Pet seasonal allergy symptoms to look for
Dogs and cats show similar allergy symptoms as humans, yet they experience them most through their skin. Excessive scratching likely means itchy, irritated skin. Here are a few more symptoms to watch out for:
Scratching and biting their coat or skin
Red, inflamed, or infected skin
Excessive shedding
Compulsive paw licking in dogs
Boot scoots or licking their anal glands
Chronic ear infections or red, waxy ears (common for dogs who are prone to ear problems in the first place)
Respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing (more common in cats)
This is far more common in dogs, although some cats do suffer from allergies.
Atopy, (environmental allergy) often can start out as seasonal ( ie when plants grow, pollinate), but can then become a year round concern.
Treatments
There are many remedies, but there are 2 supplements in particular that you should consider.
1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids. There is more evidence, and clinical results supporting the benefits of EFA's than any other supplement. The anti-inflammatory components of the Essential Fatty Acids are EPA and DHA can cause a marked decrease in the level of redness and ongoing scratching.
The important point here is to have a HIGHER than typically suggested dose to see a benefit, and to give the CORRECT type of Omega 3.
New research is suggesting that Krill can be better absorbed, ultimately giving better results.
Regardless, it needs to be at a high enough dose.
My suggested dose of the Fish Oil supplements are 1000mg per 20lbs of body weight daily
Doses of Krill can be lower at 500mg/20lbs daily, but if after 14 days there is no great response, then double this dose.
2. A Natural Antihistamine in the form of Quercetin.
Quercetin has been extensively studied, and some researchers claim it is the most beneficial supplement for Seasonal Allergies. It is a flavonoid (beneficial nutrient), that is found in apple peel, red onion etc..
Consider this one study:
Published online 2016 May 12. doi: 10.3390/molecules21050623
PMCID: PMC6273625
PMID: 27187333
Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response
Allergic disorders (skin, food and respiratory allergies) have been rapidly increasing worldwide during the last three decades. Therefore, there is a demand for new sources of anti-allergic bioactive compounds.
Nowadays, most attention has been focused on flavonoids, especially quercetin.
Quercetin displays high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have been proven by many in vivo and in vitro studies. Quercetin’s anti-allergic mechanism of action through the inhibition of enzymes and inflammatory mediators has also been extensively studied.
Standard Quercetin Dose: 100mg/10lbs daily.
I would suggest using Bioactive Quercetin which is much better absorbed up to 40 times). It typically comes in 50mg capsules.
Bioactive Quercetin Dose of 50mg/20lbs daily
