To read part 1 Click Here.
To read part 2 Click Here.
Today, we'll discuss how allergic reactions can cause itching in your dog. An allergic reaction can be caused by almost anything. Different foods or toxic substances like household cleaners. A reaction can also be from an outside source such as bug bites or stings. An allergic reaction can also stem from medications, vaccines or flea and tick preventative drops etc. Whatever the cause, allergies can throw a wrench in daily life for thousands of dogs all over the world.
The most common and avoidable allergies are usually environmental and food. The core reason for these two types of allergies is a low/weak immune system. A healthy dog should not go outside and come back in itching from being in the grass, walking in the weeds or rolling on a plant. When a dog has a reaction to their natural habitat, you know it's time to do something! A dog should be able to run and play, and roll in the grass all day! One of the best and easiest ways to prevent the environmental "allergy" is not remove the dog from his environment, but rather build up his body to be able to handle being in his environment.
To build up his immune system, you need to feed nutritional diet filled with meat proteins, minerals, vitamins and good fats such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Without these key diet staples your dog will not only suffer from itchiness, but can develop serious medical conditions as well from lack of proper nutrition. Good foods to start with are a grain free variety of kibble or wet food, raw ground beef, canned salmon or mackerel, and or a few canned sardines once in a while. (Chicken or turkey or other meats are good as well. Make sure they get the fat.)
The canned salmon and canned mackerel are not only high in protein, but have a great amount of omega fatty acids. The omega fatty acids are what keep your dog's coat shiny, and from being dry. It also improves brain function. This being said, if you prefer not to feed fish (for the fishy smell) than ground beef, with a little of Dinovite's LickOchops, is a great way to provide the protein and the fats they need with no smelly odor!
Once you've got your dog on a meaty diet, you will begin to see small changes in your dog's endurance. He'll gradually be able to stay outside longer, or roll in the lawn without becoming a walking ball of allergies. He'll have more energy and he'll be less affected by what's going on around him. If you have questions about how to start a raw diet Click Here. Other signs of general health improvement are a tighter, thicker, less sparse coat, a shiny coat,skin not doing that "crawly thing" when being scratched, and less flaky healthy skin.