If your furry friend is suffering from allergies, don't worry, there are many options to help alleviate their discomfort. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms in dogs with allergies.
You can find these essential fatty acids in fish oil supplements, which are a popular choice among dog owners. These supplements can be added to your dog's food to provide a concentrated dose of omega-3s.
Some dog owners have reported success with using coconut oil as a natural remedy for allergies. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe itchy skin.
For dogs with food allergies, switching to a novel protein source like venison or duck can be a game-changer. This means replacing traditional ingredients like beef or chicken with these new protein sources.
A fresh viewpoint: Salmon Oil
Understanding Allergies in Dogs
First and foremost, if your dog is suffering from allergies, it's essential to consult with a vet to determine the underlying cause of their symptoms.
A comprehensive allergy and dermatology exam can help identify the allergens causing your dog's symptoms and recommend specific treatments.
The first step is always to consult with a vet, as they can provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan tailored to your dog's needs.
A vet can perform a thorough examination to rule out other potential causes of your dog's symptoms, such as skin infections or parasites.
Readers also liked: Canine Distemper Symptoms in Puppies
Causes and Triggers
Dogs can be allergic to just about everything, from food to pollen.
Allergens can be found in your home or environment, making it a process of elimination and observation to determine what's causing the reaction.
Food is a common allergen, and it can be difficult to pinpoint which specific food is causing the issue.
Insect bites can also trigger an allergic reaction in dogs, so it's essential to monitor their interactions with insects.
Pollens that are only in the air at certain times of the year can cause allergic reactions in dogs, which can be challenging to manage.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Dog Hives Allergic Reaction Staffy Skin Bumps
Dander, which is the skin cells that dogs shed, can also cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
Medications can also trigger allergic reactions in dogs, so it's crucial to monitor their reactions to any new medications.
Plants and smoke can also cause allergic reactions in dogs, and it's essential to identify and avoid these triggers.
Understanding the specific allergen causing the reaction is key to treating and caring for your dog effectively.
Check this out: Homemade Dog Treats for Allergic Dogs
Treating Allergies
Treating allergies in dogs requires a multi-faceted approach. Your veterinarian may recommend changing your daily walk time to avoid peak pollen hours.
One option is to alter your daily walk routine to reduce exposure to allergens. This could mean walking your dog in the morning or evening instead of midday.
Removing excess allergens from your home and yard can also help alleviate symptoms. This includes regular cleaning and removing any potential allergen sources.
Your vet may also recommend using dog shampoo or topical solutions to help soothe your dog's skin. Dog allergy paws anti-itch treatment can also provide relief.
Here are some treatment options your vet may recommend:
- Change your daily walk time
- Alter your daily walk routine
- Remove excess allergens
- Clean your home
- Dog shampoo
- Topical solutions
- Dog allergy paws anti-itch treatment
Oral prescription medications, allergy serums, and anti-itch medications are also available. However, these must be prescribed by your vet and may have potential side effects or complications.
Natural Remedies
Natural Remedies can be a great way to help manage your dog's allergies. Colostrum is a natural remedy that contains proline-rich polypeptide (PRP), which can help improve allergy symptoms by changing the way the immune system responds to allergens.
Some mushrooms, such as Reishi, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail, contain beta-glucans, which can help modify the immune response and prevent inflammation and allergic reactions. Beta-glucans work by binding to specific immune cells, making them more active and powerful.
You can give your dog mushrooms by cooking or dehydrating them and adding them to their food, or by using a pre-made mushroom product with a certificate of analysis showing a beta-glucan content of at least 30%. It's essential to choose a mushroom product that is free from high starch content.
Here are some natural remedies you can try:
- Colostrum: contains PRP, which can help improve allergy symptoms
- Reishi, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail mushrooms: contain beta-glucans, which can help modify the immune response and prevent inflammation and allergic reactions
- Nettles: contain histamines and quercetin, which can help manage allergy symptoms
- Coconut oil: contains lauric acid, which can help decrease yeast production and reduce inflammation
- Apple cider vinegar: contains acetic acid, which can help reduce inflammation and provide antibacterial properties
Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before trying any new remedies, especially if your dog has severe allergies or is taking medication.
Natural Remedies
Colostrum, a natural component found in mother's first milk, can help improve allergy symptoms in dogs by changing the way their immune system responds to allergens.
Research shows that proline-rich polypeptide (PRP) in colostrum inhibits immune cells that ramp up allergic reactions and creates immune cells that suppress and switch off the immune response.
Mushrooms, particularly Reishi, Shiitake, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, and Maitake, contain beta-glucans that can help relieve dog allergies by modifying the immune response and preventing inflammation.
