Dog allergy supplement reviews
Itching and scratching, chewing or gnawing on things excessively, diarrhea or persistent flatulence, or even patches of missing hair could all be signs that your dog has an allergy!
So, what is the best allergy immune supplement for dogs?
Pets are frequently affected by allergies. These occur when your pet’s immune system reacts to an allergen in such a way that it overreacts, the sources of the allergens vary, from airborne pollens to flea saliva, to specific proteins or carbohydrates in diets.
They could even be something your dog has come into contact with such as your laundry detergent or carpets.
What are allergies and how do you live with them?
Table of Contents
What causes allergies in Dogs?
Dog allergies are common, especially with the prevalence of dog breeds being bred for specific purposes.
An allergy develops when a dog’s immune system reacts to an allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE is an antibody that binds with allergens and then triggers histamine release into the body. Histamines are inflammatory substances that cause allergic reactions, which can result in itching, hives, redness, swelling, and diarrhea.
A hypoallergenic dog breed is a dog breed (or crossbreed) [1] that is purportedly more compatible with allergic [2] people than are other breeds. These breeds are often popular with people who suffer from dog allergies. Poodles are the most frequently recommended dog breed for people who are allergic to pet hair.
They have a fairly low shedding rate, though people would still recommend using a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the loose hair. It is also recommended that Poodles who have allergies be bathed at least once every few weeks in order to help relieve itchiness and skin irritation.
Common symptoms of allergies
The most typical symptom is that your dog is itchy!
- Other symptoms include:
- scratching,
- licking face, red skin,
- hair loss,
- recurrent skin problems,
- ear infections,
- gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
The 4 main types of allergens are:
1) Allergies to fleas
2) Allergies to something they inhale (known as ATOPY)
3) Food allergies
4) Contact allergies
1) Flea allergies
The saliva of a flea bite is actually what causes the allergy! This generally appears as a lot of itching on one particular region of the body, especially the rear.
When a flea bites a dog, he or she will usually be itchy, however, while a non-allergic dog will just scratch and bite the site where he has been bitten, an allergic dog will be continually itching over a larger region.
This can become very red and result in a secondary infection, [3] so always visit your veterinarian for the best therapy.
How to treat
Your pet’s veterinarian will recommend a topical, oral, or injected medication to help your pet feel better. If your dog or cat has an infection, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal drug as well.
2) Atopic allergies (an allergen that has been inhaled)
Canine atopic dermatitis [4] (also known as AD), is an inherited tendency to develop allergic symptoms following frequent exposure to an “allergen.” Plant pollens, house dust mites, or mold spores are some of the allergens that may cause it.
Licking and itching are two of the most common signs exhibited by dogs. They frequently lick and itch between their toes. They can also experience a lot of itchy discomfort around their eyes, as well as redness.
Although multiple breeds are susceptible to canine atopic dermatitis (AD), the prevalence of the condition within a breed is largely determined by its genetic pool and location. Breeds predisposed to the development of AD include:
- Chinese Shar-Pei
- Wirehaired Fox Terrier
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Dalmatian
- Boxer
- Boston Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Scottish Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- West Highland White Terrier
The age of onset is generally between 6 months and 3 years. There is no sex predisposition.
Treatment
Allergic contact dermatitis due to foods can usually be treated, but allergic contact dermatitis caused by airborne substances is difficult to treat, but may be controlled with medication in most situations.
Usually, cortisone-type drugs (steroids) are used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, they are very effective anti-inflammatory, anti-itch medications, however, steroids have more side effects (excessive drinking, urinating, and eating along with increased susceptibility to infection) than other treatments.
Hyposensitisation therapy [5] and Immunomodular medications [6] are also an option your vet may discuss with you.
Key points to remember for atopic dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis is a genetically predisposed chronic inflammatory and pruritic(itching) allergic skin disease with characteristic clinical features.
- Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, history, and exclusion of other causes of pruritis.
- Management includes medications and baths that relieve pruritis and avoidance of allergens.
- Client education and monitoring are key to treatment success.
VIDEO: An overview of pet allergies
3) Food allergies
Food allergies can manifest at any age in a dog’s life, although they are most common among dogs that are less than a year old.
The best treatment for food allergies in dogs is to feed a hypoallergenic diet for 8-12 weeks. This is the only way to determine if your dog has a food allergy.
