Are Dog Allergies Driving Your Dog and YOU Completely Crazy?

Dog allergies, rashes, dog itchy skin, dog hot spots, dog hair loss, chronic dermatitis...need I go on?

Our pets...cats, dogs, and horses are having more and more allergic reactions than ever before.

Allergies can be the underlying cause of other dog health problems, too. Allergies can be the hidden cause of respiratory problems ( sneezing, coughing, asthma, labored breathing, bronchitis ), inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis) and ears, diarrhea and other digestive issues, even joint pain, for example.

Therefore, the allergy is the symptom. The symptom being inflammation, both externally and internally. The symptom (inflammation) is not the root cause. It is the resulting buildup, taking place over time, of toxicity in your dog's body, from one cause or another. Who knows for sure?

Your dog may also have an acquired predisposed genetic family history of allergies. Golden Retrievers for example, are famous for having dog hot spots.

English Springer Spaniels, ( meet our Pager, below ) also seem to have more than their share of dog allergy symptoms. These symptoms can manifest in the weakest part of the body.

Long term exposure to chemicals such as household cleaning agents, dog grooming products, and pesticides ( flea control ), can slowly weaken the ability of your dog's liver to detoxify the blood.

Other toxins can be from second hand smoke, car fumes, pharmaceutical drugs, dog vaccinations and chemicals in food ( colors, dyes, preservatives ).

Fleas can be the cause of flea allergy dermatitis.This is a dog allergy reaction too. Your dog's Immune System is reacting to the protein in flea saliva.

Your dog may also be allergic to his food. Perhaps, your choice of dog food, might not be the natural dog food it should be.

Guess what? The four foods that most often cause allergies in people, cause the same reactions in dogs.

Four Common Food Allergens

~ Red meat or meat by-products (in pet food)

~ Dairy products

~ Wheat ( very commonly found in pet food )

~ Yeast (brewer's yeast)

What is an allergy?

According to Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary...an allergy is a condition of unusual sensitivity to a substance or substances which, in like amounts, do not affect others.

Allergies may be characterized by itching, sneezing, wheals, diarrhea, or other systemic disturbances.

What is an Allergen?

Allergens are usually protein substances, but, non organic agents, such as light, cold, heat, are also causative factors. An allergen is any substance which causes an allergic reaction.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

Allergic symptoms will usually manifest themselves in dogs by way of skin rashes. If your dog has red or pink skin which is also dry and scaly, on his underbelly, the base of his tail, under the neck and/or around, and in his ears, you can certainly suspect allergies.

Meet Wonderful Pager

Actually, Pager is new to our household. He came to live with us Saturday May the 9th, 2009. His previous owners, Trish and Mike, had gotten him from the Napanee Humane Society, but unfortunately, they became simply overwhelmed with his dog skin problems.

Trish and Mike had spent much time and money trying to get to the root of what appeared to be extensive dog allergies, resulting in dog itchy skin, severe inflammation, and dog hair loss.

Testing had been done to determine which allergens were causing Pager to have so much trouble. Seems Pager was allergic to most of the same things that people are allergic to...dust, grass, cats, molds etc.

Cats...hmmmmm...that's a problem since we have five cats!

The usual conventional treatments of cortisone and antibiotics had been utilized. No real progress had been made. These drugs treat the symptoms of inflammation, but do not address the root cause. So, therefore, they don't often cure anything...not to mention the fact that Pager has so much inflammation, especially of the skin, that it's ridiculous.

Obviously, conventional steroidal and antibiotic treatment, didn't do much to help Pager. Poor Boy!

Since Pager came from an animal shelter, no one really knows for sure how old he is, but he is probably about five years old. So it is safe to assume, that Pager has probably had these dog allergies for most of his life. I would suspect that they have gotten progressively worse over the years.

Pager had red, raw and oozing skin from his chin, down his throat to his upper chest. His groin area on both hind legs was inflamed and red, as well as his right armpit extending out to his chest.

Here is a picture of Pager's throat.

Both of his ears on the inside were inflamed and red and hot with dry itchy scaly hard skin. There was also, a black, gooey discharge.

