They are one of the most common conditions affecting dogs. Dog allergies can be very frustrating for both you and your dog. The constant itching and scratching, paw licking and chewing gum, skin rashes or chronic ear infections can make life very unpleasant.
Dogs allergies become evident when your dog's immune system reacts excessively to substances (called allergens or antigens) to which it was exposed. Generally, allergies that appear in three ways. The most common is with skin – your dog itching and scratching in one area or all over, or you'll see skin sores or lesions. Another way involves the respiratory system and your dog may cough, sneeze, and/or wheezing, and there may be an associated nasal or ocular secretion. 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 them grouped into three areas – these are the most common allergies that you will see with your dog. The first is external allergies, and these include flea allergies, allergy second is with food, and the third is environmental, and this includes inhalant, from allergens such as pollen and dust mites.
Dog
allergies can be difficult to diagnose. Many of the symptoms that can appear may be the result of allergies or another illness. It's best to get your pet examined by your veterinarian first, before trying any home or alternative treatments.
If you know or suspect that 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 to this article. In my book, veterinary Secrets Revealed (available at veterinarysecretsrevealed. Com), I focus on alternative treatments at home for dogs and cats. Here are some of the solutions that you can try at home that I recommend for dog allergies.
for fleas – here is an obvious solution: get rid of 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 kind of meaning for pets).
If you suspect that your pet is allergic to something in their diet, the first step is to stop all traditional sweets (i.e.-milk bones) and leftovers on the table. If your dog is still reacting after 3 weeks, then you may be allergic to normal food. At this point, try the Elimination Diet. This means chancing your dog's food to an entirely different type who has never eaten before.
The most important part is a unique protein source. There are a number of commercially available allergy diets for pets – what I prefer for dogs is fish and potatoes. For cats, it can be more difficult, but I had no luck with has duck as a protein source. The difficulty is that your dog may be allergic to something in the food. Regardless, strongly in favour of a more natural, simple diet that is naturally preserved, or a homemade 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 still scratching, then you probably don't have a food allergy.
With environmental allergies, dogs can react in a way which is a very similar way that we as humans do. A way to help deal with allergy to pollen or dust mites is to buy an Air Purifier for your home.
For itchy skin, try an oatmeal bath shampoo with cold water – this can ease the itchiest skin. Leave the shampoo for 10 minutes, then rinse well. With severe allergies, bathe your pet twice a week. In addition, the Calendula ointment (herbal medicine) has been successfully used to relieve itching. Apply a thin layer twice a day on the affected areas.
There are many herbal solutions for allergies. Phytopica, a combination of Chinese, 10 different herbs has proven to be effective in scientific studies in decreasing the severity of itching. San Xiao Feng is a Chinese herbal combination useful for Atopic Dermatitis (allergy to inhalants). The dose is 1/8 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight per day.
