With the warmer months of the year approaching, some dogs can get very itchy. When a dog is constantly scratching and itching, a pet owner may conclude that the culprit is fleas. Of course fleas can cause itching and scratching, but frequently the problem persists after flea prevention products are used. Are fleas to blame? Maybe not…..
The hot weather can be the worst of times for itchy dogs. Some chew and lick themselves until hot spots appear. Some get ear infections. If your veterinarian has ruled out fleas and other parasites, then the problem could be allergies, which can be both environmental and food-related.
Conventional veterinary care for dogs with allergies involves treatment with cortisone, antibiotics, allergy shots, and antihistamines. These treatments can be helpful, giving dogs immediate, short-term relief. However, symptoms often return as soon as the medications wear off. Using holistic veterinary care along with conventional treatments can give a dog the best prognosis for long-term relief of allergy symptoms.
Helping Dogs with Allergies
Allergies are cumulative, meaning they build up with increased exposure. A dog may eat a food for a long time before allergy symptoms become noticeable. Similarly, a dog may have food allergies year-round but the symptoms become most acute during the summer with increased exposure to pollens and other environmental allergens affecting the dog’s immune system at the same time. Using a “novel” protein source that your dog hasn’t eaten before, such as rabbit, can make a big difference.
Allergic dogs often have both food and environmental allergies, so there is no “one” medication or supplement that will cure your pet’s symptoms. Skin problems require a comprehensive effort. Use the 4-Step Allergy Protocol below to help with both food and environmental allergies.
Allergy Protocol to Help Stop Scratching and Itching
Use topical treatments in the form of therapeutic shampoos and natural sprays. If your dog is allergic to grass, try washing paws after going outside.
Feed a hypoallergenic diet and avoid the following common allergens in pet food:
- Chicken (all poultry including eggs can be a problem for some dogs)
- Gluten (found in wheat, barley, oats and other grains)
- Dairy Products (especially casein found in cheese)
- Beef
- Peanut Butter (given as a treat or to coat pills)
- Corn
- Soy
Use an air purifier, which can help greatly with environmental allergies. Keep the air purifier in the area where your dog sleeps at night.
Use supplements to reduce allergy symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation, enhance the coat, and eliminate dandruff. Omega-3s found in fish oil are best but flaxseed oil, cod liver oil, and coconut oil can be rotated into the diet as well. Bioflavanoids such as quercetin can act as natural anti-histamines, reducing the dog’s overall allergic response. Digestive enzymes and probiotics are also essential for dogs with allergies as allergic symptoms are often associated with poor digestion and inflammation in the intestinal tract.
Be patient if your dog is suffering from allergies as there usually isn’t a “quick fix.” Medications such as prednisone, antibiotics, and antihistamines can provide short-term relief but a comprehensive holistic protocol can help heal your pet for the long-term. Be sure to see your veterinarian first so that you know exactly what the nature of your dog’s skin problems are. For example, an older dog may have skin problems due to an underlying endocrine condition such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, so a blood test along with a veterinary exam is warranted for pets with chronic allergies and skin problems.
The good news is that allergic dogs can get better! Using a combination of conventional and holistic veterinary medicine seems to deliver the best results over time.
Susan Blake Davis is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist on staff at VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital in Lake Forest, California. Susan and Dr. David A. Gordon, Medical Director at VCA Arroyo, offer holistic health consultations to pet owners in person at the vet clinic and nationwide via telephone through Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist (AskAriel.com). You may send questions or comments to AskAriel1@gmail.com.
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