The Best Ways To Treat Your Dog’s Allergies
Many people view their dogs as no different than their human children. They take them on daily walks, snuggle them on the couch, throw them birthday parties, and even buy them cute matching outfits and costumes when Halloween rolls around. In fact, a survey of 2,000 dog and cat owners shared by People indicated that four in 10 initially got their pet as a “starter child” to test themselves on whether they were ready to have kids. What’s even more shocking is that 35% of parents admitted they have accidentally called their child by their pet’s name something that happens 17 times per month on average.
Like being a parent to a human child, being a dog parent requires taking responsibility for your dog’s daily needs. That includes treating medical concerns like allergies. Many dog owners aren’t aware of just how common dog allergies are . There are a couple of different types of allergies you should be on the lookout for so that your dog can receive the proper treatment when or if a flare-up happens.
What About Allergy Diets
If your dog needs relief from his allergies, your vet will probably recommend expensive prescription dog foods. But according to pet food formulator Meg Smart DVM PhD, these diets contain a lot of harmful ingredients that can make your dogs allergies worse.
One of these harmful ingredients is hydrolyzed protein. The process needed to make these hydrolyzed proteins is the problem as it creates monosodium glutamate and MSG can cause brain damage. According to Dr Smart, hydrolyzed proteins have not been effective in fighting allergies in clinical trials and have even caused more skin problems.
Most allergy or hypoallergenic dog foods are also full of starch and starch aggravates allergy symptoms. Finally, most prescription dog foods your vet recommends contain low quality oils that become rancid. And they contain fillers like powdered cellulose which is basically sawdust.
Instead of prescription allergy diets, Dr Smart recommends preparing your own dog food. Then you know exactly whats in it.
So, if you want to actually fix your dogs allergies long term without the harmful side effects, then check out these top natural options for allergy relief for dogs:
Why Isnt Everyone Allergic To Dogs
Why isnt everyone allergic to dogs if this Can f1 protein is so troublesome? Well, the immune system is a complex thing. What causes it to go into fight mode in some people barely registers a blip with others. To put it simply, some peoples immune systems do not consider the Can f1 protein harmful and just ignore its presence.
Children are more susceptible to developing allergies than adults since their immune systems are developing. Ironically, however, emerging research hints at lower rates of allergies in children aged 7 to 9 when they are exposed to pets from infancy.
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What Is Cbd And How Does It Work
CBD is one of the two major active compounds found in Cannabis Sativa plants next to THC. However, unlike THC, its a non-intoxicant, meaning it wont get your dog high.
What CBD CAN do, however, is regulate the activity of the endocannabinoid system the master regulatory network in all mammals.
This natural system within the body processes plant-based cannabinoids and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis between vital physiological and psychological functions. The ECS controls processes like memory, mood, pain perception, stress response, body temperature, appetite, neurogenesis, and immune function, just to name a few.
Cannabinoid receptors in the ECS interact with plant-derived cannabinoids such as CBD.
Products like CBD oil have been shown to reduce allergy symptoms by supporting the ECS, decreasing the amount of pro-inflammatory compounds , and blocking the release of histamine.
Heres what research has found when it comes to giving CBD to dogs with allergies.
Allergic Reaction Heres A Step By Step On What To Do Next
Step 1: stop panicking!
Step 2: head to the vet for a confirmation of an allergy or fleas.
Step 3: work out what the allergens are and remove or avoid them.
Step 4: treat with prescribed medications and natural home remedies for dog allergies to soothe itchy skin symptoms.
Ahhhhhhh. Thats better!
As pet owners, its our duty to take care of our beloved fur-balls. We treat their symptoms, remove their fleas and cuddle them tight. We also get to jump with joy and go for a celebratory walkie when the home remedies work like a treat!
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Vets Preferred Premium Wild Alaskan is the best of the best when the allergies are in high gear because it:
- Helps relieve dry, itchy skin no more excessive itching
- Moisturizes and soothes your pets skin from the inside out helps achieve a soft, glossy coat
- Perfect for dogs struggling with seasonal allergies less itching, runny nose, and overall irritants
- Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory desire & ability to be more active
- Premium Omega 3 Oil rich in natural EPA & DHA
- Supports Joint Function, Immune & Heart Health
- Skin and Coat Support for Dogs
Treat The Allergies To Treat Your Dog
Dog allergies are nothing to sneeze at. They can be incredibly uncomfortable for your furry friend. If you notice excessive itching, licking, biting or head shaking, it may mean your dog is trying to tell youhelp I have allergies!
