Summertime can bring hot weather, humidity, bugs and allergies– all of which can make pets itchy and sometimes even smelly.  While pets need occassional baths to clean up odors, for the most part, pets should feel and smell nice.  Peculiar pet odors are generally a sign that something is “off” and it is important for you to find out the source of the odor. Pet odors are not just cosmetic–they are warning signs alerting you of a potential problem. Here are just a few odors to watch out for:

Smelly Skin and Coat—Allergies—both environmental and digestive, contribute to skin problems. Both yeast and bacterial infections can cause an odor especially when it is hot and muggy.   Pet owners often get discouraged because their pet will have an odor even after giving them a bath. It is a misnomer to conclude “my pet just smells” or that it is somehow related to your pet’s breed. The odor is a sign of imbalance and possibly infection. 

Many times pets have an odor from allergies (even an allergic rash from fleas!) which can also leave a white powdery or greasy film on your hand when you touch your pet. Common food allergens include grains such as wheat, oats, gluten and corn. Too many carbohydrates such as rice and potatoes, when given to a young pet, can contribute to yeast overgrowth. Some meat proteins such as chicken and poultry can be big allergens too. In addition to food allergies, pets can have environmental allergies too.  At the first sign of a skin odor, please take your pet to the veterinarian to determine the cause. Your pet could have an infection, parasites or an underlying endocrine disorder.

Stinky Ears—If you smell near your pet’s ears and there is a strong odor, take your pet for a checkup right away. During the hot summer months, pets are prone to ear infections. Many ear infections are due to yeast overgrowth. Using dry kibble is often a contributing factor, especially if it contains the grains mentioned above or is high in carbohydrates. Dry pet food, while convenient for you, can greatly contribute to yeast overgrowth. Pets need fresh foods such as green vegetables, meat and Omega 3s to optimize health.

Bad Breath—Pets need dental cleanings just like we do. If you have recently had your pet’s teeth cleaned and there is still a bad odor, then your pet’s bad breath needs to be addressed. Bad breath can be a sign of an underlying health condition such as acid stomach, poor digestion, dental or gum infection or kidney disease. It is not just a cosmetic issue—it can be a very real sign that you shouldn’t ignore. If you have an older pet, get a blood test and urine analysis. Poor digestion from food is also a very likely culprit. Pets with bad breath often have other problems such as poor coat quality, scratching and itching and allergies.

Gas, Belching and Vomiting—This is something our pets may do on occassion. But frequent rumbly tummies, gas, burping and regurgitation are a sign that something is wrong. Often these signs are due to the food you are feeding. Finding the optimal food depends greatly upon the age and health conditions of your pet. For example, pets that have IBS may do just fine with potatoes while other pets with chronic ear infections do not. If your pet has digestive issues, scheduling a telephone consultation to determine the best diet and supplement program is highly recommended. It is very common for pet owners to report that years of gas and belching were early symptoms that their pet was suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. For example, cats can be susceptible to developing intestinal lymphoma after years of eating foods they have been allergic to.  It is always a good idea to revisit your pet’s diet with a veterinary professional if you notice any of the above digestive symptoms. ]]> http://www.carepaw.com/2011/06/21/pet-odors-summertime-warning-signs/feed/ 0 http://www.carepaw.com/2011/06/12/is-your-pet-scratching-itching-some-simple-tips-will-give-your-pet-quick-relief/ http://www.carepaw.com/2011/06/12/is-your-pet-scratching-itching-some-simple-tips-will-give-your-pet-quick-relief/#comments Sun, 12 Jun 2011 19:08:17 +0000 admin http://www.carepaw.com/?p=407 Even some of the most pampered pets may have dull, lifeless coats with red spots on the skin and patches of fur missing. Pet owners will seek out advice for hair and coat conditioners and other topical products, but a beautiful coat comes from the inside. Fur coats are a reflection on the outside of what your pet is experiencing on the inside.

While it is quite common for a pet’s coat to lose some luster with age, this and other coat quality challenges can be quickly remedied using these health-promoting tips:

1) Give your cat or dog omega 3 fatty acids. “Omega 3’s as they are commonly referred to, are not only good for you, but are great for your pet.   In addition to enhancing the coat and skin, they are helpful for allergies, joint support, brain function and so much more. You can use a combination of fish oil, flaxseed oil and olive oil. Some pet owners also give their pets a small amount of coconut oil as an extra treat. Be sure to buy the highest quality, purified oils where contaminants such as PCBs and heavy metals have been removed. Please note: pet owners of cats or dogs having pancreatitis should consult a veterinarian before using any type of oil.

2) If you have an older dog with a dull coat or skin problems, please take your dog to the veterinarian for a blood panel to have the thyroid function checked. Many older dogs can have a reduced level of thyroid function which can greatly affect coat quality and also contribute to weight gain. Natural supplements containing ingredients such as kelp can help support thyroid health. Sometimes a pet may have “borderline low” thyroid results so ask your veterinarian if Thyroid Support by Standard Process, a natural thyroid supplement can be used first before using thyroid replacement medication.  Many of my clients use Thyroid Support without thyroid medication to help support their dog’s hypothyroid condition.

3) Use a hypoallergenic diet if your cat or dog is scratching, itching and tearing his fur out. Many pets lose fur near the hind legs, abdomen and tail due to food allergies. Pets with food allergies can react daily to common commercial food ingredients such as grains (oats, wheat, corn, etc), peanut butter or poultry. Seek out the advice of a pet nutritionist or veterinarian to help determine the best diet for your pet. There are many grain-free, hypoallergenic commercial pet food options available.

4) Be sure your cat or dog does not have fleas or other parasites. It is always a good idea to have your veterinarian check for parasites (both internally and externally) at least once a year. Many times pets can have hidden parasites that you may not be aware of. This can greatly affect coat quality.

5) Keep a close eye on your pet’s digestive health. Many cats and dogs have digestive problems that can contribute to poor coat quality. Pets that have loose stool, vomiting, gas and tummy rumbling may not be digesting their food properly. As a result, critical nutrients needed to ensure good health and a lustrous coat, are not being absorbed. For example, when pets eat commercial foods containing grains, much of what they are eating, might come out as partially digested-food resulting in large, voluminous stools. Consider incorporating a highly-digestible, commercial raw frozen diet into at least a portion of your pet’s daily food intake. Also, a high-quality, third-party tested probiotic and digestive enzyme will help improve your pet’s absorption of vital nutrients. ]]> http://www.carepaw.com/2011/06/12/is-your-pet-scratching-itching-some-simple-tips-will-give-your-pet-quick-relief/feed/ 0 http://www.carepaw.com/2011/06/01/ear-infections-in-pets/ http://www.carepaw.com/2011/06/01/ear-infections-in-pets/#comments Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:30:28 +0000 admin http://www.carepaw.com/?p=403 Ear Infections in Pets

Conventional Veterinary Perspective

Pet ear infections can become a chronic health condition. Owners can often tell when their pets have an ear infection because of the odor and debris in the ear. Dogs also may display head shaking or excessive scratching of the ear. The normal ear should be free of debris and odor.

Dogs and cats have 2 portions to their ear canals; a vertical portion that can be somewhat visualized with the naked eye and a horizontal portion that you cannot see. Human beings have only a horizontal ear canal. If you see wax, dirt, or debris in any amount in the ear canal, there could be an infection deeper within the part of the canal you can’t see. The doctor will usually use an otoscope to visualize the horizontal ear canal and tympanic membrane (ear drum).

Some breeds of dogs are predisposed to ear infections. Any of the brachiocephalic breeds (pug, bulldog, Boston terrier, Shar-Pei etc) have narrowed ear canals and excessive wrinkling which do not allow free movement of air. Without this free movement of air, moisture gets trapped in the ear canal and between the skin folds, predisposing to infection. Other breeds with genetic predisposition to allergy or skin disease (cocker spaniel, Golden Retriever) usually also have ear issues because the ear canal is actually an extension of the skin. Dogs with skin problems often have ear problems too.

Your veterinarian will look at your pet’s ear and determine which organisms are in the ear and will prescribe the right type of medicine to do the job. Often the doctor will take an ear smear of the debris from the affected ear, smear it on a slide, and determine what is causing the problem. This is an important diagnostic step because it helps the doctor choose the right medicine. Yeast, bacteria, mites, and inflammatory cells are usually identified with the microscope. The number and type of bacteria are important to identify. Small round bacteria (cocci) are easier to treat and less serious than rod bacteria, which are often very dangerous. In general, the treatment for ear infections typically involves antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatory medications and antiparasitic formulas–both oral and topical.

Some pets will allow the veterinary team to clean the ear canals, but many pets are so painful and uncomfortable that sedation or anesthesia may be necessary to do a thorough job. Ideally, debris must be removed from the ear canal to facilitate effective treatment with the ear ointments or ear drops. It also allows the doctor the possibility of carefully examining the ear drum. Is it still intact or has the ear drum been ruptured? This will determine which medication to put in the ear. Are there foxtails of other foreign material deep within the ear? Sedation or anesthesia will allow the veterinarian to remove these safely.

It is important for pet owners to follow the doctor’s instructions on treating the ear. Make sure you return to the office on the re-check visit so the doctor can make sure the problem has been cured. The doctor should then illustrate what you need to do to try and keep these infections from returning. Prophyllactic ear rinse solutions are available, and should be used in most cases after the infection has subsided. Many owners mistakenly put hydrogen peroxide in the ear. This is not a good idea. Hydrogen peroxide eventually turns into water, which will then create a perfect environment for bacteria to start growing. The ear canal is one place where hydrogen peroxide should never be used. If you prefer to use a natural solution instead of the prescription ear washes, you can try using 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts warm water. The ear cleansers and/or vinegar solution will keep the pH of the ear canal at an optimum level, discouraging the colonization of bacteria and yeast. For some dogs, this will become a lifetime regimen and we often recommend that pet owners do this 2 to 3 times a week for life.

Natural Alternatives For Dog Ear Infections

Pets with chronic ear infections typically have skin infections too. It is quite common for pets to have ear infections, hot spots, hair loss, scratching/itching, urinary tract infections and digestive issues—all seemingly unrelated but quite often all due to the same issue—allergies (both food and environmental) and poor digestion. When pets are allergic to what they are eating and/or are fed foods that are poorly digested (many “brand name” commercial pet foods are hard to digest because they contain preservatives, fillers and allergens such as corn), the pet experiences an inflammatory response. In addition, the pet’s digestive system can often become compromised, reducing their overall immune response. This sets up an environment for yeast, bacteria and parasites to overgrow. The first step in healing a pet with chronic ear infections is to put the pet on a healthy, hypoallergenic diet. This is not always an easy task as many times, pets are allergic to different foods. Common food allergens are corn, soy, milk products, casein (found in cheese), peanut butter, wheat, gluten, beef and chicken. Some cats are allergic to fish and chicken. Overall, try to seek out local pet stores that may carry more natural, holistic brands that do not contain wheat or corn. We have had terrific success using pre-made frozen raw diets but this may or may not be the right food for your pet. Each pet has different digestive issues and what works for one may not be ideal for another. For best results, you might want to schedule a holistic consultation with Dr. Selmer.

In addition to changing your pet’s diet, some supplements can really help your pet fight off yeast infections from the inside out. If your pet has taken antibiotics or prednisone, it is critical that you restore the balance of flora to prevent the infection from coming back. Many times, people and pets experience chronic infections because the antibiotics kill off the good bacteria (as well as the bad) and unfortunately if you haven’t made the changes to support a healthy digestive tract, the bad bacteria will grow back faster than the good bacteria. That is why it is so essential to supplement with probiotics (and antifungals if you or your pet have a tendency to get yeast) following a course of antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory medications.

Using both conventional and holistic veterinary care, we have seen pets with chronic infections completely improve without continued reoccurrence.

Click here for more information.

Thank you for being an carepaw subscriber. We look forward to continuing to provide you with quality holistic pet care. ]]> http://www.carepaw.com/2011/06/01/ear-infections-in-pets/feed/ 0 http://www.carepaw.com/2011/03/31/pet-nutrition-finding-the-%e2%80%98best%e2%80%99-pet-food-for-your-cat-or-dog/ http://www.carepaw.com/2011/03/31/pet-nutrition-finding-the-%e2%80%98best%e2%80%99-pet-food-for-your-cat-or-dog/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:58:41 +0000 admin http://www.carepaw.com/?p=386 Pet nutrition can be a frustrating process with so many labels, ingredients and brands to research. How do you know which pet food is best and even if it is the right food for your cat or dog?

For starters, it is important to understand that what is “best” can vary from one pet to another, just as what food is good for one person may not be good for another. One dog may feel just fine on a certain brand of pet food, while another one scratches and itches, tearing his fur out. One cat may like a certain brand of cat food, while the other one refuses to eat it.

So…the first step in establishing your pet’s nutrition plan is acknowledging that you will have to do some needs-based fact finding and that if you have multiple pets, you may not be able to feed all of your pets the same pet food. This can be challenging at times, but not impossible. Once you see the benefits of giving your pet the right food based on your individual pet’s needs, you will be rewarded for your extra effort.

The phrase “pet nutrition” implies something beyond just providing pet food for energy. It means that you are providing pet food that your pet’s body can utilize and benefit from. For example, candy provides calories but is it really nutritious? Those adorable, artificially colored pet treats that are made to look like human treats such as popcorn are gobbled up by your dog, but does that mean it is really good for them…and could it even be potentially harmful?

The fact is that you want your pet’s food to provide the most benefits possible: promotes good health, is convenient, easy to use, is economical and most of all, that your pet likes the taste. Unfortunately, not all of these pet nutrition variables may come to play and you will have to make some compromises.

When it comes to optimizing pet nutrition, one fact prevails: you get what you pay for. If standard grade meat/poultry is $3.00 a pound and a 20lb bag of dog food costs $25 — you do the math-how much meat vs. corn fillers do you actually think is in the food? So, if you want to keep your pet healthy and use a nutritious food, chances are you are going to have to pay more for it. The tradeoff though is that you will pay for a lot fewer visits to the veterinarian because so much of your pet’s well-being is due to the food you are using. Pet nutrition can greatly impact the course and quality of a pet’s life, as much, if not more than genetics.

So when it comes to pet nutrition, Rule #1 when selecting a food for your cat or dog, is to READ THE LABEL! Many people use a pet food because their neighbor said it was good, or their breeder used it previously, or breed club said it was good or even because the veterinarian recommended it. With no disrespect intended to whoever might have recommended it, YOU are the one responsible for your pet’s well-being and YOU alone should read the label and understand what you are giving your pet. Many pet owners lament years later after giving their pet the wrong food that they wish they had “known this before.” The label is required by law for you and your pet’s protection, so please take the time to read it.

A good pet food should contain meat, poultry or fish clearly identifiable in the first ingredients. It should contain ingredients that you have heard of such as peas, carrots, fish, etc. Ideally, it should contain a variety of nutritious ingredients such as lean meat, vegetables and omega 3 fatty acids. There should be a nice balance between protein, fiber, fats and carbohydrates. Even if a pet food says it is “organic” or holistic or hypoallergenic, doesn’t mean that it is the right food for your pet. Depending upon your pet’s individual health concerns, one diet may be more suitable than another. For example, many “hypoallergenic” diets are extremely high in carbohydrates promoting yeast overgrowth and many organic brands contain flour and soy which contribute to allergies and urinary tract infections. Remember, base your decision on the ingredients and your pet’s health concerns, not on the beautiful pet featured on the pet food product.

