disclaimer: I have to tell you I am not a veterinarian and I do not have the qualifications to offer you advise on your dog’s health. Please see a veterinarian for all of your dog’s health requirements.  Also, as an affiliate with Amazon.ca, you may encounter affiliate links. They don’t cost you a cent, but if you click on them I might get a coin or two.  Thanks.

Raw Meat For Dog Allergies?

When your dog is sick, you will do just about anything to make him feel better.  People stress over their dogs, and for good reason! Loss of fur, severe itching, scaling, red and raised bumps, lack of energy, no appetite, and secondary staph infections are just a few things I hear people talk about.  I’ve heard a lot about raw meat for dogs as a way to treat food allergies, but I know very little about it.

To educate myself, I’ve joined several forums and I’ve discovered a wealth of anecdotes from people. All have various breeds with varying degrees of allergies.   I decided to share what other people are doing to treat their dogs. The list, which includes raw meat, also contains ideas for grain-free food, goat’s milk, and more!

I am not a veterinarian and I am not by any means suggesting that you try these things with your dog.  I always stand by, and recommend, a visit to the veterinarian as a first-line of treatment. Always.

So let’s begin….

ANECDOTAL TREATMENTS FOR DOG ALLERGIES

Here are some real-life anecdotes from people who’ve tried these things for allergies and claim they work.

1. Acana Fish

Acana is a brand of dog food that sell a variety of packaged dog food including pre-made meals containing free-run chicken, a line of “Light & Fit” dog food, Freshwater Fish, Raw Meat, and a Paleo diet for dogs.

The company claims “biological appropriate” food made from “fresh regional ingredients”.

https://acana.com/usa/faq/

2. Kelp Powder

One Google search and a variety of kelp powder products pop up. I narrowed the search to Amazon with the keyword “dog” and found a few that looked promising.  I have not tried any of these for my dog and I must tell you that because I am an affiliate with Amazon, I will get a very small compensation for any sales purchased through the clicked link.

The first one is called Icelandic Ocean Kelp which comes in 1 ½ pounds, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, and 20 pound bags.  https://amzn.to/2JPJXzQ

3. Raw Goat’s Milk

This one wasn’t as easy to find, but I like the look of this product sold by Raw Paws® Pet Food.  They sell human-grade raw goat’s milk with no added hormones, antibiotic free, free range, no preservatives, made in the USA.

Click the link to check it out:

4.    Low Carb Diet
   

EVO Grain Free Red Meat Formula

Click the link to check it out:

5. Filtered Water

I didn’t add any particular product for this because, as far as I’m concerned, you can buy filtered water just about anywhere. You can also purchase a filter for your tap to make it yourself.

As to how filtered water helps dogs with allergies….I don’t know. I would guess that a traditional licensed veterinarian may have some reservations on this. However, because it’s only water, it’s not going to hurt your dog.

6. Raw Meat

I am still educating myself on this topic.  I do know people who are able to get raw meat straight from a farm. Others purchase pre-made “raw meat” from the store. I did a search and found a couple that sound interesting.

One is Backcountry Raw Infused.  Click here to find out more  https://amzn.to/2Lin9hD

And the other is called Carnivore Crunch which is grain free and 98% poultry organs and ground bone.  Note: these are just dog treats, not a meal. This is freeze dried as well.  Click here to find out more: https://amzn.to/2NDLbjQ

Keep in mind that the FDA does not endorse giving raw meat to your dog both for your safety and for the safety of the dog. Read more HERE.

7. Grain Free

According to a recent report in Pet Industry, grain-free diets for dogs are in demand. As a result, dog food companies are creating much higher quality dog foods to meet the demands.

Hill’s Science Diet is one that I would try on my dogs. It’s a veterinarian-recommended food that I’ve seen at my local pet store. The stuff flies off the shelf so it must have some merit.  Decide for yourself!

Click on this link to find out more

7. Probiotics and L. Glutamine

Settling on the “right” supplement is completely overwhelming to me. I chose to show you Doggie Dailies Probiotics for Dogs.  These soft chews contain advanced probiotics with prebiotics, relieves dog diarrhea, improves digestion, and optimizes immune system and enhances overall health.  Those words come straight from the package. Clink the link to find out more.

