Dr Elaine CebuliakIn last months article we looked at Sulphite allergies in dogs. This month in continuing with the treatments of allergies, lets look at some options.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids:
sources of omega-3 fatty acids are grass fed meat and eggs, we dispense our own blend of omega 3’s as a combination of flax and cod liver oil, and krill oil.
2. Probiotics:
probiotics throughout allergy season lowers the level of an antibody that
triggered allergy symptoms. They also had higher levels of a different
antibody (IgG), thought to play a protective role against allergic
reactions. Other researchers found evidence that giving probiotics to
newborns and mothers-to-be may help prevent childhood allergies, and this level has been
3. Vitamin D: Insufficient vitamin D levels have been linked to more severe
asthma and allergies in children. Vitamin D has also been found to reduce
allergic responses to mould and acts more like a “pro hormone”. Our pet animals benefit from eating fresh liver for the vitamin A and D content, just a tbsp daily/20kg.
4. Locally produced honey: Consuming locally produced
honey, which contains pollen spores picked up by the bees from your local
plants, can act as a natural “allergy vaccine.” By introducing a small amount of
allergen into your system (from eating the honey), your immune system is
activated and over time can build up your natural immunity against it. Just be
careful to consume honey moderately as it’s high in fructose.
5. PAWs NutriDerm conditioner: It contains colloidal oatmeal which provides an
immediate soothing effects to the skin. The Cerasine skin nutrient complex
(which consists of ceramides, phytosphingosine and essential fatty acids) in it
also nourishes and replenishes to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Wash your
dog once a week with NutriDerm shampoo, and make NutriDerm conditioner
into a spray for daily use. Combine 1 part of conditioner to 2 parts water,
shake well until they are combined. Ensure you are getting the spray onto the
skin and not just the coat. Massage solution into skin and leave to dry. Repeat
daily.
Below are several other foods and herbs you might want to try:
6. Quercetin: Quercetin is an antioxidant that belongs to a class of water-soluble
plant substances called flavonoids. Although research is sketchy, many
believe quercetin-rich foods (such as apples, berries, red grapes, red onions,
capers and black tea) prevent histamine release—so they are “natural
antihistamines.” Quercetin is also available in supplement form—a typical
dose for hay fever is between 200mg/20kg per day.
7. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): Another natural antihistamine, stinging nettle
has a long history of use for seasonal allergies, without the drowsiness and
dry mouth associated with many pharmacological antihistamines. Nettle
inhibits your body’s ability to produce histamines. The recommended dose is
about 300 mg freeze-dried nettle extract daily.
8. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): Goldenseal may be helpful for seasonal
allergies. Laboratory studies suggest that berberine, the active ingredient in
goldenseal, has antibacterial and immune-enhancing properties.
9. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)- has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory actions- easily add some pesto into your pets dinner.
10. Mullein leaf (Verbascum thapsus) – soothing for lungs and coughs and upper airway allergies.
11. Xiao Feng San- a Chinese herbal blend for chronic eczema has been a very useful additive to our itchy pets
12. Washing the pollens off, bathing more often in a calming non detergent based soap- such as a bar of Neem soap, and removing the itchy plants from the yard. Mowing the grass twice a week in the summer and before the flowers and seeds of the grasses get a chance to grow also helps
It is recommended to make an appointment with Dr Elaine if your animal friend is
requiring assistance with allergies. Visit: www.animalwellness.com.au
Jacq Koloski
Gerard Bini
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