Bulldogs are quite prone to allergies, so pet owners will exhaust all the help available to alleviate the discomfort it brings. One of the most popular solutions dog owners recommend is salmon oil. But does salmon oil help dog allergies? Yes, it can, but it’s not an absolute solution as some Bulldogs may not react positively to this supplement.
In this post, I will discuss how salmon oil benefits Bulldogs and if it can really aid allergic reactions.
What is salmon oil?
Salmon oil is a popular supplement for both humans and canines. It’s packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for its heart and skin health benefits. And for finicky Bulldogs, salmon oil will entice them to eat more.
Take note that salmon oil is harvested from either wild or farmed fishes. Most of the salmon oil products you’ll see in the market are made from farmed fishes. It’s faster to produce, and farmed ones have higher Omega-6 content. Aside from that, farmed salmons are fresher and less likely to be contaminated by heavy metals.
Moreover, salmon oil is available in liquid or capsule forms. For dogs, a liquid form is much better since you can easily mix it into their food.
What are Bulldog allergies?
While all dogs can develop allergies, Bulldogs tend to be at a higher risk. This brachycephalic canine can have sensitive tummy and skin, which makes them prone to various irritations.
The following are some of the most common Bulldog allergies that you may encounter:
🐶Food allergies
Food allergies are very common among dogs. This occurs when the immune system overreacts to an ingredient, even if it’s not really harmful.
This allergic reaction causes diarrhea, vomiting, and secondary skin allergy. Take note that Bulldogs can develop allergies to just about any food ingredient. For example, a Bulldog can be allergic to beef, but others aren’t.
Most of the time, predisposition to food allergy is genetic. If one of the Bulldog’s parents has a history of food allergy, the litter will likely acquire the same sensitivity.
But does salmon oil help in this case? Yes, to some extent. Salmon oil is rich in Omega fatty acids that will help boost your canine’s immune system. It will also make the dog’s coat healthier, which can reduce the formation of rashes.
However, salmon oil won’t cure or stop the allergic reaction. It can only do so much in terms of boosting your dog’s health. The only way to prevent food allergy is to stop feeding the allergen to your Bulldog.
Aside from adding salmon oil to your Bulldog’s diet, it’s important to consult the vet as well. Some dogs can also develop seafood allergies, which could make salmon oil harmful.
🐶Environmental allergies
Environmental allergies in dogs are due to outdoor elements like pollen, dust, molds, and so on. Exposure to these irritants can trigger skin allergies in Bulldogs. Some will also suffer from respiratory irritation due to inhalant allergies.
As with food allergy, the key to preventing environmental allergy is to limit your dog’s exposure to the allergen. Contrary to myths, a dog will not build a tolerance to an irritant just because you keep exposing them to it. Doing so will only make the symptoms worse and even put your dog’s life at risk.
As for salmon oil, it will surely help in boosting your dog’s immune system and skin health. After all, fish oils are rich in DHA and EPA that calm the body’s inflammatory reactions. This directly reduces histamine production, which is one of the affecting factors during an allergy attack.
🐶Flea allergy
Flea allergy in dogs is triggered by the sensitivity to the substance found on flea saliva. This means that not all Bulldogs with a flea infestation will suffer from such an allergy. Still, the bites will surely take their toll on the skin of the dog.
Usually, Bulldogs with other forms of allergies are more susceptible to flea allergy. Supplementing salmon oil to your dog might help, but the only way to combat the irritation is to eliminate the infestation.
Remember that a single flea bite is enough to trigger an allergic reaction to affected Bulldogs. Early intervention is the key to save your dog from discomfort.
Other benefits of salmon oil for dogs
Aside from giving your dog an added shield against allergies, salmon oil also provides the following benefits:
It boosts brain functions.
The Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon oil have an integral role in various brain functions. Basically, Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA are known to support brain development among humans. It’s also the same benefit your dog will reap.
Moreover, these fatty acids are important in the maintenance of your Bulldog’s brain function. And for puppies, EPA and DHA are very important acids to boost brain development.
