Dog with allergies

Question
I have a 2 yr old golden retriever with severe allergies.  We've been back and forth to the vet, changed her food several times, and currently have her taking 3 benadryl and 2 fish oils twice per day.  Still, she stratches and chews (face, paws, and rear) to the point of bleeding.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hello Chrystal -

I have a Golden Retiever myself and he suffers from skin problems as well. In my studies I have read that Golden's are prone to skin disorders and are genetic in nature.

I am happy to hear she is taking Fish Oil. Its Omega-3 essential fatty acid and will be excellent for long term use. You may also want to consider a supplement of Vitamin E, as with humans it aids in lubricating the skin internally. Another Omega-3 fatty acid that is great for dog's skin is Flax Seed Oil. Given with the above 2 (two) supplements you should see a significant change in your pets skin and coat.

I don't care to give pets Benadryl for long term use. You may want to discuss this with your veterinarian. Allergies are a lack in immune response and need to be treated at the core. Bendryl tends to cover these symptoms and not help heal them in the long run. Try by adding Garlic powder to her food. Garlic is an anti-microbial and helps to fight bacteria. It is also a good immune system booster and will help regulate histamine levels internally. Don't be a fraid to sprinkle the Garlic powder with a heavy hand, dogs love it and she should eat it up right away. The only draw back to adding Garlic to the food is flatulence. It may be a little stinky but the Garlic is doing its job by pushing bacteria through the system. Just keep a couple clothes pins handy! This is safe enough to give your pet daily and is very effective long term. It helps to curtail other illness, while addressing the current ailment.

For her skin apply regular unflavored oatmeal to the affected area like a poultice. Make sure it warm enough but without the danger of scalding. Oatmeal has been used for hundreds of years as a poultice to help in various skin disorders. It will help keep moisture in and reduce scratching. If your pet takes a couple licks, its ok, works just as good from the inside too.

After applying the oatmeal, you may want to try a Lavender Oil skin rinse with an Aloe Vera Gel base. This will help soothe, comfort and also keep the moisture into the skin.

If the scratching won't stop even after you have done the above, you can make a tea of Uva Ursi or Juniper leaves, Calendula (Marigold) and Peppermint. Simply add a tablespoon of each herb to 24 ounces of water and boil rapidly for about 15 minutes. Strain then allow to cool, but still warm and pour over your pet. Rub it into the skin. Wrap the body of the pet in an old towel or sheet and let her dry naturally.

Did your vet make a full diagnosis of an allergy? You pet has all the symptoms but she may also be suffering from "hot spots". Hot spots are circular lesions, usually found on the head, over the hip and along the side of the chest. They will be moist, raw, inflamed and hairless, and can be quite painful. Animals usually lick, bite or scratch the area, and thus irritate the inflamed skin even more. In fact, hot spots are sometimes called 'pyotraumatic dermatitis' because the self-trauma is a major factor in the development of hot spots. These are easily treated with a blend of Tea Tree Oil and a carrier oil such as olive oil, almond oil or apricot kernel oil. You add 8 (eight) drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1 (one) ounce of the carrier oil.

The best advice to help keep the allergies at bay is to feed her all natural food products. You may want to consider giving her boiled chicken and rice. Its a hearty meal full of vitamins and should not cause a skin allergy. Some pets are allergic to chicken but its usually a chicken by-product found in most foods that cause the reaction to occur.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would like information on nautural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you and send you my catalog of home made herbal remedies.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist