Allergies in dogs can be very challenging to control. Their symptoms, including excessive licking, chewing, whining and sneezing, can be distressful both for pet parents and the animal in question.
Natural remedies exist to help ease your pup’s allergies, such as oatmeal. This remedy soothes itchy skin while open sores. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil such as EPA and DHA may also provide some relief.
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Flea & Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks can be more than merely irritating to your pet; they also pose serious health threats that threaten both humans and pets alike. Ticks carry several pathogens including Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and bartonellosis which could result in disease transmission to both parties involved.
Veterinarians usually recommend regular flea and tick preventatives that are safe for puppies as well as all dogs, including those with allergies. Some products, like NexGard and Advantage, require a relationship or prescription from a veterinarian while others such as FELINE GOLD may be bought over-the-counter.
Before selecting a flea and tick preventative for your dog, carefully consider their environment and level of outdoor activity. Dogs engaged in herding, hunting, or working activities may require more powerful treatments while those living at home with gardens will typically require less. Read labels carefully, following your veterinarian’s recommendations, and always read labels before purchasing anything that contains permethrin or pyrethrin as these ingredients can be harmful if cats are present in the household.
Hypoallergenic Wipes & Shampoo
Dogs with allergies frequently develop itchy and inflamed skin that can lead to various symptoms. Luckily, there are a number of hypoallergenic pet products available which may help your pup with itchy and inflamed skin and coat.
Quercetin (known as nature’s Benadryl), bromelain and yucca can provide natural relief to itchy skin caused by allergies. Consider including these natural supplements alongside any vet-prescribed allergy medicines.
Food allergies are another prevalent problem for dogs, leading to itchy, irritated skin or other allergic reactions. If your pup suffers from food allergies, a hypoallergenic diet is vital in keeping her healthy.
If you want to minimize allergens in your home, consider choosing a hypoallergenic breed that doesn’t shed. Hypoallergenic dogs will keep their fur off furniture and upholstery, which will reduce allergy symptoms significantly while providing you with companionship for life. They make great additions for anyone’s household!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be an effective natural health remedy for dogs suffering from allergies. ACV can reduce itchy skin and soothe ear infections by killing off bacteria that causes these conditions, and also support their immune system by decreasing allergies while supporting digestion health. If giving ACV as a dietary supplement to your pup, dilute it with either water or food to avoid burning sensations in their mouth and stomach – though you should monitor for any discomfort after dosing with ACV as a dietary supplement.
For itchy skin, try mixing equal parts water and ACV in a spray bottle before applying directly onto their affected area. Be sure to test this solution first on a small area as ACV may contain acid that could burn their delicate skin.
Herbs & Teas
If your dog is scratching excessively at his or her ears or skin, herbs may provide relief by soothing the surface while targeting its source. Cooling, calming and yin-tonifying herbs like stinging nettle leaf and licorice root provide allergy relief by decreasing itching and inflammation caused by allergens.
Quercetin (known as nature’s Benadryl), chamomile, and yucca can all provide antihistamine benefits to help alleviate allergy itching, while external applications of ground oat salves may provide soothing relief from uncomfortable spots.
Ideal conditions call for adding herbal remedies 2-3 months in advance of allergy season to allow your pet time to build and prepare their system. In emergency cases, severe symptoms may require quick relief with medications like Apoquel or Cytopoint; for the best outcomes always work with a holistic vet that can test and desensitize over time.
