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Did you know that itchy skin is the number one reason we take our dogs to the vet?
The first signs of a problem usually appear as symptoms—things like excessive scratching, licking, chewing paws, or inflamed skin and ears. When we see these, our instinct is often to rush to the vet. But is that always the best solution? Let’s take a deeper look.
What Are Symptoms, and What Do They Really Mean?
Symptoms are the body’s way of signaling that something is off balance. Whether in humans or dogs, they are not the problem itself—they are the body’s attempt to restore balance (homeostasis). Yet, conventional medicine often treats symptoms as if they are the disease, using medications to suppress them rather than addressing the root cause.
We live in a society that dislikes symptoms because they remind us that something is wrong. Maybe you grew up this way—I certainly did! In my house, the moment I or my siblings had a fever, cough, or cold-like symptoms, out came the Buttercup cough syrup! Worse still, a trip to the doctor often resulted in the dreaded yellow banana medicine (amoxicillin) or the pink one—yuck! Do you remember those? That taste still haunts me!
But looking back, we now understand that cold symptoms are just the body’s way of expelling waste and restoring health. Stopping this natural process can actually do more harm than good. The same applies to our dogs.
Does Suppressing Symptoms Actually Help?
Unfortunately, no. While medications can provide temporary relief—reducing itching, redness, or discomfort—the underlying issue remains unresolved. And once the medication is stopped, the symptoms often return, sometimes even worse than before.
Many dog owners find themselves trapped in a cycle: their dog is prescribed antibiotics, steroids, Atopica, or even stronger drugs like Apoquel or Cytopoint. When one stops working, they’re advised to try another. This is called palliation—it eases discomfort but doesn’t address the root cause. Worse still, it can push the disease deeper into the body, making it more severe over time.
Apoquel, for example, is a powerfully suppressive drug. If you’re using it, I strongly encourage you to research its long-term effects.
When the word disease was first used, it referred literally to “lack of ease or comfort” rather than to how it is used today to refer to sickness or problems with bodily functions.
Common Symptoms of Toxic Overload in Dogs
If your dog is experiencing any of the following, you’re not alone:
- Paw chewing or licking
- Recurring ear infections or buildup
- Digestive issues, including vomiting or diarrhoea
- Hot spots (red, inflamed, oozing skin)
- Hair loss or bald patches
- Strong odour or yeast overgrowth
- Weepy eyes and a runny nose
- Sneezing, reverse sneezing, or coughing
At first glance, these might seem like separate issues. But in reality, they are all connected. Rather than viewing them as isolated problems, it’s important to recognise them as signs of one larger issue: the body’s attempt to detoxify and restore balance.
How to Prevent and Address These Symptoms Naturally
The key to lasting relief isn’t found in suppressing symptoms—it’s about identifying and removing the root cause. Here’s where to start:
Feed a fresh, species-appropriate diet – Preferably raw or lightly cooked, free from processed foods and additives.
Reduce environmental toxins and stress – Dogs are constantly exposed to chemicals in their environment, from household cleaners to lawn treatments. Minimising these helps reduce their toxic load.
Rethink vaccinations – Core vaccines don’t need to be repeated every three years. If you’re concerned, look into titre testing before vaccinating unnecessarily. Over-vaccination can be detrimental, especially for dogs that are already dealing with health issues.
Avoid chemical flea, tick, and worming treatments – These are harsh on the body and can often be replaced with natural alternatives—or, in many cases, nothing at all.
This is just the beginning. There are other important factors at play, which I’ll cover in future posts. But one thing is clear: once we remove toxins and support the gut, the body has a chance to heal. Over time, symptoms will fade—or at the very least, become manageable without resorting to harsh drugs.
Need Help Navigating Your Dog’s Healing Journey?
I know how challenging this can be, especially if you’ve realised that conventional treatments aren’t working. If you’re ready to get to the root cause of your dog’s symptoms and take a more natural approach but feel overwhelmed about where to start, I can help.
If you’d like one-on-one guidance and support, feel free to reach out. Drop me an email, and let’s get your dog on the path to healing. caninewellnessspecialist@gmail.com
Thank you for reading.
Teresa
Canine Wellness Specialist 