8. Medical shampoos and soaps

I am a HUGE FAN of Burt’s Bees products, including their line of dog shampoo.  I have two large dogs and I’ve used this on them. Now, this is kind of general “soothing” shampoo which may or may not help a severe allergy. But, if you’re already ahead of the allergy and just need some TLC for your dog’s skin, I would recommend this:

Click the link to find out more.

9. Antibiotic treatment

Antibiotic medications typically require a veterinarian’s prescription. At least that’s how it works in Canada. Rather than run down the full list of antibiotics and their side-effects, I think it’s best that you speak to your veterinarian for the best solution.

10. Cytopoint injection
    

Cytopoint injections are usually administered at the veterinarian’s office.  In all the people I’ve spoken to, most have said that it works in the beginning but tends to lose its effectiveness.  However, you must decide for yourself what to do.  You and the veterinarian that is!

11 Over-the-counter antihistamines 

My son has a dog with food allergies and when he has a flare-up, he gives an appropriate dose of Benadryl to his dog as a back-up.  It’s really important to get dosage right and to check with your veterinarian before administering. Sometimes OTC drugs can interact badly with prescription medications so please check with your vet on this before giving it.

Click on the link to find out more:  https://amzn.to/2Lvon8H

I’m sure this list of suggestions for dog allergies barely scratches the surface, but with so much talk about grain-free and raw meat, I thought it worthwhile to at least give you some starting points.

QUESTION FOR YOU:  Is your dog currently on a raw meat and/or grain free diet? I’m interested in finding more about that and how successful you were in reducing your dog’s allergies.  EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: latheriault@hugspetproducts.com

Interested in learning how to reclaim your dog’s health?  Start HERE

Leave a comment on the website or email me here: latheriault@hugspetproducts.com.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your dog and the opinions expressed in this article are entirely my own.  I research to the best of my ability in an attempt to bring you valuable content.  If your dog is sick, please bring him/her to a licensed veterinarian for a proper evaluation.

You don’t have to look far to find wild claims about various supplements and herbal remedies these days. While there might be a small truth to some of the claims, the reality is that there is no such thing as a “miracle” supplement, and that includes diatomaceous earth for dogs.

I’m not completely against the use of diatomaceous earth for dogs, but I do want to bring your awareness to the questionable health claims. My goal is to help you make an informed decision about the use of diatomaceous earth.

Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs – Not The World’s Next Miracle

Diatomaceous earth for dogs is, basically, crushed sea plankton (microscopic skeletons of diatoms that are mostly comprised of silica).  It’s ground into powder form and sold as a natural, non-toxic way to get rid of insects, slugs, and parasites.  There is a food-grade version of diatomaceous earth and an industrial grade used in agriculture and home products.

Choosing non-toxic pesticides is a great idea, especially when using it around the house and garden for bug control.  We all want to protect our dogs, and when faced with a natural option over a pharmaceutical solution, I think we tend to lean towards the natural products.  Sometimes, however, that can cause more harm than good.

But Everybody Says Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs is Amazing!

Search for information on diatomaceous earth for dogs and you will many sites that rave about its so-called benefits.  I’m not saying there are no benefits, but the lack of scientific evidence weighed against the lengthy health claims makes me wonder.

Current information about the use of diatomaceous earth for dogs is anecdotal. Some people swear by it, and others won’t go there.  Personally, I tend to rely on traditional veterinarian medicine before considering homeopathic remedies.  

Diatomaceous earth is designed to slowly kill insects and parasites by chipping away at their protective waxy layer. Once that layer is gone, the pest dries up and dies.  My question is:  If this substance only kills pests by drying them out, how could it possibly kill internal parasites like tapeworms, or manage flea infestations fast enough to eradicate them?

The FAKE NEWS of Diatomaceous Earth

As I mentioned above, anybody can do a quick online search and find reams of articles about the so-called benefits of diatomaceous earth.  Given the lack of medical evidence, it’s difficult to find hard facts.

I’ve listed the top 9 questionable health claims below along with a few thoughts to help you question the validity of the claims before treating yourself or your dog.  I welcome your thoughts on these claims as well. Just complete the Contact Me form in the sidebar or email (see below).