Personalized telephone consultations are available to give your pet a custom-tailored dietary plan.  If you are using a prescription diet, we can help you develop a natural alternative.  Click here to learn more

Some pet food ingredients you should try to avoid include:

Grains — such as corn, corn gluten meal, ground corn, wheat gluten, wheat flour or any other flour-while some pets do just fine on high quality brands that contain grains, many pets do not digest them properly and develop allergies, UTIs and chronic health problems. If your pet has a lot of gas, this is a sure sign he or she is not digesting the pet food properly and may be having difficulty with the grains.

Brewer’s Rice — A processed rice product that represents the milled fragments of rice kernels that have been separated from the whole grain rice. This is a lower cost rice product that lacks the nutrients found in its counterpart whole brown rice.

Ethoxyquin — chemical preservative found in some pet foods used to extend the shelf life and ultimately the overall profitability of the food. Ethoxyquin has been banned from most human foods due to its cancer-causing properties. Try to find foods that are preserved with Vitamin C or E (mixed tocopherols).

Meat and Poultry by-products — Byproducts are much less expensive and digestible than the muscle meat found in higher quality brands. Ingredients vary from batch to batch but can include heads, feet, bone, etc.–not the steak and chicken breast you are seeing in the commercials.

Potato Product — a cheap byproduct of food processing of potatoes for human use. The potato “product” does not have the same nutritional benefit of a fresh whole potato. As a general rule, any food labeled as a “product” in the description, e.g. “egg product” or “byproduct” isn’t going to have the same level of pet nutrition for your cat or dog as the whole food itself.

Peanut Hulls, Beet Pulp, Soybean Hulls — used as an inexpensive filler with little or no nutritional value. Provides fiber and is often used in “reduced calorie” pet foods so that the dog or cat feels satiated. It is better to use green beans, canned pumpkin or other natural sources of fiber to help your pet lose weight.

There are many high quality pet foods offering superior pet nutrition available today. Some pets may require a special, “prescription” diet and there are pet nutritionists and holistic veterinarians available who can help you determine the best food for your pet. With just a little extra effort in reading labels and becoming educated about your pet’s food and the benefits of pet nutrition, you can greatly help your pet to live a longer and healthier life.

Click here to learn more about Advanced Animal Care Center

Peanut butter is also very high in fat, and many times, contains sugar, again–neither is good for your pet’s health. If you have been using peanut butter or peanut butter-flavored biscuits (wheat is also a potential allergen and should be avoided) in your pet’s diet, we urge you to discontinue and use lower fat, hypoallergenic treats such as baby carrots or sliced apples. If your dog has chronic skin and coat problems, itching, scratching, hair loss, most likely it is due to the food you are feeding and poor digestion. A high carbohydrate diet, paired with specific allergies to various proteins, can result in a very allergic pet.

If your pet has allergies, it is important for them to eat a hypoallergenic diet—A list of potential foods to be avoided can be seen below. There is no “one” allergy diet that works for everyone. Each pet is different. You will need to try a few diets and/or learn how to prepare a homemade diet. Don’t forget….. we offer Holistic Pet Health Telephone Consultations.

Common Allergens in Pet Food:

Corn

Soy

Gluten (found in wheat, barley, spelt and other grains)

Milk Products

Casein (found in cheese)

Beef (problem for some dogs)

Chicken (problem for some cats and dogs)

Fish (cats can often be allergic)

Peanut Butter (big allergen!)

If you have any further questions about holistic options for your pet please visit and subscribe to The Caring Vet. We look forward to continuing to help you give your pets the very best in holistic health care!

The Doctor Is In! Convenient Holistic Veterinary Care By Phone

Dr. Michel Selmer, is now available for telephone consultations to help you with your pet. He  will review your pet’s medical records and provide you with advice regarding the best conventional and holistic veterinary treatment options. This is an especially convenient way to receive medical advice if you have a very busy schedule or don’t have access to a holistic veterinarian in your area.

Dr. Michel Selmer has over 15 years of experience in veterinary medicine and is a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, the Vice President of the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association and was voted the Best Veterinarian in 2010 on Long Island. Dr. Selmer has a special interest in nutrition, and other holistic medical therapies and is dedicated to giving his patients the best that veterinary medicine can offer. Of course, he is an expert in general veterinary medicine too.

