Steroids & Antibiotics

HOW MEDICATION IMPACTS NUTRITION

Antibiotics are often indicated for the secondary bacterial skin infections that result from the inflammation in the system due to circulating immune complexes. Steroids and antibiotics are the short term fix, often necessary to buy time while the immune system is rebalanced. For a long term solution - dietary and environmental interventions can be used to control inflammation.

Many natural supplements can also assist in the inhibition of the inflammatory cascade: Vitamin E; selenium and other trace minerals; the amino acids glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid; and good old vitamin C. A species-appropriate, raw food diet provides all of these elements. In the initial period of changing to a species-appropriate diet , your dog or cat may benefit from supplementation as well. Long term supplementation is not ideal though - the body is much better at using natural food sources of these important nutrients. In some cases, synthetic forms of nutrients are known to cause harm over time.

If your pet is on prescription medication, such as steroids, it is very important that you consult with your veterinarian before you make any changes to their medication protocol.