In addition, we here are some tips to naturally reduce your allergy reactions this season. 

Drink lots of fluids to hydrate mucous membranes. Hydrated membranes lead to thinner mucus that clears up easily. 

Eat fruits and vegetables high in anti-oxidants to boost your immunity.  Supplements like Good Elements Renewal include Vitamins C and E that have anti-inflammatory properties that can decrease swelling in your nasal passages. 

Avoid sugary foods and drinks.  These can cause excess mucus build up which can lead to congestion.  Replace sugary foods with spicy foods, which can increase blood flow to the nasal passages and eliminate mucus. 

Try a saline (salt water) nasal spray to reduce mucus. 

With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the flowers and a walk in the park through clear eyes, without a runny nose, and with a spring smile on your face.

Dogs may be allergic to all of the same inhaled allergens that affect humans, included the dreaded ragweed and various types of tree and grass pollens.  As we know, human symptoms of allergies include runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and respiratory problems.  For the canine, allergies produce severe itching.  This itching can lead to hair loss and a staining of the fur due to the affects of excess saliva.  Some dogs will itch during allergy season only, while others will itch year around – especially as the dog ages.  As dogs age, they become allergic to more things, so a somewhat allergic puppy can grow into a very allergic adult dog.

While the result of a dog‚s inhalant allergy is easy to see, the specific cause can be harder to identify.  Like a person, a dog can be allergic to many things producing the same unhappy reaction. Still, you may not need to know why your four legged friend is scratching in order to treat the issue. 

So how you can you help your buddy get through allergy season as comfortably as possible?  First step is to help your dog avoid places and things that may trigger the reaction and to keep your dog clean.  Try keeping your pet indoors more often during pollen season, and be sure to wash off your dog after he or she plays in weeds or higher grass.  Bathe your allergic dog at least once a week.  Also be sure to keep your grass short. 

After that, there are a number of natural therapies that can help your dog.  Like in people, products with natural anti-inflmmatories like quercitin and bioflavanoids can help control allergy symptoms and provide relief.   This can provide longer term and more generalized relief than topical solutions hydrocortisone shampoos and rinses and topical anti-itch solutions.  Still, as some allergens are absorbed through the skin, keeping your dog bathed can reduce your dogs‚ exposure and provide relief. Some of the hypoallergenic shampoos incorporate fatty acids; these may be absorbed through the skin and offer a localized anti-inflammatory action.

If your dog is not responding to natural therapies then you may have to consider allergy shots to try and reprogram the body‚s immune system to become less reactive to allergens. Allergy shots can be a long and expensive process and only about 50% of dogs have an excellent response.  Please consult with your veterinarian before attempting to treat your dogs‚ allergies.

So if Fido is scratching away this allergy season, it may not be fleas or ticks.  It could be an old fashioned ragweed allergy – the same one that has you sneezing away.  But carefully monitoring your dogs‚ activities, and keeping him clean can provide the ounce of prevention to make sure that mans best friends remains mans happiest friend this allergy season.

Source: Peteduction.com
            Homevet.com

Egg-Avocado Power Breakfast or Dinner- (everyone loves breakfast for dinner!!)

Ingredients:

½ cup left over grains- brown rice or quinoa

2 eggs poached or sunny-side-up steamed (see egg note below)

½ avocado sliced

1-2 tsp tamari or soy sauce to taste

(optional) 1 chopped green onion

(optional) 1 tsp sesame seeds

To prepare:

Heat up grains and place in a bowl

Cook eggs and layer on top of grains

Top with sliced avocado

Season with tamari or soy sauce to taste

Sprinkle green onion and / or sesame seeds on top

A B-vitamin packed, high protein breakfast to keep your blood sugar stable and adrenal glands happy.

A note about eggs:

Eggs are good for you and do not raise cholesterol if cooked correctly. To prevent oxidation of the fat in the egg yolk which creates bad cholesterol, the yolk must not interface with the heat and oil. Therefore, soft or hard boiled eggs as well as poached or steamed are the best methods to prepare eggs.

Try the sunny-side-up steamed method for ease and convenience:

Crack the egg into a lightly oiled pan

Let cook x 1 minute

Pour 1 tbsp of water over egg and cover

Allow to steam to your preferred yolk consistency, runny to firm