Point Cook Vet Reveals Tips on How to Manage Common Dog Allergies and Their Symptoms Without Resorting to Serious Medications

VICTORIA, Australia November 2014 – Common dog allergies are a recurring, often seasonal frustration for dog owners and their dogs. The allergies are typically difficult to control, chronic in nature and cannot be cured. The discomfort the symptoms can cause for dogs leaves owners feeling helpless, especially during times when their pet suffers from a severe outbreak.

Dog allergy symptoms may include itchy, red, moist or scabby skin, runny eyes, sore red ears, impacted anal glands (usually noticeable with scooting), infections, sneezing, vomiting and diarrhoea. Even though dog allergies remain with the animal for its whole life, the symptoms can be managed to alleviate any tenderness, soreness and irritation.

While cortisone is the ‘go to’ drug used on dogs to treat allergies, Point Cook vet Dr. Karen Davies believes it’s in the animal’s best interests to exhaust all natural and alternative therapies first. “When cortisone is prescribed immediately without looking into alternative treatments, it’s clear to me that the vet hasn’t considered the long-term adverse effects of the medication on a dog’s body. Cortisone only conceals the symptoms briefly by quelling the dog’s immune system, and can lead to kidney failure, liver disease and weight gain,” says Dr. Karen. www.directvetservices.com.au

“Long term cortisone use can worsen infections due to suppression of the immune system, and can lead to diabetes, pancreatitis, adrenal disturbances - resulting in Cushings or Addisons disease - liver disease and kidney disease. With all of these risks, there are so many other choices we can make for our pets before we run the gauntlet that cortisone presents.” www.directvetservices.com.au

As the owner and veterinary manager at Direct Vet Services, Dr. Karen Davies offers eight alternative therapies to help treat dog allergy symptoms.

• Wash the dog weekly to remove allergens from the skin’s surface using a medicated shampoo such as Mediderm.
• Apply moisturising lotion to the dog’s skin after a bath, to help create a barrier between the dog and the allergens, and to reduce moisture loss.
• Wash bedding regularly, to remove allergens like dust mites and pollens.
• Add Omega 3, 6 and 9, and skin health amino acids to the dog’s diet. Fish oil capsules can also be given (one capsule per 5kgs).
• Apply Dermega Essential 6 directly on to the dog’s skin.
• Administer probiotics to help maintain healthy gut flora, as they help produce healthy vitamins for their body.
• Consider a body suit and/or shoes if the dog suffers from contact allergies to reduce possible exposure.
• Use human antihistamines during outbreaks (be sure to check with a vet as to which are safe to use on an animal, and a suitable dosage).

Contact Information

Dr Karen Davies

Veterinary Manager

Direct Vet Servies

(61) (03) 9369 1822

directvetservices@bigpond.com