Questionable Claims Include:

#1:  Detoxifies and absorbs toxins from the body.

A normal, healthy liver does its job of removing toxins from the body, so why the need for anything else? Again, the body knows how to keep everything in balance. If you or your dog suffer from gastrointestinal issues, it probably takes more than a tablespoon of diatomaceous earth to fix the problem. That is, of course, only my opinion.

#2:  Supports healthy joints.

Silica, the main substance that makes up the diatomaceous earth for dogs, is thought to support the health of our skin, blood vessels, cartilage and tendons, teeth, bones, and hair.  But, is more better?  My guess is that a tablespoon of diatomaceous earth for dogs doesn’t warrant concern, but I am not a veterinarian.

#3:  Reduces the pain of arthritis.

If this is true, why aren’t all veterinarians recommending diatomaceous earth for dogs?  I’ve read worrisome statements on popular dog blogs like “all joint pain is caused by nutrient deficiency” and I scratch my head.

#4:  Improves bone density.

It’s true that silica works within our bodies to promote bone strength, but how much diatomaceous earth would you have to eat in order to actually improve bone density?  The fact is, nobody really knows.  I’m not sure that it’s harmful, but why waste your time and money if there’s no proof that it’s helpful?

#5: Helps prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.

I have no idea what this means and I would be highly suspicious of this claim.

#6: Strengthens the heart.

According to my veterinarian, the best way to strengthen my dog’s heart is through regular exercise. Because she is a senior, and her joints sometimes hurt, my veterinarian recommended swimming to increase cardiovascular strength.

#7:  Lowers cholesterol.

I can almost guarantee that if you ask any general practitioner or veterinarian how diatomaceous earth for dogs lowers their cholesterol, they won’t be able to tell you.  In order to legitimately make this claim, strict analysis through scientific studies would have to be carried out. As far as I can tell, that hasn’t happened yet. In addition, is diatomaceous earth supposed to lower “good” cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol.  And how exactly does this happen?

#8: Prevents wrinkles.

I suspect this claim is loosely based around the concentration of silica in diatomaceous earth. Silica, as mentioned above, does work within our bodies to support skin elasticity.  Do I believe it will prevent wrinkles? No.  If that were the case, the cosmetic industry would be out of business.

#9: Helps people with diabetes.

Here’s a dangerous claim. Never rely on diatomaceous earth for the treatment of diabetes! Diabetes is a serious disease that can cause vision problems, nerve damage, serious foot problems, infection, kidney infections, stroke and heart disease. Have your dog treated by a traditional veterinarian.

External Use of Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs

Diatomaceous earth for dogs is primarily made up of silica, a natural, non-toxic, drying agent.  In order to even attempt to rid your dog of fleas, diatomaceous earth has to be used regularly for a minimum of 30 days.  It can take upwards of 6 weeks or longer to stop the flea life cycle.

FLEA LIFE CYCLE:

Mature flea on dog – lays eggs two days later – eggs hatch – eggs turn into larva – which eventually turns into another adult flea – repeat.

Dusting DE powder onto your dog’s fur over time can result in very dry skin.  Excessive scratching can create secondary skin problems or worsen dermatitis.

Internal Use of Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs

Diatomaceous earth for dogs works by scratching away at the waxy substance found on insects and fleas. Once that protective coating is gone, the insect/parasite dries up and dies.  I don’t believe it works the same way when digested. As a dog owner, I would skip the diatomaceous earth and go straight for a proven, effective, topical or oral flea, worm, and tick preventative.

Evidence of success against whipworm, roundworm, and pinworm is purely anecdotal.   Diatomaceous earth for dogs will not kill tapeworms.

At the end of the day, the decision on whether to use diatomaceous earth for dogs is yours. It’s not illegal to buy or consume the product, but keep in mind that just because someone says it works on their dog, doesn’t mean it works on all dogs.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, please work with a licensed veterinarian for all of your dog’s health concerns.  The intent of this post was to give you a few worthwhile things to think about. I hope I was successful.  

Please feel free to open a discussion with me on the pros and cons of diatomaceous earth for dogs by emailing me at: latheriault@hugspetproducts.

