Re: Allergic Dog

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: Hi Laurie
: Let me say from the outset that I am not a vet, but a qualified animal naturopath/homoepath. Skin/allergy problems form a large part of my practise, and I thought I would share with you some of my experiences.
: Firstly, if you understand that the skin problems(including ear discharges) are the body's way of trying to rid itself of accumulated toxins which have overwhelmed the normal channels of elimination, it might make more sense.  Your dog Storm has been subjected to vaccinations, chemical poisons (flea/worm treatments) and drugs (steroids etc), all of which have side effects and impact on the body's immune system.
: Once the negative impact of these has been released from the body, you should find that Storm is much less susceptible to allergies, and that her skin/ear condition will clear. NB- in my opinion, and following this line of reasoning, it is pointless to give hydrocortisone ear drops as this is just masking the condition and further adding to drug accumulation!
: The cornerstone of the holistic approach is indeed, diet.  A raw, natural diet is best, but there can (at least initially) be components of this that cause allergic reactions.  Be aware of beef, carrots, corn as potential allergens.  No pasta or rice, please- they are not natural for dogs.)
: Having said the above, if the digestive system is not functioning, the benefits of the diet are obviously lessened.  So you need to look at things like: any undigested food in stools, problems with flatulence, constipation/diarrhoea etc - indicators of digestive problems that need attending to.  
: However, in Storm's case, I would say equally important as the change in diet would be a detoxification of all those toxins in her system.  In my experience, you would need both a vaccination detox and chemical detox. These homeopathic combinations are available online if you check out the sites for homeopathic vets and also holistic animal healers.  But to start, you could get hold of the homeopathic Nux Vomica, in the potency of 6C.  Give this three times daily for 4 days.  Vitamin C in a buffered form is wonderful for skin problems, and works as a natural anti-histamine. To help alleviate the skin symptoms, this works well: a cup of warm water, into which you add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and 10 drops of Calendula herbal tincture.  Then just dab/sponge or rinse the coat in this.  It helps heal, but also alleviates the itch. 
: If you can find a truly homeopathic vet or animal health practitioner they will also be able to make you up individual allergen treatments. You will find though, that once the immune system is strengthened and repaired, these will not be an issue.  Please persevere; it is so good of you to be giving Storm this chance to live a healthy, long natural life.  Best of luck!
: : I found your wonderful website and was hoping that with your expertise, I might get some answers to a couple of questions I have concerning my Portuguese water dog.  We live in NJ an