As seen in the May 2011 issue of Dog World Magazine.

Not many people consider watching their dog chew and scratch all evening an inexpensive form of family entertainment. Yet, too many of us find ourselves in this situation. Once upon a time, skin allergies and GI sensitivities like Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) were relatively rare. Times have changed as our dogs are exposed to many more chemicals, toxins, drugs and vaccines that can have the effect of confusing the immune system.

The immune system’s ‘computer’ logs substances as either friends or enemies. An allergic reaction is the body’s response to something relatively innocent that the immune system has decided is ‘an enemy’. The substances that cause allergies can be foods, environmental airborne particles, and contacted and injected substances. We tend to think of the allergen as the problem; however, it’s actually the immune system’s inappropriate response to the allergen. For example, many children enjoy peanuts, but some children have a severe allergic reaction when given any food with a trace of peanut in it. This violent reaction is caused by a ‘computer error’ within the immune system.

Common food allergens in dogs include beef, egg, wheat, dairy and corn. I firmly believe that over-vaccination and feeding the same processed pet food every day has increased the incidence of allergies in dogs. A typical vaccine broth includes egg and bovine serum and both are common in dog foods. When injected with a vaccine, our dog’s immune system ‘computer’ may mistakenly log beef, chicken and egg in as ‘enemies’. Over-vaccination and vaccine safety issues have been raised for more than two decades. As one example, Current Veterinary Therapy IX, a well recognized reference text, states that the practice of giving annual vaccinations “lacks scientific validity and verification” and goes on to note that “immunity to viruses persist for years or for the life of the animal.” Blood tests, called Vaccine Titer Tests, are now readily available to determine if your dog is protected.

Continued daily contact with a food or substance may eventually result in an allergy to it. As an example, doctors often become allergic to the latex and/or talc powder in the surgical gloves donned many times a day. Similarly, we usually feed our dogs the same processed food day after day, while a varied or rotating diet might result in fewer food allergies.

Certain foods have long been recognized as a cause of allergic skin reactions as well as IBD in dogs. A new test for food sensitivity and intolerance based on your dog’s saliva is coming onto the market in early 2011. You obtain the test kit, which includes a special cotton rope to collect the saliva, and follow the instructions at home or go to your veterinarian. The NUTRISCAN™ panel from Hemopet in Garden Grove, CA will test dogs for intolerance to Corn, Wheat, Soy, Beef, Dairy and Eggs. This may help you know what foods your dog should avoid.

There are many effective holistic treatments that work to eliminate allergies in dogs. Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Herbs and special allergy elimination techniques such as N.A.E.T. have proven effective.

Also, recent research in Sweden showed that children who begin supplementation at an early age with a multivitamin/mineral have a 39% lower chance of developing allergies. Starting your puppies early or getting your dog on a complete preventive supplement such as Deserving Pets Vital Vities may prove beneficial.

My five-year old Bijon, “Mr. Benny“, gets hot spots. We have a grand vet who treats him with pills and they seem to put the hot spots on hold. The prescribed spray is also applied, but difficult to use as he licks off the coverings in short order.

Do you have any better suggestion?

The best approach with hot spots is to prevent recurrences by finding the underlying cause. Many things can cause hotspots from matted fur to a new shampoo, from fleas and ticks to allergies. Dogs have many more of the specialized cells that cause inflammation in their skin than we do. We can compare their itchiness from a hot spot to what we experience when we have poison ivy. The more they bother the area, the more it itches and a vicious cycle begins.

Once a hot spot appears it has to be treated. They usually clear up much more quickly if you catch them at an early stage. A homemade remedy of baking soda and water, mixed into a paste can be applied to the irritated area and left on for a few hours before being washed off. Vet-Aid Sea Salt Wound Care Spray, a natural formula with an enzyme called Lysozyme, may provide immediate relief when applied. It also acts as a natural antibiotic. Dr. Rose’s Remedies Spray can also provide relief and accelerate healing.

Hot spots can dramatically increase in size rapidly. What was the size of a quarter may grow by several inches in a few hours. ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ is a very appropriate adage for hot spots. Matted fur, plant burs, and a new shampoo are causes that don’t occur routinely. As Mr. Benny gets hot spots with some regularity, I suspect allergies may be an underlying cause. In this case, it would be good to begin an aggressive campaign to minimize allergens. Regular vacuuming, supplements to keep his skin and coat healthy, air purifiers in the home, and a simple hypoallergenic diet will often help.

In my book, Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog, I have many recipes designed for dogs with allergies. Allergy Free Muffins, one of the recipes, can be frozen and later defrosted and crumbled into an entire meal for a dog of Mr. Benny’s size. The Tilapia and Potatoes recipe is tasty and easy to prepare.

Allergy Free Muffins

1 cup rice flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup oat bran
1 cup millet flour
1 cup goat’s milk
¼ cup water

In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients. Mix wet ingredients separately. Mix wet and dry ingredients together. Spoon mixture into oiled muffin tins. Bake for 40 minutes at 375 degrees.

Tilapia & Potatoes

1 lb of fresh tilapia or other white fish
4 cups of chopped white potatoes with skin on
1 teaspoon mixed herbs
1/3 cup olive oil

Place potatoes in pot with herbs, olive oil and enough unsalted water to just cover potatoes. Bring to boil and cook until potatoes are tender. Slice fish into strips and add to potatoes and water. Mix in well and bring to boil again for another 10-15 minutes until the fish flakes or is cooked through. Remove from heat and cool. Refrigerate to store and it will provide several meals for Mr. Benny.

Dr. Deva Khalsa, VMD