Food allergies in dogs are generally linked to the food they’ve been eating for a while (i.e., not a “fresh” food). Food allergies may manifest in a variety of ways, however, most often cause one or more of the following:
- itching all over the body itching in specific areas (eg face)
- vomiting,
- diarrhea
- passing blood or mucus regularly
Treatment
When a dog is allergic to something in their food, it tends to be either a protein, ie, beef, dairy, egg, chicken, lamb/mutton, pork, rabbit, and fish or a carbohydrate( such as soy or rice or wheat).
The elimination diet is the method for determining food allergies. It entails eliminating everything your dog usually eats and then starting them on a new diet that includes a DIFFERENT protein source (such as chicken instead of duck) and/or carb source ( substitute the soy, rice, etc).
We gradually reintroduce those old proteins and carbohydrates from before after we’ve fed the new diet for a while, and if the dog suddenly begins showing signs, we can determine which food was to blame.
The most difficult aspect of dog food trials and elimination diets may be the fact that they take time and effort to complete, but the alternative is to feed your dog a specific veterinary diet for his entire life.
Some dogs with food allergies are allergic to substances in their environment, which can cause allergic dermatitis (atopy). They may improve somewhat on a special diet, but they will most likely require some additional treatments to keep their skin problems under control.
4) Contact allergies
This is a substance that your dog comes into direct contact with.
Dogs with these types of allergies are irritated at the point of contact, so if they are allergic to grass, we will see skin irritation, redness, and itching on that area of your dog.
Typical irritants include:
- Plants
- Grass
- Gardening supplies and chemicals (mulch, cedar chips, fertilizer, pesticides, etc.)
- Fabrics,
- Leather,
- rugs, or carpets
- Plastics,
- rubber,
- Soaps or shampoo
- Household cleaners
- Deodorizers
- Medications
- Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections
- Insect bitesFood allergies
Treatment
Depending on his condition, an antihistamine or corticosteroid may be administered. A lotion or ointment may be given to you to apply to the afflicted regions.
If a secondary infection develops, your dog will require antibiotics. It’s also feasible that your veterinarian will give you a shampoo to bathe your dog with once a week.
Best supplements for dog skin allergies
”Dog gut health is related to skin & coat health’‘
You would be surprised at how much your dog’s gut health [7] affects her entire body, including her skin and coat.
At least 70% of your dog’s immune system is thought to be housed in his gut microbiome. Basically this means that 70% of your dog’s overall health rests on the balance of his digestive system.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “you are what you eat?” Well, that’s where that phrase comes from. You truly are what you eat. If your dog isn’t eating a well-balanced diet, that will show through in all aspects of health, including the skin (and the same goes for us).
An overabundance of bad bacteria in the canine GI tract can cause dog skin conditions. Yeast infections and itching, particularly in your dog’s ears, are common symptoms of poor gut health.
Additional signs of poor gut health include excessive shedding, excessive licking (to the point of hot spots), and continuous, overwhelming itchiness leading to inflamed, red or dry scaly dog skin.
Best Allergy Probiotic for dogs
FullBucket Daily Dog
FullBucket Daily Dog is a breakthrough concentrated yeast-based formula that naturally supports digestion and immune function in adult dogs. With probiotic, prebiotic, digestive enzymes & L-Glutamine.
HOW IT HELPS YOUR DOG:
- Maintains the digestion of key nutrients and supports the dog’s gut microbiome
- Supports normal immune function
- Boosts overall health
Contains:
- 5 Billion CFU’s of Saccharmoyces cerevisae boulardii, a yeast strain of probiotic that is safe to use during antibioitc therapy and supports optimal digestion
- Probiotics – to support a healthy immune system
- L-Glutamine – Supports a healthy gastrointestinal lining
- Prebiotics – Support a healthy microflora
Omega 3 fish oil for Dogs with Allergies
Supplements containing omega-3 oil are marketed as anti-inflammatory supplements that benefit the skin and coat of dogs as well as improve their mobility by supporting stiff, aching joints.
Research has shown that omega-3 for dogs can control inflammation and promote wound healing, making it essential for dogs with injuries.
Benefits of Omega 3 for Dogs:
- Decreasing Inflammation: One of the key functions of the omega-3 fatty acid EPA is supporting the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response. Dogs and cats can suffer from numerous inflammatory conditions that can affect their health and well-being. Studies have shown supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids from fish supports dogs and cats with inflammatory conditions associated with the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart.
- EPA promotes healthy triglyceride (fat) levels within the blood of dogs
- Shiny Coat and better skin condition. Essential fatty acid supplementation is known to maintain general skin and coat quality in dogs and cats. Human studies have also shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation supports weight loss.
