Dog Allergic reactionsExplained

An allergy, or an allergic reaction to an environmental or food source is caused by a disorder in your dog's immune system. Typically, here's what happens: your dog's body comes in contact with a substance that it thinks is harmful—even though it really isn't. In an attempt to fight this allergen, your dog's body releases a substance called histamine. Histamine then triggers the kind of uncomfortable symptoms common with allergies—itchy skin, eyes and ears, sneezing, running nose and inflammation. These allergic reactions can occur seasonally, or continuosly throughout the year.

Environmental allergies can result from contact with allergens both indoors and outdoors. Indoor allergens like dust, dander and house dust mites are common causes for allergic reactions in dogs. Outdoors, pollens, molds, ragweeds, and many other environmental sources can trigger allergic reactions.

Not all allergic reactions are caused by environmental sources. Several breeds of dogs have been identified as being prone to genetic allergic dermatitis. Golden Retrievers, Laborador Retrievers and English Setters are good examples. While these breeds may be more likely to have problems with itchy skin and allergies, any breed of dog can develop allergic dermatitis. According to reports in veterinary literature, allergies usually show up in dogs between the ages of one and three. This means that your dog can start to develop allergies at a young age, since the allergy symptoms often show up within 1 to 3 years of exposure to the allergens. But some dogs can exhibit signs and symptoms at just a few months of age, depending on the breed and their genetic predisposition to allergies.

Skin & Coat Formula was scientifically developed by a clinical nutritionist and staff veterinarian for maintaining skin and coat health, and helping to reduce the itching and scratching associated with seasonal or year-round allergies. This is especially important if your dog has been diagnosed with allergic dermatitis or other types of skin conditions commonly found in dogs.

With many thousands of chewable tablets administered nationwide, customers are telling us they’re using it to help improve the health of their dog’s skin and coat, fight allergic symptoms like itching and scratching and to help oxidative damage caused by free radicals. And that’s great news for your dog!