WHAT CAUSES ALLERGIES?
Allergic skin disease (seasonal itching) is a common problem in our pets and can greatly effect their happiness and activity. When the immune system strongly reacts to foreign material allergies are the result. Pollen, dust mites, food stuffs and grasses are often the culprits, and itching can be serious enough to cause open sores, hair loss and skin infections.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY PET?
Western medicine usually approaches allergies by trying to suppress the immune response from the "outside in". Veterinarians may prescribe steroids, initially in high and,later,gradually decreasing doses. Generally this works well for symptom control, but used in the long term, (remember allergies are a chronic condition with a longer season each year as the immune system becomes sensitized), this approach produces many serious side effects (brittle bones, enlarged liver, pot belly, thin skin, increase bleeding time to name a few). In less intense itching benadryl may decrease your pet's discomfort and has little potential for long term side effects.
Allergy testing is also available, followed by hyposensitization or "allergy shots" (a series of low dose exposures to the substances that create the itching). "Allergy shots",in many animals, correct the root problem, can reduce allergic signs and greatly improve your animal friend's quality of life. This is a homeopathic approach with science to back it up.
Another approach to allergies, which can be used alone or in conjunction with western methods is acupuncture and herbs.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE CONTROL ITCHING AND ALLERGIES?
Acupuncture alters inflammation from the "inside out". It suppresses the release of the inflammatory compounds that the body releases in the presence of the allergen. No inflammation equals no itching. It does this by altering the body's hormonal response independent of drug use, and can eliminate the need for steroids, or greatly reduce the dosage necessary for symptom control. Acupuncture also has no long term side effects so it can be used without impairing the health of your pet in future years.
WHAT ABOUT HERBS?
Herbs can be also be used to control itching and allergies in our animal friends . Herbal preparations are similar to a very strong antihistamine. Studies indicate that certain Chinese herbal formulas can stop mast cell release, thus inhibiting immune response. Should skin lesions occur in the height of the allergy season due to a strong exposure to pollen, etc. stronger herbs can be used for short periods to control the allergic signs. Many animals can greatly reduce or eliminate the need for steriods, and the risks inherent in their use, when the owner adds Chinese herbal formulas to their daily diet. Herbs interact with with acupuncture to produce a synergistic effect, but each can also be used independently of the other with good results.
HOW OFTEN DOES MY PET NEED ACUPUNCTURE FOR ALLERGIES?
The number of the acupuncture sessions will be determined by the pet's response and the concurrent use of herbal formulas. Generally, pets begin with weekly sessions for 3 to 6 weeks followed by monthly follow up sessions if not on herbals. With herbal use the frequency of acupuncture treatments can be greatly reduced to as little as one session every three months during the allergy season. Follow up treatments are based on control of symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
Acupuncture side effects are rare. Pets may be sleepy or the itching may increase for 24 hours after a session. This is generally a sign that physiological changes are taking place and usually followed by greatly reduced itching and an increase in energy and vitality.
Herbs can occasionally cause GI upset and are generally started at a half dose for several days in order to avoid this complication.