If your dog has allergies, then your best option is to try using natural remedies, rather than medication which may include steroids. Of course, in case those natural remedies end up not working out, you can move on to traditional medication, but why not begin by giving the natural option a try? They may just be able to help your dog, without coming with the side effects of medication.
While you try out the following natural remedies, also make sure your dog is getting the right food. You can get information about different varieties of dog food including low protein, dry food,
grain-free food and those for allergies from the blog on Petsho.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a great option for many issues, including dog allergies. What is important to keep in mind, however, is that you should not use the whole leaf, since the rind has saponins, which is a laxative. Rather, you should use the gel, which can also be purchased from stores in case one doesn’t have this kind of plant at home. Now, Aloe has plenty of properties, including antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Because of this, it is absolutely ideal for treating itches when it is applied right on the skin. You should use it twice a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
You can use this to rinse the paws so that pollen will be cleaned up. In addition, it works great for the treatment of rashes and itches caused by yeast infections. You can also clean the ears of your dog with them. Remember to not use it on open wounds, because it will sting a great deal.
Coconut Oil
This one has a great deal of benefits too, one of which is that it contains lauric acid, which keeps the production of yeast down. It helps skin stay healthy, while minimizing the dog’s allergic flea reaction. If you use it in combination with fish oil, introducing them to the diet of the dog, you will notice that the dog will be experiencing fewer inflammatory responses. In addition, it will work to improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.
Sprouted Seeds
The gut bacteria are very important for the immune system, which is why it’s important to use them to control the dog’s allergies. To that end, you should be giving the little one food that contains prebiotics and probiotics. A good thing to give him or her are sprouted seeds, since they contain lots of minerals, vitamins, probiotics and enzymes, all of which help keep the dog’s gut flora working. The reason sprouted seeds are recommended, rather than regular seeds, is that the former have more nutrients than the latter. You can very easily sprinkle 1 tbsp for every 10 lbs. on top of your dog’s food.
Nettles
Nettles are great for allergies because of their histamine content, which stimulate the dog’s body to protect itself from allergens. If you can find some nearby, you can pick them up yourself, but make sure that you wear gloves for this, because they do sting. Then, you have the option of drying them, or make tea with them. Another option is sautéing them with some coconut oil, which, as mentioned above, is also very good for allergies. Then, add this to the regular food your dog eats.
Quercetin
This one is a flavonoid, which is a compound found in plants. It has many benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihistamine properties. In addition, it also works to prevent cancer. You can purchase supplements in pill form, and give that to your dog.
Oat Baths
If your dog has a yeast infection, be sure to stay away from this option, because oats help yeast multiply. If the itching is due to allergies, then giving them an oat bath is a great idea. You can boil oat straw in water, and then add that to the bath.
Using natural remedies on your dog is a great way of dealing with their itchiness and other allergy-related symptoms, without having to make them deal with the negative side effects of medications. It is true that using these natural remedies can mean that you have to work a little harder, making sure to take your pup from their indoor dog house to give them more baths than usual, but in the end, it is all worth it.