This 30 minute medical appointment is recommended if you:

1) Would like a second opinion about your pet’s health condition or veterinary treatments

2) If your pet has unusual symptoms and a diagnoses is unclear

3) If your pet is not responding to conventional veterinary care and you would like an additional holistic medical perspective

4) A personalized, focused discussion of your pet’s medical prognsosis without having to stress your pet with car transport

Please note that these services are non medical and integrate effectively with conventional veterinary medical treatment.

Schedule a telephone consultation by emailing Dr. Selmer at drselmer@optonline.net.  Be sure to check your email as we will contact you BY EMAIL regarding consultation times.

Please be assured that we will give your pet the utmost concern and that your request will be responded to in a very timely manner.  Consultation times are scheduled within 2-5 business days following the time you sign up.  If it is a weekend, holiday and/or you require emergency assistance, please sign up for an emergency/afterhours appointment.  These appointments are given the highest priority and we will do everything possible to conduct your appointment within 48 hours.

Allergies are common in dogs, as in people these days. They reflect a weakened immune system. This can be explained by a buildup of toxins in the tissues and blood, which affects their abiliy to function.

Dogs whohave seasonal symptoms have hay fever, called “atopy”. These dogs may have some reactions to food as well, which can increase their allergic symptoms during this time of the year.

Typical problems are:

• Itching/scratching on ears, sides, face, rectal area, armpits.

• Recurring ear infections

• Pink/red skin and /or ears (white is normal)

• Red, itchy eyes

• Recurrent skin infections (Staph or yeast)

• Secondary seborrhea (oily/flakey skin)

• Chewing/licking feet

• Redness between toes

Most dogs do not show the sneezing and runny nose typical of human atopy, because their allergy receptors are in their skin, rather than the nose and eyes.

What can you do to ease your dog’s suffering?

The supplements and homeopathics that you are using should, over a period of 6 monhs to 2 years, help your dog to tolerate the pollens and molds with little to no symptoms. In the meantime, use these methods to reduce the amount of allergen he is exposed to, which should help him be more comfy.

Home treatments for hay fever:

• Wipe feet with a wet cloth after a trip outside to remove pollens and molds.

• Keep windows closed and the A/C on during warm, windy days. This is when pollen counts are the highest.

• Consider 1 or 2 good quality HEPA floor filters for rooms where your dog spends most of his time. Be sure these are designed to clean the size of the room.

• Vacuum 2X weekly, preferably with a HEPA vacuum, to remove allergens from carpet.

• For dogs who react to molds (symptoms at first thaw in spring and wetterdays), try to keep your basement humidity level low. Molds growing there may increase his reactivity to outdoor molds. Picking up leaves in the fall will also reduce mold exposure out doors.

• For winter itchy dogs (dust reactive), use a good quality furnace filter and replace monthly. Again, vacuum 2X weekly with a HEPA vacuum to reduce dust collecting in carpet. Vacuum cloth furniture occasionally if your pet spends time here. A safe product called diatomaceous earth , available from feed and farm or pool stores, can be used every 2 months or so during winter to reduce dust mite population in carpets. Dust allergic dogs feel better out side, so take Fido along on the family sledding trip!

• Wash pet bedding every 1-2 weeks during his “bad” season.

• Consider a hypoallergenic food trial if your dog has ANY skin, ear or intestinal issues year-round, even if his symptoms are mild during his “good” season. The allergic threshold is the point when the body has contacted enough allergen to cause symptoms- kind of like a cup overflowing with water. If your dog has food sensitivity, you can really help him by avoiding these foods, at least during his bad season.

• Use Aveeno bath (available at grocery and drug stores) @ 2-3 T per large spray bottle to soothe irritated skin. This can be kept in the fridge and shaken before used. It is simply ground up oatmeal, so is very safe for topical use and can be applied frequently if needed.

• Don’t say “no” to medication if your pet is really suffering. Steroids and antihistamines can be used short term for pets who really need them, and I find that a reduced dose can often be used, while still getting relief.

