Allergy Support

What are Canine Allergies?

Every allergy that troubles humans has its counterpart in dogs. This includes seasonal allergies.

Canine allergies may be caused by a number of factors including pollens, weeds, grasses and other plants. When a dog has an allergy, his or her body develops and abnormal reaction to these substances. Different dogs may react very differently, even if they’re allergic to the same thing.

It's often tricky to determine exactly what a dog is allergic to but it's important to make the effort. Much discomfort can often be avoided simply by ensuring your dog isn't exposed to the allergen.

What is Nettle-Eyebright Gold?

Nettle-Eyebright Gold is a combination of herbal ingredients designed by our holistic veterinarian for canine allergies (allergic rhinitis or hay fever). The herbs, Nettle and Eyebright are two of the main ingredients and have been used extensively for natural support of seasonal allergies. Other herbs in this formula help to support the immune system and the specific reactions experienced by dogs when airborne antigens affect them.

Nettle-Eyebright Gold is specifically used for symptoms listed below (sneezing, watery eyes, itchy nose, etc.). For allergies that present on the skin, Pet Wellbeing has developed a formula called Itch Support Gold for Dogs to address itchy, inflamed skin.

What is Nettle-Eyebright Gold used for?

Allergic rhinitis (or hay fever), a condition commonly experienced by humans, can be experienced by dogs in much the same way. Tissues in the nasal passages become inflamed and itchy. You may notice your dog rubbing his or her nose to gain relief. Watery, red eyes, sneezing and excess nasal mucous are all common signs of allergic rhinitis. Springtime symptoms are usually caused by tree pollens, while weeds and other plants like grasses, can be the culprits as the weather gets warmer in summer and fall months.

Recommended for intermittent use, as needed.  May help with occasional discomfort associated with seasonal allergies.

Other substances can also elicit the same types of symptoms. Fungal spores and molds may be present indoors, particularly in damp areas like basements or garages. Dust or dust mites are common triggers and are found in carpets, bedding, window coverings, mattresses and furniture covered with fabric. Sensitivities are not experienced the same way by everyone or every pet but, rather, are unique to each individual's immune system. It may be helpful to avoid having your pet in areas (outdoor or indoor) that seem to make the symptoms worse. An air purifier indoors can also be beneficial.

When pollens or other microscopic particles are inhaled by dogs with overly sensitive immune systems, a chain reaction occurs. A sensitized immune system will produce antibodies to combat the antigens. The antibodies cause other chemicals to be produced in the body, called mediators. One common mediator is histamine. It is the mediators that have an affect on the tissues, particularly on the nose, eyes and respiratory tract.

Nettle-Eyebright Gold targets this reaction in four ways:

1. By providing natural anti-histamines
2. By supporting the overall health of the immune system
3. By providing ingredients that support the comfort of nasal passages, decrease excess mucous production and support the respiratory tract
4. By helping with inflammation that can cause discomfort

Can my dog take Nettle-Eyebright Gold with medications?

Not to be used with hypotensive drugs. 

Does it come with a guarantee?

Yes! Nettle-Eyebright Gold comes with a 90 day money-back guarantee.

Why choose Nettle-Eyebright Gold for your canine friend?

• Certified organic and ethically wild-harvested:  This formula is entirely prepared from organically grown and wild-harvested herbs.
• Good Manufacturing Practices:  All of our formulas are manufactured in a facility that adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Full Spectrum Extract:  The full biochemical spectrum of the herbs is preserved to ensure the potency of the extract. All raw materials are tested for identification and purity.
• Every batch tested:  Every batch of our Nettle-Eyebright Gold is tested to ensure the highest quality and potency. Every single batch.
• FDA Registered Facility:  Our manufacturing facility is FDA registered. Strict quality control procedures are meticulously monitored.
• FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Guidelines:  PetWellbeing.com complies with the provisions of the CVM's good guidance practices for pet dietary supplements. All ingredients and caution statements adhere to these national guidelines.
• It's Guaranteed:  In addition to the superior quality of our products, you are also protected by our 90 day money-back guarantee.

Who makes Nettle-Eyebright Gold?

Nettle-Eyebright Gold is made by PetWellbeing.com, founded in 2001. Our goal? To bring the wisdom and experience of our caring holistic veterinarians to your pet. When your pet is healthy; you're happy.

To fulfill our vision, our on staff, holistic veterinarians have developed formulas using time-honored, traditional uses of herbs and integrated the latest scientific research. It is our aim to produce the best products for your pet that we can.

What is Itch Support Gold?

Use this product for hot spots, itching, scratching and itchy paws caused by a known or unknown allergy. 

