If you suffer from allergies, then I know you sympathize with your four-legged kids when the itching, watery eyes, red skin and ears show up.  This year has been the worst yet for me!   My vet says there is an allergy epidemic in dogs in recent years and no one understands the cause.  Some experts think it’s the processed food we eat, the vaccinations we’re subjected to, and poor breeding practices.

Some  ways to try to alleviate our symptoms are:

•  give us high potency acidophilus cultures
• add high doses of good quality fish oil to our diet
  
• add fresh milled flax seed to our diets
• frequent baths and wiping our paws with baby wipes when we come back inside
• sometimes we need antihistamines

When you bring home a new puppy, starting them on high-potency cultures of beneficial probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bifidus may prevent them from developing allergies as they grow to adulthood.  My mom also gives me Organic Coconut Oil.  A tablespoon in the morning and a tablespoon with my dinner helps keep my skin from drying out and gives my fur some sheen.  In the summer, I like it frozen into ice cubes for a cold treat!

Another natural supplement to alleviate allergies is Quercetin which is a mighty flavonoid.  Flavonoids are a plant-based compound which have powerful antioxidant, anit-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties.  It’s been nicknamed “Nature’s Benedryl”. My mom, Lynn, takes it everyday….so if I see her take something I naturally want to give it a taste!  Listen to the video below for some expert advice on natural allergy remedies:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OadOOxUMXdI#t=69

Of course, you should talk with your vet before you make any drastic changes to your dog’s diet or give them medication not prescribed.