Dog and Allergies
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Kathleen Rode
Posted on: November 09, 2005

I have a Jack Russell and since the day we brought him home he has become pink and chews on his feet. We have taken him to 5 vets and they say it is all trial and error to figure out what he is allergic to. Is there anything you can recommend for relief for him? I have used witchhazel. But is there anything else you could suggest?

Without knowing more, I would say there is a possibility of a food allergy. I would begin by making sure he is on a good, homemade diet as there are many ingredients in commercial food that can cause an allergic reaction. Please look at the references cited in the posting, "Aging Dog with Arthritis" on this website (www.richters.com) for recipe ideas. Beyond that, it would be useful for you to take him to a qualified herbal practitioner who works with dogs to take a full case history in order to determine what might be at the bottom of your dog’s condition. In the meantime, you could make a tea of Chickweed herb (Stellaria media) and Calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis) at two teaspoons herb to one cup of boiling water. Let the herbs steep, covered for 15 minutes and then allow to cool to body temperature before straining. Soak a clean, cotton cloth in the tea and place on the areas where your dog is chewing in order to reduce itchiness and/or repair any skin he may have damaged.

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