Nutritional supplements, feeding your pet a healthy natural diet, shampooing and conditioning, reducing environmental allergens are all effective in removing foreign proteins from the coat of the dog, relieving itching, and providing relief from allergies.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Nutritional supplements can be safely prescribed in combination with other alternative approaches. If you end up going to your vet for conventional treatments, let your doctor know that the dog is on nutritional supplements.

Commonly used supplements include enzymes, green foods, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Enzymes in particular enable absorption of dietary nutrients and aid in the healing of the skin.

There is no one best supplement for helping pets with allergies. The good news about a good quality over the counter supplement is that there are usually no side effects. As long as doses are prescribed according to recommended protocols, multiple supplements can be administered to your pet.

Using several different types of supplements simultaneously can maximize the chance of a successful outcome. Work with your veterinarian to determine which course of therapy is best for your dog.

Nutritional supplements are just another arrow in your quiver in fighting allergies. Usually, starting the supplement at a slightly higher dose for 4 to 6 weeks, and then lowering the dose gradually has been shown to produce the best results.

In the meantime, if your pet is not experiencing some amount of relief from frequent bathing, diet, removal of environmental toxins, it is advisable the pet may need another form of therapy for immediate relief from itching and control inflammation. This may be a topical administration or a visit to the vet. In addition, acupuncture, homeopathy, and short-term use of corticosteroids are other options.

Glycoproteins
There have recently been anecdotal reports showing that treating dogs topically with glycoproteins (a sugar- protein molecule) produces relief from itching and inflammation.

Aloe vera is the main source of a glycoprotein called acemannan. Look for either aloe vera or acemannan as an ingredient in shampoos and conditioners. Colloidal oatmeal is also well known for its topical anti-itching effect.

Acemannan is believed to increase the body’s production of immune-modulating chemicals,.  As acemannan increases the ability of white blood cells to destroy microbes, it is believed to be helpful in fighting skin infections which are a form of intruding microbes. Also, acemannan relieves itching and inflammation.

Use multiple supplements together initially. It may take 2 to 3 months before you see positive effects. Your dog’s body needs time to detoxify and begin assimilating the beneficial nutrients.

Buy nutritional supplements that are safe and are quality brands. A supplement must taste good to the dog and be relatively easy to administer otherwise it will become a chore for you and the dog. Supplements that are odorless or attractively flavored, come in the form of a chewable tablet, or powder to be sprinkled on the pet’s food are usually easiest to administer.