Seasonal Allergy Relief Solutions For Dogs and Cats

For many of us, the autumn or fall season is approaching soon as the daylight hours shorten, the weather starts to cool, the leaves begin to change colors and drop from the trees. Many of the things we enjoy about fall are also triggers for those who suffer from allergies. The flowers of summer start to fade, but some plants wait just for this time of year to bloom. It is also harvest time for many crops which can cause large amounts of dust, pollens, and molds to be released into the air. Just like us, dogs and cats can develop an allergy or sensitivity to natural substances outside or in the air.

Sneezing, watery eyes, itching ears, itching skin, increased scratching, licking and chewing on skin areas, and hot spots are some of the most common signs. If the itching becomes intense, dogs and cats can damage their skin trying to scratch and relieve the sensation, which can lead to more problems like infection. Seasonal allergies may come and go depending on the time of the year and may be difficult to pinpoint the exact trigger that is causing your dog or cat problems. There are a variety of different treatments, medications, and products to help control seasonal allergies. Talk with your veterinarian about the best solution for your pet. VetClassics features a line of nutritional supplements and topicals designed just for dogs and cats with allergy

Allergy Skin & Coat is packed with Omega fatty acids DHA and EPA in a tasty soft chew. It helps maintain skin moisture and include natural antioxidants for a healthy immune and respiratory system.

 

 

 

Ear Wash cleans away dirt and debris while reducing wax buildup. It also eliminates odor from smelly ears. Allergy Ear Wash contains witch hazel and aloe vera to soothe itching, irritation, and mild inflammation that cause your dog or cat to scratch.

 

 

 

Allergy Anti-Lick Spray works to relieve irritated, itchy paws and has a bitter taste to stop destructive chewing and licking  It can be sprayed directly on the paws, foot pads, between toes, and other spots to quit the itch.

 

 

 

Vet Classics Allergy

Allergy HotSpot Foam is quick drying and designed to relieve itchy, irritated skin. It includes aloe vera, witch hazel, and tea tree oil quickly soothe skin. Its bitter taste discourages chewing and licking. 

Dogs Find Relief From Allergies And Itching With Apoquel

Does your dog always have that itch that he can’t quite scratch? Do they have allergies that cause them to constantly lick and chew with no relief? It’s normal to have an itch here and a scratch there, but if your dog has never ending problems with itching, it might be time to look into it. Just like us, dogs can develop allergies and sensitivities to certain foods or things in the environment like pollen, mold, types of grass and trees. They can also become allergic to the saliva of fleas when they bite, a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), and have reactions with only one or two fleas on their body. Dogs can also come in contact with other parasites like lice and mites, or irritants like shampoo and medications. The common signs that your dog has itching or irritation include excessive scratching, biting, licking chewing, rubbing, scooting, foot chewing and redness of the skin. If you notice changes in the skin or your dog is starting to cause damage to their skin, contact your veterinarian for treatment options and to determine the cause. Chronic scratching that causes skin damage can also be a sign of a more serious skin disease or infection and should be discussed with your veterinarian.Apoquel For Dogs With Allergies Now At VetRxDirect

Medications like steroids, antihistamines, and medicated shampoos, creams, and sprays are usually prescribed to help dogs and their owners deal with the itching but recently a medication called Apoquel was brought back because of popular demand.

Apoquel helps relieve itching and inflammation caused by allergies or skin conditions. Apoquel is not a steroid or an antihistamine, it’s a different kind of medication that stops the itch at its source. It contains oclacitinib that works by blocking certain chemical substances produced by the body, called cytokines, which trigger the itching sensation, inflammation, and some allergic responses. In some dogs, it may start providing relief in as little as 4 hours with complete relief within 24 hours. Apoquel is labeled for short and long term use in dogs that are over 1 year of age. Before using, talk with your veterinarian about Apoquel and discuss your dog’s treatment options. See what other vets are saying about  Apoquel. 

 

 

Announcing EpiCor for Pets

Have you heard the buzz about EpiCor? Visit your local nutrition store or the vitamin
aisle at your supermarket and you’ll see lots of products containing EpiCor, a
revolutionary, natural, dietary ingredient that helps balance the human immune
system and keep it healthy.

People all over the country take EpiCor because its special blend of vitamins, protein,
fiber, amino acids, metabolites, and antioxidants helps fight off infections and keeps
them healthy. The central ingredient in EpiCor is based on a proprietary fermentation
technology that’s been used by millions of people for more than 70 years.

EpiCor for Pets - Coming Soon!Good news! Soon your dog can get all the health benefits of EpiCor with new EpiCor
for Pets. This great product contains the same, clinically proven ingredient as EpiCor
for humans so you know it’s safe and effective. EpiCor for Pets is like a supercharged
multi-vitamin for your canine companion. The natural supplement strengthens your
dog’s immune system keeping it healthy and ready to fight off immune system
challenges. The formula comes in an innovative, easy-to-use pump liquid, just add EpiCor for Pets to your dog’s food following the label’s instructions.

EpiCor for Pets will be available in four different formulations:

  • Puppy – supports development, rapidly growing joints, and the immune system
  • Adult – supports joints, digestion, gut health, and the immune system
  • Senior – supports aging joints, digestion, and the immune system
  • Allergy – supports digestion and the immune system, builds up immunity for seasonal factors that cause skin irritation

We expect to have EpiCor for Pets in stock by October. Be the first to know when
EpiCor for Pets is ready to ship — sign up for the VetRxDirect EpiCor for Pets newsletter.

