| Copyright (c) 2008 The Naturally Healthy Allergic | | | | the allergy. |
| conjunctivitis, as well as sneezing and other evidence | | | | Most holistic therapists and vets will look to the diet for |
| of allergy, is increasingly common in dogs. This may be | | | | a source of allergy. It is worth trying a hypo-allergenic |
| related to where they live, or to changes in their | | | | diet, especially a home-prepared one. In addition, |
| immunity due to, for example, diet and exercise. | | | | allergens are often airbourne, so it is worth looking at |
| Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin | | | | environmental dust and pollution. Antioxidant |
| layer of skin over the white of the eye and the inner | | | | supplements can help boost the immunity and reduce |
| surface of the lids. Allergy occurs when the immune | | | | allergy. |
| system over-reacts to a stimulus, mistakenly thinking it | | | | Herbal Remedies: Burdock, Meadowsweet & |
| is an infection or cancer that it needs to fight off. | | | | Rosemary can all help with allergic conjunctivitis. |
| A dog with allergic conjunctivitis is likely to have | | | | Burdock (Arctium lappa) helps with detoxification; |
| redness, swelling and watering of one or both (usually | | | | Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is antiseptic and |
| both) eyes. There may be thickening of the | | | | anti-inflammatory, and Rosemary (Rosemarinus |
| conjunctiva, and if the dog is irritated to the extent that | | | | officinalis) is another antiseptic and disinfectant. The |
| it scratches the eyes, there may be corneal abrasions | | | | eyes can be bathed in a decoction of fennel seed |
| and other eye damage. | | | | (Foeniculum vulgare), Eyebright (Euphrasia officinallis) or |
| No treatment ("watchful waiting") is a valid option if | | | | elder flower (Sambucus nigra) to reduce soreness and |
| symptoms are very mild. Allergen avoidance is | | | | inflammation. |
| important, as far as it is possible. Bathing the eyes with | | | | Homeopathy: Apis mel can be used to rinse sore |
| a cool flannel may relieve some soreness and itching. | | | | eyelids; arsen alb is used for more watery eyes. |
| More severe allergic conjunctivitis will be treated with | | | | Relaxation therapy, spiritual healing and general stress |
| anti-inflammatory or antihistamine eye drops and | | | | reducing measures will aid recovery from allergic |
| ointments, and if any secondary bacterial infection is | | | | conjunctivitis, as well as other ill-health. Healing work on |
| suspected, an antibiotic drop may be added. | | | | the Brow chakra will particularly benefit the eyes. |
| Occasionally a steroid drop will be used if treatment is | | | | Blue lace agate is useful for eye problems when using |
| otherwise unsuccessful. | | | | a crystal healing. |
| Allergen testing may be needed to find the cause of | | | | |