Skin allergies are fairly common in dogs. They are not typically something to get too concerned about.
With proper care and treatment, they shouldn't cause much of a problem. However, if left untreated they could lead to more severe health problems.
You should consult with your veterinarian before using these dog skin allergies home remedies.
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Signs that your dog is suffering with skin allergies include:
- Excessive itching and scratching
- Rubbing against objects like furniture and/or trees
- Excessive licking of the effected area
A dog's skin allergies will most often show up on their face, ears, underarms, lower legs and paws.
Your veterinarian will need to diagnose the exact cause of a skin allergy.
They will evaluate your dog's current condition and take his medical history into consideration.
Blood and/or skin testing may also need to be done in order to diagnose the condition.
If your pet's symptoms are not severe, it may be possible to treat dog skin allergies with home remedies.
If you try a home remedy and the condition seems to get worse, seek veterinary care immediately.
6 Dog Skin Allergies Home Remedies
1. Baking Soda
Most of us have baking soda in our kitchen cupboards, but you probably don't think of it as a home remedy for itchy skin.
While it helps to leaven baked goods, it can also soothe inflamed skin, reduce irritation and stop itching in dogs.
If you don't already have it, buy any regular cheap brand of baking soda (like Arm & Hammer).
There are three ways you can use it to relieve your dog's skin allergy symptoms: with a paste, spray or a bath.
Paste. Mix 1 part baking soda with 1 part water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Rinse the area thoroughly.
Spray. You can also create a spray using 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 8 ounces of warm water. Shake the mixture well before spraying down your pet.
Bath. If your dog is experiencing wide-spread itching due to the skin allergy, you can also create a baking soda bath by adding 2 cups of baking soda to a bathtub of water. Bathe your dog using the same instructions as noted above.
2. Oatmeal Bath
Most of the over-the-counter products you will find to treat itchy skin on dogs will contain oatmeal.
This is because studies have shown that the properties in oats have a positive effect on itchy skin and relieves skin allergy symptoms.
You can make your dog an oatmeal bath at home to help heal dry or itchy skin.
For this, you'll need natural single-ingredient colloidal oatmeal (like Aveeno). Add 3 cups of colloidal oatmeal to a bathtub filled with about 6 inches of warm water.
Put your dog in the bathtub and use a cup to apply the oatmeal water generously to the dog's coat.
Massage the mixture in to the skin with your hands.
Allow the dog to sit in the oatmeal bath for 20-30 minutes.
3. Aloe Vera
This is a common remedy for sunburns, but can also be effective at treating dog skin allergies.
Only use aloe vera gel on your pet, because the aloe vera rind contains something called saponins, a natural laxative that can make your dog sick.
Aloe vera has natural antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
The natural cooling effects of the aloe vera leaf gel should provide almost instantaneous relief for a dog with itchy skin.
Honeyskin is one of the best brands of 100% pure organic aloe vera leaf gel which is safe for dogs.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties.
Do NOT use it directly on your dog's skin, because the high acidity of apple cider vinegar could actually be harmful to the dog.
It could irritate your pet's skin and cause a burning sensation.
Use an organic type of apple cider vinegar (like Bragg), and make a 50/50 blend of apple cider vinegar and water in an empty spray bottle.
You can apply the spray to your dog 2-3 times per day until the itching stops.
If your dog has chronic skin itchiness, you can use the apple cider vinegar spray once per day as a treatment remedy.
This spray should not be used if your dog has open wounds on their skin. It will sting and cause your dog unnecessary pain.
You should also pay close attention to the itchy areas after applying this dog skin allergies home remedy.
If you notice any redness or the itchiness seems to get worse, stop using the spray and contact your veterinarian.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many positive effects on a dog's skin and their coat health.
It can help with skin conditions like eczema, contact dermatitis, itchy skin and generally improve skin health.
It can also reduce allergic reactions, especially when it comes to flea allergies.
Skin cuts and wounds can also be treated with coconut oil.
It can disinfect cuts on the dog and promote the healing of wounds.
It can also help with the treatment of dry skin, hot spots, bites and stings, as well as other skin allergy related symptoms.
Coconut oil can be given to dogs orally or applied topically.
Adding organic coconut oil (like Viva Naturals) in your dog’s diet can improve their health in general, but for the best results regarding skin and coat health, coconut oil should be used topically.
If feeding coconut oil to a dog as part of their daily meals, do it one or two times per day. The amount of oil in your dog’s food depends on their size.
For example, many vets recommend that you introduce coconut oil slowly to your dog’s diet, like 1/4 of a teaspoon for small dogs on a daily basis.
For large breeds, start with one teaspoon with every meal.
Using coconut oil topically is rather simple.
You can use the same organic Viva Naturals brand, but it's important to start with small amounts because your dog’s fur can get greasy if you apply too much.
Just rub a bit of coconut oil between your hands and put it on your dog’s fur, like you are giving your pet a gentle massage.
Use your fingertips to rub the oil on the skin as well. It is best to apply coconut oil once or twice a week.
Coconut oil is not toxic and is healthy for dogs, so you don't have to worry if your pooch licks this skin remedy.
6. Colostrum Powder
Colostrum is an antibody-rich fluid that is produced from a dog mother's mammary glands during the first 1-2 days after birth.
Most commercial colostrum products are made with colostrum from cows.
Colostrum powder should be fed orally to a dog with skin problems, and there are specific pet-friendly brands such as the one from Wholistic Pet Organics.
It's best to give it to a dog on an empty stomach. Alternatively, you can mix it with a bit of bone broth or yogurt.
Recommended dosage of colostrum powder for dogs for the first month:
- 1/3 tsp of powder per 25 # body weight, to be given twice per day
Colostrum powder contains proline-rich polypeptides (PRP).
PRP has been shown to change the immune systems response to allergens. It inhibits immune cells that ramp up allergic reactions.
PRP can also help to create immune cells that suppress the immune response to allergic reactions.
It works as an anti-inflammatory to reduce histamine that triggers allergic reactions.
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