Allergies are one of the most common conditions dog face. Dogs will lick and scratch as a result. Veterinarians will treat dogs with Prednisone and Apoquel; but some pet parents would rather a natural remedy to avoid some of the potential side effects. Quercetin is one of those natural remedies that is safe for use in dogs.
WHAT IS QUERCETIN?
Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, such as kale, green tea, blueberries, and broccoli. It’s technically considered a plant pigment, which is why you’ll find it in richly pigmented fruits and vegetables.
In human nutrition and wellness, Quercetin is used extensively for its anti-inflammatory properties and is also thought to improve endurance and athletic performance. But in our pets, quercetin is most often used to help with the itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort caused by allergies.
It's commonly referred to as “nature’s Benadryl” due to its natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihistamine properties. Histamine is released from inflammatory cells when our dogs are exposed to allergens and it’s part of the cause of itchy, puffy eyes and irritated, itchy skin.
IS QUERCETIN SAFE FOR DOGS?
Quercetin is a very safe flavonoid and quercetin supplements for dogs with allergies are generally well tolerated.
Pet parents do need to be careful if their dogs are on medications that are metabolized through a certain pathway in the liver called the P450 pathway. These drugs include tramadol, amitriptyline, ondansetron, omeprazole, piroxicam, and Prozac (fluoxetine). Other drugs that can potentially cause an adverse reaction when given in combination with Quercetin include blood pressure and heart medications such as amlodipine, enalapril, diltiazem, and furosemide.
If your dog is on medications, it is always best to ask your veterinarian if this supplement can be given along with their current medications.
BENEFITS OF QUERCETIN FOR DOGS
Quercetin works to suppress inflammation and reduce the amount of histamine released. This simply means that if a dog comes into contact with pollen or another potential allergen, they will be less itchy.
Quercetin can replace conventional drugs like Benadryl, but studies have shown varying response rates. This means that you may not notice Quercetin working as quickly as Benadryl. However, it’s a natural and safe option and may be worth the extra time to see how your dog responds to this supplement.
Many Quercetin supplements also have bromelain present. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that is found in the pineapple plant. The purpose of bromelain is to help digest and breakdown proteins and to reduce inflammation.
Quercetin with bromelain for dogs is an ideal combination due to the greater anti-inflammatory effects they have together. This combination is used for acute or chronic inflammation in both people and dogs.
HOW TO GIVE QUERCETIN TO DOGS?
There are numerous ways that you can give quercetin to your dog. Quercetin is added to many supplements that contain other nutraceuticals or antioxidants like vitamin C, or you may find it alone in a supplement. However, many supplements do not have quercetin in high enough dosages for it to be effective.
La Barkeria has a Quercetin Supplement with just Quercetin and CBD Isolate.
When using quercetin for allergies and anti-inflammatory effects, the supplement is best given on an empty stomach without food. Otherwise, the bromelain is used specifically for digestion versus working on the inflammation that is present. Pet parents can add a little food around the capsule if needed to help their dog take the supplement.
If your dog refuses to take the capsule form, you can safely open the capsule and sprinkle the powder onto the food to encourage her to take the supplement.
QUERCETIN DOSES FOR DOGS
A safe dosing guideline for quercetin is 5-10 mg per pound of body weight, which can be given twice a day. It should be given one hour prior to food or three hours after food.
For example, a 75-pound dog will take about 800mg of quercetin twice a day by mouth. If your pet is on a medication, it is always best to discuss dosing with your veterinarian.
QUERCETIN SIDE EFFECTS
Some dogs may feel nausea or have a reduced appetite when quercetin is given on an empty stomach. If you notice your pet experiences any of these symptoms while taking this supplement, give it with your dog’s meals.
As previously discussed, if your dog is on any medications, especially ones that are metabolized through the P450 pathway, make sure to have a discussion with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may recommend a different supplement or suggest a change in dosing.
WHERE TO GET QUERCETIN
La Barkeria has a Quercetin Supplement with just Quercetin and CBD Isolate. Pet parents can buy quercetin supplements for their dogs at any natural food store, human supplement store, or pet store.
Remember to look closely at labels to determine if the quercetin in the supplement is high enough to have an anti-inflammatory impact. Calculate the dosage for your pet’s body weight—using the dosage 5-10 mg per pound of body weight—and use this amount to determine if the pet supplement has a high enough concentration of quercetin to make it helpful for supporting your dog’s allergy treatment.
Quercetin is a great, natural supplement that can provide an itchy dog major allergy relief. Results can vary between dogs, but this is a safe supplement that most pet parents.
If you have any questions or concerns in regards to using a quercetin supplement for dogs, always ask your veterinarian for guidance and advice.
Reference: Quercetin Allergy Supplement for Dogs
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