ALLERGIC REACTIONS

The most common allergic reactions are to stinging insects. Vaccines are another frequent culprit.

Often, however, you simply do not know the inciting event. In these cases one of the remedies below may be helpful. We refer to immediate, short term reactions rather than chronic allergies such as those that underlie many skin illnesses.        

Breathing troubles usually show up with in fifteen minutes to an hour after the other symptoms. The most common allergic reactions are swelling, redness, and hives. Often, itching accompanies the visible response. Sometimes when swelling occurs, the patient develops breathing difficult as well, and this can be dangerous. Most allergic reactions are carried about by histamine and related compounds. Histamine does not cause the allergy; rather it is released in response to the allergen and creates the above reactions either locally or systematically.

If your companion has a history of respiratory difficulty due to an allergic reaction, giving an antihistamine immediately is probably a good idea.

Antihistamines are drugs that block the effect of histamine. For this reason, they can be helpful in allergic reactions. We do not usually recommended drugs, and for most allergic reactions we would not use antihistamine, but if swelling occurs and /or there is any hint of breathing troubles, an antihistamine could be a life saver. These drugs must be given quickly, however, as they do not reverse the histamine effect, they only block further impact.

General Care for Allergic Reactions

If she develops any breathing difficulty and if swelling around the face is severe, because breathing problems may follow shortly. In these cases, it is often best to head for a clinic in case respiratory troubles start. See a veterinarian immediately:

 If you see no response to treatment within a few hours (facials swelling) to a day or so (hives);  If the condition worsens. See your veterinarian soon:

The B vitamins (about 1 mg-mcg-as appropriate for each B vitamin-per pound) may help minimize the reaction. Vitamin C (5-10 mg/lb, two to three times a day) and vitamin E (5-10 mg/lb, once a day) may be helpful in preventing allergic attacks in sensitive animals.

If you must use antihistamines, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and chlorpheniramine are fairly commonly available. Use the former at 1-2 mg/lb and the latter at the dose of 2 mg per ten to twenty pounds-up to 8 mg total (chlorpheniramine) in a big dog. Diphenhydramine may be given every eight hours and chlorpheniramine. Every twelve hours if needed. Often, only one or two doses is needed.

Allow the body to handle the reaction or use antihistamines if necessary. The other symptoms are not a problem.The other drugs that help with allergic reactions are corticosteroids (“cortisone”). These will reverse an allergic reaction. Use these in an emergency only (i.e. for breathing difficulty) as directed by your veterinarian. However, if you take your companion in for an allergic reaction but he does not develop breathing troubles, I suggest avoiding corticosteroids.

Homeopathic Medicines for Allergic Reactions

      Apis mellifica
If you see facial swelling, give Apis right away. It may prevent respiratory problems, but if you see respiratory impairment, give the remedy and take your companion directly to a veterinary clinic. This is the primary remedy for swelling and for respiratory difficulty

     Arsenicum album
Arsenicum may be helpful when breathing is impaired without facial swelling.

This remedy may help if the animal is restless and weak. The skin may itch intensely may have hives, or there may be no physical change.

    Rbus toxicodendrom
The itching is improved by hot applications or hot bathing. This remedy, made from poison ivy, can help with hives that are accompanied by great itching and restlessness.

Urtica urens
Often there are red patches of skin as well. Increased frequency of urination may accompany the hives. Urtica is made from the stinging nettle. This is perhaps the best remedy for most allergic hives. The hives itch and sting intensily.  See also “Skin and Ears,” especially the section on “Bites and Strings.”