Dr. Shawn’s Blog

It’s Going to Be a Tough Allergy Season This Year!

Due to the very unusual weather patterns over the last few months, allergy season is already proving to be tough this year for people and their pets. As visits to allergists and dermatologists are increasing, so too is the use of conventional medications. Fortunately there are some natural therapies that can help you in your pet through this difficult time.

Here are my tips to help you and your pet deal with seasonal allergies and minimize the need for potentially harmful medications.

For you:

*Take high doses of fish oil. The EPA and DHA in fish oil are anti-inflammatory and quite helpful for treating allergies.

*Use antioxidants. Antioxidants such as quercetin and bioflavonoids reduce cell damage and can minimize allergy signs.

*Detox. Many people find it very helpful to get in a dry or (even better) wet sauna and expel toxins from their systems. The wet sauna is especially help to liquify the airways and encourage expectoration of mucus which is produced as a result of seasonal allergies.

*Clean your airways. Using something such as a Netti pot removes allergens from the upper airways, humidifies the upper respiratory tract, and can loosen thick nasal and sinus secretions.

For your pet:

*Give them high doses of fish oil. As is true for you, the EPA and DHA in fish oil are anti-inflammatory and quite helpful for treating allergies in dogs and cats.

*Use antioxidants. Yes, antioxidants are also very helpful for pets with allergies. Antioxidants such as quercetin, bioflavonoids, and many others reduce cell damage and can minimize allergy signs.

*Bathe your pet frequently. Probably THE most important thing you can do for pets with skin disease (allergies tend to cause more skin problems for our pets, whereas they cause more respiratory problems in people) is to bathe them frequently, even daily. If you use an organic shampoo designed for frequent bathing (such as the Dr. Shawn’s Itch Relief Organic Shampoo, www.petcarenaturally.com ) you will not dry out your pet’s skin.

Regular bathing reduces itchiness, moisturizes your pet’s skin, reduces allergens, and MAY reduce your own allergies by removing pollens from the pet skin and hair.

Following these tips, as well as using homeopathics and herbs when necessary, will greatly reduce the need for conventional medications for both you and your pet and help you get through allergy season this year!