Protect your pup against seasonal, skin, and environmental allergies with these 6 nutrient-rich supplements.
Like humans, sometimes dogs’ immune systems need a boost to fight off allergies and inflammation. Besides exercise and eating a healthy diet, immune system vitamins are an excellent option to help support your doggie’s health.
Dogs eating a well-balanced diet generally don’t need extra vitamins. Senior dogs and pups with certain conditions — like seasonal allergies — may benefit from vitamins and supplements. When a doggie’s body responds to allergens, such as pollen, it causes inflammation. Aller-immune supplements for dogs can help reduce inflammation and uncomfortable symptoms. Always talk to your vet about the best way to manage your dog’s allergies.
Immune supplements can help combat allergy symptoms — like watery eyes and itchy skin — and provide digestive support. They may also help reduce cancers, arthritis, and heart conditions. According to our vet, Dr. Dwight Alleyne, they can even protect your dog from infections.
Immune supplements should contain well-known antioxidants, all-natural immune boosters, and vitamins. Below is a list of some of the most common and nutrient-dense ingredients found in vitamins.
👉 Vitamin C isn’t an essential ingredient in vitamins and supplements. Providing too much vitamin C in a dog’s diet can have negative effects on your dog’s health.
Yes. It’s important to always pay attention to dosing instructions and the age requirements listed on the bottle. Even vitamins that are good for your dog, like vitamin A and zinc, can have adverse effects if given in high doses. Make sure to talk with your vet before introducing a new vitamin or supplement to your dog’s diet.
👉 This is very important if your dog has certain medical conditions or is taking other medications.
Daily exercise — One of the best ways to support your dog’s immune system and health is by making sure they get their daily exercise. Stay active with Fido by walking, jogging, or swimming.
Feed your dog a high-quality diet — It’s important to feed your dog high-quality, commercial kibble for a well-balanced diet. To provide additional supplements, you can use fruits and vegetables that are safe for your canine to eat.
Probiotics — Recent studies have shown probiotics can have a positive effect on your dog’s digestive system. While the research is early, it’s best to use a high-quality, multi-strain, and dog-specific probiotic supplement to support good bacteria in your dog’s gut. Dr. Alleyne also recommends using probiotic products with prebiotics or psyllium for additional digestive support.
This depends on your pet’s nutritional needs and allergies. Overall, vitamins A, B, and E, and choline are essential, in moderate doses, for your dog’s health.
Daily exercise and a well-balanced diet are the best ways to support your dog’s immune system. Vitamins and supplements can also provide support for allergies or environmental stressors.
Commercial dog foods labeled “complete and balanced” are formulated to provide proper nutritional support based on your dog’s age, weight, or health condition. Fruits and vegetables like green beans and pumpkin can also provide extra nutritional boosts.
Environmental stressors, like seasonal, food, flea, or skin allergies, toxic foods, lack of exercise, stressful situations, and an imbalanced diet can weaken a doggie’s immune system.
Many ingredients found in human vitamins and supplements are toxic to dogs. Some of the most common include xylitol, vitamin D3, iron, coffee extracts, alpha-lipoic acid, also known as thioctic acid (found in foods like yeast, broccoli, spinach, potatoes, and meat).
Yes. Humans and dogs have nutritional differences and requirements. Many ingredients found in human vitamins can be harmful to your dog.
No. Like zinc, vitamin D can cause serious side effects if not properly dosed for your dog’s needs.
It depends. Some dogs with health conditions, allergies, digestive issues, or vitamin deficiencies benefit from a daily vitamin. You should chat with your dog’s vet if you have concerns about your pup’s health to figure out the best plan of action.
