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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Us pet parents are quick to reach for allergy medicine when the seasons kick in, or take vitamins regularly to support our immune systems, which can also reduce the impact of allergies. But what about your best furry friend? Dog allergy supplements exist on the market, but whether dogs really need them is a different question. We dug into the information to find out more.
Does Your Dog Need Allergy Supplements?
- Your dog needs vitamins and organic compounds for balanced nutrition and normal growth, but their bodies may be triggered by, or sensitive to, certain seasons, food, environments, and more that can produce allergic reactions. Unlike people, who may experience sneezing and watery eyes, a dog’s allergies tend to show up on their skin. Dogs (like other animals and people) cannot produce vitamins and minerals naturally, so they have to consume them.
According to Dr. Gary Richter, award-winning vet and member of Rover’s Dog People Panel, “All dogs are of the species Canis familiaris and as such have very similar nutritional needs.” Commercial dog food is specifically formulated to meet those needs. If your dog’s food is labeled “complete and balanced,” it contains all the vitamins and minerals your dog requires.
So, generally speaking, a well-balanced diet that includes a good-quality dog food is going to cover your dog’s needs. But, a number of factors can trigger sensitivities and allergic reactions, so it’s best to consult a vet to determine the cause and best course of action.
When to Give Your Dog Allergy Supplements
Dogs can experience a myriad of health issues for which an allergy supplement may aid in their nutrition or help alleviate symptoms. The most common sign of allergies is itchiness and scratching in all three main causes of allergies: flea, food, and environment. Other signs can include gastrointestinal issues, respiratory symptoms, and facial swelling, depending on the cause.
Another consideration is whether your dog consumes a homemade, whole food diet (highly recommended by Richter). If so, you may not have full access to the specific vitamins and minerals your pet needs. That’s where extras, such as an allergy supplement, can come in handy to administer additional nutrition to help benefit your dog’s immune system and manage allergies.
“It is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian regarding any questions about nutrition,” Richter notes. This is especially important when feeding your dog a homemade diet. Your vet may even refer you to a veterinary nutritionist to determine the best course of vitamins for your dog.
How to Choose Dog Allergy Supplements
- As noted, you should always talk to your veterinarian about what, if any, supplements your pet needs. In general, be aware that ingredients in some herbal supplements can interact with medication. Always keep careful tabs on your dog’s supplement dosage.
Richter has some general guidelines on choosing supplements for dogs:
- Look for brands that have commissioned clinical studies of their products.
- Read labels carefully to ensure quality and safety.
- Look for a lot number on the product. This is a sign that the company uses quality control checks.
- Choose brands with confirmed expertise.
- Be wary of claims that sound too good to be true. Vitamin supplements are just that—supplements. They are not cure-alls or medications.
- Do not give human supplements to dogs, as they may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
- In general, the best options will be available through your veterinarian.
The bottom line about allergy supplements for dogs: Talk to your vet first before introducing any nutritional supplement into your pet’s diet.
Dog Allergy Supplements
To address a health condition, ask your veterinarian about prescription supplements that can help. The over-the-counter supplements below are primarily for maintenance or prevention.
Salmon flavored to help the medicine go down, these allergy soft chews not only contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, but also contain colostrum and quercetin to decrease allergic reactions and reduce risks of infection. Made in the U.S. without grains, corn, or soy.
Developed by U.S. veterinarians, this powder supplement combines natural sources of omegas, antioxidants, and more to support your dog’s immune system, skin, and respiratory health to fight allergies.
These have the National Animal Supplement Council’s seal of approval—the chewable tablets are specifically formulated to relieve allergy symptoms in your dog’s skin and coat by reducing itching and normalizing shedding levels with a combo of MSM, omegas, yellow dock root, and quercetin, and additional herbs and nutrients.
Free of GMOs, preservatives, and common dietary allergens, these soft chews pack an effective combo of ingredients such as colostrum, turmeric, salmon oil, and probiotics to address allergies and digestion. This formula is designed to help relieve skin symptoms and reduce allergies caused by the seasons, environment, and food.
Made specifically to alleviate allergies for senior dogs, these holistic soft chews contain pre- and probiotics, salmon oil, and the company’s EpiCor formula—a potent blend of antioxidants, fiber, protein, and vitamins to strengthen the immune system.
As always, be sure to check with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to your dog’s diet. And read on for more articles on how to best balance your dog’s nutrition in a variety of ways.
Further Reading
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