Jack Russell and Allergies
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Cindy Chastain
Posted on: April 02, 2006

We recently welcomed a rescued Jack Russell into our home and were told that he has flea bite allergies which he would probably outgrow. At this time he has no fleas, but apparently has other allergies. From his mid-section back he has very little hair and he itches/scratches/bites/licks constantly. Are there any herbal remedies we can try with him? Just anything that will calm the itchy feeling since we don’t know what else he’s allergic to. Incidentally, we have changed his food and his shampoo, and ruled out fleas but don’t feel there’s anything else we can really change to accommodate him.

Although you mention that you have changed his diet, I will assume his food has gone from one commercial brand to another. Many dogs and cats have serious food allergies to ingredients found in commercial foods, usually resulting in loss of fur through scratching, biting and licking. I have seen animals with no fur left on their entire abdomen as a result of food allergies. I would strongly suggest looking at the work of Richard Pitcairn "Natural Health for Dogs and Cats", "The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat" by Juliette de Bairacli Levy and "The Barf Diet" by Ian Billinghurst for thoughts on homemade food. Interestingly, most people also find that once an animal has switched over to a homemade diet, the need for shampoos disappears. In the meantime, you may also want to look at the posting "Dog and Allergies" on this website (www.richters.com) for ideas on topical applications to ease his itching.

Back to | Q & A Index

Copyright © 1997-2024 Otto Richter and Sons Limited. All rights reserved.