Tried and Tested Natural Remedies for Your Dog's Allergies

If your dog is suffering from allergies, you may be looking for natural remedies to help alleviate their symptoms. There are several tried-and-tested options that might provide some relief for your furry family member without the need for harsh medications. There's a list of options that we won't get into in this article, but for now, check out what we've put together as natural itch relief for dogs!

Add in the Omegas for Natural Allergy Relief for Dogs

Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and ease allergy symptoms in dogs. These good fats can help calm skin inflammation, reducing itching, redness, and discomfort from dog allergies.

You have a couple options when it comes to adding in omegas. The first option involves supplementing with fish oil. The right amount of medicine for a dog depends on its weight, age, and health. It's important to follow the instructions carefully or ask a vet for advice tailored to your dog.

Aside from supplements, adding natural sources of Omega-3s to your dog's diet is another excellent strategy. Fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, are rich in these essential fatty acids. Introducing these types of fish into your dog's meal plan a few times per week can naturally enhance their Omega-3 intake.

When giving your dog fish, make sure it's cooked well or frozen for two weeks to prevent health issues. Both of these options will reduce the risks associated with raw fish, including parasites.

Apple Cider Vinegar Soak To Soothe Skin

Bathing your dog with apple cider vinegar can help soothe their itchy skin effectively. Mixing one part vinegar with four parts warm water can help ease the itchiness and comfort their skin. To use, follow these directions:

1. Blend equal amounts of vinegar and water.
2. Submerge your dog's paws or the itchy spots in this solution for no more than five minutes.

Yep, two steps.

That's it!

Fill a spray bottle with the solution and spray it on itchy areas for relief.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help clean bacteria and fungi from your dog's fur. It helps reduce skin discomfort by balancing pH and reducing itchiness from infections and parasites.

Apple cider vinegar may not be good for treating open skin. It can burn and make your pup feel more uncomfortable. In other words, if your pooch has open sores, don't use this option.

High-Quality Medicinal Mushrooms to Boost the Immune System

Studies have shown that medicinal mushrooms provide incredible benefits to dogs with allergies. Turkey tail mushrooms, also known as Trametes versicolor, have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. They are currently being researched for their strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Turkey tail mushrooms contain a substance called polysaccharide-K (PSK) that can reduce inflammation caused by allergies. The antioxidants in these mushrooms can also protect cells from damage by free radicals, which can worsen allergy symptoms.

Studies show that PSK can boost the immune system and reduce allergic reactions to things like pollen. Adding turkey tail mushrooms to your dog's meals may help alleviate their symptoms, especially during spring and summer.

Remember, though, that this isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice or any medications your vet has prescribed. Turkey tail mushrooms, when used with regular treatments, may help your dog feel better and be healthier.

It's a good idea to chat with your vet about including this supplement in your dog’s allergy care plan.

Sprinkle in Some Herbs for Dog Allergies

There are some herbs that serve as natural antihistamines for dogs. You can think of them kind of like nature's form of Benadryl or Zyrtec. If you search or explore the Drake Dog Cancer Foundation's blog, you can find information about many different herbs that may provide natural itch relief for dogs. We will discuss a few of them.

Chamomile Bath for Hot Spots in Dogs

If your dog has itchy, hot spots on their skin, try adding chamomile, calendula, and green tea to their bath. These natural ingredients can help soothe irritated skin and reduce swelling.

For a herbal tea bath, just fill the bathtub with warm water and steep a few tea bags in it for three minutes. Once you take the tea bags out, let your dog sit in the water for at least five minutes.

For targeting smaller itchy patches, brew one or two tea bags in about two cups of hot water. Once it's cooled, gently pour this over the itchy spots as a quick remedy. There's no need to rinse it off; just let it air dry.

Full Spectrum Hemp Extract For Natural Allergy Relief for Dogs

CBD and other compounds in hemp extract help the body reach balance, known as homeostasis.

Our pets have numerous cannabinoid receptors in their organs, which are crucial for immune system regulation. Unlike diphenhydramine (AKA Benadryl), which suppresses immune responses, CBD enhances cell communication within the immune system. This improvement helps control and target allergens, making CBD a good choice for treating dog allergies effectively.

To top it off, cannabis is rich in compounds that fight inflammation. The two most common phytocannabinoids, THC and CBD, are well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Other cannabinoids, like CBC, CBG, and THCV, also offer similar benefits (all of which are found in a high-quality, full-spectrum product).

Inflammation plays a big role in diseases like allergies, anxiety, chronic pain, and autoimmune disorders. By targeting inflammation, we can address the main cause of these problems and provide relief.

Dog Probiotics to Balance the Gut and Boost the Immune System

Probiotics, often referred to as the "good" bacteria in the gut, play an essential role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Beyond their well-known benefits for gut health, probiotics also significantly contribute to enhancing the immune system's functionality.

This helps dogs with allergies by giving their immune system a good boost. When the immune system is working normally with healthy responses, it's better equipped to recognize and tackle allergens. But when it's down, that's when you know what hits the fan.

By adding a quality probiotic supplement to your dog's routine, you can move them closer to peak health. Probiotics contribute to gut health by maintaining equilibrium in the microbiome, offering protection against detrimental bacteria, and regulating the immune system.

Turmeric To Help With Skin Issues and Skin Irritations in Dogs

Turmeric is a yellow spice that has a compound called curcumin. Curcumin helps reduce inflammation and has many health benefits. It can help with allergies, joint pain, and digestive issues in dogs. Adding turmeric to your dog's diet can improve their health by reducing inflammation and easing discomfort from different conditions.

Adding turmeric to your dog's meals is relatively straightforward. Starting with a conservative dose is key to ensuring your pet's system can adjust without adverse effects.

For smaller dogs, a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed into their food is a good starting point, while half a teaspoon may be more appropriate for larger breeds. Keep in mind that the bioavailability of curcumin is relatively low, meaning that on its own, the body may not absorb it efficiently.

To counteract this and maximize the benefits of turmeric, we recommend combining it with black pepper and/or a healthy oil (like MCT oil or organic coconut oil). Piperine in black pepper can help your dog's body absorb curcumin from turmeric better. Adding oil with fat can also improve how well curcumin is absorbed, making it more effective.

Monitor your dog's reaction to turmeric as a dietary supplement. Consult a vet, especially if your dog has health conditions or is on medication, to ensure it is safe and beneficial for your pet.

Resources

Comparative Study of Classical and Alternative Therapy in Dogs with Allergies

Washing the dog reduces dog allergen levels, but the dog needs to be washed twice a week

Atopic dermatitis (atopy) | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2015 updated guidelines from the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA) | BMC Veterinary Research