Clean with water + vinegar (50:50 combination) or rubbing alcohol + vinegar (50:50)

For Topical Use (Hot Spots)

• To soothe skin irritations and help stop the scratch–itch cycle, apply a wet, warm black teabag on the affected spot. The tannic acid in the teabag has a soothing effect relieving the itch. Hold the bag to the skin for 4 – 5 minutes. Do this twice a day for at least 3 days.
• Following the teabag treatment, apply Aloe Vera either from an opened leaf or from purchased gel. Aloe speeds the healing process.

• Use as many non-toxic products as possible.
• Do not use scented powder on the carpet (baking soda is fine if odor is a concern).
• For dog blankets use unscented laundry detergent. Use only ¼ the amount recommended.

Wash in hot water

• Do not used liquid fabric softener when washing the dog blankets.
• Do not use fabric softener sheets when the dog blankets are drying.
• Dog food and water dishes should be glass, ceramic or stainless steel (not plastic).
• Dilute dog shampoo. One cap full or a small squirt of shampoo in a cup of water.

Mix well before applying to your pet. Rinse well after shampooing.

• Dilute conditioner. One cap full or a small squirt of conditioner in a cup of water.

(Only some of the captioned signs are usually present in a given animal, not necessarily all.)Allergic dog

The classical canine food allergy lesion distribution includes signs of facial itching, foot or limb chewing, belly itching, and recurrent ear infections.

Your Pet’s Itchy Skin

Itchy skin in the small animal is often more than just a minor annoyance. Red, oozing bald patches, rashes, and large expanses of hair loss are unfortunate markers of very real discomfort for which a cause should be sought and specificAllergic cat

In cats, food allergy usually produces scabs and other signs of itching around the face or neck.

ally dealt with.

The food allergy is one of the itchiest conditions known to cat and dog. Animals eat a variety of processed food proteins, fillers, and colorings which are further processed inside their bodies. Proteins may be combined or changed into substances recognized by the immune system as foreign invaders to be attacked. The resulting inflammation may target the GI tract or other organ systems but, in dogs and cats, it is the skin that most often suffers from this immunologic activity.

Many people erroneously assume itching due to food allergy requires a recent diet change of some sort. In fact, the opposite is true.

Food allergy requires time to develop; most animals have been eating the offending food for years with no trouble.

What Kind of Allergy?

Sarcoptic mange and inhalant allergy (also known as atopy) are the two conditions which must be distinguished from food allergy as the treatment approach to each is markedly different. Much time and money can be wasted pursuing the wrong the problem.

Please consider the following clues which contribute to pointing us towards the food allergy as a diagnosis. Your pet demonstrates:

Your pet has been treated for sarcoptic mange without any positive change.
Your pet’s itchiness is not and has never been a seasonal problem.
Your pet has responded poorly or only partially to cortisone-type medications.
Your pet has had a skin biopsy demonstrating changes often associated with allergy or, more specifically, food allergy.
A lesion distribution pattern which is common for food allergy (see illustration at top of page)

Please note that three of the above four criteria relate to what you, the owner, observe at home. Trouble results when the veterinarian must speak to different family members about the pet and there is disagreement in their observation of the pet at home. It is best to have one person, preferably the one who has the most contact with the pet, be the spokesperson and make the relevant judgments.

The Flea Factor

Some animals have many allergies. It would not be particularly unusual for an animal with a food or inhalant allergyFlea

to also be allergic to flea bites, especially considering that flea bite allergy is an extremely common allergy among pets. Because allergies add to each other, it is possible that a food allergic dog will not itch if its fleas are controlled. Since new technology has made flea control safe and convenient, it is especially important (and no longer difficult) to see that fleas are not complicating a pet’s itching problem.

Ensure immaculate flea control for any itchy pet!

