Eliminating Allergies In Our Pets
by Kim Rockshaw, DIHom, BFRP
Spring is upon us. . . an early year for all things blooming and blowing through the air. And time for one to look at some permanent, safe allergy solutions for our beloved animal companions. In my practice as a homeopath/naturopath that specializes in working with animals, one of the hardest things to often treat is allergies. In some cases, I find that it is harder than treating certain types of cancer! Many factors contribute to chronic and deep allergic response. In order to treat these so the conditions are greatly helped or cured, certain things must be considered. One of the factors that must be looked at is diet. Increasingly dogs are becoming more allergic to foods.
Dogs that have tendency to chronic ear infections and a red anus, often are ones to consider for a food elimination trial. Putting an animal on a hypoallergenic diet for 6 weeks is a good start. This means a one rare protein – one rare carb diet. Snacks can only be something benign, like carrots. Common food allergens are poultry, beef, corn, soy and wheat. These must be totally eliminated during the food trial. Another factor in the increase of allergies in dogs and cats, is vaccinations. Dr. Will Falconer, a noted homeopathic vet from Texas, states that the “onset of chronic disease after vaccination is often delayed, coming about 1-2 months afterwards”. Dr. Christopher Day, a noted British homeopathic vet has for the last 10-12 years asked those clients who present him with an itchy, allergic dog: “When did this itchiness begin?” A striking 75% respond that it began within 1-2 months after the “puppy shots.” Many other holistic veterinarians find that they have to use a vaccinosis “clearing” homeopathic remedy before they can start working on a deeper level to cure the animal. Vaccinating animals too often and for too many things at once is a big factor in the increasing amount of chronic disease we see in our pets. This holds especially true for allergies and autoimmune responses. In my practice I find that vaccines play a big part in the allergic responses of many animals. At least 50% percent of the cases I treat for chronic skin problems respond with incredible improvement after treating with one of four or five anti-vaccinosis remedies.
In addition to clearing vaccinosis, and eliminating food allergens, I find that eradicating the tendency to staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria is often needed. In So. California (and other warm climates), where there are rarely freezing temperatures, certain irritants never truly “die”. Fleas, mold, staph and strep bacteria constantly grow and flourish. Very often, animals who have yeast infections in their ears and/or chronic staph and strep infections need to be treated with a homeopathic remedy that eliminates the tendency for these bacteria to develop in the animal’s body. Many pets who have allergies have been treated extensively with steroids and antibiotics.
When I treat animals such as these, it often takes longer and can be a bit harder to treat, since the immune system has been altered and damaged. I often have to clear the body of the side effects of steroids (as well as vaccines), then proceed to find the correct deep acting and individualized remedy (called a “constitutional” remedy) for the animal. IN addition to homeopathy, I often recommend patients put their dogs and cats on a good type of Colostrum. I recommend a professional, broad spectrum Colostrum by ProSymbiotics. This helps the immune system to balance it-self again, as well as developing resistance to bacteria such as staph and strep. Supplements such as Quercitin and Bromelain (natural antihistamines) can also be helpful. Treating chronic skin conditions takes time and patience. In addition to treating as described above, I often recommend certain shampoos. While the animal is transitioning away from steroid dependence, I often suggest having an antihis-tamine on hand as a “back-up” measure. My favorite, Hydroxizine, can be prescribed by your veterinarian. Dependence on anti-histamines is not our long term goal, but can be used intermittently if needed. Unlike steroids it will not cause long term side effects to the pancreas, liver, kidneys nor will it ruin the homeopathic treatment. If you desire your canine companion to be healthier and permanently be helped with their allergies, it is advisable you work with a trained (degreed) homeopath or a homeopathic veterinarian. Please note that homeopathy in particular (not herbs, vitamins or supplements) is the best long term solution for treating chronic allergies (and chronic disease in general.) It works at a very deep level, toward eliminating the cause and stopping the tendency of allergic response. Only homeopathy has the power to go “backwards” in time to help eliminate toxic side effects of vaccines and steroids.
(Kim Rockshaw, is a degreed homeopath and flower essence practitioner that treats animals around the country and abroad. She is also the author of the book “Prozac Free Pets”. For further information about her work : www.kimrockshaw.com
