Supportive Therapies for Environmental Allergies

There are numerous treatments for environmental allergies ranging from various topicals, drugs or allergen desensitization based on an allergy test. “Supportive” therapies are often helpful, and in some cases may be all that is necessary in controlling allergy symptoms. Supportive therapies are safe and should be used long-term. Even if these therapies are only mildly beneficial in some cases, every little bit adds up in helping to control your pet’s symptoms!

Bathing is beneficial for numerous regions. The main route of exposure to environmental allergens in dogs and cats is through the skin. Frequent bathing aids in removing some of the allergens from the coat, thereby reducing exposure to your pet. Using cool water on inflamed skin can have a soothing effect. Generally any mild shampoo is effective used frequently. However, a medicated shampoo may be recommended, especially if your pet has skin infections. Medicated shampoos are often helpful in the treatment and hopefully the recurrence of infections. As there is no sustained efficacy following rinsing of a shampoo, it is important that the shampoo has adequate contact time with the skin (generally 10 or more minutes) prior to rinsing. In between baths, wiping your pet down with a damp cloth or baby wipe can also help to remove allergens from the coat. Leave-on conditioners can also be used to help relieve some symptoms, and as you are leaving the conditioner on, these products do have some residual activity.

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Fatty acids, specifically Omega-3 fatty acids, have many beneficial skin effects. Fatty acids improve the general integrity of the skin and coat, have some mild anti-inflammatory actions which is helpful for allergies, and can have synergistic effects with other medications (antihistamines, steroids). Fatty acids can also be of benefit to other organs (brain, heart, kidneys). Ideally you want to give 180 mg of EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) per 10 pounds of weight. Depending on your source of fatty acids (fish oil capsules vs. concentrated sources of omega fatty acids) determines the concentration of EPA. Most fish oil capsules contain less than 400 mg of EPA per capsule, therefore numerous capsules are often needed to achieve adequate concentrations. Another source is through diet. Most fish-based diets are often high enough in fatty acids that additional supplementation is not needed. Your vet may recommend a diet provided your pet is not food allergic.

Recommended fatty acid or diet: ________________________________________________________