Key Points
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Instead of just wondering how you can treat your dog's allergies at home, use these proven tips to find your pup some relief.
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Mild dog allergy symptoms might include sneezing, itchy skin, hives, nausea, coughing, and watery eyes.
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Many natural remedies combat dog allergies, such as essential oils, natural cleaning products, elimination diets, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar.
Humans are a dog's best friend, but when it comes to allergies? Not so much. Unfortunately, dogs are prone to allergies, just like people. You're not alone if you're wondering how you can treat your dog's allergies at home.
The source of allergies in dogs may be tough to identify initially, often requiring trial and error to find the root cause. Once you’re aware of an allergen, you can change your dog's routine or environment to resolve their symptoms. How you treat the symptoms depends on the type of allergies your canine has. Instead of merely wondering how you can treat your dog's allergies at home, it's time to discover some of the most effective ways to treat dog allergies at home.
Some pups may respond well to removing items from their environment, while others may require certain medications to combat the symptoms. Regardless of the type of allergies your furry friend has, most of them are treatable at home with the right guidance.
Why Choose Natural or At-Home Treatments?
A veterinarian prescribes medications to treat various dog allergies. Some of these medications work by suppressing your canine's immune system. These medications work wonders and offer your canine plenty of relief.
Unfortunately, using these long-term medications potentially creates other issues down the road. When the immune system is overactive, it causes the body to react too strongly to certain allergens, creating uncomfortable symptoms.
If your dog's immune system is constantly suppressed, it isn't active enough to fight off allergies or bodily threats. This leaves your dog's body unguarded, and they may be prone to catching colds or viruses more frequently.
If your dog has allergies and you want to try to remedy their symptoms before taking them to the veterinarian, there are plenty of at-home treatments for you to try. Many of these treatments are natural and relatively safe for most dogs, although it's always best to consult a professional before treating your canine.
Identifying Allergies
Before diving into treatments, it is always best practice to understand where the allergic reaction is coming from. Having this knowledge makes it possible for you to find the best solution for your pup.
Grass Allergy
Believe it or not, some dogs are allergic to grass. Identifying grass allergies is usually done by an allergen test, but a few symptoms can point you in the right direction.
If your dog has red or watery eyes, sneezes, and suffers from itchy skin after they've been out playing in the yard, grass may be the culprit. All of these symptoms are typically manageable at home.
Sneezing
Sneezing is one of the first signs that your dog has encountered something that doesn't agree with their system. Not all sneezing points to allergies, and there are many reasons why a dog may sneeze.
If you hear your dog sneezing once or twice, it's likely just a normal sneeze.
You can identify an allergy in dogs by looking out for irregular sneezing fits. An allergy may cause sneezing that becomes prolonged or happens frequently. If you notice your dog sneezing uncontrollably, check their nasal passages to see if they've inhaled anything blocking their airways.
Hives
Hives appear as inflamed patches on your pet's skin. These patches are itchy, painful, and very uncomfortable.
Depending on the reaction, hives appear on most parts of the body in varying degrees of size. While hives aren't always a cause for concern, be aware that hives are also a sign of a more serious condition called anaphylactic shock, which causes issues with breathing.
Watery Eyes
A dog's eyes may water if they are experiencing an allergic reaction to something.
Certain foods, seasonal allergies, grasses, and even grooming products can irritate your canine's eyes. If they have red or watery eyes this is usually a sign of allergies.
If your dog’s eyes change in appearance or mucus accumulates in the corner of their eyes, they may have an infection. A veterinarian should always treat infections.
Coughing
Your dog's symptoms may be due to the weather, a cold, or exposure to a trigger. Environmental allergens like dust mites, pollen, and mold are all common triggers for canine coughing fits.
Flea allergies are also known to cause coughing.
Keep an eye on their coughing for a few days or weeks to see if the issue has been resolved. If the coughing fits persist, there may be a more serious underlying issue that can't be treated at home.
Nausea
When a dog exhibits signs of nausea or vomiting, it's a sign they have ingested something that doesn't agree with their system.
