best dog allergy relief
The 9 best allergy supplements for dogs in 2023
What we love: We love this quality supplement made with natural ingredients in the good ol U.S. of A. Instead of being loaded with fillers (they include no preservatives, grains, or soy), Pet Parents is made with active ingredients like wild alaskan salmon, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots.
What customers say: Pet Parents Allergy Supplements have a solid four-star rating from more than 1,000 reviewers, with several commenting that they work quickly to solve symptoms. Some customers noted a fishy odor, so this product may not be okay for picky eaters.
Has this product ever been recalled? If so, why? No.
Ingredients: Colostrum 250 mg, BioMos 200 mg, apple cider vinegar 80 mg, wild alaskan salmon oil 80 mg, organic licorice root 50 mg, quercetin (Bioflavonoids) 50 mg, vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 20 mg, proprietary probiotic blend 1 B CFU, salmon, pea flour, palm fruit oil, tapioca flour, garbanzo flour, flaxseed, sweet potato, carrot, tomato, sunflower lecithin, powdered cellulose (coating only), coconut glycerin, sorbic acid, rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols.
Types of Dog Allergies and How to Treat Them
Have you heard someone tell you that their dog has allergies? Has your veterinarian suggested that allergies could be a problem for your dog? Do you suspect that your dog has allergies? If so, then youve probably realized that allergies in dogs are not quite as simple as we might wish. For starters, there are several different types of allergies that could be causing your dogs symptoms.
Allergies are a misguided reaction to foreign substances by the bodys immune system, which, of course, people and pets can suffer from. There are quite a few different types of allergies in dogs. Skin allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergens all pose challenges for dogs and their owners, and to make things more complicated, the symptoms of all these different types of allergies can overlap.
Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
The symptoms of allergies in dogs may vary depending on the cause. A dog that goes into anaphylactic shock, for instance, will have a drop in blood pressure followed by shock, which is very different from a skin condition.
In general, however, the following symptoms could be a sign of an allergic reaction.
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
- Red, inflamed skin
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Itchy ears
- Chronic ear infections
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Constant licking
Some of these symptoms could also be a sign of another condition. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice changes in their behavior to get an accurate diagnosis.
Types of Allergic Reactions in Dogs
Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs
Skin allergies in dogs, known as allergic dermatitis, is the most common type of allergic reaction in dogs. Skin allergies in dogs are mainly caused by one of three things: fleas, food allergies, and atopicor environmentalallergies.Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to fleabites, and some dogs are allergic to flea saliva, which can cause their skin to become red, inflamed, or scabbed because their skin will feel extremely itchy. Its the easiest type of allergic dermatitis to treat, since you can apply flea medication for dogs to help heal their skin.
Another cause of skin allergy in dogs is from food allergies and sensitivities. Just like humans can be allergic to certain foods or ingredients, dogs can be allergic, which can cause itchy skin. Dogs with food allergies usually have itchy ears or paws, sometimes along with gastrointestinal symptoms. Dr. Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, says that food allergies are not as common as you might think. True food allergies result in an immune response, which can range in symptoms from hives, facial swelling, and itchiness to gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea or a combination of both.
Environmental allergens can also affect the skin and be the cause of allergic dermatitis. Things like dust, pollen, fungus, and mold can cause these reactions, but in most cases, these allergies are seasonal. As with food allergies that affect the skin, the most commonly affected areas are the paws and ears (but also include the wrists, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, around the eyes, and in between the toes).
All skin allergies pose the risk of secondary infection. As your dog scratches, bites, and licks at his skin, he risks opening up his skin to yeast and bacterial infections that may require treatment.
Urticaria, or Hives, in Dogs
Also known as urticaria, hives on dogs are very itchy but are not life-threatening. Hives appear as a reaction anywhere from 6 to 24 hours after exposure to allergens. This consists of itchy, swelled skin, that usually looks like a red rash. Its easiest to spot hives on dogs that are hairless or have short coats. Dogs with longer hair can get them too, but its more likely that youd be able to fee the hives rather than see them. Your vet will prescribe an antihistamine in order to treat urticaria in dogs.
Edema of Face or Throat
Swelling of the throat or face looks severe, but its actually almost never fatal. This area of swelling, which can also include swelling of the eyelids or ear flaps, is known as angioneurotic edema. Its actually pretty easily treated, and despite how it looks, its a good sign in terms of allergic reactions.