Itch Support Gold is a combination of nine herbal ingredients for skin-related symptoms when canines come into contact with an allergen* (a substance that triggers an allergic reaction). For some dogs, skin allergies are a constant condition, and for others it may be seasonal or occasional. Skin conditions due to allergies are an increasingly common disorder in canines and are one of the most frequent causes for visits to the veterinarian.

Itch Support Gold is a drug-free alternative that addresses the physiological mechanisms that cause the skin (including on the paws) to become uncomfortable, red, and sometimes unbearably itchy. This formulation works with the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine to target the underlying imbalance and restore health from the inside out. It works without the harmful side effects commonly associated with long-term use of prescription medications.

*Itch Support Gold is not for acute or severe allergic reactions. If your dog requires immediate or emergency medical attention, please call your veterinarian or nearest veterinary clinic. 

Itch Support Gold does not address emergency allergy situations such as anaphylaxis.

What is Itch Support Gold used for?

Just as people can experience allergic reactions of all kinds, canines are also susceptible to irritants and allergens they encounter in their environment or in their diet. Some dog breeds have a greater incidence of allergies that can affect their skin, which may decrease with age.

For canines, the primary way an allergy manifests is through the skin. Flare-ups are often chronic and/or recurring, and despite many efforts, become a condition that must be managed. Finding out the cause of the allergy can be a long but necessary process.

The allergen (the substance that induces the allergy) is introduced into the body in one of four ways:

• It may be something your dog has come into physical contact with
• It may be in your dog's diet
• It may be something that has been inhaled (airborne)
• It may be from a flea bite (usually from flea saliva)

If the body is sensitized to that particular allergen, it will react as if it is under attack and an allergic reaction will ensue.

Naturally, the most beneficial approach is to remove the allergen or limit exposure if the allergen is known; however, there may be cases in which this is difficult (such as with a pollen allergy).

Allergies that affect the skin may appear as:

• Increased and sometimes incessant itching and scratching and/or licking
• Redness
• Moist skin, dry/flakey skin or scabbing
• Itchy ears (and possible ear infections)
• Swollen and itchy paws

The itching may be all over the body or localized in one area. Your dog's behavior may also change, since a constant state of itchy discomfort can quickly lead to irritability, disrupted sleep, exhaustion and snapping. If repeated scratching causes the skin to break, this can create an opportunity for an infection.

Rather than mask or temporarily suppress the symptoms, Itch Support Gold helps to support a healthy immune response to allergens. The herbal combination also works synergistically to decrease itchiness, whether it is pervasive or only in certain areas. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the name for this type of treatment is termed an External Wind formula. The element of "wind" can refer to symptoms that appear suddenly, change quickly and affect the surface (like the skin).

Most dogs will not react to the compounds they encounter in the home or outdoors, so what can cause skin allergies or sensitivities? For dogs that have a sensitive immune system, the most common allergens are environmental allergens (contact allergy or atopy), food allergens, flea allergy or a secondary reaction from another health issue.

Examples of Common Allergens:

• Pollens and grasses
• Dust, dust mites and molds
• Fragrances and other chemicals including those found in most laundry detergents, dog shampoos and household cleaners
• Cigarette smoke
• Prescription medication (including flea medication or medicated flea products)
• Insect bites (including fleas)
• Dander and feathers (may be in pillows, duvets or bedspreads)
• Foods such as dairy products, beef products, soy, wheat, corn, chicken and chicken by-products
• Foods or treats containing food coloring

Itch Support Gold provides support and maintenance for allergies that affect your dog's skin and the itchy, red, dry or moist unpleasant symptoms that result from allergic responses.

Allergic responses may also cause respiratory-related symptoms such as:

• Sneezing
• Runny, itchy nose
• Breathing difficulties due to an airborne allergy

For respiratory-type symptoms related to allergies, you can also try Nettle-Eyebright Gold. This is an herbal formula that supports the respiratory system and is found here: http://www.petwellbeing.com/products/dog-allergies 

Always seek the consultation of your veterinarian as needed.

A Note from our Veterinarian...

This remedy works for hot spots regardless of the allergy. Itchy paws are also a common reason dogs are brought to see their vet. Itch Support Gold does not contain pharmaceutical ingredients and results will depend on the severity of the condition and length of time since it began. Expect symptoms to gradually lessen over days or weeks. Results vary for each canine patient.

Once desired results are achieved, the formula may be discontinued and reintroduced when necessary. The formula does not need to be used constantly and is meant to be used when symptoms appear.

This formula was developed to be potent and effective in the shorter term, yet also work to support the underlying issues that cause the allergic response to flare up. This is nature's anti-itch formula.