Maybe you've introduced a new brand of food into their diet. Or, maybe they accidentally ate something that isn't digestible. When given the opportunity, dogs eat just about anything.
Eww. But it’s true.
When a dog is nauseous, it doesn't necessarily mean they are experiencing allergies. When the nausea is long-lasting, and they are expelling bodily fluids many times throughout the day or week, this is a sign that they have come into contact with an allergen or may be experiencing another more serious ailment.
Itching
Itching is one of the most uncomfortable allergy symptoms a dog experiences. This symptom affects any body part and occurs in varying degrees.
Other skin issues, such as hives, flaky skin, rashes, or redness, sometimes accompany itchy skin. If these additional symptoms are present, it's a sign your dog has come into contact with an allergen.
If your dog is scratching uncontrollably, it's important to find a remedy to prevent them from damaging their skin. Itching may be so uncomfortable for your canine that it prevents them from living a normal life, getting adequate sleep, and feeling their best.
Flea Allergy
Fleas are a major source of irritation for canines. Not only do these pests bite, but they have the potential to cause an allergic reaction, as well.
If you've ever noticed your dog scratching more than usual, especially during the warm months, there's a chance fleas are the culprit. Some dogs experience a dermatitis reaction to fleas caused by proteins in the flea's saliva. These proteins cause extreme itching, fur loss, rashes, and inflammation. These symptoms don't appear immediately, as they usually develop a couple of weeks after the first bite. Flea allergies almost always become serious if left untreated.
Dogs scratch themselves until they find relief, which may lead to deep scratches or sores on the surface of their skin. These sores are vulnerable to infections and, if they occur, may require prescribed antibiotics to remedy the symptoms.
Treating your dog's fleas is simple. Antiparasitic shampoos are an excellent way to combat fleas. Use these shampoos or sprays during high-flea seasons or when you notice these pests hidden in your dog's fur.
Essential Oil Treatment
Essential oils are plant-derived oils that have healing benefits for animals and humans. Many essential oils contain beta-caryophyllene, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties, making them an excellent choice for treating dog allergies.
Essential oils are potent and irritate the skin if applied to your dog undiluted. Some oils may not cause a reaction on your dog's skin, but it's always best to research which oils are too potent and which ones may not be an issue.
Dilute essential oils with other carrier oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil. If applying to the skin, use a quarter size of carrier oil and just a drop or two of essential oils.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant-based flavonoid that is both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, found naturally in foods such as apples, onions, and capers.
In supplement form, Quercetin reduces the release of histamine from mast cells. These cells cause allergic reactions, and Quercetin prevents them from responding as they would naturally. This product also strengthens the immune system and combats common allergy symptoms.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent solution for combating stubborn itching caused by dog allergies. This product reduces inflammation in the skin, which alleviates itching and offers your canine relief.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which balances the body's PH levels. When your dog's skin has a balanced PH, it reduces the symptoms of irritation.
Dogs can consume apple cider vinegar diluted in their water, or you can add a small amount to their food. You can also apply a diluted version to the skin to soothe any irritation.
Please note though that applying undiluted apple cider vinegar to your dog may cause further skin irritation.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a versatile solution for many pet allergies. This natural product is inexpensive and also holds nutritional value for your canine. The healthy fats in this oil are great for your dog's health and for keeping their fur smooth and healthy.
Depending on your dog's symptoms, adding a little oil to their food may soothe an upset stomach due to food sensitivities. Your dog's digestion also benefits from consuming the healthy fats found in coconut oil.
Applying coconut oil directly on their skin soothes the affected areas. If your dog naturally has dry skin, especially after bathing, apply coconut oil to moisturize their skin and fur.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil offers your pet anti-inflammatory benefits for itchy or inflamed skin. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E oil support cell development and growth, especially in irritated or damaged skin.
Allergy flare-ups create flaky, dry skin, and vitamin E oil moisturizes the skin preventing further damage or irritation.
Add a few drops of this oil to your dog's food daily to heal their skin from the inside out. Adding vitamin E oil to coconut oil or other pet-safe moisturizers keeps their skin soft and smooth.
