Allergy in Pets – what you need to know
by Dr. Gerald Buchoff
Allergy is one of the most
common yet misunderstood diseases in pets. I consider it one of the most basic
autoimmune diseases. Signs of allergies typically manifest at 2 years of age. The
classic sign in dogs is itchiness of the ears, axillae (armpits), flanks and
ears. Cats typically present with respiratory distress such as labored
breathing or coughing.
A little background. Probably
all autoimmune diseases involve and begin in the intestines. That is where
there are large collections of immune cells (Peyer’s patches). Starting with
puppyhood or kittenhood, if we can keep the intestines healthy, we are likely
to fend off autoimmune diseases. [Autoimmune diseases can range to systemic
lupus erythematosus, pemphigus, autoimmune hemolytic anemia or
thrombocytopenia, and even cancer.]
However, if things – such as
antibiotics, steroids, vaccines, chlorinated water, and environmental toxins –
unbalance the intestines and kill off the beneficial (or “friendly”) bacterial
population, it allows overgrowth of harmful yeast, especially Candida, resulting
in dysbiosis. This yeast can make chemicals that literally bore holes
(ultramicroscopic holes) in the intestinal walls that allow larger than normal
molecules to enter the bloodstream. Normally, food has to be broken down into
extremely tiny fundamental units. If larger molecules get into the blood, the
body does not recognize them and treats them as foreign invaders or germs, and
produces antibodies against them. These molecules somehow associate and link to
normal tissues in the body. Then the body may attack those tissues (skin, blood
cells, gums, thyroid gland, etc.) thinking that they are foreign invaders. Now
you have autoimmunity – the immune system attacking its own body.
The dysbiosis in the
intestines also leads to the liver suffering from the onslaught of large
molecules and toxins that should not be getting into the system.
So, when I treat allergy, I
want to (1) treat the dysbiosis (sometimes using supplements that will reduce
the yeast and supplements that will increase the bacteria), (2) improve the
health of the intestinal lining, (3) support the liver health and function, (4)
support the immunity (“immune system”), (5) decrease the allergens and toxins
in the body, and (6) deal with the symptoms of itchiness or respiratory
problems.
Supporting the immunity can
mean “thumping the thymus gland;” using your fingertips or fist to tap the
sternum between your pet’s axillae (underarms) or giving nutritional
supplements such as medicinal mushrooms and colostrum. Decreasing and avoiding
environmental toxins can include giving supplements to clear toxins and wiping
paws when coming in from walks. We can decrease allergens by adding digestive
enzymes and/or giving a far more digestible (raw) diet to decrease allergens in
the diet. We can help the skin and respiratory comfort through many holistic modalities.
Aloe Vera added to the diet may help support the skin, the intestines, and the
immune system all at the same time.
But, remember that allergies
are very complex and treatment has to be tailored to the needs of the
individual patient, based on physical examination and blood tests.
