Dog Vitamins for Skin Allergies
It's heartbreaking to see our furry four-legged friend suffer from allergies. We want to do anything we can to alleviate their pain. There are different types of allergies that your dog may suffer from. Trying to find the root cause of the problem could take time. Once you determine the cause, avoidance is the best remedy. However, there are several vitamins that may help alleviate allergies in dogs.
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Types
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Allergies occur when the immune system of a dog is overly sensitive to a foreign antibody. There are several types of allergies that your dog may suffer from. These include atopic dermatitis (atopy), fleas, food, bacteria, inhalant and contact. An allergy causes an extreme reaction in your dog. Atopy is a hypersensitive reaction to fleas, household chemicals or dust.
Root
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Determine the type of allergy your dog has. Finding the root cause of the problem is important, yet not always easy. Common sources that cause food allergies in dogs are corn, wheat, soy, beef and dairy. Fleas can cause atopy and great discomfort. Fleas are most common in the summertime. Pollen and dust mites can cause inhalant allergies and are prevalent during the spring season.
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Avoidance
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Although certain dog vitamins may be effective in alleviating, preventing, eliminating or reducing allergies in some dogs, it is best to avoid the root cause of the problem in the first place.
Treatment
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According to Entirely Pets, salmon oil assists in treating skin and coat allergies by reducing inflammation. Atopy or skin allergies can be treated by administering flaxseed oil. Vitamin E and vitamin C contain antioxidants which reduce inflammation and can be used to treat allergies. Fatty acid supplements, omega 3, fish oil and primrose oil are used to treat dog allergies. Doctors Foster and Smith's Vitacoat Plus contains vitamins A, C and E. Doctors Foster and Smith's 3 V caps contain fish oil and vitamins A, D and E.
Benefits
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According to Pet Education, omega 3 fatty acid alleviates and decreases allergy symptoms in some dogs.
According to Natural Dog Health Remedies, flaxseed oil and fish oil reduce inflammation and are recommended for the treatment of allergies. Kelp contains amino acids that repair tissues efficiently and quickly, resulting in the dog scratching less and moisturizing the dog's skin. Antioxidants found in vitamins A, C and E are beneficial for nourishing the skin.
According to Healthy Pet Journal, essential fatty acids (EFAs) are recommended for dogs with skin allergies because they reduce inflammation and nourish the skin and coat.
Warning
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Prior to administering new vitamins, always consult with your veterinarian for proper dosage and to ensure that it does not interfere with any other treatment. Omega 6 fatty acids (depending on the consumption) can in some cases worsen allergies in certain dogs. Observe your dog. If he has diarrhea, vomiting or extreme allergy symptoms, immediately take him to the veterinarian. Never place flea medication directly on an open wound, sore or lesion.
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References
- Photo Credit dog image by Holtea Silviu from Fotolia.com