Elimination Diet
An elimination diet identifies what a dog's food triggers are. This diet includes removing all potential allergens from your dog's diet and slowly reintroducing them one by one.
Before introducing them, you want to give your dog a few months for their body to find its natural balance.
Add one food ingredient to their diet for a few days to a few weeks and see how they tolerate it. If they don't exhibit any allergy symptoms, it's safe to say they aren't allergic to that item.
Continue reintroducing each food item one by one, allowing enough time to determine whether each food is a trigger. Once you find the trigger, permanently change their diet and only buy food that doesn't contain that item.
Hypoallergenic Food
Hypoallergenic dog food is another excellent way to fight your dog's allergies at home. These products offer your dog essential nutrients to keep them strong and healthy without including common food allergens.
Opting for hypoallergenic dog food is an easy way to quickly deal with sensitivities and allergies without going through an elimination diet or taking your dog to the vet.
Oatmeal
Dogs suffering from food allergies or insensitivity benefit from eating oatmeal periodically. The essential fatty acids and vitamins soothe an upset stomach.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, they may experience stool issues. Oatmeal also contains fiber which aids digestion and supports proper bowel movements in canines.
Natural Products
Commercial brand canine products have the potential to be triggers for your dog's allergies. Make sure to research the ingredients in your pet care to make sure you're only using non-toxic, safe products on your pet. If you don't recognize most of the ingredients on a product listing, chances are it's not best for your dog to consume or have applied to their skin.
Shampoo and Soap
Many natural shampoos and soaps are pet safe and made with non-toxic ingredients. These products are in most pet stores and available online.
Natural shampoos and soaps contain essential oils for antimicrobial properties as well as adding a pleasant fragrance.
These products are relatively safe for canines that struggle with allergies, although there may still be ingredients to which your pet doesn't respond well.
Dr. Hubbard, from the Alabama Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology Service, explains:
"I would encourage pet owners to make sure that their pets are on flea control year-round. There is the possibility their pets may have flea allergies and if they are not on a veterinary-recommended flea preventative it could result in a skin flare-up. I would also encourage pet owners to bathe their pets in a medicated shampoo once a week if they have a skin condition."
Cleaning Products
One of the most surprising triggers for a dog's allergies is in the cleaning supplies you use around your home.
Harsh chemicals may cause allergic reactions in your canine — especially symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, and skin irritation. If you've introduced a new product into your home and notice your dog reacting, opting for a more natural alternative is best.
Natural cleaning products contain ingredients like vinegar, thyme oil, and hydrogen peroxide that offer exceptional cleaning abilities without leaving harsh chemical residue around for your pet to come into contact with.
Laundry Detergent
In addition to cleaning supplies, laundry detergent has the potential to irritate your dog's skin.
Dermatitis is a common symptom of detergent allergies in dogs.
Usually, the symptoms come from the fragrances added to the detergent. Many scentless detergents don't contain harsh fragrances, so they are best for washing your dog's bed, blanket, or clothing.
Fragrances
Yes, even your favorite perfume or cologne potentially has allergy triggers for your dog. If you ever notice your pet sneezing after you pick them up or have watery eyes, it might be your perfume or cologne.
Many commercial fragrances contain harsh chemicals that may irritate your canine.
If you discover that your personal fragrance is the culprit, don't worry. Many natural perfumes and colognes smell just as great — if not better.
These fragrances contain essential oils and other natural ingredients that offer many wonderful and unique scents.
Test your dog's allergies by only wearing a natural fragrance for a few days and see if their sneezing subsides. If not, there is likely another cause.
Heal Your Pet From the Comfort of Home
Treating dog allergies from the comfort of your home is convenient and less stressful for you and your canine.
Mild allergies are easily addressed by natural remedies, diet changes, and removing toxic products from coming into contact with your dog. A professional should address more serious allergies immediately, but many symptoms aren't life-threatening and easily alleviated.
By incorporating a few simple at-home solutions, your dog's allergies will be a thing of the past.
