A dog allergy is one of the most common conditions that affect dogs. Allergies are caused by an immune system response to a substance that is normally harmless to humans and animals. The immune system identifies the allergen as harmful and produces antibodies (proteins) that recognize it.
When the allergen enters the body, those antibodies bind to it and signal other cells in the immune system to attack. This causes inflammation, which can lead to a variety of symptoms.
In some cases, dogs may be allergic to specific substances like pollen or dust mites. In other cases, they may be allergic to a condition like fleas or food additives.
There are several different methods you can use at home to help alleviate your dog’s allergies and keep him healthy:
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Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms can vary depending on the allergen and the dog, but the most common symptoms of dog allergies include:
- Hair loss
- Coughing
- Itching
- Skin irritations
- Runny nose
- Red, inflamed skin
- Hot spots
- Ear infections
- Excessive panting
- Dry skin or scaly skin
7 Best Natural Remedies for Allergies in Dogs
The best home remedies for dog allergies can help dogs with skin allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergies. Check out our article “Natural Remedies for Allergies in Adults and Kids.”
Adjust Your Dog’s Diet
If your dog has been diagnosed with an allergy to any particular food, try changing his diet. Some veterinarians recommend eliminating the suspected culprits from your dog’s diet entirely, but if you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, this may not be effective.
Instead, try feeding him one brand of food without any additives at all for two weeks and then add one ingredient back into his meals each week until you find out which one he reacts to most strongly.
Once you do figure out which ingredient causes the reaction, remove it from his diet permanently or feed him only with prescription diets that don’t contain it.
Give Dietary Supplements
Some veterinarians recommend giving dogs dietary supplements such as fish oil or vitamin E to help reduce inflammation and improve immune response.
Although these supplements aren’t guaranteed to cure your dog’s allergies, they may help relieve some of his symptoms and make him more comfortable.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great natural remedy for your dog’s allergies. It helps to balance their PH levels, reduce inflammation and fight off infections.
The best way to use apple cider vinegar is by mixing it with water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture over their coat, then brush them out afterward. You can also add some extra coconut oil or olive oil if you want to make the mixture more moisturizing and soothing.
Apply Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It works by preventing the release of histamine, which is a powerful immune system chemical that causes allergic reactions. This supplement can be used on the dog’s skin or added to their food.
Try Epsom Salt Baths
In addition to applying coconut oil on your dog’s skin, you should consider giving him an Epsom salt bath once or twice a week. Epsom salt baths work by drawing out toxins from the body and helping promote better circulation.
To make an Epsom salt bath, dissolve three cups of Epsom salts in a tub of warm water and soak your dog for 15 minutes once or twice a week until he feels better.
Garlic
Garlic is a great home remedy for dog allergies because it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce any swelling and inflammation in the respiratory system. It also has antibacterial properties, so it can help fight off infections that may be causing your dog’s symptoms.
To make garlic water, add one teaspoon of minced garlic to 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes before straining out the garlic pieces with cheesecloth.
You can then use this solution as needed by giving your dog one teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight twice daily until symptoms subside.
Apply Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is another effective home remedy for dog allergies because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease itching caused by allergies.
Apply aloe vera gel directly onto your dog’s skin by gently rubbing it into his fur using your hands or a cotton swab. Repeat this process twice per day until the symptoms subside, which usually takes about three days at most.
Conclusion
Dogs are just as prone to allergies as humans are, so it’s important to keep that in mind.
There are lots of great home remedies for dog allergies, and you should be able to easily find a few that will work for your pooch.
