Allergies and Your Pet
A healthy and normal immune system reacts to bacteria and viruses (foreign invaders) by manufacturing antibodies that allow the body to mount an immune response against these unwelcome pathogens. The immune system also encounters hundreds of particles every day that are not pathogenic, but just part of the natural environment. These substances (ragweed, grasses, pollens, molds, foods, etc.) should be assimilated by the body but not considered foreign invaders. Allergies are a result of an over-active immune system that processes and interprets everyday substances as a pathogenic assault. These proteins, when viewed by the body as foreign invaders, are called allergens.
Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, are produced by the body in response to invasion of foreign substances and are divided into 4 subclasses including IgE, IgA, IgM and IgG. These antibodies generally bind to the foreign substances (allergens), making them available for elimination by other cells by the body's own defense mechanisms. Under normal conditions in healthy individuals, these circulating immune complexes are rapidly taken up by the reticuloendothelial systems of the liver and the spleen. When these systems break down or are "on overload," complexes continue to circulate and form larger complexes which are deposited in tissues causing local and generalized inflammatory problems(8). Immune complexes have been found in almost every organ and tissue of diseased patients, but are most commonly implicated in kidney disease, polyarthritis, atopic dermatitis and IBD in the dog and cat.
There are only two types of allergies: food and environmental. Pets can be allergic to one type of tree or every outdoor allergen, allergic to only wheat or every starch. Some pets inherit sensitivities to certain foods and environmental factors. Pets with inherited tendencies toward allergic responses often demonstrate allergic symptoms early in life. Many allergies are acquired over several years of continual exposure to the allergen (allergic substance).
top of pageSome pets have both food allergies and environmental allergies. Most of the time, if pets itch during the spring, summer or fall, they are reacting to something they are exposed to at that time. If pets continue to exhibit symptoms after outdoor allergens have been buried under snow, it points more towards year-round antigenic stimulation (food). Allergy tests determine what substances a pet is reacting to at that point in time. Allergy panels can yield very different results when conducted over several months, demonstrating that the immune system can over-react to many different antigens as they are presented.
Interestingly, food allergies have been shown to occur more in pets that are fed only one food source for a prolonged period of time. “My pet can’t be allergic to her food, she’s been eating it her whole life.” My point exactly. The immune system is bombarded with the same allergens for so long that it can begin to react negatively to the food source. The foods most commonly found to be allergenic on allergy panels are wheat and corn. Surprising? Not really, as dogs and cats were never meant to ingest foods containing such high amounts of carbohydrates. Many vets screen only for environmental allergies, assuming that the high quality kibble the pet is on could not be causing a problem. I used to conduct food allergy panels on almost every allergy referral I received. The results became so monotonous that I quit doing the tests and simply instituted the changes: take pets off grains, switch protein sources for 12 weeks, then introduce a variety of raw food slowly into the diet. What did I find? Success.
top of pageFood antigens circulate in the bloodstream for up to 6 weeks. This means that a true food trial should last at least six weeks, sometimes longer. During this period, animals must not eat any foods suspected of causing a reaction. This includes treats. A single bite of a problematic food can cause a flare up that lasts several days. After the patient has been given adequate time to clear the allergic substances from his/her body, new foods can be added slowly, watching the animal’s response after each food is added. Interestingly, many of the foods that were previously considered allergenic can often be incorporated into the diet once the body has had ample time to detox and clear out the cellular debris. Many holistic vets theorize that it’s not the actual food protein that causes the immune system to react but the chemicals and preservatives included in the foods that cause the problem. Although we can’t say for sure, it would explain why many pets can consume foods that were previously listed as allergenic on the panel with no negative effects after the correct dietary changes have been made.
Allergy symptoms are very diverse. They range from the basic itch to red eyes, unexplained vomiting, nasal discharge and oozy skin. Because the symptoms are produced from the inside out, ointments, shampoos, sprays and dips can only provide temporary relief. Treatment must focus on balancing the immune system. Suppressing the immune system with steroids (also called prednisone, cortisone or the nondescript “allergy shot”) is least optimal (refer to the above graph). Steroids turn the immune over-reaction off, which improves the symptoms remarkably fast but doesn’t address why the immune system is over-reacting.
top of page*additional info for vets:
Corticosteroids also inhibit the release of excessive arachidonic acid from cell
membranes, thus preventing the production of proinflammatory products. Vitamin E
short circuits the arachidonic acid cascade by interfering with the action of
the enzyme cyclooxygenase. The antioxidant complex glutathione peroxidase
(composed of the trace mineral selenium and the amino acids glycine, cysteine
and glutamic acid) as well as vitamin C, can also assist in the inhibition of
the inflammatory response.
Drug-induced immunosupression, in addition to a grain based commercial food can also lead to an overgrowth of yeast. Yeast are opportunistic pathogens, which mean their numbers increase when allowed to do so. When the body cannot resist infection then yeast and Staph bacteria tend to become a problem, so antibiotics are commonly prescribed. Grain based diets allow for an unnatural alkaline skin pH where these pathogens can thrive. Yeast thrive in a mildly alkaline environment. When we alkalize our pets by feeding a grain-based diet yeast often take advantage of the incorrect pH, setting up housekeeping in the ears, skin folds and between toes. Yeast extude a musty smell. Many people assume their pets should smell this way. Healthy pets do not stink. Healthy pets should only be bathed with they’re dirty but not because they’re smelly. Bathing smelly pets in oatmeal (a grain) shampoo often adds fuel to the fire, requiring the pet to be re-bathed multiple times a week for the owners to tolerate the pet in the house. Feeding pets a grain-free diet allows the skin to maintain a healthy, slightly acidic pH. Feeding pets a living diet builds a healthy immune system that is not conducive to yeast overgrowth.
What is the foundation of a functional immune system? Strong genetics and a healthy environment. Al Plechner, author of "Pet Allergies: Remedies For An Epidemic," states, "After 15 years of clinical investigation, I am convinced that the critical regulating mechanism linking the endocrine and the immune system has been seriously damaged by excessive cosmetic breeding." Many holistic vets believe the basis for allergic reactions is a genetically induced and/or environmentally acquired deficiency in various hormones produced by the exocrine (glandular) system. Deficient or unbalanced hormone levels result in loss of control of the immune regulatory system. Antigens allowed into the body are either over-processed or under-processed. The resultant stress on the animal's system caused by fluctuating hormone levels, together with genetic predisposition, can then lead to a hyperactive immune system and the loss of recognition of self.
In addition to a genetic component, an animal’s immune response is also influenced by environmental factors, including diet. Remember, the foods you feed will eventually heal or harm. Rebalancing the immune system by feeding natural, biologically appropriate wholesome foods is necessary to begin the road to recovery. Feeding pets healing, non-allergenic foods allows the immune system to rest. Feeding pets foods that provide natural anti-oxidants helps skin to heal faster, tissue and hair to become healthy. If the pet’s processed diet contained beef, use raw lamb for the first 12 weeks. In other words, select a protein source that your pet has not eaten before. Do not feed any grains during the dietary trial. Use only meat-based treats.
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