Allergies ...
helping dogs and cats get the itch out
by: Shawn Messonier, DVM

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The holistic approach

The integrative or holistic approach realizes that medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids may occasionally be needed to treat acute flare-ups of itching. However, they have no place in the long term treatment of allergies for most animals. Instead, the holistic approach utilizes a number of supplements (herbs, homeopathics, whole food products and glandulars) to keep your friend comfortable. While every holistic veterinarian has his or her favorite protocol, keep in mind that the holistic approach is all about selecting the best therapy for your dog or cat. Here are some general guidelines that most holistic doctors follow when treating an allergic animal.

• A proper diet is the foundation upon which any integrative care program begins. Simply put, your companion is what he/she eats. Minimizing harmful byproducts and chemicals is essential. Feeding either a homemade (raw or cooked) diet or a premium natural packaged food maximizes the success of the therapies used for your allergic animal.

• Minimize vaccines. Most animals receive way too many, whichmay harm the immune system and increase itching in the allergic animal. Instead, a simple blood antibody test called a titer test can determine if and when your dog or cat might need vaccinations.

• Minimize toxins. While heartworm preventive medication may be necessary depending on where you live and other factors, most animals do not need annual chemical flea and tick control. A natural program can help control parasites.

• All animals benefit from a basic health maintenance supplement. Other therapies are used with the supplement (and natural diet) to achieve additive results in controlling allergies. I currently recommend a product called Vim & Vigor by PetCentrx: in addition to vitamins and minerals, it contains a number of ingredients designed to modulate the immune system (colostrum, coenzyme Q-10, and Siberian ginseng). Most pets with allergies should also be supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and a good antioxidant. Fish oil and antioxidants take the place of antihistamines and corticosteroids and minimize inflammation and itching in allergic animals, without any side effects. Other supplements (herbs, homeopathics, etc.) are chosen based upon your companion’s response to this basic program.

• Finally, a few words should be said about the importance of bathing. Frequent bathing with an appropriate shampoo (I like an oatmeal and aloe vera combination) is essential in removing antigens from your animal’s hair and skin, and also minimizes itching and inflammation. Animals that are bathed frequently need the least amount of medication.

Allergic dermatitis can be successfully controlled using an integrative approach. Doing so minimizes the need for medications, reduces side effects, and results in a much happier and healthier animal companion. Kim took this approach with Malcolm and now reports that he’s much more comfortable. “I could tell he was really getting miserable with all the itching, but now he’s back to his usual contented self again, and that makes me feel better too.”

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Published in the August/September 2003 issue of Animal Wellness