Properly diagnosing your dogs allergies is the first step to providing them some much-needed relief. With avoidance and vet-prescribed treatment geared to your dogs individual needs, you can effectively manage their symptoms. This means they can get back to cuddling, playing, exploring and of course, begging for those well-deserved treats.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pups allergies, chat with one of the vets from AskVet today! Were here 24/7 for all your puppy needs to help your pup live a long, healthy, allergy-free life.
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Tips To Reduce Pet Allergies
Your physician can best guide you about the best medical treatments to control your allergies. Just be sure you convince the doctor of your commitment to keeping your pet. There are steps pet owners can take to feel better, without having to give up their special cat or dog. There are also effective steps you can take in caring for your pet and your home to reduce the presence of pet allergens.
Environmental Allergiesanother Common Dog Allergy
Environmental allergies in dogs are very common and can be difficult to manage if the allergen is something that is very prevalent in the environment, such as pollen.
Some owners swear by bathing their dogs more frequently during allergy season to remove allergens from the coat. Others install air purifiers in their houses to remove particles.
Dogs with environmental allergies may respond well to hyposensitization, as this can be easier than trying to remove contact with the allergen.
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Dog Food Allergy Treatment
Dogs of any age and breed can develop a food allergy at any time in their lives. The most common food allergens in dogs are beef, chicken, lamb, chicken eggs, dairy products, wheat gluten, and soy, but dogs can be allergic to many other ingredients. Food allergies can cause itchy skin, GI problems, and respiratory symptoms.
Unfortunately, medications like antihistamines and steroids arent very effective in treating food allergy symptoms. So, the best dog food allergy treatment involves identifying and eliminating the allergen from your pups diet. If your dogs allergies arent severe, you can try out one of our picks for the best dog food for allergies to see if that helps.
But the best course of action is to consult your veterinarian, who will likely put your dog on an exclusive trial elimination diet of hypoallergenic food for two to three months . If symptoms improve, your vet will recommend the best long-term diet for your pup.
Who Is Most Likely To Develop Dog Allergies
Sadly, no one is immune from developing allergies to dogs. Even people who are mildly susceptible can develop symptoms after prolonged exposure to dogs. This is because the Can f1 allergen is cumulative. Since every person is different, it may take you longer to become sensitive to dog allergens than another person in the same household. But absolutely everyone has an allergen limit, and once you reach yours, symptoms start.
When you are allergic to dogs, your immune system sends out an army of antibodies to bind to the incoming allergens and destroy them. It is this binding process that causes you to sneeze, cough, get watery eyes, or develop itchy skin. Dog allergy symptomsalso can include pronounced exhaustion, shortness of breath, headaches, and debilitating joint pain in the worst cases.
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Why Is Your Dog Itchy
Scratching can lead to inflammation and skin wounding, resulting in infections. But before you can provide itch relief for your dogs, you should learn the reasons behind the issue.
Dog allergies are more common than we think. At least 20% of doggies have an allergy from pollen to food, shampoo, and even anti-flea meds. They require special treatment or might need a good limited ingredient dog food.
But what else can cause itching in dogs? Here are the main culprits:
- Nuts and dairy products
Can Dogs Be Allergic To Cats
It is a well-known fact that some people are allergic to dog dander or cat dander, which is composed of tiny particles of shed hair and skin.
What is less well known is that dogs can also be allergic to catsand to people! Symptoms of a cat allergy in dogs are usually inflamed or itchy skin, sneezing, or a runny nose.
Veterinarians can test for an allergy to cat dander, and treat it in the same way they treat other environmental allergies.
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One Of The Most Common Medical Complaints That We See In Our Office Is Dogs With Skin Infections Hot Spots Or Allergic Dermatitis Also Known As Atopic Dermatitis
Unlike people who react to allergens most commonly with nasal symptoms and/or hives, dogs react with skin and/or gastrointestinal problems. This is because there are a higher proportion of mast cells, which release histamines and other vasoactive substances in the face of an allergic challenge, in the skin of dogs. These problems may range from poor coat texture or hair length, to itching and chewing, to hot spots and self-mutilation, gastrointestinal pain and discomfort, diarrhea, and flatulence. Allergies may also play a part in chronic ear infections. The most common causes of canine allergic dermatitis are flea allergy, food allergy, inhalant or contact allergy, and allergy to the normal bacterial flora and yeast organisms of the skin. To make matters more difficult to diagnose and treat, thyroid disease may add to the problem as well.
