Natural Solutions to Pet Allergy Symptoms
- Rachel Velarde
- Apr, 12, 2019
- Holistic Supplements, Overall Wellness
- No Comments.

Why Do Pets Have Allergies?
When the warm weather approaches and the trees start to bloom and the grass starts to grow, spring and summer seasons are not too far behind. But with this new season of growth and blooming, too comes the pollen and worsening of allergy symptoms. For those who suffer from seasonal or year-round allergies, this time of year can be the utmost worst and not just for humans-but pets too! Pet allergies are on the rise and what seems to be a new and upcoming epidemic. The pet industry has released so many new products and supplements to help ease allergy symptoms in pets, especially when it comes to their skin-which holds a large standing in problem areas. Allergies are a hypersensitive and damaging response of the immune system to external allergens, such as pollen and food. It’s the same for humans and dogs, but with dogs the signs and symptoms may go unnoticed because unfortunately our pets cannot tell us what’s wrong. So, as the voice for our pets, we need to be aware of what to look out for and assist them when needed. It is important to take into consideration anything and everything you may have introduced to your dog within the last couple of weeks leading up to their reaction. Dogs can be just as sensitive to humans when it comes to soaps, candles, fabrics, foods, lotions, cleaners, weather changes, etc. so it is important to try and live a chemical/fragrance free, more natural lifestyle not just for your dog but for you as well! Incorporating natural products into your home and removing harmful ones will make all the difference in everyone and every dogs health.
3 Most Common Canine Allergies
- Food (Chicken is the most common food allergy in dogs)
- Environmental (pollen, insects, grass, etc.)
- Contact (anything irritating the skin)

Problem Areas of Allergic Reaction
- Chin
- Neck
- Groin
- Anal region
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Tail
- Genital region
- Between toes
- Other body parts may be affected depending on where skin made contact with the irritant or allergen

Common Signs of Canine Allergies
- Patches of soreness
- Inflammation
- Itchiness
- Blisters
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Lesions or ulcers
- Redness or changes in skin color
- Scaly, dry, or thickened skin
- Discharge from the affected area
- Wounds from scratching, chewing, or licking
- Runny eyes or nose
- Secondary bacterial infection
- Excessive Licking
- Breathing Problems (VERY SERIOUS)

Common Causes of Allergies in Dogs
- Plants
- Gardening supplies and chemicals (mulch, cedar chips, fertilizer, pesticides, etc.)
- Fabrics, leather, rugs, or carpets
- Plastics, rubber, concrete, or metal
- Abrasive surfaces
- Soaps or shampoo
- Household cleaners, deodorizers, detergents, or floor wax
- Creams or lotions
- Medications
- Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections
- Insect bites
- Food allergies
- Flea collars or medications
- Sunlight or heat
- Other conditions such as lupus or dandruff
Natural Supplementation vs. Pharma Drugs
Medically known as canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), dry, itchy skin can be a major issue for dogs. If left untreated, it can lead to lesions, hair loss, or bacterial infections. It can also be caused by a variety of factors such as a hypersensitivity to allergens, stress, anxiety, etc. Fortunately, there are many ways to help boost your dog’s immune system and fight the itchy and dry skin. Some studies say Omega-3 supplementation in the diet of dogs suffering from allergies, but giving your dog a supplement is less likely to heal the symptoms. It is obviously and always recommended to check with your Vet first, but there is pretty clear evidence that Omega-3 fatty acids provide benefits to the immune system, and many dogs are in fact deficient in Omega fatty acids due to the fact that dog’s cannot produce them on their own.

