3 Natural remedies to ease allergy symptoms in your dog

Like humans, dogs can have allergies. If there are people who are allergic to certain foods, there are also dogs who can suffer from allergic reactions because of environmental irritants such as pollen and dust mites. As with human allergies, you can also ease the discomfort caused by dog allergies using safe and natural home remedies.

What can trigger allergy symptoms in dogs?

If you don’t have allergies, you won’t experience any symptoms even if you are exposed to allergens. Most allergens are harmless substances that can trigger a response that starts in a person or a dog’s immune system. This response then causes an allergic reaction.

For example, if you’re allergic to pollen your immune system will identify pollen as an invader or allergen. Once you’re exposed to pollen, your immune system will release chemicals that cause symptoms.

These symptoms may affect the ears, eyes, nose, throat, skin, or the roof of the mouth. Aside from pollen, common allergens include dust mites, insect venom, medications, mold, and various foods. Dog allergens may include certain additives or ingredients in pet food. Other dogs may be allergic to flea bites. (Related: Natural flea and tick remedies that avoid exposure to toxic chemicals.)

Unlike humans, dogs can’t cough if they have an allergic reaction to something. Instead, your four-legged friends will experience dry or irritated skin or intestinal disorders. Sometimes, dogs suffering from allergies will snore or wheeze because of an inflamed throat.

Other symptoms of an allergic reaction in dogs may include:

• Biting or constantly licking his skin until it bleeds or causes wounds
• Diarrhea
• Itchy ears
• Vomiting

If you suspect that your pet has an allergy, take him to the vet for allergy tests. Once you have confirmed the allergens that trigger these reactions, here are three natural remedies that can help ease a dog’s allergy symptoms.

Apple cider vinegar

If your dog has dry or irritated skin caused by allergies, use apple cider vinegar as a rinse or as an additive to your dog’s food.

Apple cider vinegar spray ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar
• Water

Steps: 

1. Combine at least 50 percent apple cider vinegar with 50 percent water in a spray bottle.
2. Use the spray on your dog after his bath if he has dry or irritated skin due to allergies.
3. Don’t use the spray near his eyes, and don’t rinse off the vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar will soothe your dog’s irritated skin almost instantly. The diluted spray can be used daily, even if you’re not going to give your dog a bath.

Apple cider vinegar can help strengthen your dog’s immune system and prevent mild infections. If your dog is experiencing allergy-related intestinal symptoms, add a drop of apple cider vinegar to his food or water. Gradually increase the dosage to at least one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar daily. The enzymes in apple cider vinegar can aid digestion and protect him from bacteria and fungus. With apple cider vinegar, you can improve your dog’s overall health.

Oatmeal

Give your dog an oatmeal bath if he has irritated skin because of allergies.

Steps:

1. Grind a cup of plain oatmeal. It’s safe to use quick-cooking or regular oats on your dog’s skin.
2. Add the ground oatmeal to your dog’s bath, then stir well to dissolve the ground oats.
3. Soak your dog in the bath for at least 15 minutes. The oatmeal can help soothe your dog’s irritated skin. Additionally, the oats will help moisturize his skin and prevent dryness.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

Lastly, you can use omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to supplement your dog’s diet. Fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease relieve your dog’s itchy skin from the inside out.

Omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids are available in capsule form or liquid form. You can either add the fatty acids to dog food or administer them to your dog daily.

Before you give your dog fatty acids, consult a vet to determine the proper dosage for your pet, which will vary depending on a dog’s weight and breed.

If your dog is suffering from skin irritation, use these safe and natural remedies to relieve your dog’s allergy symptoms.

Browse more articles about safe and natural home remedies for your pets at PetHealth.news.

Sources include:

Homeo-Pathic.ESY.es

AAAAI.org