If your dog has edema of any of these areas, the time for a fatal allergic reaction has most likely passed, and they arent in as much danger. Angioneurotic edema occurs anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours after exposure to an allergen, and can also come with hives.A veterinarian will often give dogs with this reaction an antihistamine injection. Untreated, it may take a day or two for the swelling to subside.
Anaphylactic Shock
Perhaps the most alarming of all the types of allergic reactions in dogs is anaphylactic shock. Like people, dogs can go into anaphylactic shock if they have a severe reaction to an allergen. This happens when antibodies produced by the host react negatively to the allergen, dropping your dogs blood pressure rapidly and sending them into shock. This can be fatal if not treated, but luckily, anaphylactic reactions are rare in dogs.
This can be a response to any allergen, most commonly bee or wasp stings, or vaccine reactions. Because of this, your vet will always recommend keeping a close eye on your dog after theyve been given any new vaccine, drug, or food item, as they might be allergic.
If a dog has had a past incident and survived, the owner may carry an epipen, but sometimes the first occurrence can lead to death. Fortunately these reactions are very rare in dogs.
In some rare cases, a severe food allergy reaction resulting in anaphylaxis can occur, similar to severe peanut allergies in humans. The best way to diagnose and treat a food allergy is to work with your veterinarian to manage your dogs symptoms and discover the ingredient causing the reaction.
Diagnosing Allergies in Dogs
Flea allergy dermatitis is typically the easiest allergy to diagnose. It is usually diagnosed by identifying fleas on your dogs body and applying a product that kills fleas before they can bite to see if that solves the issues.
The first thing your veterinarian will do in allergy testing is rule out any other condition that could be causing your dogs symptoms. If your veterinarian feels that an allergy is a likely cause, they may propose allergy testing to try and determine the cause of the allergen that is causing the reaction. However, keep in mind it may not always be possible to determine the cause of an allergy with testing.
If you have ever undergone allergy testing, then you know that diagnosing allergies is often complicated. Its the same for dogs, but its worth it to understand what to stay away from when it comes to your dog.Food allergies are often diagnosed using an elimination diet. A food trial consists of feeding a dog one source of protein and carbohydrate for 12 weeks.
Treating Allergies in Dogs
The best way to treat an allergy is avoidance of the cause and allergen, which may not always be possible. They type of treatment depends on the type of allergy your dog has. For example, the best way to treat flea allergy dermatitis is to kill the fleas, whereas the best way to treat a food allergy or food intolerance is a change in diet.
Depending on the cause and severity of your dogs allergic reaction, your veterinarian will prescribe different things. For hives, they might suggest antihistamines, cortisones, medicated shampoos, whereas with food allergies they might suggest fish oil or other Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. For skin allergies, they might prescribe dog-safe anti-inflammatory wipes or shampoo on skin to provide irritation relief.
In addition to any lifestyle changes that might be necessary, your veterinarian may also prescribe an allergy relief medication for your dog that will help control the signs associated with the allergic reaction, such as itching and any secondary skin infections that might have developed as a result of the irritant.
If your dog has a severe allergic reaction, your best course of action is to get them to an emergency veterinary hospital as quickly as possible.
9 Best Dog Allergy Supplements: Anti-Itch Chews, Oils, Vitamins & More
Itchy skin and digestive issues are common problems with our pups. And sometimes, allergies or intolerances to environmental or food allergens are to blame. If you suspect your dogs symptoms are due to allergies, youre certainly not alone. Thats why the commercial market is flooded with supplements that claim to relieve dog allergies.
As with all consumer products, some allergy supplements for dogs are of a higher quality and more effective than others. Weve done our research to weed through your options, and we think the best allergy supplement for dogs is Pet Honesty Allergy Support Chews. But depending on your dogs needs, there are many others to consider that might fit the bill better. Lets dive in to help you find allergy relief for your furry friend among our top picks.
At A Glance: Best Dog Allergy Supplements
Best Allergy Supplements For Dogs
Weve chosen the best supplements for dogs with allergies based on several factors, including the active ingredients, quality, pricing, customer feedback, and more. See ouringredient sectionbelow if youre not familiar with the most beneficial active ingredients we include in our reviews.
Weve noted in our reviews the products that have the quality seal of approvalfrom the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) for safe manufacturing practices.The NASC is a non-profit trade organization thats committed to setting standards for pet supplements, which arent regulated by the FDA.
