquid as a rinse. As mentioned in Allergies in Dogs, many dogs develop dog allergy symptoms because they have a weakened immune system, or the proper functioning of their major organs are compromised. Herbal remedies are effective in toning and strengthening the immune system and other major "waste-disposal organs" (the liver, skin, kidneys). Here are a few herbs that can be used as natural allergy relief for dogs: Burdock root Burdock cleanses the blood and helps eliminate toxins in the urine and sweat. It is good for dry and scaly skin. Burdock root is very safe for our dogs and can be used as a daily dietary supplement. Dandelion Dandelion aids the liver which of course is a main toxin-removal organ. It cleanses and tones the liver and enhance its proper functioning. Yellow Dock Yellow dock is another herb to help the liver to eliminate toxins. Echinacea Echinacea is the herb for enhancing the immune system. Licorice root Licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is similar to corticosteroids. Glycyrrhizin helps stimulate the adrenal glands to produce its own natural corticosteroids which give anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, immune-supporting effects on the body. As a result, licorice root can give relief from the itching and inflammation without seriously compromising the autoimmune system. Nettle Nettle is used in many herbal treatments for allergies. It stimulates blood circulation, has antibiotic properties and is effective in treating such skin problems as eczema. Sarsaparilla The antibacterial actions of sarsaparilla make it effective in treating chronic scaly skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
Natural Allergy Relief - SupplementsSupplements are also important for dogs with allergies. In particular, the following should be given to your dog if she has allergies:Fatty Acids Fatty acids (Fish oil, flaxseed oil, etc.) is an important anti-inflammatory agent. It is beneficial for a variety of chronic health problems such as allergies; it also ensures proper fatty acid balance in the body. Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics Digestive enzymes improve your dog’s digestion and absorption of nutrients from the diet. With better absorption, your dog will have a stronger immune system. Probiotics are the "friendly bacteria" in the dog's digestive system. Medications such as antibiotics tend to kill off these friendly bacteria and upset the microflora in the dog's system, resulting not only in digestive problems, but also yeast infections. Yeast infections very often manifest themselves as allergies. Antioxidants Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, remove free radicals and other toxins from the body. As the skin the biggest toxin-removal organ, antioxidants are essential in keeping the dog's skin healthy.
Natural Allergy Relief - HomeopathyAnother natural allergy relief for dogs is Homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies are used by many holistic veterinarians to alleviate itching in dogs caused by allergies. As with choosing and administering other homeopathic remedies for chronic health problems, it is important that we consult a homeopathic vet since special training and experience are necessary to select the most appropriate remedy for a particular patient.If you want to use homeopathic remedies to relieve your dog's itch, ask your holistic vet about the following possible remedies: Apis mellifica (bee vemon) This remedy is usually selected for symptoms of intense burning and itching with hot and red sores. The face is often so swollen that the eyelids are shut. The itching usually worsens at night. Arsenicum album Dogs who need this remedy usually start out with dry and itching skin, but quickly develop infected sores if left untreated. The patients tend to be restless and feel chilly. Warmth can relieve some of the itching which worsens at night. Formica rufa (red ant) Dogs needing this remedy have intense itching, stinging sensation, and burning with skin red with rashes. Warmth can relieve some of the itching. The patients usually feel better after midnight. Other possibilities include Rhus tox (poison ivy), Urtica urens (stinging nettle), and Silicea (Silica).
References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
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