Canine Allergy Relief
Canine Allergies are on the in Climb
Christine Johnson, SAAM
Canine allergies are on the in climb and are more common than we think. Symptoms can include dry itchy skin, chronic ear infections, vomiting and diarrhea, along with behavioral issues, lack of focus, irritability and fatigue. More often than not, symptoms are treated as opposed to finding the root, such as, an ear infections is treated with antibiotic and therefore allergies often go unnoted.
The best way to help your pet from the effects from allergies is to rid the substance from the body. While this is not
always an option, nor do we always know the causes however it is recommended to seek advice from your
veterinarian. Conventional methods include treatments such as antihistamine or shots, with side effects ranging
from drowsiness to hyperactivity and can cause irritability and fatigue; these symptoms may lessen with time.
Alternative Veterinarian may take a different approach using homeopathic, herbal remedies, nutrition and
acupuncture, usually with fewer to no side effects.
Allergens can be caused from inhalants or can be ingested or absorb through the skin; although we can not exclude genetics or immune deficiencies.
1. Inhalants may include: Mold, pollens, dust, fertilizers household cleaners, aerosols, cigarette smoke and perfumes.
2. Ingestible may include: Food; more common, grains, preservatives, eggs, dairy and yeast, as well as water impurities.
3. Absorbents may include: Shampoo, flea and tick repellent, insect bites, detergents, cleaners, fabric softeners, and medications which can include yearly vaccinations.
There are things we can do around the house to help relieve the symptoms of allergies. A quality air purifier; reducing airborne pathogens, rotate diet which can decrease food sensitivity and build up in the body, use purified bottled or filter water, use supplements to build the immune system and that conditions the skin and coat. Switch to a hypo allergenic non grain food consider a natural raw diet.
Apply acupressure, by using gentle finger pressure on the body to help restore balance, raise energy and elevate symptoms. Acupressure supports the body allowing it to stabilize and rebalance itself with no adverse effects.
Acupressure is bi-lateral and the points below should be applied to both sides of the body, using a light touch, whileholding the acupoint.
GB 20 – Clears brain and eye conditions. -In the nape of the neck, at the base of the skull, immediately behind the back of the ears, find a shallow depression.
LU 1 – relieves chest and breathing congestion, relieves chronic fatigue. -In a depression atthe front of the chest, in the breast muscle, slightly below shoulder joint.
LI 11 – Allergic symptoms, relieves diarrhea and relieves immune system weakness. – Flex the elbow, find a crease forms on the outside, and feel for the depression at the end of the crease, just in front of the bony prominence.
LI 4 – Builds Immune system, resolves dermatitis, itch and redness – located in the web of the dewclaw or where the dewclaw would be.
St 36 – Benefits asthma, cough, allergies, generalized weakness, fatigued extremities, builds immune system, lack of appetite, indigestion, diarrhea and constipation. (Do not use if pregnant) – On the outside hind leg, just below the stifle, in a depression in the muscle toward the front of the leg.
Sp 6 – Allergic or immune related disorders, (do not use if pregnant)
- On the inside of the leg on the edge of the Tibia one quarter between the hock and stifle
No responsibility is accepted for the educational content and is no way intended as a subsitute for medical counseling. any animal suffering frome disease, illness, or injury should be seen by a veterinarian.
Dogs 4 Life Training and Wellness, St Charles IL