Pet allergies are one of the most common reasons for pet owners to seek veterinary care. It's difficult for a pet owner to see their beloved companion in pain or severely uncomfortable due to allergies. Dogs don't understand why they're feeling that way, and all we want to do is take away the problem. Having these home remedies for dog allergies on hand will save you a lot of stress and anxiety.
But what exactly is an allergic reaction?
An allergy is a state of hypersensitivity or over-reactivity of the immune system to an allergen. Typically, allergens are proteins. The allergen protein may be of plant, insect or animal origin. Being exposed to the allergen, usually on multiple occasions, sensitizes the immune system.
Being exposed to the same or related allergen again causes an over-reaction. Under normal circumstances, the immune systems response would protect your dog from infections and disease. However, when it comes to allergies, the immune system's response can actually be harmful to your dog's body.
Each dog reacts to allergens in a different way and the symptoms can be varied and range from mild to extreme. If your dog is experiencing symptoms such as itchy skin, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, runny eyes, runny nose, vomiting or diarrhea, seek veterinary help to diagnose the underlying problem. It could be linked to canine allergies, but there may be other causes as well.
4 Home Remedies for Dog Allergies
The photo above is an example of an allergy test being performed on a dog. This the best thing to do if you suspect your dog has allergies. The testing will provide you with specific information about what your dog is allergic to. If possible, you can eliminate the allergen from his diet and/or environment.
Of course, this isn't possible in every case. If you've talked with your veterinarian and you've decided to to use home remedies for dog allergies, there are a few options that have had a lot of success.
1. Quercetin
This is a compound found in fruits and vegetables that gives them their color. Quercetin also has natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. It is available in pill and capsule form in most pharmacies and natural living stores.
Some experts in veterinary medicine refer to Quercetin as “nature's Benadryl“. It is commonly recommended as a natural remedy for dog allergies, but it's best to check with your veterinarian on the best dose for your pup.
2. Honey
Raw honey is quickly becoming a home remedy for pets and people suffering from seasonal allergies. Research is still being done to prove that this theory is true. However, there are a lot of other scientifically proven benefits of honey for dogs.
Experts who recommend honey for allergies say that as bees go from plant to plant collecting pollen, they collect bits of the allergens on their bodies. When they go back to turn the pollen into honey, some of the allergens are left behind in the finished product.
When your dog eats the honey, those allergens enter his body in small doses. Over time, the body becomes immune to the allergen and no longer produces a reaction to it. As I mentioned, studies are being done, but no scientific evidence has been provided to back up this theory as of yet.
MORE: Allergy Meds for Dogs – When Does Your Dog Need Them?
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil greatly improves the condition of your dog’s skin and coat. If he suffers from allergies that cause itchy skin or contact dermatitis, then coconut oil is a must! Coconut oil will improve and clear up these skin conditions when used as a topical remedy.
Possibly the best health benefits of coconut oil is that it contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. It offers a lot of great benefits for your dog's overall health and well-being, as well as helping to prevent allergies.
You can give your pet coconut oil orally. Just give him 1 teaspoon-1 tablespoon (depending on his size) every other day. My dogs will eat coconut oil like a treat, but you could also melt it and pour it over your pup's food.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is great at removing pollen and other environmental allergies from your dog's coat. You can mix a 1:1 ratio of water and ACV in a spray bottle. Spay your dog down, work the solution through his coat with your fingers, and then towel him dry.
You could also give your pup a bath with ACV. Add to 2-3 cups to his bath water. As you bathe him, the vinegar will strip the allergens from his skin and coat.
READ NEXT: How To Feed Dogs with Food Allergies
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