Natural Dog Allergy Remedies: Vet-Approved Tips That Bring Relief

If you are a seasoned parent, you can recognize the sounds that keep you up at night. The chewing, the licking, the scratching seem familiar. They are itchy, and you need to take care of them before things get worse.  

There could be various reasons behind their severe scratching and itching. However, various natural dog allergy remedies can help your pup relax. There are different products available in the market, but home remedies are gaining popularity. 

As a pet parent, you need to be prepared for anything unexpected. Issues come up at the most inconvenient times, and you need to be ready to treat them immediately before they require a trip to the vet.  

Understanding Dog Allergies

To treat their allergies, you need to understand the root causes. There are various reasons your dog may be getting itchy. Here are some of the common causes. 

• Food allergies: Your dog can be allergic to various ingredients like soy, dairy, wheat, chicken, beef, or corn. 

• Environmental allergies: Pollen, dust mites, mold and yeasts, and pet dander from other animals can also cause them allergies. 

• Flea bites: The saliva a flea leaves behind after biting is another common allergen that irritates the skin.  

• Contact allergens: Various grooming products, household cleaning supplies, lawn chemicals, perfumes, plastic, synthetic fibers, and rubber can cause dog allergies. 

• Medical condition: Various underlying health issues, such as thyroid disease or an autoimmune disease, can cause them to develop allergies. 

Common Symptoms Of Dog Allergies 

If your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction, you might notice some of these symptoms in your dog. 

• Chronic or acute itching 

• Excessive licking, rubbing, losing hair in patches, over-grooming, and tear stains 

• Gnawing or biting their skin 

• Swelling and redness on their skin, and it is warm to the touch 

• Raised bumps or hives on their skin 

• Watery eyes, increased discharge from their eyes, and reddened sclera 

• Skin or ear infections 

• Skin lesions 

The signs of an allergic reaction can appear anywhere on their skin, but these are mostly prevalent in their belly, armpits, groin, and under their tail, and around their face and ears. 

Top 10 Unknown Benefits Of Natural Dog Allergy Remedies

Natural home remedies does not just treat dog allergies; they also act as a blessing in disguise. Here are some of the unknown benefits of the natural remedies you apply to your dog for their allergies. 

• Strengthens Their Immune System: Natural home remedies like Omega-3s, colostrum, and probiotics help reduce their reaction to allergens and support immune system regulation. 

• Improves Gut Health: As mentioned earlier, they may develop allergies due to poor gut health. Natural supplements like fermented veggies, kefir, and bone broth can reduce inflammation and support digestion. 

• Reduces Dependency On Steroids & Medications: Using these natural remedies reduces the need for corticosteroids and antihistamines. These can have long-term side effects. 

• Promotes Healthier Skin & Coat: Various remedies, such as aloe vera and coconut oil, help reduce itchiness and nourish their skin. Moreover, it reduces dandruff and makes their coat shiny. 

• Minimizes Environmental Toxin Exposure: Natural remedies does not contain the harsh chemicals that dog shampoos often contain. This reduces the amount of toxin getting into their body. 

• Supports Emotional Well-Being: Natural remedies include soothing massages or herbal soaks that can calm them down. This helps them with stress and anxiety in dogs. 

• Customizable To Your Dog’s Needs: The best part about natural remedies is that you can customize them based on your dog’s needs, breed, age, type of allergy, and its severity. 

• Improves Sleep Quality: Your dog sleeps better when they get relief from their itchy skin. Moreover, it supports their immune system and speeds up the healing process. 

• Encourages Owner Awareness & Bonding: When you use home remedies, you have to monitor them closely, which improves your bond and gives you a clear picture of their health and behavior. 

• Cost-Effective Long-Term Care: Natural remedies use ingredients you already have in your household, making them cost-effective. 

Natural Remedies For Dog Skin Allergies

Home remedies can effectively help reduce dog skin allergies. Recognizing the signs will help you better address the cause.  

When you understand the root cause, you can help them get better. Here are some of the vet-recommended natural remedies that you can try on your dog. 

1. Oatmeal Baths 

Oatmeal has been used as a remedy for itchy skin in humans for a very long time, and it works equally well for dogs. Most hypoallergenic shampoos contain oatmeal as their active ingredient to help fight irritation. 

Grind plain oatmeal into a fine powder and sprinkle it into their bathwater. It will take 10-15 minutes to cool the irritated skin, no matter the root cause. Moreover, it is non-toxic and will not cause any problems even if your dog licks it.  

Also, if you don’t want to give them an oatmeal bath, you can make a paste. Ground the oatmeal and add it to warm water until you get a paste-like texture. Apply it to the targeted areas and ensure the paste is in contact with the skin. 

2. Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil is one of the best remedies for a dog’s itchy skin. The oil’s viscosity soothes their skin immediately, while the other components help keep their skin calm. The best kind of oil for dogs is one that offers viscous protection. 

