Life with Ultimate Dogs

Pets have allergies just like people. They have reactions to many of the same stimuli that people do including food and environment. Pets can also have seasonal allergies. Where they differ is how they react to stimuli and how their allergies are treated. There is no cure for allergies in pets and most allergies are inherited. There are many things you can do to help manage your dog's symptoms and since not any one thing works by itself it is best to make a plan of attack. A dog's reaction to allergies will most likely to show up in skin problems. If your dog itches, chews his feet, bites near the tail, licks constantly, get frequent ear infections or rubs their face on the carpet, especially after coming in from a walk then you are probably dealing with an allergic situation.

1. First you will want to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Get an assessment of your pet's health. The vet may be able to give you some ideas about how to treat your pet's allergies. It might be as simple as including a flea treatment but it will most likely be a combination of prescribed medicines and some all-natural remedies you can do at home. Always opt for the all-natural remedies before embarking on a medicinal plan.

2. A good start is to take all processed food out of your pet's diet. Replace it with whole natural foods like the ones you eat. If your vet doesn't recommend this find a new vet. A lot of pets are allergic to additives in commercial pet foods, such as preservatives, grain, flavoring, coloring, and soy to name a few. So ditch the commercial pet food and get cooking.

3. There is no cure for allergies. Since most allergies are inherited an allergy prone dog should never be bred. The good news is that with proper nutrition, bathing and supplements your dog's allergies can be successfully managed. A home-cooked diet will build your pet's immune system, which in turn fights off allergic reactions to stimuli.

4. You can spend thousands on testing and it is only recommend if your pet's allergies are serious. The next best way to diagnose allergies is by process of elimination. Take everything out of your pet's diet and reintroduce things slowly. A vet can help you start the process. I recommend finding a vet that is pro home-cooking. It is easier to find out what your pet is allergic to if you know exactly what is going into their body. This way you also find out if your pet's allergies are food related or environmental.

5. If your dogs has environmental allergies the treatment plan will probably be the same as it is for a food allergy. Environmental allergies can make your pet miserable because they react when they come into contact with a stimuli and it is next to impossible to really know what outside substance is the one setting them off. Also try keeping your dog away from grass if that is what he is allergic to. Not an easy task.

6. You best defense for environmental allergies is an all-natural diet. It gets and keeps your dog healthy. Feeding omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oils are great for soothing skin problems from the inside out. Omegas also help build a strong immune system. Fresh fruits and vegetables are important for antioxidants, so it is important add them to your pets diet a little at a time and make sure they keep eating them as long as they are not allergic.

7. Over the counter treatments such as Benadryl can help keep your pet from itching. An all- natural topical lotion is good for soothing hot spots, unless of course your dog is allergic to it. There are many on the market, so you will have to do your research.

8. A cool bath once a week with a hypoallergenic oatmeal shampoo and Epsom salts can help calm the skin, stop itching and sooth hot spots. Once allergies are under control you can bathe every two to four weeks. If symptoms return, go back to bathing once a week. Always check with your vet before embarking on a plan.

9. If allergies are extreme you will need to see your vet for treatment. If warranted they can do the necessary testing to help find out what your dog is allergic to. They may prescribe medications such as steroids, antibiotics and antihistamines. Your best results will come by combining veterinarian treatments with all-natural treatments. It may be a long arduous process, but don't give up. Most treatment plans are successful.

Allergies can be pesky and troublesome for your dog. Work closely with your vet. Make a combat plan consisting of diet changes, cool baths, supplements and over the counter remedies. If your pet's symptoms are serious a more aggressive approach may be needed. Most dogs can find relief with a blended approach of prescription medicines and natural remedies.

Referrence: Alison Spencer
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