CBD Oil for Allergy Symptom Relief
In my own experience with in my dogs, as well as many clients dogs, is supplementing CBD oil. Opting for holistic practitioners for certain health concerns may be a smarter choice in today’s world. CBD oil is proven to be safe, effective and a healthy solution to your pet’s needs. The issue with modern day western medication, is all the side effects associated with them which can unfortunately do more harm than good.Giving your pet CBD oil is beneficial to them because it is a simple natural oil, that is extracted from a hemp plant, not a marijuana plant, that encompasses no harmful side effects or possible health damage over time. It is a simple, easy administration directly in the mouth or on top of food-it virtually has no taste.
CBD, which is short for Cannibidiol is a non-psychoactive agent containing no THC. It is important to know and understand that CBD oil will not get your pet high and cause absolutely no harmful changes to their psychoactive state. When CBD oil is administered, always in the correct dosage, it has a calming effect on your pet’s physical, mental and immune system which can treat many disorders/disabilites, including ALLERGIES! CBD interacts with the nervous and immune system causing it to relax and stay calm. It is 100% safe for your pet and is a smart and natural alternative treatment for any pet dealing with crippling issues. It will give your pup who is struggling, a better quality of life, comfort and relief. And the best part about CBD oil is that it is legal in all 50 states and does not require a prescription to purchase!
Click here if you are interested in purchased CBD Oil for your dog.
In addition with natural supplementation, removing of chemicals and harmful products that could be lurking in your home, finding the right diet for your dog is the utmost important. Whatever your dog is taking in internally, will determine their quality and quantity of life. Chicken is a major food allergy in today’s world, probably due to the fact that the food industry, including the pet food industry, has changed and unfortunately the quality has diminished. Common pet foods are full of fillers, preservatives, grains, GMO’s and unnatural products. Whether your dog requires a raw food diet, kibble or home-cooked food, making sure to purchase the best quality of food possible for them will ensure their health is on top and always make sure to do your research!

Top Dog Food Brands to Avoid
- Cesar
- IAMS
- Kal Kan
- Twin Pet
- Pedigree
- Purina (Beneful, Dog Chow, Alpo)
- Sportsmix Wholesomes
- Gravy Train
- Kibbles ’n Bits
- Ol’ Roy
- Diamond
- Blackwood
- Wegmans
- And many more here
About Dip’ n Dogs Hydrotherapy – Orlando, FL
At Dip’n Dogs Hydrotherapy, we are certified and caring professionals devoted to restoring and enhancing the health and happiness of your beloved pup. Encompassing a state-of-the-art, indoor pool, as well as a certified hydrotherapist, this can provide effective and long lasting results for your pet’s injury or illness. We are conveniently located in Orlando FL near the College Park area. Contact us today at (407) 227-0030. Our Services include the following: Indoor Hydrotherapy and In-Home Mobile Therapy for dogs. We look forward to hearing from you!

