Spring Allergies in Dogs - Page 1

I have a female with seasonal allergies. She reverse-sneezes a good deal around this time of year. Benadryl, under the direction of my vet, works very well for her. I was told I could give her two capsules, the adult human dose, but I found one is just as effective for her.

ggturner, 
Good article and I see that you wrote and published it. I do have a few questions. Regarding Brewer's Yeast, have you personally found it to be effective in repelling fleas or did you find it in a reliable study at a university or the equivalent? If so, what study? I am asking because I personally have not found it to be effective with my dogs in the past. I have also read a number of articles that support my experience. That said, if it has been proven to be effective in a number of reliable studies, then it is something I'll try again- maybe I bought the wrong kind/brand. I hate using products such as Advantage and prefer natural remedies.  I use Beneficial Nemetodes on my lawn and Borax and DE in my house, but have yet to find a natural product that works on the dogs other than bathing them, which of course just kills the fleas on them at the time. I've tried DE on my dogs and although it may be effective, it is a nightmare with house dogs, especially coated ones. They are walking dust bowls! I found a flea on my dog recently, likely due to the weekly vet visits for acupuncture, laser and chiro treatments for her Degenerative Myelopathy. Haven't seen a flea in two years until the other day :(  That is why I am interested to hear what you have to say about the brewer's yeast.
The best,
Char

Brewer's yeast has helped my dogs some with regard to fleas (I live in the south), but I also use Neem oil.  I had some success with that combination last year. Like you, I try to avoid all the harsh chemicals.   I also bathed them with Dawn dish detergent (it kills fleas, but doesn't prevent new ones from getting on them).  I did some research on the Brewer's yeast last year.  I'll see if I can look up any information for you.  I don't think the fleas were as bad last summer in my area so that may be why I didn't have a big flea problem.  This year might be different.  Let me look and see what I can find out about other ideas and get back to you.

I found a few articles written by vets on natural flea control.  Most of them mention DE, Brewer's yeast, garlic, neem oil, etc.  Hope this helps!

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/1985-05-01/Natural-Flea-Control.aspx

http://www.vetlord.org/natural-flea-treatments-for-dogs-and-cats/

http://www.alldoghealth.com/natural-flea-control-for-dogs/  

http://healing.about.com/od/petcare/a/petfleacontrol.htm

http://www.pet-health-care-gazette.com/2010/07/22/natural-flea-control-for-dogs-and-cats/

Good information, thanks!!