3 Expert Tips
- Always check with your vet before giving your pup any supplements.
- Keep in mind that dog allergy supplements can take up to six to eight weeks of daily use to see noticeable benefits.
- Not all allergy supplements work for every dog. It can depend on whats causing your dogs allergies and how your pup tolerates ingredients.
Best Overall: Pet Honesty Allergy Support Chews Review
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Pet Honestys top-selling Allergy Support Chews are an excellent all-natural daily supplement for dogs with occasional environmental and food allergies. Their premium vet-formulated blend of colostrum, salmon oil, astragalus root, a seven-strain probiotic, turmeric, quercetin, organic medicinal mushrooms, and apple cider vinegar has multiple benefits to improve your pups allergy symptoms.
These soft chews can help maintain normal histamine levels, support a healthy immune system and gut, and soothe skin problems associated with allergies. Pet Honesty also carries several other dog allergy chews, oils, shampoos, and more to help improve allergy symptoms.
Recommended use: one chew daily per 25 pounds of weight
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitively priced | Some customers said it caused vomiting and diarrhea |
| Chews contain no artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, soy, or GMOs | |
| NASC-certified | |
| Comes in peanut butter and salmon flavors | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | |
| Save 20% with auto-shipping | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
With Pet Honesty, you can subscribe for auto-shipping and save 20%. They also offer free shipping on orders over $49.
Full Review Of Pet Honesty
Best Advanced: Zesty Paws Advanced Aller-Immune Bites Review
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Several types of Zesty Paws allergy immune supplements for dogs get many rave reviews from pup parents. Weve chosen to highlight the Advanced Aller-Immune Bites because of their potent ingredients. These all-natural, salmon-flavored soft chews contain colostrum, salmon oil, quercetin, bromelain, astragalus root, a five-strainprobiotic, vitamin C, and other premium ingredients to help support immune, histamine, and digestive health. Theyre intended for skin, seasonal, and environmental allergy issues.
Recommended use: begin with half the recommended amount and gradually increase.
- Up to 25 lbs: 1 chew daily
- 25-75 lbs: 2 chews daily
- Over 75lb: 3 chews daily
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-natural and grain-free | A few reports of diarrhea and lethargy |
| NASC-certified | Some say their dogs didnt like the taste |
| 100% satisfaction guarantee | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
Fully Zesty Paws Review
Best For Seasonal Allergies: Native Pet Allergy Chews Review
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Founded in 2017, Native Pet is making its mark as a premium pet supplement manufacturer. And many customers find success for their pups allergy relief with Native Pets allergy chews. Active ingredients include colostrum for immune health, spirulina (superfood algae), dried fermentate (increases allergen-fighting antibodies), algae oil, andB. coagulans(a probiotic that boosts cell response to infections and supports gut health).
Featuring only nine all-natural ingredients, these chews are made in the USA and are slow-cooked and air-dried to preserve nutrients and freshness.They also include real chicken and pork bone broth, so take note in case your pup has allergies to one or both of these animal proteins.
Recommended use:
- For the first 14 days, give 2 chews for every 25 lbs of dog body weight.
- After the first 14 days, give 1 chew for every 25 lbs of dog.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vet-formulated | Doesnt have NASC certification |
| All-natural with only 9 ingredients | Some complaints that the chews are too hard and the chew sizes are inconsistent |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | |
| Save 15% with auto-shipping | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
You can save 10% off the following price by signing up for auto-shipping.
Full Review Of Native Pet
Best Multivitamin: NaturVet All-in-One Dog Supplement Review
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Are you looking for a supplement that offers much more than allergy relief? Naturvets All-In-One supplements are among the best vitamins for dogs with allergies. These soft chews provide health support for skin and coat, joints, and digestion, plus a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients such as 3, 6, and 9 omegas, probiotics, biotin, and other vitamins in this supplement help maintain skin and coat health. However, it doesnt include some other key ingredients, like quercetin and turmeric, to address histamine levels and skin inflammation.