To give your dog mushrooms, cook or dehydrate them and add them to their food or make a broth from them. Look for medicinal mushrooms with a certificate of analysis showing a beta-glucan content of at least 30%.
Turkey Tail mushrooms contain polysaccharide-K (PSK), which reduces inflammation caused by allergies and boosts immunity.
Nettle leaf tea contains natural antihistamines that can provide relief from itching and other allergy symptoms. It also has astringent properties that reduce inflammation caused by allergic reactions.
Coconut oil can be applied topically to soothe your dog's skin and reduce inflammation. It also contains lauric acid, which can help decrease yeast production, a common issue in dogs with allergies.
Here are some specific remedies you can try:
- Colostrum: add it to your dog's food or use as a supplement
- Mushrooms: cook or dehydrate them and add to food or make a broth
- Turkey Tail mushrooms: use as a supplement to reduce inflammation and boost immunity
- Nettle leaf tea: brew and apply topically to soothe skin and reduce inflammation
- Coconut oil: apply topically or add to food to reduce inflammation and yeast production
Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before trying any new remedies, especially if your dog has a severe allergy or is taking medication.
6 Licorice for
Licorice has been used for thousands of years in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to help with allergies.
Licorice contains a substance called glycyrrhizic acid, which has a codeine-like effect and can help relieve inflammation in the digestive tract.
Giving licorice to dogs can be a great way to alleviate allergy symptoms, but it's essential to consult with your vet first, as the dosage varies depending on your dog's condition.
A low alcohol licorice extract is recommended, starting with 12 to 20 drops per 20 lbs of body weight twice daily, or triple the dose if using a tea.
8 Probiotics
Probiotics are living bacteria that colonize in your dog's gut, acting as little factories that can absorb nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron, and help produce B vitamins.
These beneficial bacteria can also protect your dog from viruses, bad bacteria, and fungi. Nearly 90% of your dog's immune system is in their gut, which is why probiotics can play a big role in reducing allergy symptoms.
Probiotics can enable better digestion and nutrient absorption, which can help reduce inflammation and autoimmune responses. Research has shown that probiotics can reduce allergy symptoms in dogs, and in some cases, even remove them.
Here are some key things to look for when choosing a probiotic supplement for your dog:
- Soil-based probiotics are more resilient and can survive the trip through your dog's gut.
- If using a Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium product, look for:
+ More than one strain of bacteria
+ At least 30 billion CFUs (colony forming units)
9 Omega-3s
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that are good for you and your dog, known as the "good fats." They can help relieve your dog's allergies and calm their inflammatory reaction.
Certain omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that decrease allergy symptoms like itching and scratching. These include eicosatetraenoic Acid (ETA), eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and stearidonic Acid (SDA).
You can find ETA, EPA, and SDA omega-3s in foods like Hempseed Oil (SDA)Ahiflower Oil (SDA)Green Lipped Mussel Oil (ETA and EPA) or in supplement form.
Hypoallergenic Diet
A hypoallergenic diet can be a great option for dogs with food allergies in addition to environmental allergies.
Some dogs may benefit from a hypoallergenic diet, particularly if they have food allergies in addition to environmental allergies.
Your vet can help select a diet that's right for your dog, as a therapeutic diet is often prescribed to manage skin allergies.
Dogs with seasonal allergies can be treated using a vet-prescribed therapeutic diet, and certain therapeutic dog foods are specially formulated to help manage their skin allergies.
A hypoallergenic diet is related to dog food ingredients to look for and ones to avoid, which can provide valuable information for pet owners.
For more insights, see: Vet Dogs Dog Treats
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benadryl or Zyrtec better for dogs?
For acute symptoms like hives or allergic reactions, Benadryl is often preferred, while Zyrtec is better suited for chronic allergies. Always consult a vet before giving your dog medication.
Can I give Zyrtec to my dog?
While Zyrtec is not FDA-approved for use in pets, many veterinarians support its use in dogs due to its benefits and availability. However, consult with a vet before giving Zyrtec to your dog.
Sources
- Seasonal Allergies in Dogs - Signs & How to Help (greensboroncvet.com)
- immunotherapy (allergy shots) (nih.gov)
- Special shampoos, creams, and sprays (petco.com)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (justfoodfordogs.com)
- hypoallergenic diet (becopets.com)
- Coconut oil (chewy.com)
- Top 9 Home Remedies for Dog Allergies (dogsnaturallymagazine.com)
- add turkey tail mushroom to your dog’s diet (veterinarians.org)
- hives (petmd.com)
- accompanying symptoms (petmd.com)
- anaphylaxis (dogtime.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com