Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and steroids such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and betamethasone are commonly used for the treatment of allergies in dogs. These medications can provide quick relief but have adverse side effects, especially if given long-term or frequently.  

In a review of cases involving diphenhydramine use in dogs, 23% of the dogs suffered from harmful side effects. Adverse effects included lethargy, hyperactivity, agitation, ataxia, hyperthermia, tremors, vocalization, tachycardia, vomiting, seizures, hypertension, disorientation, anxiety, and anorexia. Death was reported in 3 of the 621 cases reviewed. 

Steroids are typically regarded as very effective for short-term environmental allergies. However, long-term use can cause serious health problems such as recurrent or treatment-resistant bladder infections, thinning of the bones, ligaments, skin, predisposition to diabetes mellitus, and muscle weakness. 

Quercetin is a natural alternative for relieving skin, eye, and ear irritations from your dog's allergic reactions.

Quercetin is a flavonoid found naturally in fruits and vegetables. Its unique biological properties improve mental and physical performance, reduce the risk of infection and disease, and act as an anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogen, anti-viral, and antioxidant. Due to its natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, it is often referred to as nature’s Benadryl. 

Quercetin is widely distributed in various fruits, vegetables, and plants. Key characteristics of quercetin include:

Antioxidant Properties: Quercetin is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. As an antioxidant, it helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells and DNA.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Quercetin has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation is associated with numerous health conditions. Providing quercetin to your dog may improve overall health and well-being by reducing chronic inflammation.

Immune Support: Quercetin is believed to have immunomodulatory effects, which can help regulate and support the immune system's function. 

Cardiovascular Benefits: Some research suggests that quercetin may support cardiovascular health by promoting healthy blood vessels, reducing blood pressure, and improving blood flow.

Allergy Relief: Quercetin is often used as a natural remedy for allergy relief. It stabilizes mast cells and reduces the release of histamine, which can alleviate allergy symptoms.

Potential Anti-Cancer Effects: Some studies have indicated that quercetin may have anti-cancer properties, including the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain cancer types. 

When your dog is exposed to allergens, histamine is released from the inflammatory cells, which results in eye and skin irritation and itchiness. Quercetin has been studied for its potential benefits in managing allergies in dogs, particularly its ability to alleviate allergy symptoms. 

Allergies in dogs can manifest as skin allergies (atopic dermatitis), food allergies, or environmental allergies (atopy). Allergic reactions in dogs are often associated with the release of histamine and other inflammatory compounds in response to allergens.

Quercetin anti-allergic properties that help with your dog’s allergies include:

Stabilizing Mast Cells: Quercetin stabilizes mast cells, which are immune cells involved in the allergic response. When exposed to allergens, mast cells release histamine and other inflammatory mediators, leading to clinical signs of allergies. Quercetin prevents excessive histamine release from mast cells, reducing allergic reactions.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: As an antioxidant, quercetin helps neutralize free radicals that can contribute to inflammation. Quercetin alleviates your dog’s allergic reactions, such as redness, swelling, and itching, by reducing inflammation.

Inhibition of Enzymes: Quercetin can inhibit certain enzymes involved in producing inflammatory compounds, further reducing inflammation and allergic responses.

Quercetin is widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other plants.  Common sources are for dogs.

Spices including dill, coriander, fennel, and pepper

Quercetin is also found in various kinds of honey from different plant sources.

Incorporating these foods into your dog's diet can provide natural sources of quercetin. 

Quercetin is a safe and natural alternative to conventional drugs like Benadryl or prednisone to relieve your dog’s allergy clinical signs. However, the effects of quercetin may not be as quick and dramatic as those seen with pharmaceuticals. 

Many quercetin supplements also contain bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples.  Bromelain aids in the digestion of proteins and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.  The combination of quercetin and bromelain has a synergistic effect, resulting in greater anti-inflammatory effects than when used separately. The use of this combination may provide quicker relief.

There is an overabundance of commercially available quercetin supplements, alone or with other nutritional supplements like vitamin C or bromelain. The dose of quercetin must be high enough to provide anti-inflammatory effects, approximately 5-10 mg/pound of body weight given twice a day. Quercetin with bromelain, the ideal combination, should be given at least 1 hour before feeding or 3 hours after to get the anti-inflammatory effects. If not provided on an empty stomach, the bromelain will be used for digestion by the body rather than preventing inflammation.

The combination of quercetin and bromelain is usually available in capsule form. If your dog refuses to take a capsule, you can safely put the powder on a small amount of food to encourage the consumption of the supplement.  However, if this appears to cause a reduced appetite in your dog, add it to the whole meal. 

If your dog is prescribed any medications that are metabolized via the P450 pathway, you must discuss the implications of adding this supplement to your dog’s diet. Changing medications or dietary supplements may be warranted. The following drugs are of importance when adding quercetin to your dog’s diet:

Amitriptyline - used variety of anxiety disorders

Ondansetron - used for nausea and vomiting

Omeprazole - (Prilosec) used to treat gastric and intestinal ulcers 

Fluoxetine - (Prozac) is used for anxiety

Quercetin may also interfere with prescribed medications for cardiovascular and kidney disorders:

Amlodipine - used to treat high blood pressure

Enalapril - used for cardiovascular and kidney disorders 

Diltiazem -  used for cardiovascular disorders

Furosemide - used for kidney disorders as a diuretic 

You can purchase Quercetin supplements at natural food stores, pet stores, and online. When choosing a supplement, ensure that the supplement has been approved by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)  and is at the proper concentration to dose your dog adequately. 

Quercetin with the potential effect on allergic diseases  

Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) and steroids such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and betamethasone are commonly used for the treatment of allergies in dogs. These medications can provide quick relief but have adverse side effects, especially if given long-term or frequently.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Quercetin- Nature's Benadryl®

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