Prevention and Avoidance:

Once you have identified the cause of your dog's skin reaction, try to eliminate exposure as much as possible. Sometimes this is possible and sometimes it's not. Remember that allergies are sometimes caused by multiple factors and your dog may be able to tolerate a certain amount of exposure before the factors compound and a reaction occurs.

As an example, a dog may be sensitive to laundry detergent, to dust mites and to flea bites. There may be a little itching on the average day but a big reaction to a flea bite. It is a big reaction because the immune system is already trying to deal with the first two allergens. When a third allergen is introduced, the scales tip. In this case, the immune system can respond to two allergens but not three. This is what is meant by compounding factors.

Try to eliminate all the allergens as much as possible and you will hopefully see less reaction, or no reaction, when there is occasional exposure to any of the offending irritants. Have a look at the list of common allergens that may be right in your household or in your dog's living environment.

Diet:

Similar to humans, dogs may build up sensitivities to foods that are eaten daily, without a break. Just like humans, dogs are healthiest with a varied diet. Be sure to switch your dog's foods at least from time-to-time. The most common foods that cause sensitivity or allergies in dogs are:  beef products, dairy products, chicken and chicken by-products, soy, corn, wheat and artificial food coloring.

If food allergies are known or suspected, you may wish to try some homemade dog food recipes with simple ingredients. Your veterinarian may suggest an elimination diet, starting only with very simple foods and slowly introducing other ingredients. With the simplified diet, the symptoms should disappear. Then, when the allergen food is given, the symptom will flare up suddenly, and you will know to avoid that particular food in the future.

A species-appropriate raw food diet may also be an excellent alternative if your dog has food sensitivities (or doesn't). Look for a trusted source of raw dog food in your area and follow the appropriate health and safety precautions to serve it. Frozen blocks are portioned for different sizes of dogs and are thawed before serving. Make sure the protein source is not one that your dog is sensitive to and look for meat raised without hormones or antibiotics. Feeding raw food is very easy and may be a more cost-effective option than "designer" allergy diets sold commercially. With food allergies, "simple" is better. Itch Support Gold may only be of minimal help if your canine continues to eat a diet that elicits an allergic response.

Nutrition:

Make sure your dog receives a diet high in nutrients. Consider supplementation of vitamins, minerals and especially Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3's have been shown to provide the body with support for inflammation, better ability to regenerate healthy new skin cells, and are extremely beneficial for allergic skin problems. A supplement like SPARK contains nutrients and superfoods from whole food sources, along with probiotics and enzymes for overall good health. This product can be found here: http://www.petwellbeing.com/products/spark-daily-nutritional-supplement-for-dogs-and-cats-200g

It is suggested to work with your veterinarian to uncover the causes of your dog's allergic responses and work out a treatment plan that you feel is the most beneficial for your dog. Please keep informed of any and all side effects (especially long-term effects) that may result from prescription medications like steroids and antibiotics.

Bathe your dog regularly:

Use a shampoo that you know will not further irritate your dog's skin. Remember that shampoos are another potential irritant, particularly if they contain fragrance or harsh detergents.

Minimize insect bites:

You can do so by applying a natural, non-synthetic repellent. Use these often in seasons when biting insects are active in your area. Remember that sensitivities to fleas or flea saliva may cause reactions long after the fleabite has occurred. Allergies to fleabites are a common cause of allergic reactions on the skin.

Allergy or just dry skin?

A lower indoor or outdoor humidity can cause dryness in the air and skin can become dry and itchy. Monitor whether your dog starts to itch when you turn on the heat or air-conditioning in your home, or when the air becomes drier with a change of seasons. You can test the humidity in your house with a hygrometer from a hardware or home improvement store. An optimal humidity range is considered to be 35-50%. If the air in your home becomes too dry, a humidifier can provide the necessary humidity your dog (and you) may need to stay comfortable and healthy.

Allergic-type symptoms may be clues that your dog has another type of disorder, so please have your dog examined and diagnosed by a veterinarian.

Can my dog take Itch Support Gold with prescription drugs?

Itch Support Gold may have a hypoglycemic effect. It is suggested to monitor closely if using with blood-sugar-lowering drugs. Use caution with steroids.

Does it come with a guarantee?

Yes! Itch Support Gold comes with a 90 day money-back guarantee.

Why choose Itch Support Gold for your canine friend?
 

