There is nothing more frustrating than trying to cope with the itchy, scratchy dog and there is no doubting that it is very common in the spring! In the majority of cases, the dog has already been to the Veterinary Surgeon. The condition is chronic, recurring and of an indeterminate source – usually environmental or nutritional, influenced by breeding and compounded by secondary bacterial and yeast infections.

The following categories should always be seen by your Veterinary Surgeon:

• Puppies of 1 year or less who may have genetic disorders or Type 1 Diabetes
• Overweight, lethargic adults who may have Type 2 Diabetes, underactive thyroid or kidney problems
• Young or rescue dogs with a history of stress, malnutrition & poor healthcare prone to chronic worms, fleas,
• Demodectic Mange or Ringworm
• Dogs that come into contact with foxes, other wildlife and roll in the mud a lot -- the prime sources of Sarcoptic
• Mange.
• Fleas, Roundworms or Tapeworms
• Dustmite
• Food intolerance or food allergy
• Chemical sensitivity
• Mange, tick or ringworm
• Genetic (breeding) or neuropathic (behavioural)

Food intolerance

Your veterinary surgeon will often recommend allergy testing for food intolerances. Results can be confusing . Intolerance to beef, lamb, chicken, dairy, fish, eggs or corn may be diagnosed which indicates that your dog has become sensitised to the majority of proteins because the nutrient content of the diet was inadequate or imbalanced. In the short term, your vet will recommend the use of a "novel" protein source i.e. if the dog has been regularly fed on chicken or beef, try feeding rabbit or venison with rice for a period of 6 weeks. Once the dog's immune system has recovered, you can gradually re- introduce the staple diet but whatever you do, avoid cheap dog food that are highly processed, full of preservatives and additive and do not feed scraps, biscuits and highly coloured treats thereafter.

Organic vitamins and minerals can also help recovery. Vitamin A, C &E along with the right levels of Zinc and Copper are essential to restore thyroid and immune function. Other supplements such as Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, Kelp, Echinacea, Astralagus or Glutathionine can all help restore normal function.

Dustmite, food intolerance and chemical sensitivity often all occur together and this is why diagnosis is so difficult. One is the primary cause and the others are secondary reactions from a depressed immune system. In these instances, Bio- Life recommends a holistic approach. In short, leave nothing to chance and implement the full preventative programme.

• Check the flea, tick and worm programme & adhere to it strictly
• Treat pet bedding, pet beds, sofas and rugs with natural acaricides such as Bio- Life HomeCareTM once per month
• Clean carpets with Bio-Life FabriCleanseTM once every 3 months
• Avoid cheap dog food!! Choose a high quality dog food that is not highly processed with "meat" of a non-specific source and an endless list of additives and preservatives
• Do not feed scraps, biscuits and highly coloured treats
• Use "chemical friendly" toiletries such as Bio-Life MediCleanse, professionally screened to avoid known irritants
• Make sure your dog is entertained with regular walks, natural treats and in your absence, toys to play with - emotional wellbeing is as important to the intelligent dog as physical health

This programme is neither arduous nor expensive and the results are a happier dog – and a much happier you!!!

For further help or advice, visit www.biolife-international.co.uk or call the Allergy Helpline, 01608 686626 (Open 8amto8pm,7daysperweek).

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