Coconut oil is used in various products you buy for them, and it also acts as a skin moisturizer. The oil penetrates their fur and makes direct contact with their skin.  

Not only for allergies; if they are suffering from yeast infections, eczema, or insect bites, you can directly apply coconut oil to that area. Keep the oil in the fridge until it completely turns solid. Then massage it into their coat or on their skin. 

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Spray 

This is a safe and natural soother for dry and itchy skin. It has antifungal and antiseptic properties that help relieve symptoms of poison ivy. However, make sure you are not applying it to open or raw skin. If they have an open wound, it will sting.  

Take a spray bottle and fill it with 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% water, and apply it to the affected areas. If your pup has walked through a patch of poison ivy, sumac, or oak, soak their paws in that solution for around five minutes. 

4. Baking Soda Paste 

Baking soda is a staple in every kitchen and an effective way to calm itchy skin. This is one of the most effective dog allergy remedies that you can use to soothe their irritation. It is alkaline and neutralizes acids on the skin’s surface.  

It reduces inflammation and relieves their irritation. Moreover, baking soda draws moisture out of inflamed areas, which helps with conditions like minor rashes and hot spots. Take a tablespoon of baking soda, add a few drops of water, and prepare a thick paste. 

Apply it in the affected areas, let it sit for a while, and then wash it off with cool water. Also, you can mix a tablespoon of baking soda with 8 ounces of water and fill it in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well before spraying into the affected areas. 

5. Aloe Vera Gel 

Aloe vera is popular for its healing and soothing properties, and it works for both humans and dogs. It soothes their irritated skin, reduces inflammation, and promotes skin regeneration. Moreover, it is beneficial for treating sunburns, hot spots, and minor irritation. 

However, if you are using an aloe vera product, it will contain various other ingredients that might not be helpful for your dog. Use pure aloe vera gel that does not contain any other ingredients or alcohol. You can use this anytime they experience any discomfort. 

6. Herbal Tea Soaks 

Chamomile tea, green tea, and calendula tea work well when your pup is suffering from skin allergies and has irritated skin. Chamomile, calendula, and green tea soothe the skin and have anti-inflammatory properties.  

Fill the sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and let the tea bags rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Then take the bags out and let them soak in the mixture for around 5 minutes. Also, you can steep the tea bag for a while, let it cool, and then place it in the targeted area for a few minutes. 

Brew a cup of herbal tea and then cool it completely. Then soak a clean cloth in the tea and apply it to the area, or pour the liquid into a spray bottle and spray it onto the affected area. 

7. Colostrum Supplements 

Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals; it is rich in nutrients, contains antibiotics, and has various growth factors that play an important role in boosting immunity.  

It is specifically beneficial for them if they are suffering from environmental and seasonal allergies. There are various supplements available on the market, and you can give them ⅛ teaspoon of the powder for every 25 pounds of their body weight. Give it twice every day. 

However, you should introduce the supplement gradually and monitor their response. If needed, consult a vet and adjust the dosage for long-term use. 

How To Identify Allergy Triggers At Home

If your dog is getting allergies often, you need to figure out the allergy triggers to make sure it does not happen again. There are a few ways to identify allergy triggers at home.  

1. Elimination Diet 

Dogs can get allergies from food. And if that is what you suspect, you need to remove the common allergens from their diet, like grains, chicken, and beef. Keep them off those things for a while, then reintroduce one item at a time slowly and monitor them. 

Monitor their symptoms for 6 to 8 weeks. If they are allergic to that particular food item, you will notice different signs and symptoms of allergies. Refrain from giving them those food items.  

2. Environmental Tracking 

You have to track their environment and keep a note of it. Track which cleaning products you have used in the house, whether they were used outside, and monitor their symptoms.  

Once you have identified the trigger, remove it to prevent any more irritation. Bathe them if possible when they are somehow exposed to those allergens, and wipe them down. 

3. Allergy Test Kits 

There are home allergy kits available for dogs that help you identify what is causing their allergies. The test kit analyzes a small sample of blood and then comes to a conclusion. This is cost-effective and mostly provides an accurate answer. 

Top 5 Dangers Of Depending Only On Chemical Medications For Dog Allergies

Chemical medications come with a lot of side effects. If you are using chemical medication for their allergies for a long period, there might be a few side effects that you should be careful about. 

1. Long-term Side Effects 

High-dose or long-term use of some medicines, like steroids, antibiotics, and antihistamines, can cause serious health issues like muscle wasting, ravenous appetite, increased thirst and urination, along with chances of UTI, bacterial and fungal infection. 

Moreover, it can cause kidney and liver damage, hormonal imbalances, and suppress the immune system. This increases susceptibility to certain infections and can also cause cancerous conditions. 