• Selectively chosen imported herbs:  This formula is entirely prepared with herbs from trusted sources. The herbs used in this formula are not commercially available from U.S. growers, and so are selected from trusted overseas growers that have been pre-screened. 
• Full Spectrum Extract:  The full biochemical spectrum of the herbs is preserved to ensure the potency of the extract. All raw materials are tested for identification and purity.
• Every batch tested:  Every batch of our Itch Support Gold is tested to ensure the highest quality and purity. Every single batch.
• Facility:  Nationally recognized quality control procedures are meticulously monitored. Consumers are protected because we ensure that the highest standards of manufacturing are strictly adhered to.
• It's guaranteed:  In addition to the superior quality of our products, you are also protected by our 90 day money-back guarantee.
• Manufactured in the United States.

Who makes Itch Support Gold?

Itch Support Gold is made by Pet Wellbeing, founded in 2001. Our goal? To bring the wisdom and experience of our caring holistic veterinarians to your pet. When your pet is healthy; you are happy.

To fulfill our vision, our on-staff, holistic veterinarians have developed formulas using time-honored, traditional uses of herbs and integrated the latest scientific research. It is our aim to produce the best products for your pet that we can.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product and information is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, mitigate or prevent any disease or condition.

What is Itchy Owie Quick-Dry Gel?

This is a product you'll want to have in your dog's first aid kit. It is designed for any kind of lesion, hot spot, cut, bite, sting or wound. 

Dogs can't help it. When something is wrong with their skin, they scratch and/or lick (or bite) the area, sometimes causing further damage or infection. 

Itchy Owie Quick-Dry Gel is designed to:

• Keep out the bacteria that could cause infection
• Decrease the itch sensation
• Help support the skin's natural integrity to heal

The herbs used to make this gel are double extracted for maximum potency, giving it a characteristic light brown color. You can see the potency of the active herbal ingredients, rather than the "fillers" or "carriers". 

Our veterarians developed this skin gel for dogs with:

• frequent itchy areas (regardless of the cause) 
• hot spots 
• wet (oozing) OR dry skin areas
• insect bites and stings
• cuts and wounds (first aid)

Whatever the skin issue is, frequent application will be beneficial and will be safe if the dog licks it off. 

What is Itchy Owie used for?

Some canines are more susceptible to hot spots, lesions and skin trouble. The skin can get dry or it can have moist, irritated patches. Insect bites and stings can also affect some dogs more than others. These all cause unpleasant, even unbearable, itch and/or discomfort. There may be sensitivities to something in the diet or environment that can cause reactions on the skin of your dog. 

Directions:
Apply a thin layer of Itchy Owie Quick-Dry Gel over the affected area(s) two or three times daily. More frequent applications may be needed, especially if the dog licks the gel off. 

A Note from our Veterinarian...

Skin problems that persist are generally considered to happen for many possible reasons:

• Is your pet exposed to toxic materials? 
  Common pest control chemicals in the garden, on the lawn or cleaning products in the home may be causing or contributing to a skin problem. Consider substituting more natural products to see if your dog's skin health improves.
• Allergies?
  Allergic dermatitis is a condition seen routinely by veterinarians. Possible allergens can be pollens from weeds, trees or grasses, molds, dust mites or fleas. You may want to learn more about another Pet Wellbeing product if your dog is itching due to allergies:  Itch Support Gold.
• Are there other health issues?
  Other health conditions, such as an underactive thyroid, can have symptoms that show up on the skin. By treating the cause, the secondary skin ailments can be taken care of. Sometimes, negative reactions to vaccines can exhibit as skin disorders. A foul odor on the skin is not considered normal and should be examined by a veterinarian. A common cause of smelly skin is yeast infection. If your dog has yeast dermatitis, you will want to read more about Pet Wellbeing's Derma Support Gold. 
• What is your canine eating?
  The most common dietary allergens are wheat, dairy, corn, soy and egg. Sometimes, though fairly rare, our pets exhibit an allergy or sensitivity to something in their diet by breaking out on the skin, often on the back at the base of the tail. The skin is one of the body's organs of elimination. If the body is attempting to eliminate an allergen, the skin can become irritated, red and itchy. Assess the quality of the food you are feeding your pet and also potential ingredients that may be a problem. If you suspect your pet has food sensitivities but you can't figure out what they are, it may be helpful to prepare an allergen-free diet at home. Batches of food can be made in advance and kept in the fridge or freezer.
• Is your dog bored, frustrated or irritable?
  Sometimes, psychologically-based issues can cause a pet to scratch. Over scratching can lead to abrasions that can become infected.
• Parasites?
  Fleas, mange and ringworm require treatment specific to the type of parasite your pet has. Seek the consultation of your veterinarian for solutions. If your pet has discomfort or parasites such as ear mites in the ears, please see http://www.petwellbeing.com/products/dog-ear-mites Ear Clean Gold and http://www.petwellbeing.com/products/dog-ear-infections Ear Care Gold.

