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 Allergies are very common in dogs. They can have allergies to certain ingredients in food (food allergies), to airborne allergens such as ragweed, housedust, or molds (atopy, or inhalant allergies), and to substances they come in contact with in the environment such as certain detergents (contact allergies). The symptoms of an allergy typically are noticed when the dog is around three to six years of age and may worsen each year. |
It is much easier to start managing the allergies before the symptoms become severe and the dog is miserable and uncomfortable. It is common for allergies to appear in spring and fall: the same times of the year people suffer from hayfever symptoms. There are multiple ways to manage allergies. The best approach may be a combination of several treatments that help decrease the exposure to the allergen, remove the allergen from the dog, and reduce the reaction to the allergen.
Below is an overview of the products available to help keep your allergic dog comfortable during the allergy season. Please take a moment to review the selection guides and comparison charts of the different allergy relief products to help you determine which to use.
Fatty acids
The use of fatty acids such as our Premium Plus Omega-3 Gel Caps, Premium Plus® Healthy Skin Tabs, Vitacoat® Plus, and 3V Caps for canine dermatologic conditions, including allergies, is widespread and well respected. Benefits of a regular fatty acid protocol have been reported in many veterinary publications. Pets with atopy (often referred to as inhalant allergies) can especially benefit from supplementation with fatty acids. Among the positive effects are inhibition of inflammation, restoration of haircoat luster, possible reduction of steroid dosage, and a synergistic effect with antihistamines. Most dogs need to be on the fatty acids daily for several weeks to months to notice a significant improvement. This means that dogs with allergies on a year-round fatty acid supplement program are likely to be more comfortable and may be able to be on less prescription medication.
Vitamin B supplementation
Biotin is one of the B vitamins. Several studies have shown that dogs suffering from dry skin, seborrhea, and dry, itchy allergic skin greatly improved when supplemented daily with biotin. Biotin is often used in combination with fatty acids to manage dogs with allergies, is very safe, and there are no side effects or toxicities. Biotin may be found as a supplemental powder, such as our Biotin Supplement Powder, or in a supplement such as our Brewers Yeast, which contains other vitamins and minerals as well.
Topical therapies
Topical therapy consists of shampoos and rinses and topical anti-itch solutions. Topical therapy offers immediate, but short-term relief. Bathing atopic dogs once or twice a week to every other week with gentle shampoos helps rinse the allergens from the dog and soothe the skin. We recommend our Advanced Formula Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo or our Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner. The Itch Stop Shampoo and Conditioner, containing hydrocortisone, delivers powerful steroids directly to the skin for immediate relief of the itching.
Topical solutions containing hydrocortisone such as our
Itch Stop Series offer some immediate relief to small areas of the body. Creams or salves are often used on the feet and between the toes and sprays are used on the abdomen or other areas with less hair. These products are poorly absorbed into the blood stream, and when used in moderation, do not create long-term side effects more commonly associated with injectable or oral steroids. In addition, cooling salves and lotions, such as our Septi-Soothe™ Treatments, may also be used. Dogs may tend to lick off these preparations, so it is recommended to get the pet involved in some activity for twenty minutes to allow the topical product time to work and keep the pet from licking it.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are widely used in both the human and animal medical fields. Antihistamines used in veterinary medicine are antihistamines that were designed for and used primarily by humans. Antihistamines have been shown to be effective in controlling allergies in up to 30% of dogs. When used as part of a treatment plan including fatty acids and avoidance, the percent of respondents goes much higher. Antihistamines commonly used for dogs with allergies include hydroxyzine. Each dog will respond differently to each of the different antihistamines. Therefore, several different antihistamines may have to be tried before the most effective one is found. Antihistamines should be used with your veterinarian's guidance. Our compounding pharmacy is able to alter the form or flavor of many different medications so your pet will more willingly take it.
Steroids
Prescription steroids are extremely effective for relieving severe itching and inflammation commonly seen in many dogs with allergies. They can have short and long-term side effects especially if used inappropriately. It is easier to customize an individual dosing program using the tablet form of the medication. The affected animal usually begins with once or twice daily therapy for a period of three to five days, and then the dose is reduced weekly until the lowest therapeutic dose is found. By working with your veterinarian and finding the lowest dose that is still effective, the dog gets to be comfortable, the owner gets to have a happy dog, and the side effects are minimized.
Ear care
Many dogs with allergies will have on-going problems with inflamed or infected ears. Weekly cleaning of the ears with Ear Clens® or Ear Clens® Pads will help keep the ears clean and comfortable. The key to keeping the ears healthy is to keep them clean and dry.
Grooming
By grooming your dog at least several times a week, it allows you to notice the condition of the haircoat, to look for any sores or inflammation on the skin, and to check for parasites such as fleas or ticks. Grooming tools such as Slicker Brushes, Mat Removers, and Flea Combs help make the job faster for you and more enjoyable for your pet.
Food allergies and contact allergies
These types of allergies are best treated by avoidance. If the dog is not exposed to the allergen through food or contact, the dog's body does not respond to the allergen.
Human allergies to pets