What Our Clients Are Saying
Rachel is extremely kind, gentle and motivational towards animals. She provides quality individual attention.
What a great way to help your animal!Chase Milner March 20, 2018
"My Lab mix Tucker, is a new client of Dip'n Dogs. After just a few assisted swims with Rachel, we have seen great results with his weight loss and overall behavior. Rachel is fun and motivating when in the water and Tucker really loves his weekly swim session!"
Patrick Haggerty March 22, 2018
"Rachel is amazing! The changes in Blu’s overall physical health have been worth every effort. I recommend hydrotherapy for any dog’s overall fitness health."
Jennifer Corso Leonard April 29, 2018
"Rachel is wonderful with our fur baby Bella. We were told by Bella’s vet that she needed to lose some weight and we are already seeing results! Bella may not be the easiest client (very much a diva) but Rachel is so patient and gentle with her. Bella is a mix of husky and German Shepherd so we want to keep her fit to prevent conditions that are common with those breeds."
Kaela Rebecca April 30, 2018
"Our little Yorkie Jack has arthritis and our vet recommended trying hydrotherapy. Jack is a yipper but remains calm with Rachel! After his sessions, we do see Jack go up the two steps he usually avoids, with less hesitation and his walking seems easier! Thank you Rachel!"
Joni Browder April 30, 2018
"Our 11 year-old Yorkie just started hydrotherapy for his arthritis. Since starting, he’s a little more agile, and goes upstairs with more ease! Thanks Rachel for all you do and your extra TLC with our little Jack!"
Caitlin Browder May 5, 2018
My beagle, Badger, is overweight (like many beagles are) but I wasn’t too worried because we would go for long walk/runs to keep him healthy. BUT, his hips began to hurt and he wouldn’t walk for more than just a few minutes. I was worried he would become obese! I found Dip’n Dogs online and signed Badger up for hydrotherapy with Rachel. Not only is he almost back to normal with our walks but he has lost a bit of weight! The swims have definitely benefited him. Rachel is kind, patient and very flexible with scheduling appointments. Plus, her package deals help with the cost. I highly recommend her services. Both Badger and I are much happier than we were a month or so ago!”
Camille King July 12, 2018
“Jack’s mobility has benefited from the swimming sessions in a short time. I appreciate the patience and care Rachel has shown with our 17 year old Jack Russell. He needs special attention and she always gives him terrific assistance. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy earlier in his life. I know he would be in even better shape than he is now.”
Seth Miller July 12, 2018
"Hope is getting her second session of water therapy to help with her arthritis in her spine and legs and build her leg muscles back up! Maria and I love her trainer Rachel!"
Andrea Ruiz-Hays July 17, 2018
"Rachel has been awesome and I would most definitely recommend her!! My 12 year old beagle recently had knee surgery and she reached out to me through social media to let me know about her services. When it came time for him to start hydrotherapy as part of his recovery I contacted Rachel and set up an appointment. She was very responsive to messages and easy to get a hold of to set up our first appointment. After our first session my beagle started walking better and showing improvement in his healing process. I decided to buy a 4 session pack from her and taking him to see her weekly. Since we have started, his mobility has improved after each session and he gets around better than ever."
Caitlyn Canada July 17, 2018
"Rachel became certified in canine hydrotherapy through the certification program we offer through The Canine Fitness Institute. Since then, she has been working with dogs daily and I've seen her skills and competence grow by leaps and bounds. She opened her own business in 2018 - Dip N Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy and is doing a great job helping a wide variety of dogs regain strength after surgery, lose weight, become more mobile even though they have arthritis, and more. To further her knowledge, she continues to study and research a variety of orthopedic conditions that routinely affect dogs. She is very personable and her clients love her and the care she gives their dogs. If your dog can benefit from the incredible healing effects of hydrotherapy, I recommend you give Rachel a call."
Sherri Cappabianca July 17, 2018
"Jack was always extremely active throughout his life. Now at 17 plus years, he isn’t able to walk as well as we would like, due to arthritis and atrophy from age a medications he has taken. The hydrotherapy treatments with Rachel have made such a difference. They have helped him maintain his mobility and gain additional strength. Jack swims twice a week with Rachel. He swims very hard and I think he enjoys the mobility in the water that he no longer has on land. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy and Rachel earlier. I don’t think it is ever to early to start your dog swimming. I know would be in even better shape now than he is, if we had started him sooner. I highly recommend Rachel to work with your pet. She always has Jack’s best interest in mind and we certainly appreciate that."
Carrie Miller September 10, 2018
"Rachel is a pro when it comes to helping our dog Ellie feel comfortable during her swimming session. She has a kind nature towards animals and is really good at what she does. I'm glad we found out about her business. I highly recommend her services for your pet's well being."
Andy Schifaro September 10, 2018
"Rachel's calm, confident approach had our dog very comfortable."
Tracy Robinson September 10, 2018
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer September 10, 2018
"Rachel was wonderful with my Dusty who had an FHO done on his right hip but his left hip is not so good either. As of right now his right has healed wonderfully and his left hip is holding strong! I believe it is because of hydrotherapy with Rachel. Dusty had his surgery in March and I can’t go fast enough for him on his walks! I might need some hydrotherapy myself!"
Terrie Sandefur October 3, 2018
"Rachel seems to see and love my Hannah's Spirit. Hannah recently said goodbye, for now, to Hazel, her litter mate and twin. Needing some fun new experiences and with a recent arthritis diagnosis, Dip'n Dogs was a nice adventure. Hannah enjoys the pool. Seems a natural swimmer. And Rachel has a good positive energy!"
Gwen Hartmann October 4, 2018
"Rachel is a caring and experienced dog guardian and is one of my dog, Maisie’s, favorite people. I highly recommend Dip'n Dogs!"
Marcia Caton February 18, 2019
"Sophie doesn't love the pool but Rachel was so great with her that Sophie was giving her kisses by the end! I'm so excited about Sophie continuing her hydrotherapy!"
Katlyn Billue February 18, 2019
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer February 18, 2019
"Guinness and I are so happy that we met Rachel. She is super nice, gentle, patient and knows how to make Guinness comfortable in the pool, because he gets soo nervous. She is helping Guiness get back on his leg after a luxating patella injury. Right now he is doing great and starting to put his leg down when walking. I would definitely recommend Rachel- best hydrotherapy
:) and she does a great job in the pool. Thank you Rachel!"
Noelia Cocco February 18, 2019
"From the instant that I met Rachel, I felt comfortable with her and would have trusted her with any of my dogs. She came and worked with my senior, blind Shih Tzu this summer. My Millicent has arthritis, bad skin, allergies and had recently developed a heart murmur. Rachel made sure to go over Millie’s health history with me and was very aware of how Millie was doing the whole time she worked with her. It is great exercise for an old, lazy dog!"
Kristi Klein February 18, 2019