Allergies And Skin Reactions
Allergic reactions in dogs may occur as a result of factors in their environment or in their food. Canine atopic dermatitis is an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, plants, and grass in the air. Frequent scratching due to the persistent sense of itchiness is the most common symptom that your dog has an airborne allergy.
Scratching can lead to other issues such as wounds, scabbing and your dogs inflamed skin. Inflammation within their nose and ear infections are two less common symptoms.
Allergies in dogs can manifest themselves during specific seasons or throughout the year. Although food allergiesare less common than airborne allergies, they exhibit similar symptoms.
Petvitalitypro Probiotics For Dogs With Natural Digestive Enzymes
Image courtesy PetVitalityPro
This probiotic supplement from PetVitalityPRO is designed to help dogs with a variety of health issues, including allergies. The probiotics in this supplement can help to regulate your dog’s immune system and reduce their reactions to allergens.
The supplement also contains enzymes that can help to break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. This can help to improve your dog’s overall health and make them feel their best. PetVitalityPRO Probiotics for Dogs also contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for a dog’s coat and skin.
So How Can We Treat Dog And Cat Allergies
Certainly we do not profess to have all the answers to treating allergies, but there are some basic guidelines that we follow, that consistently lead to effective, positive results in pets that have allergies.
If these changes alone are not fixing the problem, try:
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How Long Does It Take For Probiotics To Work In Dogs With Allergies
Typically, it takes a few weeks to see signs of improvement. Probiotics for dogs with allergies colonize the digestive tract and support the growth of healthy gut bacteria from the first use. However, it takes more regular use for the skin allergies to get under control.
But we need to keep one thing in mind. The rate of easing of symptoms depends on the potency of the probiotic, age and weight of the dog, and the feeding timings suggested on the products packaging. Additionally, some healing can take months to show results, especially when it comes to building immunity in your dog.
What Are The Best Probiotics For Dogs
Below is our best probiotics for dogs summary with top picks and reviews.
- Specially formulated with both dog probiotics and prebiotics.
- Avoid diarrhea, loss of appetite, constipation, and many other problems.
- Helps promote the production of natural antibodies, fight free radicals, and support a healthy immune system in your dog.
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Why Pitbulls Are Prone To Skin Allergies
Since these burly doggos are short-haired, they have a lower defense against allergens. They are also common victims of dermatological problems. Some of the typical culprits are mundane substances like pollen, sunlight, grass, and skin parasites.
Most of the allergens are environment-related. However, the detergent you use in washing the dog bedding or the Pitty shampoo can be allergens too. Contact allergy is common among Pitbulls but this can worsen when combined with other irritants.
As you see, dog allergy is a very diverse topic. One substance can be an allergen to a specific dog but not for the other. This means your pet needs customized attention when it comes to grooming, and most of all, their diet.
Take note, though, that theres a fine line between allergies and intolerances. Allergies occur when your dogs immune system mistakenly identifies a certain substance as a hazard. Meanwhile, intolerance is all in the gut. When your dog cant digest a certain substance, its not right to tag it as an allergy.
Reverse Sneezing And Dog Allergies
Reverse sneezing occurs when dogs forcefully expel air through their nose and then do the exact same thing in reverse by inhaling the sneeze back into their nose immediately after sneezing.
Dogs experiencing reverse sneezing fits will snort, wheeze and sound like they are having trouble breathing. However, a fit of reverse sneezing eventually resolves itself in about 30 to 60 seconds and has no negative health effects on the dog. Veterinarians call reverse sneezing paroxysmal respiration and attribute this type of sneezing to allergies and respiratory infections. Dogs with long, narrow noses and narrow nasal passages tend to suffer reverse sneezing fits more than dogs with shorter noses.
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What Time Of Day Should I Give My Dog Probiotics
Ideally, you should give your dog probiotics early in the morning before breakfast.
While there is no rule about the timing, most experts believe it is best to give probiotics in the morning because, at this time, there is the least amount of gastric acid in the dogs stomach. This means the bacterias travel to the intestines will be safer.
However, veterinarians agree that consistent use of probiotics is more important than following a strict dosing schedule.
What To Know Before Picking A Probiotic For Dogs With Allergies
Using probiotics is typically a safe practice, however, there are some things you should be aware of before adding probiotics to your pets routine.
Strain: Because probiotics are made of different strains of bacteria, it is important to pick a product that meets your pets needs. Currently, the bacteria that appear to help treat allergies are:
This genus of bacteria is known to improve gut health and aid in the treatment of allergies. Lactobacillus acidophilus has been shown to decrease the bad bacteria in the gut and help dogs who deal with food sensitivity.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is believed to aid in the alleviation and prevention of clinical signs in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
Enterococcus faecium improves gut health by decreasing harmful bacteria in the gut such as Clostridium.
