PETS AND HEALTH

Higher doses of vitamin C, E and A offer relief for some atopic dogs. These vitamins function to detoxify histamines, optimize adrenal function, decrease skin-cell destruction and optimize function of immune system. Because antioxidants can alter blood levels of cortisol and thyroid hormones, a blood profile checking for adrenal and thyroid disease is important prior to administration. Although hypoallergenic diets can help dogs with food allergies they are not routinely prescribed for atopic animals. a trial dose using one of these diets might lower the itching in dogs with both food allergy and atopy; diets with fatty acid supplement might also help atopic dogs. Finally most doctors who work in complementary therapies would suggest a trail dose of homemade rather than processed food, or at least a “natural” processed food. The preservative-free diets can reduce itching in some cases. At some point in the treatment, before giving up and resigning the dogs to a life of corticosteriods, try a homemade diet using fresh ingredients. Some pets respond dramatically to just this simple step.