Canine Skin Allergies & Licorice

Unfortunately, allergies are not uncommon in dogs. The trick is to find safe and effective ways to treat these allergies that will provide relief while not causing unwanted side effects. Licorice has proven to be a safe and effective treatment for many dogs and their skin allergies. Licorice is a natural treatment, so owners that are trying to reduce the amount of chemicals being used often prefer this treatment method.

  1. The Licorice

    • When treating canine skin allergies, you are not using just any type of licorice. You cannot run to the grocery store and buy your favorite brand of licorice and feed it to your dog or rub it on the affected area. Instead, the licorice that is used to treat canine skin allergies is licorice root.

    Why Licorice Root Works

    • Licorice root often improves skin allergies because it works much like steroids. The licorice root contains a substance known as glycyrrhizin. This substance stimulates the production of corticosteroids within the body of the dog. The result is that the dog will be relieved of itching, inflamed and scaly skin.

    Benefits of Treating with Licorice Root

    • Treating with licorice root is a great option because it stops the itching, is an anti-inflammatory product, has anti-microbial properties, and also supports the immune system. The great thing about treating this way is that it is all natural, provides almost immediate relief, and doesn't involve any harsh chemicals or products that will compromise the immune system in any way.

    Applying Licorice to the Skin

    • Licorice root oil is going to be the best bet. You can often find this at natural food stores or you might need to visit an essential oil retailer locally or online. Simply apply the oil to the affected area. When applied to the area the dog should get almost immediate relief. Continued application should result in total relief of skin allergy symptoms.

    Precautions

    • While licorice root is 100 percent natural and effective in treating skin allergies, there are some dogs that should not be treated with it or need to be treated cautiously. Licorice root is known to raise blood sugar levels and this can have a negative impact on dogs with diabetes. Licorice should not be used, unless under the care of a veterinarian, on dogs with heart disease.