- Bifidobacteria:
Like the previous two categories, Bifidobacteria are primarily useful in improving gut health.
A unique finding is that as Bifidobacteria decrease the harmful bacteria in the gut, it creates an environment where Lactobacillus can proliferate and thrive.
In this way, Bifidobacteria may be more effective in reducing atopic dermatitis symptoms when used in combination with Lactobacillus products.
Some articles mention the use of certain strains of Bacillus as a probiotic. Research studies have questioned the safety of using Bacillus in companion animals.
Product labels: Like many other supplements, probiotics are not monitored by the Food and Drug Administration .
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Why Might My Dog Need Probiotics
There are many reasons why your dog might need probiotics. Probiotics can help with everything from allergies to diarrhea. They can also help to boost your dogs immune system. If your dog is taking antibiotics, probiotics can help to replace the good bacteria that are killed along with the bad bacteria.
How Do I Use Probiotics For My Dogs Allergies
Probiotics for dogs with allergies are used in combination with other treatments. Here is a close look at those treatment options:
- Medicated Baths. This is the most common way to provide relief to your dog who is suffering from skin troubles. There are special shampoos formulated to provide relief to a dogs itchy skin.
- Antihistamines. This is a safe and highly effective solution to counter skin allergies. The most common antihistamines areBenadryl and Claritin. They are safe and rarely cause side effects.
- Antibiotics/Antifungals. Antibiotics are mainly used to cure secondary skin infections. The antifungal medication, on the other hand, is used for yeast infections.
- Hypoallergenic Diets. Hypoallergenic dog foods are used in dogs with food allergies. It has been observed that dairy, beef, and some grains are the key triggers for an allergic reaction.
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How Probiotics For Dogs Can Help Reduce Itchy Skin
Antibiotics are present in most pet foods, and they could be stripping your dogs digestive system and immune heath of vital probiotic bacteria it could lead to an itchy dog.
Without a healthy gut microbiome, your pet will struggle to fight illness and absorb the important nutrients they need for long term wellness.
This can lead to a number of health issues, including an itchy skin. Probiotics for dogs are known to help with common canine allergies that produce skin inflammation and itchiness.
Here is everything you need to know about probiotics and how they can help your itchy dog.
Are Probiotics Good For Dogs
Probiotics support all aspects of canine health and are usually given as a supplement with food to regulate gastrointestinal functioning by ensuring more good bacteria than bad bacteria in the intestines.
All dogs will experience the following benefits from probiotics:
- Increased absorption of nutrients in the GI tract
- Prevention of GI tract infections
- Regulation of cell motility to reduce the risk of irritable bowel syndrome or constipation
- Heightened functioning of the immune system
- Possible prevention of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis in older dogs
Are probiotics good for dogs? Without a doubt yes!
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How Probiotics May Work On Allergies
The exact mechanisms for how probiotics impact the immune response to allergies are not fully understood. However, researchers have some general theories.
Like other disease processes, allergies throw off the natural balance within the body. For dogs with food allergies, the normal bacteria that colonize the gut is disturbed.
The use of probiotics can help restore balance, regulate the immune response, and promote a healthy gut.
The benefits of feeding probiotics to a dog with skin allergies may not be as obvious. Like gastrointestinal disorders, skin disorders can throw off the natural balance of bacteria found on the skin.
An overabundance of bad skin bacteria can lead to irritation and infection.
However, gut health and skin conditions are more connected than one might think. Researchers believe that skin diseases are an indication of more systemic disorders related to gut health.
Studies done in humans have shown that restoring the balance of gut bacteria has helped patients suffering from skin disorders. Now, similar studies are being done on dogs.
Dinovite Probiotic Supplement For Dogs
Dinovite is a probiotic supplement your dog will love you for! Dinovite is another advanced probiotic formula for dogs with itching and allergies. The prebiotics and probiotics in this product aid in maintaining the digestive and immune health of your dog.
With a unique formula that includes omega fatty acids, this supplement helps to create rich skin and coat. It also combats common issues like itching, hot spots, licking, and seasonal allergies. So it’s a must-have dog food supplement that will keep them happy and comfortable.
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Probiotics For Dogs Side Effects
Few treatments work flawlessly. But, in general, probiotics appear to be completely safe for dogs. In one study, dogs were given a probiotic blend of seven strains of bacteria for three weeks.
The healthy dogs did not show any negative gastrointestinal effects, nor was their immune system negatively affected .
That does depend on giving the correct dose, however.
Nevertheless, every dog is different. If you decide to add a probiotic into your dogs diet, start with a small quantity and increase it over the first 2 weeks to allow their digestive system to adjust.
