Natural Pet Allergy Remedies

Pets can develop allergies, just as humans do. A pet allergy can range from a food allergy to environmental allergens to a flea allergy. Most pet allergies cause your pet to become itchy, resulting in licking, scratching and chewing. Regardless of the cause of the allergy, you will want to treat it to provide your pet with relief. Although any allergy remedy should be discussed with a veterinarian before you use it, you can try a number of natural remedies at home.

  1. Avoidance

    • The simplest way to avoid an allergy your pet may develop is to avoid the stimulus. For example, if your pet's allergy is to a particular food product, such as gluten, avoid pet foods that contain gluten. If your pet is allergic to fleas, avoid areas where fleas may be contracted and other animals that may carry fleas. Although complete avoidance may not be possible, limiting the exposure your pet experiences will help minimize the symptoms.

    Vitamin B and Fatty Acids

    • According to VetInfo, studies show that vitamin B, in the form of biotin, can provide relief to a cat with allergies. Both biotin and fatty acids limit the effects of histamines on your cat's body. Because of this, the two can be given in conjunction with one another daily and help reduce itching and dry skin that cats often experience with an allergic reaction.

    Hypoallergenic Diets

    • If your pet is suffering from a food allergy, switching to a hypoallergenic diet can help determine the source of a food allergy, according to VetInfo. Hypoallergenic diets are comprised of foods that your pet could not be allergic to and foods that your pet has never been exposed to. For example, a food comprised of venison and potato would be effective and can often been found in most pet stores or veterinarian offices. The pet is provided the special diet for up to 12 weeks. Once the effects of the allergy are no longer seen, you can begin tying different foods to see how you pet reacts, such as adding back in chicken or gluten. If your pet does not react, that food is safe. New foods will continue to be added over time until the allergen is determined. A determined allergen can then be avoided completely.

    Marshmallow Herb

    • Also known as althaea officianalis root, the marshmallow herb is a topical treatment that can be applied to your pet to help relieve itching caused by different allergens. Marshmallow is known to have both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can both help provide relief for itchy skin.

    Oatmeal

    • When your pet is especially itchy, the scratching it does can make the irritation worse. To help relieve the itching, you can use a common kitchen ingredient, oatmeal. According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, oatmeal works by pulling the toxins causing the itching to the surface of the skin, bringing your pet relief. You can either purchase a commercial oatmeal shampoo or you can grind some oatmeal up in your blender and mix that with water. The mixture can then be poured over your pet to provide relief.