Does it come with a guarantee?

Yes! Itchy Owie Quick-Dry Gel comes with a 90 day money-back guarantee.

Why choose Itchy Owie Quick-Dry Gel for your canine friend?

• Certified organic & ethically wild-harvested:  This formula is prepared from organically grown and ethically wild-harvested herbs.
• Full Spectrum Extract:  The full biochemical spectrum of the herbs is preserved to ensure the potency of the extract. All raw materials are double-extracted and tested for purity.
• Every batch tested:  Every batch of our Itchy Owie Quick-Dry Gel is tested to ensure the highest quality and potency. Every single batch.
• Quality:  Strict quality control procedures are meticulously monitored.
• It's Guaranteed:  In addition to the superior quality of our products, you are also protected by our 90 day money-back guarantee.

Who makes Itchy Owie Quick-Dry Gel?

Itchy Owie is made by PetWellbeing, founded in 2001. Our goal? To bring the wisdom and experience of our caring holistic veterinarians to your pet. When your pet is healthy; you're happy.

To fulfill our vision, our on-staff, holistic veterinarians have developed formulas using time honored, traditional uses of herbs and integrated the latest scientific research. It is our aim to produce the best products for your pet that we can.

What is 4 Paws Recovery Cream?

Dogs' paws are usually very resistant and tough, but sometimes external factors like cold or heat can cause the surfaces of the pads to become dry and, eventually, cracked.

4 Paws is designed to:

• Penetrate easily into the rough paw skin
• Repair skin damage
• Strengthen the skin and protect it from further injury

Whether it's from hot pavement, rough surfaces, or icy winter conditions, paw pads can become very dry. You don't necessarily want to limit your dog's outdoor activity, and there is no need to if the paws are cared for appropriately. Application of 'protective' emollient ingredients like petreoleum, mineral oil or paraffn may appear beneficial for a short time, but don't assist with actual skin repair, strength or integrity. Additionally, there is mounting concern that these ingredients compromise overall health because they cannot be metabolized once absorbed. 

4 Paws contains a unique combination. It contains ingredients to allow penetration into thick, rough, dry skin. And it contains natural botanicals to help knit the skin's cells back together - for mending and recovery. It contains no essential oils, coloring, scent or products that might cause further irritation to dogs.

Regardless of the cause of the dry skin on the paw pads, 4 Paws brings relief and results are apparent within days, with regular application.

What is 4 Paws used for?

Dry, cracked and/or irritated paws pads.

Directions:
Gently massage cream onto clean paw pads until it has absorbed, covering bottoms and sides of each pad. Apply once daily for moderate dryness. Apply twice daily or more for extreme dryness and cracking.

A Note from our Veterinarian...

Cracking paw pads are generally caused by environmental conditions like burning hot sand or pavement, or icy surfaces that your dog is walking/running on. If your dog's paws become chronically dry and cracked for no apparent reason, consider taking him or her to your vet to assess other potential causes. Sometimes chronically cracking paw pads are a symptom of a health condition or an allergy. Regardless of the reasons behind the dry skin on the paws, try 4 Paws for relief and recovery.

Other things to consider:

• Is your pet exposed to chemicals or salt? 
  De-icing chemicals and salt on winter roads may aggravate the paw pads and make them drier. Make sure you give your dog's paws a rinse if that is a possibility.
• Allergies?
  Allergic dermatitis is a condition seen routinely by veterinarians. Possible allergens can be from your dog's food or treats, pollens from weeds, trees or grasses, molds, dust mites or fleas. Sometimes, dogs become suddenly sensitive to things that never bothered them in the past. Sensitivities and allergens can cause the paws to feel itchy and irritated, and your dog may lick and gnaw until the paw pad is bleeding. 

Does it come with a guarantee?

Yes! 4 Paws comes with a 90 day money-back guarantee.

Why choose 4 Paws for your canine friend?

• It's Natural:  This formula is prepared for your dog so you don't have to use products that will compromise health in any way. It also works better than anything else for dry and cracked dog paws. Seriously.
• Quality:  Prepared in small batches with meticulous attention to quality and consistency.
• It's Guaranteed:  In addition to the superior quality of our products, you are also protected by our 90 day money-back guarantee.

Who makes 4 Paws?

4 Paws is made by PetWellbeing, founded in 2001. Our goal? To bring the wisdom and experience of our caring holistic veterinarians to your pet. When your pet is healthy; you're happy.

To fulfill our vision, our on-staff, holistic veterinarians have developed formulas using time honored, traditional uses of herbs and integrated the latest scientific research. It is our aim to produce the best products for your pet that we can.