Dog Allergies: Natural Remedies Can Work
Important Disclaimer: I am not a vet. Not even close. Im just sharing my own personal experience and information I have read. If you think you want to try something you read about here, talk to your vet! But first read this and many more articles to empower yourself for a good discussion in which you can ask your vet great questions about what you want to try.
Knowledge is power never forget that!
Dog allergies can appear out of the blue. At first, you think your dog just has an itch. Then you notice they keep itching or licking the same spot.
Or maybe you notice a big red raw spot on your dogs skin. All of these point to one dreaded word: allergies.
Allergies are an extremely tough issue to deal with, and most of what you read will be about controlling them, not getting rid of them.
As an owner of 2 dogs with allergies, I know how overwhelming dog allergies can be. There are many treatment options, and both conventional and home remedies for dog allergies involve considerable cost.
It can take many months before you know if a treatment you are trying is helping in the meantime, how do you control your dogs itching so they arent miserable?
Patience and perseverance are key. Read below to become more informed about your options so that you can formulate the approach you think is best for your dog.
Finding Relief From Seasonal Allergies
Changing seasons bring a wide range of symptoms for allergy sufferers. Learn what you need to know about relieving your seasonal allergy symptoms.
The transition between seasons can be a welcome change of scenery. For many people, though, the weather and foliage is not the only major change that comes from shifting from summer to fall. For some, sniffling, sneezing and watery eyes may accompany them as well.
Seasonal allergies are the bodys reaction to airborne substances. Not everyone experiences seasonal allergies, but for those who do, the symptoms can be as predictable as April showers and May flowers.
LISTEN UP: Add the newMichigan Medicine News Breakto your Alexa-enabled device, oriTunes, andStitcher.
Whether youre a long time allergy sufferer or finding yourself new to the seasonal sniffles, , an allergy and immunology specialist at Michigan Medicine, offers answers to some frequently asked questions about seasonal allergies.
What Can You Do About Drowsiness From Allergy Medicines
Some antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness than others. Reactions vary considerably from one person to another. What relieves your symptoms without making you sleepy may be different from what works for someone else.
When you find one that works for you, stick with it check chemical ingredients and dosages before changing brands or generics. On the other hand, if one doesnt work for you, try another type.
First-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine usually cause drowsiness because they are less likely to affect the histamine produced in the brain or have other unwanted effects in the brain.
Newer, second-generation antihistamines such as cetirizine , fexofenadine and loratadine marketed as nonsedating usually cause less drowsiness. An added benefit is that second-generation antihistamines last longer than Benadryl. Allegra is generally the least sedating.
Nasal spray antihistamines are also somewhat less likely to make you sleepy, since they target nasal passages directly rather than sending medicine throughout your body in the bloodstream. These are available only by prescription.
Regular use of an intranasal corticosteroid is not only safe but also an effective way to reduce use of antihistamines. They take a few days to start working, so you need to be patient. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using an antihistamine with an intranasal corticosteroid the first few days. Some intranasal corticosteroids are available over-the-counter.
You May Like: Can Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes
How Are Steroids Used To Treat Allergies
ANSWER
Steroids, also called corticosteroids, can lower swelling that comes with allergies. They prevent and treat sneezing and stuffy, runny, or itchy nose. They also help with red, itchy eyes. These drugs can be used for allergies, hay fever, and asthma. They come in pills, nose sprays, inhalers, eye drops, or skin creams. Steroids work very well, but must be taken regularly and often when you dont have symptoms. It may take 1-2 weeks for the medication to kick in fully.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
FDA. News release.
UpToDate.com. Patient information: Allergic rhinitis .
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
FDA. News release.
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.
Other Answers On:
Seasonal Allergies: Tips And Remedies
While this time of year usually brings cheerful weather and the growth of beautiful plants, millions of people will be gearing up once again to do battle with a problem that recurs every year. Itchy eyes, repetitive sneezing, a permanently runny nose the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
For many people, the emergence of marauding ticks at this time of year is the least of their worries. The real struggle for these people is with seasonal allergies, also referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
If these common symptoms seem to develop for weeks and months on end at the same time each year, it is likely that you could be affected by seasonal allergies. The condition affects many in the US in 2010, around 11.1 million visits to physicians offices led to a primary diagnosis of hay fever.
Thankfully, despite how infuriating and disruptive seasonal allergies can be, there are many steps that can be taken to lessen their impact. In this Spotlight, we take a look at what seasonal allergies are and what the best strategies are for handling them.