In order to overcome these frustrating symptoms, your veterinarians approach needs to be thorough and systematic. Shortcuts usually will not produce results and only add to owner frustration and canine discomfort.
Inhalant and Contact Allergies Substances that can cause an allergic reaction in dogs are much the same as those that cause reactions in people including the pollens of grasses, trees and weeds, dust mites, and molds. A clue to diagnosing these allergies is to look at the timing of the reaction. Does it happen year round? This may be mold or dust. If the reaction is seasonal, pollens may be the culprit.
How Do They Check A Dog For Allergies
There are a few ways to test for allergies in dogs. The most common is the skin prick test, which involves taking a small sample of the allergen and pricking the surface of the skin. If the dog is allergic, it will develop a raised bump or hive within 15 minutes. Blood tests are also available, but these are not as accurate as skin prick tests.
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Home Remedies For Dog Allergies Start With Change
If your dog suffers from allergies, your first port of call should always be to eliminate the allergens as much as possible. This could mean keeping an extra clean house to avoid house dust mites or switching to a hypoallergenic dog food diet.
Sometimes relatively small lifestyle changes can make a big difference to you and your dog.
Your Pets Diet: Food As Medicine
The specific ingredients you use to nourish your pet can actually provide medical and health benefits. A proper diet is one of the most important yet easiest things you can do to help alleviate your pets allergies at home.
The practice of Eastern Food Therapy utilizes diet to treat and prevent certain conditions. In EFT, external symptoms are seen as manifestations of imbalances within the body. Balance can be restored with whole foods to nourish, replenish, and soothe the body from the inside out.
And you can apply these same EFT practices to your pets, too!
Based on your pets body imbalances, your pet is categorized as warm, neutral, or cool. Pets suffering from allergies, manifesting as itchiness, red skin, and ear infections, fall into a warming category and benefit from cooling ingredient diets.
One of the most effective home remedies for seasonal allergies in dogs and cats is changing food and diet, says Dr. Birken. A large part of my natural approach to allergies is evaluating pets bodys whole systems . Using EFT in my practice, I diagnose imbalances to reestablish a whole-body balance. I work with pet parents to transition to diets that support healthy bodies and immune systems, combating allergies and other diseases in the process.
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What Is An Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction is an overreaction of the immune system to something that it is exposed to. This can be something a dog eats, venom from a bee sting, pollen, a vaccine, or any number of other things. Some allergic reactions present as chronic skin issues or GI upset. An acute allergic reaction can be more concerning, although most dogs have mild symptoms that area easily treated. The offending allergen may never be pinpointed, but whether it is environmental, chemical, or pharmaceutical, the hallmark symptoms are the same.
How You Can Help Your Itchy Pup This Allergy Season
Ah, fall is in the air, and along with that air comes watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and, most commonly of all, skin problems for your best friend! Dog fall allergies can be as big of a problem for your dog as they can be for you.
Dog allergies can manifest in the form of itchy skin, red eyes, hair loss, or even general itchiness. So whats causing the problem, and what can you do as a loving pet parent to help?
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Using Chemical Sprays To Fight Dog Allergies
Using harsh solutions to rid your indoor spaces of dog allergens can backfire. These are a temporary solution at best. Plus, some people develop an intolerance to the cleaning agents themselves, providing a double whammy to their systems.
When your immune system already is under attack by dog allergens, the chemicals in some cleaning products can further aggravate the situation. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that chemical household cleaners are Volatile Organic Compounds and can negatively impact your indoor air quality.
Signs Of Flea Allergy Dermatitis In Dogs
Your dog does not need to have a full-fledged flea infestation to suffer from flea allergy dermatitis. Just a single flea bite can make many dogs itchy. So, you may or may not be able to see live fleas on your dog when they’re suffering from FAD.
Common signs of flea allergy dermatitis in dogs include:
- Itchy skin and associated scratching, chewing, licking, and biting, possibly leading to secondary bacterial skin infections
- Oozing sores on the skin
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Other Natural Home Remedies For Dog Allergies
Does your itchy dog not like oatmeal, aloe vera or apple cider vinegar? Try these!
- Coconut oil soothes raw dog skin. Coconut oil also settles tummies and boosts immune systems.
- Thyme another great one for skin yeast infections without the pungent smell of vinegar.
- Epsom salts great for drawing out infections and soothing skin. Use Epsom salts at bath time.
Treating Allergies At Home
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