Natural Solutions for Dogs with Allergies

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. Lesser Quality pet foods may also contain MSG, animal by-products, dyes and other harmful ingredients. Symptoms can vary from food allergies. Most dogs will show some sign of itching or skin irritation. Others may vomit or have diarrhea.

If you cannot cook for your dog the next best thing is to pick a dog food that is safe and natural. When choosing a food for your dog read the ingredients. Make sure it is free from all wheat. corn or 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 causes 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. 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 foods mentioned above also make wheat free treats.

Quercetin is a wonderful supplement for dogs 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 anti-histamine, 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.

I personally use the Solaray Brand since it has bromelain in the formula. The Solaray formula comes in capsules, which makes it is easy to break one apart and sprinkle on your dog's food.

Acupuncture is a time-tested clinically effective holistic solution to the stresses and health problems of your pets in our modern times. The effects of acupuncture and herbal therapy are gentle yet very effective for a wide range of health problems, and it is a cost-effective method to regain and maintain the health of your pet.

Acupuncture is only one element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).Other TCM modalities incorporated into most treatments are laser acupuncture, infrared heat, moxabustion, magnets, Bach Flower Remedies, and a form of Chinese massage known as Tui Na.

Using Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat allergies

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the immune system is regulated by Wei Qi (Pronouced "way chee" also called Wei Chi or defensive Chi). Qi is the life force in the body. The Wei Qi is the first line of defense from an "attack" on our immune system. Acupuncture helps to boost Wei Qi, thus boost the immune system. It helps relieve the symptoms of allergies and calms the patient.

I have found treating dogs with allergies takes more than just a few acupuncture sessions to see positive results. Besides changing the diet and eliminating other environmental factors I always prescribe a Chinese herbal formula. The proper herbal formula can make a remarkable difference in the patient. Herbal formulas may take up to two weeks for the patient to see or feel relief.

Worried about how your dog will react? Dogs actually like acupuncture. Most dogs fall asleep or become very relaxed once the needles are placed. It is a very gentle and effective therapy.

While acupuncture is effective for a wide range of canine ailments, don't expect too much from a single treatment. Acupuncture in dogs and humans have a cumulative effect. Over time, the treatments build on one another, giving greater effect with each treatment.

Please visit the Four Paws Acupuncture Happy Dogs Page to read how acupuncture and TCM can help improve a dog's life.

PLEASE NOTE!
Each state has its own regulations about who can practice veterinary acupuncture. It is important to find a practitioner who has more than a few weekends of training. Some states only require veterinarians to have 130 hours of training in veterinary acupuncture. Unfortunately this is not an adequate amount of time to learn Traditional Chinese Medicine. Other states only allow veterinarians to practice.

All licensed acupuncturists have at least 3,000 to 3,500 hours of training and graduate with a MS or MTOM. To find an acupuncturist in your area visit www.acufinder.com

To rid your home of fleas, spread a box of Mule Team Borax (available in your store's laundry soap isle), over your carpet. Use a broom and sweep it into the carpet. Wait a couple of hours then vacuum. The residual borax that remains in the carpet will kill the fleas and their larvae simply by drying them out.

Make sure your pets do not walk on the floor while the Borax is there. It can be absorbed into their feet.

April showers bring May flowers with fleas, ticks and other bugs that attack our pets.

Ticks carry the dreaded Lyme disease as well as yellow-spotted fever disease and others. Fleas are annoying to both humans and animals as well as dangerous.

Many people have asked me about recommendations for natural pest repellents for their dogs. There are a few essential oils that can help combat ticks and fleas, however there is no guarantee that these aromatherapy mixtures will completely protect your dog. Always err on the side of caution when bringing your dog into an area that is known to have ticks.

Please note that certain aromatherapy oils are toxic for cats. The following essential oils are for human or dog use only.

Here are a few essential oils to make your own Pest Away Repellent.

Geranium oil is said to be one of the best oils to repel ticks and fleas. It can also be used as a hair and skin conditioner.

Lavender oil is soothing, calming and repels most bugs, ticks and even scorpions.

Lemongrass repels ticks, fleas and mosquitos.

Sage and thyme are also used with other oils to repel ticks.

To make your own essential oil repellent, take about 4 drops of one or more of the above oils mixed into 8 ounces of pure water in a dark glass spray bottle.

You can use this mixture on your dog, the dog's bedding and even yourself! Please be careful not to spray near eyes or any orifices.

May your spring and summer be pest free!

Jeanie Marie Kraft, L.Ac. receives a number of calls each week from outside her travel area, even from across the country. To better serve those who may not have similar expertise and services in their area, Jeanie Marie offers telephone/email consultations, applying the considerable breadth of Oriental medicine to your pet's health issues.

Jeanie Marie has studied traditional Chinese medicine extensively for more than 10 years. She holds a masters degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine, and has written a book on Chinese herbs, She is Red Cross Certified in Pet First Aid and CPR, and has completed additional training in Bach Flower Remedies for pets.

To learn more about herbal & nutritional consultations visit Four Paws Acupuncture.