Also Check: Allergy Medicine Zyrtec
How Is Flonase Different From An Antihistamine Tablet
FLONASE helps block 6 of the key allergic responses your body has to allergies while antihistamines help block 1 of the responses.*
Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is only 1 of the 6 key chemicals released in the inflammatory cascade.
FLONASE is a nasal spray that works directly at the sourcein the nose, where you need it most.
*Mechanism vs most OTC allergy pills. FLONASE nasal sprays act on multiple inflammatory substances . The exact number and precise mechanism are unknown.
Know What To Do When Allergies Strike
Allergens can sneak into your life on your daily walk, a plate of food, or anywhere in between. You might be born with them or develop them years down the line. Knowing what to do when you or someone you know is having an allergy attack could be the difference between life and death.
When experiencing serious allergy symptoms, heading to your local Urgency Room could bring you relief faster than you thought possible. Our skilled and experienced emergency physicians and nurses are well trained to care for serious allergic reactions. At the UR, we treat the allergy symptoms. Treating and allergic reaction does not require any testing and we do not do allergy testing. Were dedicated to helping you return to your healthy self as soon as possible.
You dont have to suffer through your allergies alone. Get the care you need now and the tools you need to avoid future allergy attacks. The Urgency Room operates three convenient Minnesota locations in Eagan, Vadnais Heights, and Woodbury. Were open 365 days per year from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including holidays. When minutes matter, especially during an allergy attack, get to The Urgency Room.
Also Check: Clairitin
How Does Flonase Allergy Relief Work
FLONASE Allergy Relief is a nasal spray that works directly in the nose to relieve nose- and eye-related allergy symptoms. FLONASE contains fluticasone propionatewhich for years has been the #1-prescribed allergy ingredient.*.
As a nasal spray now available over the counter, FLONASE Allergy Relief works right in the nose, and is minimally absorbed by the body.1
1. Sastre J, Mosges R. Local and systemic safety of intranasal corticosteroids. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 22.1 : n. pag. Web. 13 Oct. 2016.
Home Remedies For Fall Allergies
Though the steps above will help you come into contact with less pollen, its just about impossible to fully avoid pollen. If youre still sneezy, get an assist from science and hit up a drugstore or pharmacy to try an over-the-counter medication designed to relieve your allergy symptoms.
Many allergy medications are safe and now available over the counter, including nasal steroid sprays like fluticasone and triamcinolone, and the long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines such as loratadine and cetirizine, Dr. Aronica says. These medications are generally very good at managing most allergies.
Take your allergy medicine before your allergies get bad, especially on days predicted to have high pollen counts. Local news channels and online weather websites offer pollen forecasts that can help you stay up to date.
Don’t Miss: Non Drowsy Robitussin
Does Vitamin C Help With Allergies
A potent antioxidant, vitamin C protects your cells from damage, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps your body to fight infections. When taken during allergy season, vitamin C can slow down the overreaction of your body to environmental triggers by decreasing your bodys histamine production.
Donât Miss: Pine Nuts Allergic Reaction
Leave Your Shoes And Pollen At The Front Door
You can carry quite a bit of pollen into the house after youve been exposed to it by exercising or working outside. If you dont take off your shoes as soon as you come into the house, you may be tracking pollen into every room. The same goes for your clothes. Its not necessary for everyone, but if seasonal allergies like hay fever are particularly troublesome for you, change your clothes as soon as you come in and throw them in the wash to keep allergy symptoms from following you home, Dr. Dykewicz advises.
Don’t Miss: Cetirizine Hydrochloride Allergy
Visit A Sinus Specialist In Detroit
If all else fails, schedule an appointment with your local sinus specialist or ENT doctor. Detroit Sinus Center offers a variety of sinus treatments ranging from prescription medications to non-invasive surgeries. Well help you through allergy season so you can breathe easy once again. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with our sinus specialists in Detroit!
Supplement Your Dogs Diet
Diet supplementation can involve products that build the immune system, heal the gut, reduce inflammation, and more.
DONT go out and buy every supplement on the market what you add will depend on the specific needs of your pet. Work with your holistic vet to determine which system needs strengthening .
Here is a sampling of things used to help dogs with allergies:
- Omega-e fatty acids decrease inflammation throughout the body. Common sources are salmon, tuna, anchovy, and other fish oils, as well as raw egg yolks.
-
Quercetin, Bromelain, and Papain: Quercetin has anti-inflammatory properties and suppresses histamine release. Bromelain and papain also suppress histamine production, and increase the absorption of quercetin.
This product contains both quercetin and bromelain, and is formulated in dosages meant for dogs:
Recommended Reading: Does Twix Have Peanuts
You May Like: Can Allergies Make You Sleepy
How Do Doctors Diagnose Pollen Allergy
Doctors use two tests to diagnose a pollen allergy.