2. Masking The Root Cause 

Chemical medications primarily manage symptoms like inflammation or itching and does not identify the underlying issue or specific triggers.  

Your pup might have to be under medication for an indefinite time, and the symptoms might get worse or return when you stop their medication. 

3. Reduced Immune Function 

Various allergy treatments modulate and suppress the immune system to prevent allergic reactions. This makes them susceptible to other infections and illnesses.  

However, in some cases, this immune system suppression persists for a long time and requires additional intervention to restore proper immune function. 

4. Resistance & Reduced Effectiveness 

When medicines like antihistamines or antibiotics are used for a long time, they tend to become less effective. Moreover, this makes it difficult for any further treatment to work. It gets more expensive with time. 

5. Behavioral & Emotional Impact 

The long-term medicines reduce their quality of life. It can make them lethargic or agitated and change their mood. They might withdraw from activities they used to love, become more anxious, and become less playful. 

Natural Vs. Conventional Treatment: Which Is Better? 

There are some differences between traditional or conventional treatments and holistic or natural treatments. Here are some of the basic differences listed: 

Natural/Holistic Treatment	Conventional/Traditional Treatment
Natural remedies target the underlying causes and offer options such as home remedies, supplements, and specialized diets.	Traditional treatments target the symptoms of allergies and suggest medicines or injections.
The holistic approach is cost-effective and gentle on the body.	These provide fast relief, but they are costly. Moreover, a vet will take care of the pet, and you will be relieved.
It might take a while to work on them. You have to be patient.	However, traditional treatment methods work faster than the holistic approach.
There are almost no side effects to these.	There are some side effects of the medicines you give them, and there is a chance of long-term dependency.
In case of mild allergies, vets themselves suggest holistic approaches.	However, for moderate to severe allergies, they will need traditional treatment methods.

Things To Watch Out For When Using Natural Remedies For Dog Allergies

Natural remedies for dog allergy are useful, but there are a few things that you need to watch out for. You have to ensure you keep them safe while using the natural remedies. 

• Do A Patch-Test First: If you are using apple cider vinegar or coconut oil on a small area of their skin. Natural Ingredients can also cause allergic reactions. 

• Use Pre, Pet-Safe Ingredients: Always use organic products without any additives. Avoid products with essential oils, preservatives, or alcohol. These can be toxic. 

• Consult A Vet: You should consult a vet before using any holistic remedies if they have chronic allergies or are under medication. Some remedies can interact with other medicines, worsening the underlying condition. 

• Track Progress: Keep a track of their symptoms, the remedies you have used, and their improvements. If you don’t track, you can miss a trigger or treatments that aren’t working.  

• Don’t Overuse Remedies: Use the remedies in moderation and give the recommended dosage. Overusing even the safe ingredients can make their skin greasy and upset their stomach. 

• Avoid Open Wounds: Use the remedies on intact skin. Applying baking soda and vinegar can cause pain and infection. 

• Monitor For Other Infections: If symptoms worsen, stop what you are doing and consult a vet. Untreated allergies can cause yeast or bacterial infections. 

• Support Gut Health: Use colostrum, probiotics, or bone broth to improve their immunity. If you ignore their internal health, it will limit the effectiveness. 

• Keep The Environment Clean: Use air purifiers for pets, make their bedding hypoallergenic, and use natural cleaning products.  

• Be Patient: Natural remedies do not work overnight. It takes time. So stick to the routine and don’t switch remedies often. It will confuse the healing process. 

Mistakes To Avoid At All Costs

When using dog allergy remedies, you have to avoid certain mistakes to ensure their safety and the effectiveness of the treatment. 

• Skipping Vet Diagnoses: If you treat them without consulting a vet, you might miss the root cause. Allergies can occur for various reasons, and you need to find out the cause. 

• Using Unsafe Ingredients: You need to avoid herbal blends, human creams, and essential oils. These can be toxic to them. 

• Ignoring Dosage Guidelines: Do not overuse supplements, vinegar, or coconut oil. It can cause skin irritation, make their coat greasy, and cause digestive issues. 

• Treating Open Wounds With Topical Medicines: Never apply baking soda, vinegar, or aloe vera on bleeding skin. This can worsen inflammation and delay healing. 

• Not Tracking The Progress: Randomly changing medicines without checking the results will make it hard to identify the condition and can make things worse. 

When To Reach Out To A Vet Immediately

You need to be responsible and make decisions tactfully. When your dog is dealing with severe symptoms of allergies, do not use natural dog allergy remedies. Moreover, skin infections can be difficult to treat with natural remedies. 

You need to take them to a vet for their allergies if they are not improving, even after trying home remedies.  

If you notice them becoming uncomfortable, losing patches of hair, developing bumps or skin infections, or experiencing intense itching, take them to a vet immediately. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When discussing dog allergy remedies, here are some of the common questions people ask.