If you observe your dog is regularly losing fur, scratching, or developing a rash he might be suffering from an allergy. Just like humans, allergies are common in dogs as well and the symptoms can cause discomfort to your little friend. He may experience itchy skin, red eyes, itchy paws, and red spots may develop because of constant itching and scratching. Though it will be best to take your dog to a vet and get him treated the right way, there are also some home remedies that you can try to give your furry friend some relief.
Here are the top 10 home remedies you can give a try to soothe dog allergies.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Unfiltered and raw apple cider vinegar is not only good for humans but for your pets as well as it can help alleviate allergy symptoms. It helps in restoring the normal pH level of the pet’s skin, and this helps reduce rashes, itching, and other allergy symptoms that they may be suffering from. Also, apple cider vinegar is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory in nature and thus can prove to be of great help.
You just need to take a little unfiltered and raw apple cider vinegar and mix it with the same amount of water and pour it in a spray bottle. Shake it up well and then spray the solution on your dog’s coat and let it dry. You can use this remedy 1-2 times a day.
9. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can offer many benefits to your dog, including offering quick relief from various allergy symptoms. This oil contains lauric acid, which can minimize yeast production. It can also make the skin of your pet healthy and reduce allergic reactions that fleas may have caused. Also, as coconut oil is rich in fat it keeps the skin of your little friend moisturized and helps in the growth of healthy coat and fur.
Just combine 1/2 cup of extra virgin coconut oil with 2-3 drops of oregano oil. Mix it well and rub the solution on any rashes or itchy spots. After one hour, rinse it off. Do repeat this procedure twice every day.
8. Oatmeal
If your dog suffers from an itchy skin because of allergies then oatmeal surely is going to prove to be of help. An oatmeal bath will not only be very soothing, it will also remove the allergens that may be present on your dog’s coat or skin.
Simply take 1 1/2 cup of colloidal oatmeal in a bowl and add it to a tub containing warm water. Add some drops of lavender essential oil, and give it a stir. Now, bathe your dog with this water for a minimum of 5-10 minutes. After that, rinse off the oatmeal with normal warm water. You can repeat this once every day until the symptoms of allergies are not noticed anymore.
7. Licorice Root
Licorice root is a safe herb for your pet and has many benefits to offer. Glycyrrhizin, present in licorice root, has a chemical structure that is quite like the naturally occurring corticosteroids, and this makes it a perfect anti-inflammatory agent to treat allergy problems.
You can give your pet 10-20 drops of licorice tincture per 20 pounds of their body weight, two times a day. You may even mix this herb in your dog’s food.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a plant that is perfectly safe for humans and it is equally safe for your pets, as far as reducing the allergy symptoms is concerned. Owing to its natural anti-parasitic and antiseptic nature, Aloe Vera can offer quick relief from allergy symptoms like scratching and itching, which can cause immense discomfort to our little friend.
What you need to do is bathe your dog with their shampoo or soap, and allow their fur to dry. After that apply a little Aloe Vera gel on their skin and let it dry. You can repeat this once a day and your pet will soon start feeling better. Make sure only to use the Aloe Vera gel and not the yellow part as that may cause a reaction.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is yet another home remedy that can work wonders by calming the red, itchy and inflamed skin of your furry friend. It has a very soothing effect on their skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it behaves like a natural acid neutralizer that relieves itching and you will notice your pet will not itch as often.
What you need to do is make a thick paste by mixing equal amounts of baking soda and water. Apply this paste on the affected areas of your little friend’s skin. Let it stay for about 20 minutes and then wash off with cold water. You can follow this method once a day for at least a few days.
4. Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is rich in anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties and you can use it to treat dog allergies. It can provide great relief from an itchy or dry skin.
You need to dilute evening primrose oil in a little coconut oil and then apply it to your furry friend’s skin directly and massage gently. You do not have to rinse it off, but do repeat this 1-2 times a day.
3. Lemon
Lemon can also treat allergies in dogs successfully. Since it is highly acidic in nature, lemon juice can also heal damaged skin that may be a result of too much scratching.
Just slice one lemon, also the rind, and put the slices in a bowl containing hot water. Cover it and allow it to steep overnight. Next morning, give your pet a sponge bath using this lemon water. You can let the solution stay and do its job. Make sure not to apply any lemon juice on open scabs as that can result in a burning sensation.
2. Indian Lilac
Indian lilac or neem, as it is popularly known as, proves very helpful in treating pet allergies. Since it is a natural antiseptic it can reduce the itchiness while also fighting the cause of the allergy. It even soothes the skin of your pet and prevents him from scratching again.
Simply boil a handful of neem leaves in a pan of water for about 10 minutes. Let the water cool down, strain, and put the solution in a spray bottle. Spray this neem-water onto your dog’s fur and let it stay. Repeat this once every day.
1. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant that can help treat allergies. It will moisturize the area where you apply it and thus speed up the healing process. Also, the oil helps in growth of new hair and skin in the affected areas.
You just have to break open some vitamin E capsules and extract its oil. Rub this oil directly on the skin of your dog and massage it gently so that it gets fully absorbed. You can repeat this 2-3 times a day until the allergy symptoms are not noticed anymore.
These simple home remedies do offer your dog great relief from allergy symptoms. However, even after following these remedies for 2-3 days you notice no changes at all then you must visit your vet without delay.