Food allergies or sensitivities are usually the last suspect in
detecting the cause of a dog's skin problems. Most dogs are fed the same type of
dog food for years, so the food is rarely suspected. Dogs, like humans, can
develop a sensitivity to any food or additive at any time.
It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of all allergic skin diseases in dogs and
cats is caused by food allergy.
Common Ingredients
Dog food is made up of a combination of ingredients. The most common ingredients
that can cause problems in a dog include:
beef
chicken
corn
eggs
fish
lamb
milk
preservatives
pork
soy
wheat
whey
Symptoms
Itchy skin is the primary symptom a dog suffers from food sensitivities.
Other symptoms may include:
anal itching
ear inflammations
hair loss
licking front paws
loss of appetite
face rubbing
head shaking
These following symptoms may manifest but are rare:
asthma like symptoms
behavioral changes
diarrhea
flatulence
seizures
sneezing
vomiting
Steps of Prevention
Be sure to eliminate all the foods in the dog's diet that match the list above,
and feed your dog a commercial or homemade diet consisting of ingredients your
dog has never eaten before.
The homemade diet should consist of two parts starch and one part protein.
Although duck, salmon, soy, venison, and rabbit are suggested for the protein;
and rice and potatoes for the starch; soy and rice are not always safe
substitutes.
I generally recommends duck (or fish) and potato based foods for dogs.
You may be able to select a special commercial dog food blend that suits your
dog's needs.
Whatever diet you choose for your dog, it should be the only food your dog
ingests during the elimination period. This means no table scraps, dog biscuits,
dog bones, rawhide chews, vitamins, minerals or chewable heartworm pills. This
elimination diet is only temporary and once you find out what your dog is
allergic to you must start to add other ingredients to make a complete meal for
your dog.
If symptoms begin to improve during the elimination period, you can then
re-introduce each of the eliminated food items one at a time. Each food should
be tested for a week before another is introduced. This will allow you to
pinpoint which foods may be causing problems if symptoms resurface.
Once the offensive food is discovered, then reading dog food labels should help
you pinpoint a food that meets the needs of your dog. Although there are many
hypoallergenic dog foods on the market, be sure to read the labels carefully.
Foods like Solid Gold Fish and Potato might work wonders for your dog. You can
also try Spot's Stew, Avoderm, Venison, Rabbit, Paul Newman etc, or continue to
make your own food at home. At least that way the food is fresh and you know
what has gone into it. A helpful book is Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by
Dr. Pitcairn.
There is a site on dog health which includes great information about allergies
and the best way to feed your dog. I urge you to spend some time studying the
information that this wonderful site has to offer.
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/animals.htm
I would also like to suggest that you have a complete thyroid panel done and
don't accept a high or low normal reading, as normal. If it is not right in the
middle, then ask for medication to bring it there.
I would stay away from commercial medicated (and toxic) shampoos. Stick to more
natural oatmeal baths and products that contain tea tree oil but be sure to
rinse thoroughly as tea tree should not be ingested by a dog.
Nutrients to add to your dog's food: Missing Link and Prozyme (J&B Wholesale
Pet Supplies), Probiotics (B-Naturals), Flax oil, Green Stuff, Vit C powder, and
mix well.
You might want to do some detective work around your house and grounds. Dogs,
especially small ones who are low to the ground, are especially sensitive to
cleaning agents and out gassing from carpets and lawn care products. I prefer
cleaning with vinegar and Dr. Bronner's. It's natural and works really well.
It's better for you and your family too!
Here is a very interesting site about canine skin diseases:
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/skin.htm
Vaccinations have been known to cause autoimmune responses, often seen as skin
problems. After the initial puppy shots, your dog is likely immune for life.
Giving additional vaccinations, puts your dogs health and life at risk. The
only shot that you will absolutely need to give is a three year rabies which
should be adjusted to your dog's weight.
I recommend exploring the following information:
http://www.elixirs.com/products.cfm?productcode=S94CB
Product: Vaccininum Vaccinotoxinum 200C 75 pellets
Vaccininum is also known under name Vaccinotoxinum and is a nosode from vaccine
morbid matter. May be used in conjunction with other health therapies to offset
vaccine reaction. Remedy is listed for skin ailments after vaccine reaction.
Neuralgias, skin eruptions, eczema. Additional information in the book
Homeopathic Remedy Guide by Robin Murphy. $12.99
Below are some sites that will explain the dangers of vaccinations:
http://www.thepetcenter.com/exa/vac.html
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petvacc.htm
http://www.healthyhappydogs.com/VaccinationDanger
http://www.mercola.com/2003/apr/2/dog_vaccines.htm
http://www.sagekeep.com/vaccinelawsuit.htm
Rejuva Spray
Azmira's Rejuva Spray is an excellent topical spray for skin eruptions, hot
spots, prickly heat, pimples, scrapes, and burns. Reduces inflammation, promotes
healing and has anti-bacterial properties to help prevent the spread of
infection. Rejuva Spray contains Fresh, Organic Extracts of Witch Hazel,
Calendula, Yucca, Golden Seal Root and Grapefruit.
You can also try applying yogurt to sooth the skin.