The number one cause of visits to the vet’s office other than routine physical exams is somehow linked to allergies. It is amazing how allergies can affect the lives of our four-legged friends. Most people don’t understand the far-reaching effects of the immune systems and what can happen if it goes haywire. There are four main causes of allergies and the symptoms tend to overlap, so it can be hard to differentiate them. Problems such as chronic ear issues, skin infections, hair loss, skin thickening, and similar pet health issues are all symptoms of allergies. Many people are really confused when an ear problem is diagnosed as allergies. Generally, the ears are warm, wet, and dark environments perfect for the growth of bacteria. The immune system, when working properly, takes care of these things before it gets out of control. But, if a pet suffers from allergies, the immune system is compromised, allowing these normal bacteria to form bad infections.

The biggest cause of allergies is a condition called atopy. Atopy is an pet health allergy caused by airborne particles like dust, mold, dander, pollens, and many other small particles. Atopy is the cause of over 80 percent of all canine allergies! That is by far the highest of the four and, unfortunately, it is the only one we have absolutely no control over. The use of humidifiers and air purifiers helps, but unless your pet lives in a plastic bubble they will inhale these particles. Atopy tends to cause ear problems, and scratching around the tail head, in the armpit, and licking of the toes. Usually these problems begin seasonally and then progresses to year-round problems. We can control the itching to a certain degree with steroids and antihistamines but the only real treatment is finding out what the substance is and making a vaccine against it.

The second most common pet health allergy is flea allergic dermatitis, which affects only about fifteen percent of dogs with allergies. Most of my clients think that this is “number one” but unfortunately it is a distant second behind atopy. Fortunately though, this allergy is relatively treatable by using strong lasting flea products. Flea shampoos, flea collars and over-the-counter products containing pyrethrins are good at killing fleas for a few hours to a few days but fleas will again affect our pets. Long-lasting flea control products tend to last a month and keep fleas at bay. The allergy can come from just one fleabite and cause itching for weeks. Animals with fleabite allergies tend to itch along the tailhead, armpits, and neck region. Remember, use flea products on your animals and also treat your yard for fleas to reduce itching in your pets.

The third most common allergy is a food allergy. This is another pet health allergy that people think is much more common. Of all the allergies, food allergies are the easiest to treat, but in reality this type of allergy only affects less than five percent of itchy dogs. So this means that only one out of twenty itchy animals suffers from a true food allergy. These allergies show up as scratching at the ears, tail base, and licking at the toes. Most animals that suffer from food allergies are allergic to three basic things, beef, chicken, and corn. Unfortunately these products are found in 99 percent of dog foods and treats. When we eliminate these ingredients, it takes about three months to see the symptoms go away.

Modern medicine has made many advances over the years in treating allergy symptoms. Sometimes the cure may be worse than the illness. Many decongestants will lead to a dry mouth and a rise in blood pressure. Antihistamines tend to make you drowsy and groggy.

Are there any natural herbs that will help treat the symptoms of allergies without all of the unpleasant side effects? The good news is that you can find many natural herbs for allergies that will offer relief from your symptoms the holistic way. Natural herbs that will actually help to prevent the symptoms rather than treating them once they start. This can be an effective way of managing many of the seasonal allergies that a number of people suffer from.

I have heard about antihistamines, but what are they?

Antihistamines prevent the body from producing histamines. Histamines are a chemical by product when antibodies attack a foreign substance in the body. For allergy suffers, the body has mistakenly identified a benign substance to be a threat to the body. The immune system has created an antibody to attack and destroy this threat. Histamines create the allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and coughing, so when your body cannot produce as many, your symptoms are reduced as well.

Herbal Antihistamines

Stinging Nettle – This herb works very well as a natural antihistamine, without the drowsiness that comes from using many of the over-the-counter medicines that are available. Stinging nettle can be purchased in capsule form from many natural food and vitamin stores today.

Butterbur – Another herbal antihistamine, which is a harder herb to come by in the United States, but nevertheless effective as a natural means of treating allergies.

Quercetin – Is another good natural herb for allergies, and has the added benefit of acting as a natural antioxidant that can reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

Plantain – Has been used for a long time in treating respiratory complaints including cough and inflammation. It also has anti-catarrhal and antispasmodic properties.

Chamomile – According to German studies it may slow allergic reactions, such as those that trigger asthma attacks, by increasing the adrenal glands’ production of cortisone, which reduces lung inflammation and makes breathing easier.

Before taking a natural herb to treat your allergies, consult with your allergy doctor before taking anything. Some herbs can have side effects with other herbs. They can also have potentially dangerous interactive effects when taken with other over the counter and prescription medicines.

Allergies is a common condition which affect many of us. Allergies can take many forms such as skin allergy, sinus, asthma, are the common ones. Most people would not hesitate to popping antihistamines or other prescription by doctors. These prescriptions do not cure allergies, rather it just suppress the symptoms. As long as the root of the allergy is not taken care of, the allergies will be back. While allergens should be avoided or removed, if possible, a healthy and strong immune system is the best remedy for fighting allergies.

We should be aware that the symptoms of allergies is a sign from our body trying to tell us something is wrong. So if we take medication to suppress these symptoms, we are ignoring these important signs our body trying to tell us. Instead of suppressing it, we should instead pay attention to what our body is trying to tell us. Allergies is usually a sign that our body needs to be nourished. Allergies, such as eczema, is also a possible sign that our body is attacked by toxins which need to be eliminated fast. For the purpose of this article, I would like to focus on the basics, food.

Do you know that by making positive changes to our diet is the first step to a healthier immune system, thus reducing allergies attacks. Are you taking the right type of food your body needs? Are you guilty of eating too much processed and instant food? We are responsible for our body, so make the right choices.

There are types of food which helps to fight allergies. Therefore, it is beneficial to make it a point to include these foods in your daily diet:

- Eat more cold water fish

Omega-3 fatty acids from cold water fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines can protect the body against over production of certain antibodies which trigger allergies. Bake, steam or poach are the healthiest way to cook the fish.

- Yoghurt

The cultures or probiotics contain in yoghurt is good for the gut as well as helps skin allergies. However, most commercial yoghurt’s culture is weak due to over processed. The best is making your own yoghurt from organic milk. If you are allergic to cow’s milk, substitute with goat’s milk or soy milk.

- Canola Oil

This is a rich source of allergy fighting Omega-3 fatty acids. Other alternatives include soybean oil, flaxseed oil, walnut oil and wheatgerm.

- Green Tea

According to the Japanease, green tea contains methylated epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is found to be anti-allergenic.

- Magnesium Rich Foods

Magnesium seems to be the minural which is found lacking in those who are allergy prone. Include magnesium rich foods in your daily diet such as spinach, sunflower seeds, pinto beans, tofu and halibut.

- Zinc Rich Foods

Some studies have shown that people with eczema are zinc deficient. It is a good idea to include zinc rich food such as tofu, beef, lean ham, chicken and crab in your diet.

- Fresh Fruit and Juices

Vitamin C is the best natural antihistamine. So make sure you have plenty of fresh fruits and juices in your diet.

A healthy diet is the very basic way to combat allergies. Without a good diet, you are not giving the nutrients your body needs to fight allergies. So start healthy eating today!