Recommended use: Give at mealtime (can be divided among AM & PM meals)
- Up to 30 lbs: 2 soft chews
- 31-50 lbs: 4 soft chews
- 51-75 lbs: 6 soft chews
- Over 75 lbs: 8 soft chews
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent multivitamin for multiple health benefits | May not be as effective for serious allergies as some other allergy-specific supplements |
| Wheat-free | Requires a lot of chews for larger dogs |
| NASC quality seal of approval | |
| Money-back guarantee | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
Best Fish Oil: Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil Review
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A lot of pup parents swear by fish oil to help control their dogs allergy symptoms, and this Pet Honesty oil is a premium choice. Made only with anchovy oil, herring oil, mackerel oil, and sardine oil, it contains high amounts of DHA, EPA, and other omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can help relieve irritated skin and stiff joints and are excellent for immunity, heart, brain, and overall health.
Pet Honesty is also committed to quality. The fish they use in this oil are low in mercury and toxins and are caught in the clean waters off of Icelands coast. And the oil doesnt have a fishy odor like many other fish oils for dogs.
Recommended use: Pump directly onto your dogs food and mix well. Give daily 1 pump per 10 lbs of body weight.
Our Personal Experience With Pet Honesty Omega-3 Fish Oil
Since starting our dogs on this supplement, their coats have become so soft and shiny, and skin issues have entirely disappeared. One squirt a day in each dogs bowl is all we use, so the bottle lasts more than a year! This is a great value, especially for such an effective product.
Michelle Schenker, co-founder of Canine Journal and mixed-breed rescue parent
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Each serving has 800mg of EPA and 525mg of DHAand other omega-3s | Several complaints that the pump doesnt work well and leaks |
| Fish are carefully sourced | |
| Purified naturally to remove fishy odor and taste | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | |
| Save 20% with auto-shipping | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
You can subscribe for auto-shipping and save 20%. They also offer free shipping on orders over $49.
Full Review Of Pet Honesty
Best Organic: BIXBI Skin & Coat Powder Review
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Its widely believed, particularly in Eastern medicine, that medicinal mushrooms have powerful benefits for the immune system and anti-inflammatory properties (among many other health benefits). This BIXBI organic pet superfood daily mushroom supplement is formulated for pets with seasonal allergies to support a healthy immune system response and skin and coat health. Theyre made witha proprietary blend of USDA organic mushrooms, including reishi, beech, king trumpet, and more.
The founder and CEO of BIXBI grew up on a mushroom farm, so he has a lifetime of knowledge about their various health benefits. The company also carries other mushroom supplements for joint pain, digestive problems, and overall immune health, as well as a variety of all-natural dog food and treats.
Recommended use: Administer orally daily during or after mealtime. Give 1/4 teaspoon (.5 grams) per 25 lbs. For best results, double the dosage for the first 7 days.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA organic mushrooms | On the pricey side |
| Grain and gluten-free with no artificial ingredients | Mixed customer reviews about effectiveness |
| NASC-certified | |
| Made and sourced in the USA | |
| Comes with a measuring spoon | |
| Suitable for dogs and cats |
Price
Full Review Of BIXBI
What About Finn, STRELLALAB, & Vets Best?
These dog allergy supplements didnt make it into our top picks, but theyre popular and relatively affordable products that you may want to consider.
Finn Allergy & Itch Supplement For Dogs Review
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A relative newcomer to the dog supplement industry, Finns all-natural products are quickly becoming a popular choice among pup parents. The companys philosophy is to only use scientifically backed ingredients in its products. Their Allergy & Itch Supplement contains colostrum, wild Alaskan salmon oil, quercetin, bromelain, prebiotics, a one-strain probiotic, bee propolis, and other key ingredients to help support your dogs immune response and soothe itching and dry skin.
These chews are formulated to address seasonal allergies in dogs and are cold-pressed to preserve the potency of ingredients. They contain real cheese, bacon, and beef liver, all dog-favorite flavors.
Recommended use: Administer 1 soft chew daily per 25 lbs of body weight.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-natural with no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients | Some say their dogs didnt like the taste |
| NASC-certified | Mixed customer reviews about effectiveness |
| 60-day money-back guarantee | |
| Save 15% with auto-shipping | |
| Made in the USA | |
| Tins made with 100% recycled steel |
Price
You can save 15% off the following price and get free shipping by subscribing for recurring deliveries.
Read Full Finn Review
STRELLALAB Allergy Relief Immune Chews Review
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Many pup parents find relief for their dogs with STRELLALAB Allergy Relief Immune chews. These soft chews are formulated to help with skin and digestive symptoms resulting from food, environmental, and seasonal allergies. They contain salmon oil, quercetin, bromelain, turmeric, grape seed extract, probiotics, and other beneficial ingredients.
