Managing the Allergic Dog

Managing an allergic dog is frustrating for both the pet parent and the veterinarian alike. Not all dogs will respond to any one specific therapy, which is why veterinarians have so many options in their dermatology “tool-kit”. For example, high-potency omega-3 fatty acids have been shown
to be effective in about 30% of dogs when given as a supplement at the appropriate dosagelevels. Another viewpoint suggests that dogs receiving Apoquel® may respond brilliantly for the first few rounds of therapy, however the response may wain over time.
To make matters more confusing for dog owners, the market is overrun with products from various companies trying to ‘cash-in’ on the 15% of dogs in US households who genuinely need help. Popular ingredients include: colostrum, hardy kiwi, quercetin, fish oil, coconut oil, probiotics, vitamin c, zinc, bee propolis and more. Finding the right solution for your allergic dog can take time and a lot of trial-and-error. Your family veterinarian can help expedite the process by ruling out what may be causing the underlying itch or skin problem.

A good first step is to ensure that your dog does not have any ecto-parasites. These include fleas and ticks, but dust mites also fall into the category and are microscopic making them hard to see. If you suspect dust mites, wash all your dog’s bedding in hot water. For fleas, even the most conscious pet owners can forget the monthly preventatives or be unaware of the signs of fleas. For dogs that are hypersensitive to flea bites, even ONE flea can cause a dramatic allergic flare-up.

Once fleas and ectoparasites have been eliminated, it is important to regulate the skin’s normal flora and protective barrier by killing unwanted bacteria on the skin. A new shampoo formulated with sodium hypochlorite has been proven effective in resolving canine pyoderma, including infections caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococcal strains. The new shampoo is called COMMAND™ SHAMPOO for ANIMALS from VetriMax® Veterinary Products. This new product offers broad-spectrum control of bacteria and fungus commonly found in dogs with skin disease.

Another important step is to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. Ceramides are lipid molecules that make up the integrity of the stratum corneum or the outermost layer of the skin. Their function is to keep beneficial water and moisture in the skin, while blocking out pollen and
preventing bacterial colonies from forming. AtopiCream™ HC from VetriMax is a leave-on lotion/conditioner containing ceramides expertly formulated for dogs. You can learn more aboutthese products at www.vetrimaxproducts.com

A new way to manage dogs who suffer from seasonal or chronic allergies is the addition of Quercetin, Zinc, Probiotics and Salmon Oil into their diet. While this may seem like a lot of work in the kitchen to prepare, VetriMax has formulated this blend into a tasty soft-chew ‘treat’ to be given with a meal. Allergy CZN™ soft chews for dogs contain a potent blend of quercetin, zinc, probiotics and salmon oil plus vitamin C, turmeric and bromelain, representing the highest potency and best overall value in allergy supplements for dogs. In fact, you may discover that after 30-60 days that your dog’s allergies are effectively managed from just incorporating this new formulation into your own dermatology “tool-kit”.