MSM for Dog Allergies

If your dog suffers from allergies, it's mostly likely to show in his skin. You might catch him scratching, chewing and licking obsessively. Bald patches in his fur, raised red areas or pustules can also indicate he's having an allergic reaction. MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a form of organic sulfur that reduces allergy symptoms in people. MSM can improve your dog's overall comfort and health as it helps soothe his allergies.

  1. How It Works

    • Your dog's body uses the sulfur component of MSM to keep cell membranes permeable. Nutrients and fluids can flow into the cells, while toxins are more easily flushed out. MSM also helps to strengthen the mucous membrane tissues lining the nose, mouth and throat, says Pet Education. These two actions may help your dog's body prevent an allergic reaction before it can start.

    Dosage

    • According to Placerville Veterinary Clinic, the daily MSM dosage is 1,500 to 2,000 mg daily for a large dog (60 to 70 lbs.). It suggests that you give half of this dosage in the morning and half in the evening. A more conservative starting dose is 50 to 100 mg per 10 lbs. of body weight. Make sure that your dog tolerates MSM before increasing the dosage. It can take a few weeks before MSM has any effect. Find MSM powder or capsules at natural and health food stores.

    Safety

    • MSM has no reported side effects in people. Animal trials found that it was approximately as safe to consume as water, says Food and Nutrition Choices for Health. According to the Langone Medical Center, safe dosages for children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with liver or kidney disease have yet to be determined. Use caution and consult your vet if your dog has a compromised liver or kidneys or if she is pregnant or nursing.

    Considerations

    • MSM should not be your only weapon in the fight against your dog's allergies. Ask your veterinarian to check for signs of fleas or mange. Food is the root cause of many dog allergies. Try switching to a holistic or natural dog food formula. Some dogs are allergic to specific types of protein, so if you're feeding a lamb formula, try switching to chicken or fish. Eliminate the source of the allergy to ease the burden on your dog's immune system.

    Expert Insight

    • Beth M. Ley, author of "MSM: On Our Way Back to Health With Sulfur," writes that veterinarians have long used a compound related to MSM, called DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) to treat inflammation in horses. Unlike MSM, DMSO retains the classic "rotten egg" sulfur odor and can cause some digestive and skin side effects. MSM is a safer and more appealing way of fighting the inflammation associated with your dog's allergies.