However, if you want to know all the ingredients in a supplement before giving it to your pup, you may want to look elsewhere. STRELLALAB doesnt disclose all of the ingredients in their allergy chews on their website.
Recommended use: Give daily (can be divided between morning and evening meals).
- Up to 10 lbs: 1 chew
- 10-30 lbs: 2 chews
- 31-60 lbs: 3 chews
- 61-90 lbs: 4 chews
- Over 90 lbs: 5 chews
Note: The above feeding guidelines are from STRELLALABs website and differ from whats listed on Amazon.com.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordably priced | Doesnt have NASC certification |
| All-natural with no fillers | Not transparent about all ingredients on their website |
| Comes in chicken, bacon, peanut butter, and vegetable flavors | Mixed customer reviews about effectiveness |
| Made in the USA |
Price
Vets Best Seasonal Allergy Support Review
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This popular Vets Best supplement was formulated by a veterinarian to specifically help dogs with seasonal allergies by helping to maintain normal histamine levels and supporting adequate skin moisture. The chewable tablets include quercetin and methylsulfonylmethane(MSM), a naturally occurring antioxidant compound that has anti-inflammatory benefits. Other natural ingredients, such as vitamin C, fish oil powder, bee propolis, nettle extract, perilla leaf, and ocean kelp, boost immune and skin health.
Vets Best is a respected brand thats been making plant-based animal supplements for over 30 years. These tablets are only intended for dogs over one year of age.
Recommended use: Give the following amounts twice daily.
- 10-24 lbs: 1/2 tablet
- 25-49 lbs: 1 tablet
- 50-75 lbs: 1-1/2 tablets
- Over 75 lbs: 2 tablets
Our Personal Experience With Vets Best Seasonal Allergy Support
Our dog Barley started breaking out in a red rash on his belly this spring and summer as the grass started growing in our yard. We started giving him this supplement, and the rash is gone. Check with your vet first, but I would recommend it for managing a dogs skin allergies.
Michelle Schenker, co-founder of Canine Journal and mixed-breed rescue parent
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian-formulated | Doesnt include prebiotics or probiotics for gut health |
| Affordably priced | Some say their dogs didnt like the taste |
| NASC-certified | |
| Customers say the tablets are easy to break apart to get the correct amount | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
7 Active Ingredients To Look For In Dog Allergy Supplements
While many herbs and ingredients can help relieve itching and inflammation, these are the major ones you want to keep in mind for an effective allergy supplement for your pup.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids, commonly found in fish oils, have been shown in research studies to help decrease inflammation in allergic dogs. Omega-3s also promote a shiny, healthy coat and joint and heart health.
- Probiotics support stronger gut health, which has been shown to promote a healthy immuneresponse to allergens.
- Quercetin is a natural plant flavonoid that acts as an antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant (called natures Benadryl). Its often paired with bromelain for maximum efficacy.
- Colostrum contains natural antibodies that can help boost immune health and improve inflammation.
- Turmeric is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can help relieve redness, swelling, and itching.
- Astragalus, extracted from the stems or dried roots of the Astragalus membranaceus plant, has been shown to improve the cellular immune level in immunosuppressive dogs.
- Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that supports skin and coat health and is often used in humans for hair loss.
How Can I Figure Out Whats Causing My Dogs Allergies?
Determining the cause of your dogs allergies can be extremely difficult. We recommend that you consult your veterinarian to try to nail down the problem. But another first course of action is to give your pup anat-home dog allergy test kit. These kits test forintolerances to many food and environmental factors.Then, you can share these results with your vet to work on further diagnostics and a treatment plan.
Did You Know?
Pet insurancecan cover testing, treatment, and prescription shots or medications for allergies as long as no signs or symptoms appear until after your policy enrollment and waiting periods have passed. Learn more about
pet insurance coverage for dog allergies.
A Healthy Diet Can Make A Difference
Feeding your dog ahigh-quality diet can boost his immune system, which helps protect him from severe skin reactions.If you and your vet think a dog food change might help your pups allergy symptoms, you may want to consider our picks for the best dog food for allergies or afresh dog food delivery service.
How Are Dog Allergies Treated?
Dog allergies and intolerances can wreak havoc on your pups well-being. If youre struggling to help your pup with constantly itchy skin, we recommend you consult your vet. You may also want to learn more about allergy treatment options for different types of allergies and the best allergy medications for dogs.
Tagged With: Allergies, Supplements