Since probiotics can help with digestive issues including constipationnausea, vomiting and diarrhea could result if you feed your dog too much too quickly. If you have any concerns, speak to your veterinarian before starting your dog on a probiotic.
These symptoms are rare, and your dog will most likely not experience any negative reaction.
Are Human Probiotics The Same As Dog Probiotics
No, human probiotics for dogs are not the same as dog probiotics.
The main differences between human and dog probiotics are the type of bacteria and the number of live bacteria. This is becuase the dogs gut bacteria is different than the humans.
Specific probiotics or bacterial strains are present in both dogs and humans. However, they will be present in much higher numbers in the human supplement than they would be in dog probiotics.
Another difference is in the added ingredients. Namely, human probiotics often feature ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Human supplements may contain xylitol an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
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What Makes Them Good
Probiotics can help restore your dogs health, energy and mood if suffering from one or more of the following symptoms typically caused by an imbalance of intestinal bacteria:
- Coat and skin issues
- Frequent vomiting
- Yeast infections
- Inflammatory disorders of the GI tract
- General lethargy, depression, restlessness or unusual aggression
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea commonly affects dogs that are taking antibiotics for an extended period. This is because antibiotics tend to kill all bacteria in the dogs body while also compromising the barrier function provided by microflora in the colon. In response to antibiotics overreaching ability to eliminate bacteria, opportunistic pathogens such as Clostridium difficile or Bacteroides spp can easily infiltrate such a vulnerable GI tract and cause a variety of chronic infections.
Probiotics For Dogs Skin: How To Choose A Supplement
With the help of your dogs veterinarian, you should be able to identify the root cause of your dogs skin problems and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.
But what if your vet doesnt know as much as they could about probiotics? Well, there are several things you should look for when choosing a probiotic supplement for your canine companion.
If you want to ensure that your dog gets maximum benefit from their dietary supplements, start by looking for a product with a high CFU count . This refers to how many live bacteria per capsule or serving size will actually reach the intestines alive. CFU counts vary greatly between different brands and types check online reviews before purchasing anything so that you can determine which products work best in terms of delivering results without side effects. It’s also important that these supplements remain shelf stable or refrigerated depending on how long they will be stored between uses . Not only does this make them easier on owners who may not have time during busy lives but it ensures potency throughout all stages leading up to consumption–a big factor when considering how helpful these products might be at improving overall health!
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Honest Kitchen Pro Bloom Instant Goat’s Milk Probiotics
Image courtesy The Honest Kitchen
Honest Kitchen Pro Bloom Instant Goat’s Milk Probiotics are designed to help dogs with a variety of health issues, including allergies. The probiotics in this supplement can help to regulate your dog’s immune system and reduce their reactions to allergens.
The supplement also contains enzymes that can help to break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. This can help to improve your dog’s overall health and make them feel their best. Honest Kitchen Pro Bloom Instant Goat’s Milk Probiotics also contain Omega-fatty acids which are beneficial for a dog’s coat and skin.
Are Fish Oils Really Effective
While fish oils have been in the news regularly, many skeptics are starting to wonder how effective they really are. As with much nutrition-related news, the marketing and media hype surrounding fish oil has gotten out of control, and if a product is promising something too good to be true, it usually is.
So while fish oils arent a miracle cure, they still have their place in a healthy diet. If youre feeding your dog kibble, youll have seen that many brands add Omega-3s to their products. However, these fatty acids are delicate and can go rancid and degrade very easily. So, by the time the kibble reaches your dog, most of the added Omega-3s are useless.
Thats where supplementation comes in. All youre doing is supplementing your dogs existing healthy diet. Fish oil supplements will not replace proper veterinary care, nor are they a cure-all for your dog.
Instead, theyre an addition to ensure that your dog is getting all the vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids it needs in order to live a happy and healthy life. So, if your dog is healthy, has no joint problems, and has a glossy coat, you probably dont need to supplement. But, if you know your dog has problems with dry skin or shows signs of Omega-3 deficiency, then a supplement will do them a world of good.
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Are Human Probiotics Safe For Dogs
Stick with probiotics that are specially formulated for dogs. There are many different opinions on this.
I personally rotate between the Proviable probiotics prescribed by my vet and the VetriScience probiotic on Amazon. The cost can add up with the vet-prescribed probiotics, so I mix it up a bit for my 3 dogs.
Be patient, probiotics do take time to work. Giving your dog high-quality probiotics on a regular basis can help improve your dogs general health and overall well-being.
Note: If your dog is currently on any medications, discuss adding probiotics to your dogs diet with your vet.
Does your Dog take any probiotics? Tell us about it in the comments.
