Genetics Genetic predisposition Any dog or cat can develop allergies during his life, but allergic reactions are especially common in Terriers, Setters, Retrievers, Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers.
Conditions we treat
Allergies in pets
The two most common types of allergies that your pet may experience are food allergies and environmental allergies.
Allergy treatment
An overreaction of the immune system
Allergies of any type are an overreaction of the immune system. As the animal’s body tries to fight this substance, allergy symptoms occur.
Predisposing factors
What puts a pet at risk
Environment Environmental factors Environmental allergens include not only chemicals and toxins but also natural grass, weed and tree pollen in spring and fall.
Common symptoms
Signs of allergies in dogs and cats
Skin issues
- Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Itchy ears and ear infections
- Paw chewing, swollen paws
- Skin infections, hair loss, crusty skin
Digestive issues
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, soft stool
- Gas, bloating
- Anal sac conditions
Respiratory issues
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Sneezing or sinusitis
- Bronchitis or asthma
Conventional treatment
Symptom relief, and its limits
Conventional treatment of allergies is most commonly directed at blocking or suppressing the immune response. While this approach can provide symptomatic relief, it does not address the underlying cause of the problem.
When we shut down the immune system, we open the door to infections and other complications of a nonfunctioning immune system.
Holistic care for allergies
Treating the root of the problem
Detoxify Medical ozone Medical ozone therapy is used to detoxify the body and to activate the immune system by stimulating the production of cytokines. It has been used in the medical field in Europe since the 1800s to reduce allergies, inflammation and infection. Medical ozone creates a cascade effect to reduce the allergic reaction without side effects.
Heal from within Nutritional supplements and herbs An essential component of the healing process. Half of your pet’s immune system is in the digestive tract, so good intestinal health is crucial if you are to treat his allergies permanently. There are many different supplements and herbs that are beneficial for allergy issues; the specific ones we recommend are based on each individual pet’s needs.
Summary
An integrative approach
These holistic treatments can be very helpful for pets with allergic diseases. They can be used separately or together, and they can be combined with medications if needed, allowing an integrative approach to the problem. When we address the variety of factors at the root of the pet’s allergy problem, the allergies can be reduced.
It may take time, but good health is possible if the body is supported and not suppressed.
From our blog
Reading on allergies
Itching for Answers? Understanding Allergies in Pets Just like people, pets can develop allergies that affect their comfort, health, and quality of life. While occasional scratching is normal, persistent… Read more 
Hot Spots Can Occur Any Time of Year Throughout the year, we examine a lot of pets for skin problems ranging from itchy skin to fur loss and scabbing. One of the more frequent skin… Read more 
Common ear problems in pets - symptoms, causes and treatments Our pets’ ears come in all different shapes and sizes – from the long and furry to the short and upright and everywhere in between. No matter what… Read more In their words
The hearts we’ve touched
“I drive almost 3 hours to bring my dog there because of the excellent care you provide. My dog, Willow has had a great life because of the treatment you have provided. I completely trust the team there. Thanks for all you do.”
“Country Care Animal Complex treats my dogs like their own. I travel over an hour one way to see Dr Strickfaden and get treatments for my golden retriever’s allergies. Both my dogs love going to the vet! Country Care has exceptional staff from the front desk to the techs to the doctors. It is obvious to me they truly love what they do.”
“Very much appreciated the candid conversation regarding vaccinations for Macie. It’s so refreshing to hear an integrative approach to pet wellness. Their office is welcoming; the staff is friendly. You can tell only animal lovers work here. We finally found the “right” clinic for our pets.”
“I loved that the assistant was so patient and thorough with the introduction to the clinic, as well as explaining everything so well. She also wrote up how to prepare the holistic food, so we could have that. I will always be thankful for the examination that found allergies and a pancreas issue, as our cat’s problem has been taken care of by changing his food. He has had this problem for years, and now we have the answer, thanks to Dr. Strickfaden! A job well done!”
“Anytime I have visited Countrycare, the staff have been very inviting, informative, and willing to share information and knowledge. One of the main reasons I choose Countrycare is to have the options of doing things holistically for my pets. Any experience I’ve had there, whether it’s been holistic or not, has been the best. I feel like I’m being informed of all of the choices without having conventional medicine pushed as the only option. Keep up the great job!”
“My previous dog was taken care of so well during her acupuncture treatments and care of her vestibular disease that when I got my current dog, there was no question where she would receive her care! The staff is great!”
“Thank you for your care and the professionalism that each of the staff provides. Your hospital is the cleanest and best one I’ve found in the three states we have lived in. I appreciate all the educational information that is available, the quiet “spa” music in each room and that you sell and promote holistic care and foods for our pets.”
“What I appreciate about Countrycare in particular is the holistic approach to healing and health. I was not just handed an expensive script and dismissed. I felt like I was included in the total treatment picture and results were shared so I understood and can be an integral part of the healing.”
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