NEW Herbal Allergy Relief
So IF you have a dog that scratches, itches, loses hair, has recurring ear infections...well they likely have atopy, otherwise known as environmental allergy..
SO WHAT to do?
Well I have discussed this many times in the past, and still this is one of the MOST common questions I get..
Something NEW
Butterbur
Background
Butterbur is a shrub that grows in Europe and parts of Asia and North America, typically in wet, marshy ground. The name, butterbur, is attributed to the traditional use of its large leaves to wrap butter in warm weather.
In the Middle Ages, butterbur was used for plague and fever, and in the 17th century it was used to treat cough, asthma, and skin wounds. More recently, it has been used for urinary tract symptoms, stomach upset, headaches including migraines, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and other conditions.
Commercial butterbur products that contain extracts from the root, rhizome (underground stem), or leaves of the plant are available. Raw, unprocessed butterbur products, such as teas, should not be used because they contain harmful substances.
How Much Do We Know?
In one study, published recently in the British Medical Journal, a group of Swiss researchers showed how just one tablet of butterbur extract (Ze 339) four times daily was as effective as a popular antihistamine drug in controlling symptoms of hay fever -- without the traditional symptom of drowsiness that sometimes occurs.
In a second study, presented at the 60th annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), a group of British researchers put their stamp of approval on butterbur's effectiveness in quelling symptoms of grass allergy.
Safety
Several studies, including a few studies of children and adolescents, have reported that PA (pyrrolozidine)-free butterbur products are safe and well tolerated when taken by mouth in recommended doses for up to 16 weeks. The safety of longer-term use has not been established.
Doses
A typical Dog Dose would be .5mg/lb twice daily, meaning a 50lb dog would take 25mg twice a day. Ensure that the capsule is also mean't for people, so it will say PA free.
