Acupuncture for Allergies?

My dog has been diagnosed with an extreme allergy (not sure to what yet). He has been on antibiotics and is now on steroids for edema and a reaction on his ears. We have also restricted his diet. None of this is helping. I’ve seen advertisements for animal acupuncture. Will that help? I am desperate to help my dog heal and to get his spark back!Yvette, San Rafael

Allergic reactions are the result of an overly sensitive and inefficient immune system that reacts to nonharmful organisms or particles. In treating allergies through any modality, conventional or holistic, we attempt to reduce the symptoms of this reaction. This can be done by reducing the animal’s exposure to allergens and/or by reducing the intensity of the immune system’s reaction to allergens.

Diet can be used for both purposes. By feeding a diet with very few ingredients, none of which have been fed before, the animal is exposed to less possible allergens. In addition, by feeding fresh, unprocessed, organic foods, more of the building blocks for a healthy immune system are present. There are also supplements that replenish proteoglycans, trace proteins and sugars necessary to proper immune function that can be depleted in allergic individuals.

The upper layer of skin is normally in contact with bacteria and fungi, but its deeper layers and the bloodstream are not. When skin becomes inflamed secondary to histamine release, bacteria can enter the blood vessels and deeper layers of the skin, which can intensify the immune response. In addition, blood and serum oozing from irritated skin will feed bacteria and cause them to overgrow. Antibiotics help to minimize overgrowth of bacteria, but do so by killing most of the bacteria on the skin, destroying its established community and allowing for overgrowth of fungi.

Prednisone is used to reduce the inflammation of the allergic response by suppressing the immune system’s response to allergens. Unfortunately, it also suppresses the immune system’s response to harmful organisms. This is especially problematic in allergic patients, as their immune systems tend to already be weak. Prednisone may also have side effects in the liver, kidneys, and hormonal systems, especially with long-term use.

Acupuncture can be used to help strengthen the immune system while reducing its over-reactivity. It is not understood from a western perspective exactly how this occurs, but acupuncture has been shown to increase white blood cell counts and circulation while at the same time stabilizing cell membranes and reducing histamine release.

In addition, many traditional Chinese herbal formulas can help reduce skin itching and inflammation without suppressing the immune system. Additional herbs can be used to strengthen the immune system, reducing the intensity and frequency of subsequent allergy flare-ups.

Because of their ability to help improve immune system function without destroying the healthy balance of bacteria and fungi in the body, I consider acupuncture and herbs, along with diet change and nutritional supplements, the preferable treatment for allergies.

When Disaster Strikes

With the amazing storms and flooding in the North Bay this winter, I know people who had to leave their homes. Luckily they had friends who could take them and their pets in. But what can pet owners do if they have to evacuate to a public shelter? Are pets allowed in the shelters here? How do I ensure my pets’ safety during this kind of disaster? Linda, Healdsburg

In disaster sheltering, pets are typically not allowed to stay with their owners for sanitary, medical, and safety reasons. In Sonoma County were you live, the American Red Cross has a “Memorandum of Understanding” with the Sonoma County Disaster Animal Response (SCDART) team to address this situation. Beginning in the 1990s evacuees from the Russian River floods were allowed to evacuate with their small pets on transportation vehicles. On arrival to the Red Cross shelter pet owners are greeted by members of SCDART. The pet and owner information is recorded and the animal is housed temporarily in a secure mobile animal hospital at the shelter until relocation to designated boarding facilities. Large animals such as horses and livestock are directed to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds and housed in stalls.

Residents of Marin and San Francisco counties should contact their local disaster preparedness teams for specific information. The local agencies have a resource site at http://www.preparenow.org.

Wherever you live, start by creating a family disaster plan that includes your pets. Keep carriers handy, clean, and with a few clean towels inside. Create an emergency kit inside a five-gallon bucket with litter, leashes, bowls, plastic baggies, small litter pan, litter scoop, flea/tick control, medications, and food and water for at least five days. Figure one cup of water per 10 pounds per day for each animal. Remember to rotate your food and water supplies to keep them fresh.

Equally important is to keep your pets’ vaccinations current and to have them microchipped. In the event you and your pet become separated the microchip is invaluable to your reunion. Having a copy of your vaccination certificate kept with your supplies is handy also. Many carriers have small storage pockets that will hold this information and a small picture of the pet securely. For horse owners, have your tack, grooming supplies, and feed handy. Practice loading and unloading your horse from a trailer.