It supports weight loss.
With proper diet and exercise, salmon oil can help boost your Bulldog’s weight loss. However, you should be careful with the amount of salmon oil you’re giving your dog since it can be high in calories.
Take note that salmon oil is just a supplement and should never be considered an absolute solution for weight loss.
It helps regulate the immune system.
Allergies in Bulldogs occur due to an over-reactive immune system. While salmon oil won’t stop potential allergic reactions, it will help reduce the intensity of the symptoms. Aside from that, it will reduce your dog’s risk of acquiring infections. This should be paired with proper diet and exercise for the best results.
It improves heart health.
Salmon oil is an excellent supplement to boost your Bulldog’s heart health. It reduces triglycerides, a type of fat, in your bloodstream. This keeps your arteries clean of any potential blockage that may cause irregular heartbeat and other diseases.
It reduces inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils are proven to reduce the inflammatory substances in a dog’s body. It’s known to reduce cytokines and eicosanoids that spike the inflammatory response of the canine’s body. This is the very same benefit that makes salmon oil an excellent aid for Bulldog allergies.
It boosts your dog’s appetite.
Lastly, salmon oil is a great way to boost your picky Bulldog’s appetite. I don’t know of any dog that can resist the hearty smell and taste of fish oil once added to kibble or wet food. Unless your Bulldog has a seafood allergy, salmon oil might be the answer you’re looking for.
Potential side effects of salmon oil for dogs
As with any beneficial canine food or supplement, there are potential side effects in giving salmon oil to your dog. Take note that not all Bulldogs will experience these adverse symptoms. Still, it’s important to know such risks, so you’ll know what to do.
The following are some of the potential side effects of salmon oil in dogs:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Increased skin itchiness
- Delayed healing of wounds
- Excessive sebum production on the skin
- Fishy breath odor
- Sleepiness despite enough rest
- Persistent upset stomach
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Abnormal bruising
- Incoordination
Take note that the worst symptoms will occur if the Bulldog is given excessively high doses of salmon oil. Some will even suffer from seizures.
The key to preventing such side effects is to be mindful of the dosage you’re giving your dog. You can also talk to your dog’s vet to get proper advice, especially if your pet has a lingering condition. If your Bulldog is currently taking medications, it’s a must to consult the vet first before giving salmon oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much salmon oil can you give a dog?
A: Salmon oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which should only be given to canines at 100 mg per kilogram of body weight. Depending on your Bulldog’s health status, you can give less or more. You can also ask the veterinarian if you’re worried about potential side effects.
Q: Can I give my dog fish oil pills for humans?
A: Human-grade fish oil pills are usually safe for canines. However, it’s much more concentrated than those made for animals. It’s best to ask the dog’s vet about the safe administration levels to prevent potential side effects.
Q: How long does salmon oil for dogs last?
A: Most salmon oil products can last for 6 to 8 months when refrigerated properly. Meanwhile, fish oil capsules can last long, depending on the manufacturer’s advice. It’s best to purchase salmon oil in small amounts, so you’ll keep giving your Bulldog a fresh serving.
Q: Can a dog overdose on fish oil?
A: Anything that’s too much isn’t safe for canines, even if it’s a healthy fish oil supplement. You should always follow the dosage or serving the veterinarian recommends. This way, your Bulldog will reap the benefits without having to deal with adverse side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, and even internal bleeding.
Q: Can I give my dog salmon oil every day?
A: Salmon oil is safe to give to your dog every day, but only in small and controlled amounts. If your Bulldog suffers from any adverse symptoms, you should stop giving the supplement and visit the vet right away. This way, the veterinarian can assess whether your dog has a sensitivity to salmon oil or not.
Final words
Does salmon oil help Bulldog allergies? Yes, but you should never consider it as a cure or remedy for the condition. It’s still important to know your dog’s allergy triggers so that you can limit your pet’s exposure to them. Most of all, you should always involve the veterinarian before buying and giving salmon oil to your Bulldog.
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