Evidence of dry scaly skin was starting to be seen around both eyes. He would bring both of his paws up to his eyes in an effort to scratch them.

When he came to us, Pager's coat was very dry. His fur was straw like, and lusterless.

The worst thing was the smell.

Pager had such a bad case of Candida, also known as an over abundance of systemic yeast. This was causing the doggy odor smell to be very, very strong. Even though he had recently been bathed, you could still smell the yeasty scent a mile off.

Since our other dogs, do not smell of doggy odor, it was quite noticeable.

Here are some pictures of Pager's serious dog allergy condition...

Yuk ! Poor Pager. You can see from the picture that he is suffering from dog hair loss ( alopecia ), and his armpit has a good case of dog itchy skin. The red raised wheals have disappeared now. That's wonderful news!

Now look at this...

See a picture of Pager's elbow here. Trust me, it was bad! I was also afraid of a bacterial infection setting in, as the skin was so raw, and oozing.

Dog allergies can also be the result of an overall body weakness that has stressed the adrenal glands which are part of the Glandular System.

I suspect this might be the case with Pager, as well. Since he came from a shelter his stress level was probably very high. Poor little Boy!

The adrenal glands which produce natural cortisone can become overly stressed due to the inflammatory nature of dog allergies.

Here are a couple of natural pet supplements that are good for bringing the adrenal glands back into balance. Both are good choices to restore metabolic balance, and improve adrenal function.

~ Adrenal Support - This formula is highly effective for treating adrenal weakness. It increases energy and stamina and strengthens the adrenal glands.This combination of herbs helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and increases resistance to stress. Adrenal weakness is often involved with autoimmune disorders, hypoglycemia, fatigue, poor bowel function and poor digestion. This formula is typically used for short periods of time ( two to three months ) to rebuild depleted adrenal glands.

~ Licorice Root - helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. It improves stamina and endurance. Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used in place of steroids. It increases energy in the body, but is not highly stimulating.

Pager Comes to Live with Us

Fortunately, a couple of months prior to Pager coming to live with us, Trish had consulted with a Natural Health Care Practitioner in regards to his severe dog allergies. He had been put on a combination of herbs to support his liver and address an underlying case of systemic yeast.

When Pager came to live with us I continued to give him the herbal combinations he came with, but I bumped up the dosage considerably and added a herbal combination for his Immune System.

Now that Pager is living here with us, it is my intention to track his progress here on this web page.

If you are interested in following also, feel free to bookmark this page about dog allergies and share it using the Social Media Sites listed at the bottom of the page. All the favorites are there.

Here is Pager's present herbal supplement program for Dog Allergies.

IMM-C - a traditional chinese formula, to restore chi (balance life force) and support the Immune System. IMM-C is a formula used for a general 'run-down' condition of the entire body. I like to use it for recovery from long term fatigue, illness and general weakness.

Lym-MX - to improve lymphatic drainage throughout his Lymphatic System, shrink swollen lymph nodes and support the Immune System to fight chronic infection and purify the blood. ( I found Pager had swollen lymph nodes in his groin )

Liv-J - a general liver and digestive support formula.

Silver Shield Liquid - antibacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, antiviral. It is used to kill any type of pathogen or contagion ( yeast, bacteria, viruses, fungus and molds ).

I wanted to deal with Pager's case of overabundant systemic yeast, because I know that, if allowed to continue, it will compromise and slow down his recovery process. Unless the Candida is completely removed, his dog allergy reactions will continue.

Silver Shield Gel - has the same properties as Silver Shield Liquid. I will use it topically on all external inflamed areas, along with...

Fungus Amungus from Parker's Natural Pet Care an antifungal formula to clean his ears and spray on his elephant elbow.

Soothing Suds from Parker's Natural Pet Care is a wonderful shampoo for easing the itch that goes along with dog allergies.

Since Pager weighs about sixty pounds, he gets two capsules of each herbal combination twice a day in food. He also gets a teaspoon of Silver Shield Liquid twice a day straight into his mouth. It is completely tasteless and so he doesn't mind at all.