Look anywhere on the web and you’ll find lists as long as your arm touting the benefits of bovine colostrum for dogs.  But, is it all hype?   Therapeutic studies and recent reports are conflicting.  At best, it seems the benefits of bovine colostrum for dogs is anecdotal. 

In general terms it appears to be safe, but there are several considerations you should know about.  In some situations, bovine colostrum for dogs has related in worsening symptoms.

If you’re anything like me, you will do just about anything to provide relief from your dog’s misery. I completely understand.  I still think it’s important to ask ourselves a few questions before jumping on the “cure all” bandwagon.  The purpose of this post is to give you some specific questions to ask yourself before administering bovine colostrum to your ailing dog.

Bovine Colostrum for Dogs

“Dr. Internet” Offers Rave Reviews on Bovine Colostrum for Dogs!

Pet stores, e-commerce websites, and department stores carry a variety of bovine colostrum supplements with health benefit claims related to:

• Food allergies
• Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract
• Arthritis/Joint Pain
• Diarrhea
• Improve immune function
• Remove toxins from the body

It’s true the colostrum (the early milk produced for newborn humans or animals) is rich in antibodies and lactoferrin.  Lactoferrin is a complex protein also found in saliva, tears, and nasal secretions. Human milk actually has the highest concentration, followed by cow milk.  This protein acts as an antibacterial and antimicrobial agent in human infants. 

Dr. Stephen Blake, DVM, author of The Pet Whisperer   recommends bovine colostrum for dogs for the relief of gastrointestinal conditions like colitis and diarrhea. He also suggest a use for it in canine food allergies. Dr. Blake doesn’t call it a “miracle” supplement, but he also doesn’t discuss real patient reactions.  The handful of people I spoke say their dogs had a worsening of diarrhea/allergies after taking bovine colostrum.  Their respective veterinarians suggested the reaction could be due to the high protein in the substance and the fact that it hasn’t been mixed with other enzymes.

How is  “Dr. Internet” Allowed to Sell Bovine Colostrum as a Supplement?

There is no law against selling colostrum. The law comes into play when marketers use words like “drug”, “directions for use”, and “cures, treats, or promotes health…”   In other words, it can be sold as long as it doesn’t make unproven medical claims.

According to the International Milk Genomics Consortium the “bovine version of an abundant protein in breast milk, called lactoferrin, has been authorized for inclusion in infant formula in several countries, but not yet in the United States.”

I can’t testify to the accuracy of the youtube video below, but I have listened to other videos by Dr. Becker and what she says sounds reasonable to me.  Have a listen for yourself!

Ask Yourself These Questions Before Administering Bovine Colostrum to Your Dog:

1) Does the supplement make outrageous claims?

If a cure-all, miracle supplement actually existed, I’m sure the medical world and headlining news would be all over it.  Be suspicious of any supplement that claims to be a fix for everything.

2) Is the store reputable?

I have a personal rule to only purchase goods online through well-known stores, high-profile stores.  Does the website look sloppy or is it full of spelling errors?  I use these markers as red flags telling me to move on!

Don’t be swayed by fancy packaging.  I am a sucker for shiny things that, at the end of the day, don’t work any better than a less snazzy product.

3) Has my veterinarian approved this particular supplement?

I have a very strict rule about talking to my veterinarian before administering any holistic or “natural” product to my dog.   To some people, the word “natural” implies that it is safe. However, grass, pollen, wheat, and dust are all “natural”, yet they still produce uncomfortable allergies in some.

4) Does my dog have other health problems that could be worsened by bovine colostrum for dogs?

Unfortunately, the handful of people I spoke to noted that bovine colostrum actually made diarrhea worse and heightened allergic reactions. It’s possible that underlying health conditions and competing supplements may have caused this.  There are no studies (that I could find) to compare side-effects and reactions in dogs taking holistic supplements in combination with prescription therapy. For that reason, you can’t really know how your dog will react if given something like bovine colostrum.   I tend to err on the side of caution by administering lesser doses of supplements until I’m comfortable that my dog isn’t suffering ill effects.  I highly recommend talking to your veterinarian about this.

5) Does the product have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the label? 

