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