He is also being fed Go 'Now' Natural, Grain Free Dog Food and I am cooking some homemade dog food for him. It is very yummy food, and so helps to get him to eat the capsules along with his food. It's so yummy, he doesn't even notice them.

The rule of thumb for getting results naturally, is that it will take approximately, one month for every year, plus three months to balance the body.

So, assuming that Pager is about five years old...that will be five months, plus three months...a total of eight months ( the better part of a year ) to see results.

Pager's dog allergies are chronic and severe. It will take time. I will not expect big changes quickly. This will be a long term cleansing and building program.

At the present time, the herbal program mentioned above, is a starting point. It is meant to balance him, with gentle emphasis on cleansing the liver and lymphatic system, and building the Immune System.

Also, it is very important right now, to kill any pathogens that might be compromising Pager's success, as we work on building his general health.

June 1, 2009

Pager's groin area is no longer angry red, with bumpy skin. His armpit is still pink, but some hair is starting to grow back. Under his chin and throat, is still reddish pink and inflamed but, is not oozing anymore.

He is not scratching very much at all.

Stay tuned for next update.

June 22, 2009

Pager's skin continues to be pink and sometimes becomes quite red, if he is outside running in the grass.

The oozing from his throat area has stopped.

His elephant elbow has changed considerably. The skin is much smoother and now has new areas of fresh pink skin. The scaling and flaking has stopped.

Pager's ears are much better. Hardly any discharge at all, but I know the overabundance of yeast is still there.

The best news is that Pager's coat is now soft, and shiny.

Although he still has some yeasty doggy odor coming from the inflammed skin, for the most part he smells much better. If I put my nose right down to his coat, I can smell nothing.

July 1, 2009

Since Pager is bone thin, and seems unable to gain weight, I have decided to feed him three times a day. In the weeks since Pager has been living with us, I have noticed that his metabolism seemed to be running very high.

Pager is an obsessive ball chaser. He would chase and fetch the ball until he dropped. It would take him an hour to calm down enough for his breathing to return to normal. This was also causing the inflamed areas of skin affected by the dog allergies to become really angry.

Because of this I have restricted his activity for the time being. I feel that he cannot afford to burn up calories at that rate, considering how thin he is. He enjoys his walk on leash, and so we are walking for forty five minutes, three times a day, instead.

I am giving him an herbal combination to address this hyper metabolic disorder.

Here is Pager's herbal program including the changes made.

HS-C - Chinese herbal formula. It is a tonic for heart, nerves, and glands, particularly the adrenal glands which can become exhausted under stress. This formula helps to improve mental function, strengthen the adrenal glands, increase circulation, improve digestion and reduce the body's response to stress.

This herbal formula is sold under the name of Nervous Fatigue Formula in the USA. I give Pager two capsules twice a day.

Liquid Silver - I continue to use this product to kill pathogens which will help to eliminate Pager's condition of System Yeast. I am using one teaspoonful a day straight into the mouth.

LIV-A - This is a general liver combination formula with additional herbs for building the blood and strengthening the kidneys. This herbal combination is an old stand-by for liver related problems. It is sold in the USA under the name of Liver Cleanse Formula.

High Potency Garlic - Called nature's penicillin. Garlic is one of the most powerful circulatory remedies available. It will destroy many types of parasites.

Pager has had much exposure to drugs... antibiotics, cortisone and anti-inflammatories. These drugs were used in an effort to eliminate his dog allergy condition.

For this reason I do not want to expose him to more drugs for flea control this year. High Potency Garlic is an excellent natural remedy for controlling fleas. Read more about natural flea control here

I continue to bathe him frequently, about every two weeks, using Soothing Suds from Parker's Natural Pet Care. He loves the bath. I think it just makes him feel better, because it cools the skin affected by the dog allergies.

Of course, he loves the extra attention. That's my Boy!

Stay tuned.

September 1, 2009

Pager's dog allergy condition continues , but is changing. He has a new growth of baby fine hair on his chest. His elephant elbow has a very funny fringe of black hair growing in a kind of peak.