The DIN is an 8 digit number assigned to a product by the:

1. Therapeutic Products Directorate in Canada
2. FDA in the United States
3. European Medicines Agency in Europe.

I searched the drug databases of the US Health & Drug Administration, Health Canada, and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction but came up empty-handed. For that reason, it’s unlikely the container of colostrum in your hand doesn’t have a DIN number.

Bovine Colostrum for Dogs

It’s Only Bovine Colostrum for Dogs…How Bad Can It Be?

Tested and approved drugs contain valuable information like correct dosages and possible side-effects, including potential interactions between different medications. In order for a product to be marketed as a “drug”, it has to be approved. Anything you give your dog without a DIN number, that is labelled as having medicinal properties, is at your own risk.

I don’t have the authority to give a thumbs up or a thumbs down on this product, but I will suggest talking to your veterinarian about it.  Make a quick phone call and ask whether he/she thinks it could help.  Not every veterinarian is against homeopathic treatments, but they all have the education and resources backing them up to make an educated decision.

Dogs are a lot like us when they don’t feel well.  Sometimes a bland diet for dogs is the perfect thing to do. It’s hard to eat when you’re sick or recovering from surgery, especially when it affects the digestive system.  When I was a kid, the first thing I wanted to eat after a bout of the flu was a piece of toast and some ginger ale. My mother swore by the ginger ale (and yes, real ginger is very good for upset tummy), and the toast was bland but satisfying.

There are a lot of reasons to go with a bland diet for dogs. Today, I’m going to show you what those reasons are and, at the bottom of the post, you’ll find an invitation to sign up for a free bland food diet guide including instructions and a timetable.

Keep reading! As a Thank-You for being here, I’m offering a free bland diet guide that you can scoop up below.

REASONS FOR A BLAND DIET FOR DOGS

1. RECOVERY

If your dog has recently been ill or is recovering from surgery, he might not be feeling his best. Your dog might have a sore throat where the intubation tube was placed during surgery, or maybe he’s nauseated because of the anesthesia.

2. POOR APPETITE

A poor appetite is usually accompanied by something else. Your dog might be tired, stressed, in pain, or suddenly not interested in the food you’ve been giving him all along.

In this case, don’t force your dog to eat. Dogs can actually go a long time without eating, so as long as your dog is staying hydrated, he/she will be fine.  If your dog still isn’t eating after a couple of days, try introducing small amounts of bland food into his diet. For instructions and a timetable, make sure you sign up for the freebie below!

Keep reading this article because I’m going to help you with putting together a good bland diet for dogs that you can start today.

3. BLAND DIET FOR DOGS WITH UPSET TUMMY

It’s not always easy to understand when or why your dog has an upset tummy. My golden retriever had an uneasy stomach the other night and the only way I could tell was from the loud rumbling coming from her belly.  It sounded like sludge being digested through a meat grinder.  Imagine that noise if you will.

In this case, remove your dog’s regular food and replace it with bland food until you think your dog’s feeling better. Signs of feeling better include more energy, “good” poops, and he/she might start sniffing around for their regular dog food.

4. DIARRHEA MAY REQUIRE TEMPORARY BLAND DIET FOR DOGS

There’s nothing worse than a dog with diarrhea. It’s awful to witness, and even worse when you’re out on a walk in public. You can’t clean up diarrhea from a sidewalk!  The minute your dog shows signs of diarrhea, start him or her on a bland diet for dogs. Keep treats and human food out of reach in case he/she is the type of dog to get into the goodies, if you know what I mean.

If the diarrhea continues for more than a day or two, just give your veterinarian a call. There are lots of reasons for diarrhea including stress and parasites.

WARNING: If you see other symptoms along with diarrhea and vomiting including

• bloody stool
• blood in the vomit
• extreme fatigue
• weakness
• extreme thirst

Get your dog to a veterinarian. Have a quick look around the house to be sure your dog didn’t accidentally swallow something he shouldn’t have. There are many poisonous plants, household cleaners, and other toxins that dogs should never have. That includes chocolate.

5. CANCER

Sometimes, it’s not the cancer itself making your dog feel sick. Chemotherapy and radiation sometimes take a toll on the dog’s energy level and appetite. Your dog might be incredibly nauseated from the chemo side-effects. He/she might vomit and not want to eat anything at all.  If that’s the case, try to keep your dog hydrated with water or (if given the veterinarian’s okay), a drink with electrolytes such as Pedialite.

