Winter Allergies? What might be plaguing your dog

By Jan Bowers

Although humans often associate allergies with the spring and
summer months, for those who live on four legs with noses close to
the ground, the falling leaves can bring as much discomfort.
Fortunately, relieving your dog’s symptoms is not the challenge it
may at first seem.

An allergic response is one that occurs when the immune system attacks a foreign invader, resulting in increased inflammation and mucus production as the body tries to ward off something it perceives to be a threat. The four standard symptoms of canine allergies are sneezing, itching, tearing, and paw licking (akin to a human rubbing its eyes). Usually this “invader” is a common food, plant, or substance, and so the body is exposed to it again and again, making it difficult to relieve uncomfortable symptoms. In the fall, these symptoms are often caused by molds, bacteria, and other cold-weather environmental invaders.

In holistic health care, allergies are not a disease themselves, but rather, a symptom of chronic, underlying illness. An allergy is a symptom that flares up when the body’s immune system is so compromised it becomes sensitive to things it should not naturally be
sensitive to. Allergies are not genetic - if they were, then why do they appear at some points in our lives and disappear at others; how, then, could we be “allergic” to substances we have never come in contact with; how could the number of things we are supposedly “allergic” to increase over time?

Most canine allergies are the result of a nutritional deficiency, caused by either the diet itself or a lack of proper supplementation. When the diet does not provide what the body needs, the immune system is compromised and begins to shut down. In the dog’s weakened state, symptoms that would be short-lived in a healthy animal become chronic, and are given the name “allergies.”

The good news is that allergies can be cleared up over time as the diet is altered to meet the animal’s specific needs. Dietary modification can mean altering both the primary food (type of dog food and treats, incorporating more natural food, etc.) and supplementation. Herbal supplementation is extremely versatile because herbs can be
ingested or applied topically to treat symptoms; a variety of options can be useful in animal care. For example, Marigold is effective in treating allergy-related skin problems, and Echinacea can help relieve the anxiety created by continual scratching.

Perhaps the most useful tool in the herbal arsenal is a blend of black walnut hull, cayenne, marshmallow root, skullcap, white oak bark, Indian tobacco, and gravelroot, that strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation, prevents fleas, ticks, and other bugs, and can replace heartworm medication. Ningxia Red, a liquid blend of wolfberries, blue agave, lemon and orange essential oils, and other juices, is another useful supplement. Boasting the highest antioxidant levels of any other commercially available supplement, Ningxia Red is effective in daily use for both people and animals, and the amount fed can be easily increased when symptoms flare up.

Essential oils are also powerful tools to employ in caring for your dog – although recommendations must be individualized, in general, diluted applications of lavender will soothe the skin, diffusing peppermint or basil through the air will clear the sinuses, lemongrass will ease aching muscles, and custom flea blend (including oils like pine, lemongrass, cedarwood, and several oil blends), will prevent fleas and bugs that may exacerbate symptoms. Therapuetic-grade oils are safe to ingest, and for extreme symptoms, such as open sore or joint pain, ingesting blends like PanAway (containing wintergreen, helichrysum, clove, and peppermint) can reduce pain and stimulate healing. Please note,
however, that because they will lick whatever is applied to them off of their paws and coat, it is extremely important that only therapeutic-grade oils are used in animal care.

Diffusion, a methods of dispersing oils through the air, is an effective way to expose many animals, or animals who object to topical application. Diffusion means to disperse oils into the air, so that they saturate the environment and are inhaled by all in that space. Oils can be diffused by processing them through a diffuser, or placing them on a cotton ball or similar in a vent. Diffusing calming oils, like Peace and Calming, Lavender, or RutaVala , can help them sleep; emotional blends such as Believe, Joy, or Sacred Mountain can instill peace and the optimism that stimulates healing.

When herbs and essential oils are used to complement sound nutrition, your dog is sure to enjoy a healthy winter season. May a happy holiday season begin for all!