Pager is starting to lose some hair around his eyes and ears now, and sort of has the 'Raccoon look' going on. The condition of hair loss is starting to move out now, to his extremities. The condition is improving on the original areas of his chest, groin, throat and legs.

Here's a picture of Pager with the 'Raccoon Look '.

His herbal program for dog allergies now is:

Dandelion - is a well know and trusted liver and kidney remedy. It acts as a slight diuretic, but contains potassium. It is a general aid for digestive problems ( liver, stomach, pancreas ). Dandelion is entirely harmless and may be taken for extended periods of time.

Yeast/Fungal Detox - This is a powerful formula for eliminating yeast from the body.

High Potency Garlic - continued use for flea control with some extra cleansing action as a bonus.

October 1, 2009

When Pager first came to us in May of 2009, the first thing I decided to do, not knowing much about his history other than what he came with, was to start with some light cleansing.

As we progressed throughout the summer of 2009 it became obvious to me that in addition to cleansing Pager's system of all the drugs, he needed some serious building up. He was bone rack thin, and continues to be that way, in spite of being fed a full portion three times a day.

Here is Pager's new nutritional program with a focus on providing optimum nutrition for a racing metabolism along with his dog allergies.

SynerProTein Powder - Protein is essential. It gives structure to all living things. Muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair/fur, and body fluids are made of protein substances. Protein is critical for the growth of bones. Enzymes, hormones and genes, are also made up of various proteins.

Green Zone - This is considered a whole food supplement consisting of green foods like sea algae and land-grown grasses. It is nutrient rich. Green foods are the most healthful foods nature has to offer. They help to sustain energy, boost the immune system, strengthen connective tissue and provide the benefits of cleansing and detoxification. Green Zone is truly a ' Super Food ', and a ' must have ' for dog allergies.

Essential Liquid Minerals - Minerals are essential for optimum health but are lacking in processed foods. These are vital trace and macro minerals in a liquid suspension which help the body maintain vitality during the day while supporting the body's rebuilding processes during the night. This liquid suspension provides varying amounts of colloidal minerals in the same natural balance as found in nature. These are all the essential minerals needed on a daily basis. All members of the family should be taking this formula...human, canine and feline.

Collatrim - Collagen is used to build cartilage, tendons, heart muscle tissue, skin, lean muscle mass and for helping to repair damaged tissues.

Pager continues to take dandelion to support his liver and kidney function and High Potency Garlic for flea control.

The peak time for dog allergies is coming to a close now. As the weather in Southern Ontario is getting a little colder, Pager will finally get some relief. Over the winter months we will work hard at building him up, strengthening his Immune System with nutrient dense foods, and supporting his Glandular System to bring his racing metabolism back to a more normal level, enabling him to gain some weight.

Dog allergies will not get the best of us...will they Pager, my love?

So, here we are now...it's March 8, 2010.

Over the winter we worked hard at building Pager up. I think we have succeeded quite well.

His hair growth is now almost complete. Only just a few areas left where the hair is still thin. In fact, his 'elephant elbow' has completely filled in and is no longer an 'elephant elbow'. It has hair on it, and the quality of the skin has completely healed.

I feel that Pager is in good health now, except for one thing... he is still very thin.

So, I decided to have an assessment done with, 'The Zyto Compass'. This is a tool that measures cellular energy communication. The Compass uses Quantum Physics and GSR ( Galvanic Skin Response ), which is essentially the same technology used in a polygraph test.

This technology allows us to extract information from our bodies ( yes, animals too ) and takes the guesswork out of which supplements will be the most beneficial.

Based on the testing, Pager is now taking:

KC-X ( Thyroid Activator )- to balance his thyroid

LIV-A ( Liver Cleanse Formula )- to help support his liver to continue cleansing. Pager has used this formula before. It works very well for his serious dog allergies.

We will continue to give him his building formulas at the same time.

Since we are approaching Spring here in Southern Ontario, coming up to another season for dog allergies, I'm hoping that Pager's Immune System will be strong enough now, to fend off the siege of seasonal allergens.

We'll let you know what happens.

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