Vitamins for dogs are essential in keeping your pet healthy. If a dog is affected by a medical condition, he may require additional vitamins. Dogs with allergies have a weak immune system and certain vitamins can help improve their health and reduce the allergic reactions.
Vitamins and Allergies
Allergies occur in dogs that have a more sensitive immune system. The immune system will respond to certain factors by producing histamines that trigger the allergy symptoms, such as itchiness, dermatitis, sneezing or swelling.
Vitamins are often helpful in boosting immunity. A healthy immune system is less likely to react negatively to different irritants from the environment. The dog can benefit from vitamins A, B, C and E, and will in turn have fewer allergy symptoms.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A and beta carotene are powerful vitamins that have antioxidant properties and have been proven successful to reduce allergic reactions. The vitamins may be administered as pills or tablets, but may also be found in carrots, which some dogs may consider a tasty treat.
Vitamin B
A B vitamin complex can work to improve the dog's immune system and make it less responsive to different allergens. There are a lot of B vitamins that can be administered separately as niacin (B3), thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), biotin (B7) or folic acid (B9), as indicated by the vet. You can administer them separately, but you may also opt for a B vitamin complex in one pill. Vitamin B should be administered according to the size and age of your pet.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is considered a powerful antihistamine. When a sensitive dog is exposed to an allergen, the immune system produces histamines. A dog's allergies can be managed with antihistamines. Studies have shown that dogs that consume higher amounts of vitamin C have fewer allergic reactions, and that vitamin C works like an antihistamine, inhibiting the production of histamines. If your pet is prone to allergies, a daily vitamin C tablet is recommended. The dosage should be adjusted according to the size and age of your pet.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can be administered if your dog is allergic. It can improve the health of the skin and coat and reduce skin itchiness, which is a common symptom of canine allergies. Vitamin E has also anti-inflammatory properties. The vitamin E dose should be adjusted to your pet's size and age.
Be Cautious
The B vitamin complex and vitamin C are water soluble vitamins, so they can be eliminated through urine if they are administered in higher amounts than the dog needs.
However, vitamin A and E are fat soluble vitamins, so they should not be given in excess. If administered in excess, the vitamins will be deposited or stored, and may be toxic in the dog's system. Talk to your vet before administering vitamins to your pet.