Dr. Cynthia Maro: Entering worst months for pet allergies
Spring and summer are often the worst months for pet allergies to flare.
Signs of contact allergies, atopy and food sensitivities are often seen in pets and may be year-round, with worsening symptoms during warmer months when pollens and other allergens are increased in the environment. A small percentage of my pet patients show more itchy skin, also called pruritis, during the winter months when their homes and skin become drier.
Atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats is a condition that is characterized by itchy inflammation of the skin caused by an allergic response to multiple allergens. Veterinarians previously believed that it was caused by inhaled allergens, but now other underlying causes are becoming more recognized as contributors to the development of allergies.
Specifically, changes in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), which cause decreased numbers of healthy bacteria and yeast (the microbiome), bring about overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria and yeast overgrowth.
The abnormal GI conditions may be triggered by environmental toxins found in the food, heavy metals in the environment, water and food, insecticides, vaccines and herbicides. They can also occur as a result of too many carbohydrates and not enough fiber and minerals in the pets’ diets. Once the normal bacteria are gone, a condition called “leaky gut” syndrome causes larger molecules of food and other substances to pass through the bowel barrier and enter the body. This aggravates the immune system, which attempts to get rid of offending chemicals.
Unfortunately, the antibodies, which set out to neutralize chemicals that are in circulation, also cause food sensitivities/allergies to occur.
This scenario sets your pet up for nutrient deficiencies and the development of more allergies.
It all can become a vicious cycle of poor immune health, more drug therapy, and out-of-control itching, hair loss, respiratory allergies, and in cats, even asthma.
So what can pet owners do to help their precious companions?
Stop feeding highly processed, dry kibble, snacks and treats. Get back to basics.
Wipe your pets’ paws and bathe pets regularly.
Follow baths with emollient cream rinse, sprays or other products that support a healthy skin barrier. Your veterinarian can recommend products that repair the skin and lock in moisture.
Consider using probiotic skin sprays made just for pets.
Use spring or filtered water as drinking water.
Help pets have a healthy microbiome by feeding fermented veggies, raw or lightly cooked meat and bones.
Supplement with omega 3 fatty acids.
Be sure your pet gets a whole food vitamin supplement.
When antibiotics or other medications are necessary, ask your veterinarian for a probiotic recommendation. And NO, yogurt is not enough to replace the healthy bacteria, unless is made from raw milk.
Ask your veterinarian about reducing the number of vaccines administered at a single visit to just one shot. Break up vaccines over multiple visits and have your pets titer tested after they receive their initial vaccines for DAPP (in dogs) and FVRCP (in cats).
Chewing on sticks, grass and even rocks is a sign that your pet needs more minerals and vitamins in their diet. Consider finding a holistic or integrative veterinary practice that does nutritional testing. They can help you identify missing nutrients and advise you on how to get them into your pets’ diets.
Reduce respiratory allergens in the home by having duct work cleaned regularly, eliminating candles and air fresheners, perfumes and sprays. Also never smoke or vape in your home, as the smoke residue will remain as a toxin.
What Treatments Are Available For Pet Allergies?
Pet allergies are best controlled by removing as many known allergens from the home, environment and diet, as possible. When pets suffer from multiple or severe allergies, treatment with medications and nutritional supplements and dietary changes are the best approach to help them improve their quality of life.
Take the following steps to aid pets suffering from atopy, allergies and asthma:
Visit your veterinarian and explain the situation.
Follow their diet, food and supplement recommendations.
Request medications to control symptoms – drugs may include antihistamines, steroids, immune suppressants like cyclosporine, cytopoint (a monoclonal antibody for dogs) and or Apoquel.
Microbiome replacement therapy and or probiotics may also be recommended.
Immune modulators, such as therapeutic mushrooms and even some CBD products may be of benefit.
Integrative treatments, including Chinese herbal formulae, acupuncture, laser therapy, Innovarius sanawave, and a treatment called NAET have all been very helpful to many of my severely allergic patients.
In all cases of allergies, help is available for your pets. Improve your pet’s quality of life by seeking veterinary care to target not only the symptoms, but also the source(s) of the problem.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Dr. Maro: Entering worst months for pet allergies