For more information on flea biology and flea control, visit the special site prepared by the Iowa State Veterinary College: http://www.vetmed.iastate.edu/services/vth/clinical/derm/flea/

How to Deal with the Food Allergy Suspect: The Hypoallergenic Diet Trial

The Basic Principle

To determine whether or not a food allergy or intolerance is causing the skin problem, a hypoallergenic diet is fed for a set period of time. If the pet recovers, the original diet is fed for up to two weeks to see if itching resumes. If we see recovery with the test diet and itch with the original diet, then food allergy is diagnosed and the pet is returned to either the test diet or another appropriate commercial food indefinitely.

What Is a Good Hypoallergenic Diet?

There are two approaches to this question. Obviously, the test diet must be of a food source that the patient could not possibly be allergic to. The traditional method is the use of a novel protein and carbohydrate source; that is, something the pet has never eaten before. In the past, lamb has been the protein source of choice as American pet food companies had traditionally failed to produce lamb-based pet foods. Unfortunately, recent production of lamb and rice-based foods has removed lamb from the acceptable hypoallergenic diet list.

Fortunately, many pet food companies have discerned the need for diets using unusual protein and carbohydrate sources with a minimum of additives. Foods can be obtained based on venison and potato, fish and potato, egg and rice, duck and pea, and even kangaroo. Our hospital generally recommends duck and potato based foods for dogs and duck and pea based foods for cats. We have chosen these products because they are available both as canned as well as dry formulas. (Most pet owners prefer to feed a combination of dry and canned food.)

It is important that during the diet trial no unnecessary medications be given. No edible chew toys (such as rawhides or bones) should be given. Treats must be based on the same food sources as the test diet. (Beware of rice cakes, though, as wheat is commonly used as a filler.) Chewable heartworm preventives should be replaced with tablets.

Home cooking was originally the only option felt to be appropriately free of allergens but for most animals these special commercial foods are adequate. Occasionally home cooking ends up being necessary after all.

The Hydrolyzed Protein Method

Recently a new approach has been introduced using therapeutic diets made from hydrolyzed proteins. This means that a conventional protein source is used but the protein is broken down into molecules too small to excite the immune system.

How Long to Feed the Trial Diet

In the past, 4 weeks was thought to represent a complete trial period. More recent work has shown that some food allergic animals require 8 to 10 weeks to respond. This may be an extremely inconvenient period of time for home cooking. Our current recommendation calls for a recheck appointment or phone call after four weeks of diet trial and then again after eight weeks of trial. Eighty percent of food allergic dogs will have responded to diet trial at least partially by six weeks. The Labrador retriever and cocker spaniel appear to require up 10 weeks of trial diet before showing a response. Some animals may even require a longer period.

All commercial diets mentioned have a 100% guarantee. This means that if your pet doesn’t like the food, the food can be returned for a complete refund (even if the bag is opened). This is especially helpful for feline patients, as cats are famous for being choosy about what they are willing to eat.

What to Do if the Diet is Successful?

To confirm food allergy, return to the original food; itching resumes within 14 days generally if food allergy was truly the reason for the itchy skin. Many people do not want to take a chance of returning to itching if the patient is doing well; it is not unreasonable to simply stay with the test diet if the pet remains free of symptoms.

It is possible to more specifically determine the identity of the offending foods after the pet is well. To do this, a pure protein source (such as cooked chicken, tofu, wheat flour or any other single food) is added to the test diet with each feeding. If the pet begins to itch within 2 weeks, then that protein source represents one of the pet’s allergens. Return to the test diet until the itching stops and try another pure protein source. If no itching results after two weeks of feeding a test protein, the pet is not allergic to this protein.

What to Do if the Diet is Unsuccessful?

Generally, an unsuccessful food trial is strongly suggestive that an inhalant allergy is really the primary problem but there are some other considerations that should at least be mentioned: Are you certain that the dog received no other food or substances orally during the trial? Was sarcoptic mange ruled out? Your pet may require a longer diet trial. Are you certain regarding the factor that pointed us toward the food allergy? If your pet has not been biopsied, now may be a good time. If an inhalant allergy has risen to the top of the list, symptomatic relief either via medication, special baths, or allergy shots will likely be necessary. Chronic itchiness can be extremely uncomfortable and prompt relief is the goal.