EpiCor for Pets is made by True-Dose. If you are attending SuperZoo in Las Vegas this week, plan on stopping by True-Dose’s table at booth #5171. They will be happy to answer any questions you have about any of True-Dose products including EpiCor for Pets.

To your pet’s health!
Wes

How to Fight Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Skin allergies are now the most common reason for veterinary visits. When allergies strike dogs, they almost always result in dermalogical problems. Your canine friend may chew on his feet, shake his head, rub his body on the carpet, scratch incessantly, or lick himself in a vain attempt to relieve the itching. This can and often does result in mutilated skin and hair loss.

What Causes Dog Allergies?

Veterinarians estimate that one in seven dogs is allergic to something. Unlike humans, however, dogs seldom manifest a multitude of symptoms. Even if they inhale environmental allergens, like pollen, their noses rarely run and their eyes usually don’t get red. Instead, they will have an itching sensation, skin rash, or possibly an ear infection.

The three most common culprits are food, environmental allergens, and flea bites. Scratching is the most common symptom and ear infections are possible, since the glands in your dog’s ears overproduce wax in response to allergic reactions. Owners must stay alert because the self-inflicted lesions caused by incessant scratching can lead to serious bacterial infections.

Just as with humans, when allergens are ingested, inhaled, or even touched, they cause the immune system to release irritating chemicals called histamines. Histamines are located in the skin and cause the itching. Because these allergens are produced in greater quantities in certain seasons, dogs tend to scratch a lot more in the spring, late summer, and fall.

Allergies typically develop in dogs between the ages of one and three. The symptoms to a known allergen rarely abate as the dog ages. In fact, they may get worse.

Flea Control is a Must

As noted above, fleas are a common cause of allergies in dogs. See our previous post for information on flea prevention medications available at VetRxDirect.

Allergy Testing in Dogs

Because they cannot tell you what symptoms they’re having or even how they feel, diagnosing allergies in dogs can be difficult. If your pouch experiences fairly consistent symptoms year round, he may be allergic to his food or to something in your home, typically dust mites. But if he only scratches himself for a few weeks in the spring, it means he almost certainly has seasonal allergies.

There are a few ways to determine what is causing your pet’s allergic reaction. The first and most definitive one is to take him to his veterinarian for an allergy test. Another is to eliminate things from your dog’s environment, one by one, until the allergen is determined. This method is generally used when food allergies are suspected.

Allergen Avoidance in Dogs

The simplest and most reliable way to assuage your pet’s allergies is to eliminate offending agents. If your dog is allergic to house dust, put him in another room while you vacuum the rugs and floors. If house dust mites are the culprit, wash his bedding in very hot water at least once a week. It may also be a good idea to use plastic covers on stuffed furniture. And make sure you keep rooms cool when the mercury rises, since pests thrive in warm environments.

The two other common environmental allergens are molds and pollens. To shield your dog from mold, keep him out of the basement and indoors when the grass is being cut. Because they are magnets for molds, humidifiers should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Using a dehumidifier may also help prevent the spread of these offending agents. Pollen is a bit easier to protect against since we know when pollen counts generally rise, i.e., during the spring. If your dog has a problem with pollen, keep him indoors and in the air conditioning during these periods, or at least wipe his feet before he comes inside.

Topical Solutions for Dog’s Skin Health

Shampoos and anti-itch medications provide immediate, albeit short-term relief. As a result, they are extremely popular with owners whose pets suffer from seasonal allergies. Most can be used once, even twice a week without issue. Solutions that contain hydrocortisone offer increased relief for most dogs. Salves and lotions may also be applied to sooth red, irritated skin.

VetRxDirect has a full line of dog shampoos and sprays for healthy skin:

Ask your veterinarian which one is right for your pet.

Immunotherapy for Dogs

Intensive, expensive, but extremely effective, immunotherapy is only recommended when allergy symptoms are persistant and severe. The treatment involves a series of weekly or monthly shots administered during periods of intense suffering. Before these injections can be applied, your dog must undergo blood and/or intradermal testing to identify the offending allergens. New oral immunotherapy is now available- see Medications below.

Medication for Allergic Dogs

In more typical cases, when the allergies are seasonal and of shorter duration, your veterinarian may decide to prescribe medications to suppress the symptoms until the allergen dissipates in the environment, usually after a killing frost or significant snowfall.

Prescription medications to treat common pet allergies are available at deeply-discounted prices at VetRxDirect:

Your veterinarian will prescribe the best allergy medication for your dog.

Nutritional Supplements for Allergic Dogs

Essential fatty acids can help with allergy symptoms and potentiate other medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, and immune suppressants like cyclosporine.

VetRxDirect has many products containing fatty acids for dogs to choose from.

Topical Solutions and Medications for Allergic Dog’s Ears

If your dog’s ears are litchy, waxy, or sore, topical ear cleaners and medications may be needed to clean the ears, treat infections, and relieve symptoms. A veterinarian can look deep in your dog’s ear and check the debris under the microscope to determine the best treatment. Talk to your veterinarian about these possible ear cleaners and medications for dogs from VetRxDirect:

Ear Cleaners for Dogs:

Ear Medications for Dogs:

How do you fight seasonal allergies in your dog? Please post any suggestions or tips you have to help the rest of us who have scratchy, licking dogs.

Have a great day,

Wes