PetHonesty Omega-3 Fish Oil Immune, Joint & Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs & Cats
This fish oil is made using sardines, mackerel, anchovies and herring caught in the coastal waters of Iceland.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, this supplement helps maintain proper joint nutrition for your furry friend while also supporting a glossy coat, healthy skin, a healthy immune system and more!
And you can feel good knowing that it’s low in mercury and toxins!
Unlike other fish oil supplements, PetHonesty’s vet-recommended Omega-3 Fish Oil is naturally purified to remove the fishy odor and taste.
Key Benefits
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from sardine, anchovy, mackerel and herring oil which are also low in mercury and toxins.
- DHA, EPA and other omega-3 fatty acids maintain proper joint nutrition and support healthy skin and a soft, silky, shiny and healthy coat.
- 100% pure, hormone-free and chemical-free fish oil that’s tested to ensure potency and purity.
- Bottled in an FDA and GMP-certified facility in the USA and a portion of PetHonesty’s profits go to no-kill animal shelters.
- Purified to remove 99% of that unpleasant fishy taste and smell.
What vitamins are good for immune system in dogs?
Bundle: PetHonesty Allergy Skin Health Soft Chews Skin & Coat Supplement + Calming Hemp Soft Chews Calming Supplement for Dogs
- This salmon-flavored soft chew is made in the USA with all-natural ingredients like flaxseed, vitamin E, probiotics, small fish oil (low in mercury), krill, kelp and DHA gold.
- It’s no fun watching your pup suffer from skin allergies, dermatitis, hot spots, itchy skin, excessive shedding and a dry coat.
- Ingredients in vet-recommended Allergy SkinHealth soft chews help soothe allergy-related skin issues while also supporting a healthy and normal immune response and digestion.
- Plus, this calming supplement s made with a wag-worthy natural chicken flavor and a combination of ingredients like organic hemp powder and oil, chamomile, ginger and valerian root.
- Together, these ingredients work to help promote calm and relaxation in your paw-tner during stressful situations like thunderstorms, trips to the vet, separation anxiety and more!
$55.08
Helps keep your pet calm during stressful situations like trips to the vet, thunderstorms, car rides, separation and more.
- Vet-recommended To Keep Your Dog Calm + Relaxed – PetHonesty’s Calming Hemp soft chews have been vet-reviewed and are vet-recommended to have a calming effect on your dog’s nerves, support brain function and maintain a calm disposition.
Natural supplements for dogs with allergies
Front of The Pack - SOOTH - Targeted Itch & Gut Support
Front Of The Pack is a team of vets, biochemists, and dog lovers leading the revolution on pet health.
Offering science backed-clinically tested dog supplements created with only the highest quality ingredients.
Whether your bestie is suffering from itching and allergies or digestive issues, soothe can help. It’s the first dog supplement to combine three proven postbiotics shown to support healthy immune response, microbiome, skin, and gut health. Suitable for all dogs aged 1+.
As it can take up to six weeks to see results, our Soothe supplement comes in pre-measured two-month portions
Key Points:
Soothes & nourishes dry, itchy skin
Omega-3 fish oil – as a concentrated powder – enriches skin cell membranes and supports healthy skin and inflammatory balance.
Supports healthy gut function
Powerful postbiotics support a strong and healthy gut microbiome and reinforce healthy skin immune responses.
Promotes healthy immune response
Protein-rich egg membrane reduces free radicals and oxidative damage, supporting skin & immune health
What supplements should I give my dog for allergies?
A dog’s allergies can cause a variety of health issues for which an allergy supplement may provide nutritional support or alleviate symptoms.
Fleas, food, and the environment are all common causes of allergies, and the most common symptoms are itchiness and scratching. Depending on the cause, there may also be gastrointestinal problems, respiratory symptoms, and facial swelling.
We recommend the above supplements to help alleviate and control these symptoms in your dog so he can enjoy a happy healthy life!
What to do next!
Did you know that there is an all-natural method to relieve inflammation, pain, and discomfort in dogs that works better than pharmaceuticals? Check out our page on Canine Cush for Dogs.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_breed
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergic
- https://www2.zoetis.co.uk/products-solutions/dogs/skin-infections
- https://www.msdvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/atopic-dermatitis/canine-atopic-dermatitis
- https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/pet-library/articles-of-interest/hyposensitisation/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21265846/
- https://www.fullbuckethealth.com/blogs/news/three-reasons-to-use-s-boulardii-for-dogs