6. GASTROPARESIS

Gastroparesis forces peristaltic action in the gut. You know that rolling feeling you get just before you are about to throw-up? It’s something like that. Wavelike motions move through the stomach muscles causing cramping pain, excess gas and bloating, and difficulty digesting food.

Dogs with gastroparesis normally vomit shortly after eating. They may feel nauseated or not hungry at all.  In fact, your dog might suddenly starting eating non-food items like socks, nails, magnets, etc.  This condition is called pica.

7. ALLERGIES

Food allergies are the #1 reason for a bland diet for dogs. The only way to determine what food your dog is allergic to is to work through the elimination diet. During an elimination diet, you aren’t suppose to introduce any new food. A bland diet given before the actual elimination diet begins is a good way to settle the tummy before introducing the dog’s normal foods into his/her diet.

Speak to your veterinarian about how to do this. Not all clinics perform this the same way.

Keep reading! As a Thank-You for being here, I’m offering a free bland diet guide that you can scoop up below.

8. DEPRESSION

Dog depression is a condition affecting countless canine companions. Statistical reports are hard to find on this topic, but an article published in 2013 in the Telegraph suggests that possibly 1 in 4 dogs may suffer with depression (United Kingdom).

Veterinarians have been prescribing antidepressants to dogs since 1998 for a number of reasons. Antidepressants are thought to reduce anxiety and depression, enabling the dog to have a clear mind capable of learning new, better behaviors.

I have been in clinically depressed states before, and I can tell you that I certainly didn’t feel like eating.  If your dog goes through a longer period of not eating, you may need to slowly bring him back by integrating a bland diet.

9. SORE MOUTH

Does can easily hurt the insides of their mouths, but how many of us would notice? Unless there are visible signs of blood or trauma, there’s a good chance you don’t know what’s happening in there.

Dogs can damage their teeth and gums from chewing on bones that splinter, biting on extremely hard toys, rocks, or other non-food items.  If your dog is suddenly pawing at his mouth, it’s a good sign that there’s something going on.

You should gently pry your dog’s mouth open and check for anything obvious, like an embedded object. If there is nothing, begin a bland diet of soft foods to make it easier for him/her to eat. After a few days, gradually integrate the normal dog food back into the diet.

If you still don’t see improvement, I suggest taking your dog to the veterinarian for further examination.

10. DENTAL ISSUES

I brush my dogs’ teeth. Sometimes. When I think of it. They’re both getting older and you know how it goes. Things start to break down and fall apart.  A dog’s teeth are no different. It’s very likely that the reason your dog isn’t feel well is because of tooth pain.

You might notice your dog pawing at one side of his mouth and turning his head away from the food you give him. Try a very soft, bland diet and contact the veterinarian, especially if your dog has unusually bad breath. That type of bad breath might signify tooth rot and infection.

11. HEATSTROKE

Sometimes I think that if I am comfortable, then my dog must be as well. That’s just not the case, however. The amount of sunshine and heat your dog can tolerate depends a lot on the breed, size, thickness of fur, and ability to breath clearly. Brachycephalic dogs (dogs with flat noses) find it difficult to keep cool. Pugs, boxers, and bull dogs are just a few examples of breeds prone to heatstroke.

Signs of heatstroke include:

1. Intense panting, barking, or obvious signs of agitation.
2. Excessive thirst and drooling
3. Dark-colored (red or purple) gums or tongue
4. Glassy eyes
5. Elevated body temperature of 40ºC (104ºF) and up
6. Watch for weakness and staggering
7. Seizures
8. Fainting

A trained veterinarian will replenish your dogs fluids. Once your dog is feeling better, a bland diet for dogs is a good way to ease him back into his normal food routine.

Introducing a bland diet for dogs happens for any number of reasons, but if you are facing that situation, you might need help deciding what and how much to give.

As promised, you can now gain access to a free bland diet guide and timetable. Print it out and stick it on your fridge if you’d like.   For immediate access, please complete the sign-in form below. Don’t forget to check your email for confirmation (don’t let it go to spammy spam spam)