Skin Prick Test In prick/scratch testing, a nurse or doctor places a small drop of the possible allergen on your skin. Then the nurse will lightly prick or scratch the spot with a needle through the drop. If you are allergic to the substance, you will develop redness, swelling and itching at the test site within 20 minutes. You may also see a wheal. A wheal is a raised, round area that looks like a hive. Usually, the larger the wheal, the more likely you are to be allergic to the allergen.
A positive SPT to a particular pollen allergen does not necessarily mean that a person has an allergy. Health care providers must compare the skin test results with the time and place of a persons symptoms to see if they match.
Specific IgE Blood Test Blood tests are helpful when people have a skin condition or are taking medicines that interfere with skin testing. They may also be used in children who may not tolerate skin testing. Your doctor will take a blood sample and send it to a laboratory. The lab adds the allergen to your blood sample. Then they measure the amount of antibodies your blood produces to attack the allergens. This test is called Specific IgE Blood Testing. As with skin testing, a positive blood test to an allergen does not necessarily mean that an allergen caused your symptoms.
How Can I Stop My Allergies Completely
Allergies are still caused by illness that doesnt cure.Most treatments are available by prescription and over-the-counter medication.When a person is likely to develop allergies, it is important to reduce their contact with those allergens or avoid their occurrence.A person may experience less severe allergic reactions as a result of immunotherapy.
Read Also: Zyrtec Allergy 24 Hour 10mg Tablets
Find Out What The Pollen Level Is In Your Area
Knowing the pollen count can help you plan an attack for allergy symptoms. How can you find out? Just turn on your favorite weather report. Many reports include the pollen count in your area. Or, go online to Pollen.com.
Taking a trip? The pollen count may be higher where youre headed. Check the count at your destination and take along medications just in case.
You May Like: Seasonal Allergies Nausea
How Do You Minimize Drowsiness
Older antihistamines, such as Benadryl , can cause significant drowsiness. Newer antihistamines, like Claritin , Allegra , Zyrtec , and Xyzal , are less likely to cause drowsiness, but many patients do report some sleepiness.
Be careful when choosing any combination product for allergies or cough and cold because many of them contain sedating antihistamines. Ask your pharmacist to help you choose a product that wont immediately put you to sleep.
You May Like: Flonase Sleeplessness
Natural Isnt Always Better
Countless herbal remedies and supplements are touted as seasonal allergy fighters. But most aren’t backed by good scientific research.
At best, remedies that haven’t been studied might simply be a waste of money. But at worst, they could interact with other medications you might be taking or pose the risk for harmful side effects.
In short? Just because a remedy is natural doesn’t mean it’s useful or safe, per the NCCIH. Always check with your doctor before trying a new herb or supplement for your seasonal allergy symptoms.
Know And Avoid Your Triggers
It is absolutely simple but the question is how you can find out the triggers of your allergy. Some people even dont know what contributes to their irritating condition. It is until you recognize the causes that you are ready to remove it.
All the above home remedies for allergies are some useful tips to help your deal with some types of allergies. It is recommended that you should know some which are available for you to do at home in case the worst scenario may happen. And one more thing to keep in mind is that if you realize that you cannot control it anymore, it is time to see your doctor without hesitation.
Don’t Miss: Claritin Allergy Pill
What Are Some Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
When your body is responding to an allergen, it lets you know. According to the mucus
Sometimes these symptoms can feel like a cold or another respiratory infection like COVID-19. If youre not quite sure what youre dealing with, pay close attention to other symptoms that might be surfacing. A cold or flu-like infection may also cause additional warning signs such as fever, chills, and body aches, Ratika Gupta, MD, an allergist and immunologist with New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, tells SELF. Allergies should not cause any of those things, Dr. Gupta says.
Whats more, seasonal allergy symptoms tend to last longer, according to the National Library of Medicine . If youre unsure about whats going on and youve had symptoms for longer than a week, scheduling an appointment with your doctor can help you figure out whats driving your discomfort.
The Best Natural Remedy For Allergies
The best natural remedy for allergies is, when possible, avoidance. Both doctors and natural healers will suggest that you limit or avoid allergens, which are what causes your allergic reaction.
You should avoid exposure to your allergens. For example, if youve had an allergic reaction to a sulfa drug, let your doctor know about your allergy. Theyll most likely prescribe an alternate antibiotic if youll ever need one.
That being said, some allergens are hard to avoid. In that case, after discussing your symptoms with your doctor, you might consider a home remedy for allergies to deal with the results of exposure to an allergen.
Also Check: Xyzal Vs Zyrtec Vs Claritin
