Blast from the past archives articles by jeanie mossa
Natural
Solutions for Dogs with Allergies
jeanie marie mossa M.S., L.Ac.
copyright 2010 jeanie mossa
Just
like people, dogs suffer from allergies too. This article is for all dog owners
in search of natural remedies for their sneezing, itching, snorting dogs.
Allergies
may be triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, dust, mold and
pollutants in the air or home. Lawn and garden pesticides and chemicals, and
cedar wood chips are often forgotten culprits in causing an allergic reaction.
Other allergies may be caused by food sensitivities. The most common foods that
cause allergic reactions in dogs are wheat, corn, soy, dairy and eggs. Fleas
and dust mites can also cause symptoms.
Allergy Symptoms in Dogs:
*Sneezing
*Coughing
*Wheezing
*Itching
and/or biting and scratching frequently, especially hindquarters, tail and
stomach area.
*Rashes
or hives
*Red
skin
*Flakey
coat
*Rancid
smell of coat
*Oily
texture to coat
*Licking
paw frequently
*Shaking
head to relieve itchy ears
*Watery
eyes
*Red
eyes (unless he is a bloodhound!)
*Vomiting
and or diarrhea
Here are a few tips for dogs
with allergies:
*Feed
him only foods that are free of wheat, corn or soy.
*Use
glass or stainless-steel water and food bowl to prevent mold growth.
*Use
environmentally friendly cleaning products in your home.
*Use
environmentally safe and natural pesticides in your yard.
*Consider
a round of acupuncture with Chinese herbal formulas
*Use
an air filter in your home.
*Wash
bedding on a regular basis with natural detergents.
Foods That Can Make Fido
Itch!
You
are what you eat applies to dogs as well as humans. Many dogs suffer from food
allergies. The top five culprits are wheat, corn, soy, eggs and dairy. Some
dogs may also be allergic to chicken. Symptoms can vary. Most dogs will show
some sign of itching or skin irritation. Others may vomit or have diarrhea.
Store bought foods may also contain MSG, animal by-products, dyes and other
harmful ingredients.
When
choosing a food for your dog read the ingredients. Make sure it is free from
all wheat, corn, soy and animal by-products. If you cannot pronounce the
ingredients, research it before making a purchase. Since the food recall scare
high quality pet foods are easier to find. This article is not intended to
promote or advertise any specific brands, however there are several natural and
safe dog foods to choose from such as (but not limited to): Solid Gold,
California Naturals, Halo, Wellness, Blue, Innova, Artemis and Evo. If your dog
is allergic to egg or chicken, make sure the brand you pick does not contain
it.
Wheat
and wheat gluten cause many other problems in dogs besides allergies. It can
exacerbate arthritic pain and cause intestinal disorders. It also adds unwanted
weight gain. Flour is also a form of wheat, and whole wheat contains wheat
gluten. I recommend to all my dog patients' owners to keep their dogs off all
wheat products. Unfortunately, many dog treats contain wheat. The dog food
brands mentioned above also make wheat free treats.
Quercetin: The Pawsitive
Bioflavonoid
Quercetin
is a wonderful supplement for dogs, cats or humans suffering from allergies or
asthma. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid (or flavonoid), which is a type pigment
found in almost all herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It is also an antioxidant. a
natural antihistamine, and anti-inflammatory supplement
Research
has shown that Quercetin's antihistamine action may help to relieve allergy
symptoms and asthma symptoms. Quercetin helps treat allergies by blocking the
secretion of histamine in the body. Histamine is what causes inflammation and
swelling. The symptoms of a histamine reaction can be stuffy nose, itchy eyes,
sneezing, itchy or red skin, runny eyes and more. The anti-inflammatory
properties may help to reduce pain from disorders such as arthritis.
Quercetin
supplements are also available in concentrated powders and tablet or capsule
form. It is often packaged with bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapple),
another substance that has been found useful for treatment of allergies and
inflammation, which is thought to increase the absorption of Quercetin.
Choose
a brand that contains bromelain in capsules, which makes it easy to break one
apart and sprinkle on your dog's food.
We just found these treats online and our dog loves them!
Fitapet Allergy Relief for Itchy Dogs - with Turmeric, Omega-3, Quercetin and Bromelain
Do the Math: Supplement
Dosages for Dogs
When
you purchase nutritional supplements for your dog, you may only be able to find
human versions of the products. That’s okay but be careful about using
recommended dosages. Dosage information for most supplements is based on the
needs of an average person of about 125 pounds in weight. To calculate your
dog’s needs, consult with your pet health practitioner, or do the math
yourself:
Divide
your dog’s weight by 125. For example: 40/125 = .32
Multiply
the recommended dosage by this number: For example: 3
tablets,
twice per day. 3 X .32 = .96.
So,
rounding the final number a bit, the dosage of this supplement for
a
40-pound dog would be 1 tablet, twice per day.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
and Allergies
Acupuncture
is only one element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Other
TCM modalities incorporated into most treatments are laser acupuncture,
infrared heat, moxabustion, and a form of Chinese massage known as Tui Na.
In
Traditional Chinese Medicine the immune system is regulated by Wei Qi (Pronounced
"way chee" defensive Chi). Qi is the life force in the body and Wei
Qi is the first line of defense from an "attack" on our immune
system. Acupuncture helps to boost Wei Qi, thus boosting the immune system. It
helps relieve the symptoms of allergies and helps to calms the patient.
Acupuncture can help boost
the immune system to fend off allergies. In my acupuncture practice, I have
found that it takes a combination of herbs and/or supplements, a change in diet
and a round of acupuncture sessions for best results. It also takes patience!
Herbs and supplements may take two weeks to take full effect in the body. Since
acupuncture treatments have a cumulative effect, 5-6 consecutive treatments are
recommended.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice.
Please consult with a licensed acupuncturist or veterinarian if your dog
suffers from chronic or acute health problems.
JeanieMarie Mossa, M.S., L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and author in Salem,
Massachusetts with a private practice treating dogs with Traditional Chinese
Medicine. Owner of Four Paws Acupuncture on the North Shore of MA.
She is a former faculty member of the Canadian College of Oriental
Medicine, has published two books on Chinese herbal medicine, and several
articles on Oriental Medicine. She has been treating dogs with acupuncture
since 1995. Learn more at
www.FourPawsAcupuncture.com
