Your dog can develop allergies to environmental irritants like pollens and dust mites, or be allergic to an ingredient or additive in his food. Some dogs are even allergic to flea bites. Dogs usually do not show their allergic reaction by sneezing or coughing, but may experience dry or irritated skin or intestinal disorders. You may notice your dog snoring or wheezing -- this may be due to an inflamed throat. If your dog is licking or biting his skin to the point where he is causing bleeding or other damage, if he has itchy ears or is vomiting or has diarrhea he may have an allergy. Take your dog to the vet for allergy tests. If your dog does have allergies, there are natural remedies to help ease his symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Oatmeal
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fatty acid supplements
Instructions
Add oatmeal to your dog's bath if he has irritated skin due to allergies. Grind 1 cup of plain oatmeal. Regular oats or quick-cooking oats can be used on your dog's skin. Add the ground oatmeal to your dog's bath, and stir well to make sure the ground oats are dissolved. Soak your dog for up to 15 minutes. Oatmeal will soothe your dog's irritated skin and provide lubrication on his skin to prevent dryness.
Use apple cider vinegar as a rinse or as an additive to your dog's food. Mix 50% apple cider vinegar with 50% water in a spray bottle, and spray your dog after her bath if she has dry or irritated skin due to allergies. Make sure not to spray her in the eye area, and do not rinse off the vinegar. Apple cider vinegar will soothe your dog's irritated skin almost instantly. You can use this diluted spray daily, even if you have not bathed your dog. Apple cider vinegar can also help boost your dog's immune system, and can help prevent mild infections and aid in digestion. If your dog has allergy-related intestinal symptoms, try adding a drop of apple cider vinegar to his food or water. Slowly work up to about a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in his food or water every day. Apple cider vinegar contains enzymes that aid in digestion and provide protection from bacteria and fungus. These properties can help your dog's digestion and overall health.
Add omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to your dog's diet. Fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve your dog's itchy skin from the inside out. Fatty acids are available in capsule form or liquid form, and should be added to your dog's food or administered daily. Ask your vet about proper dosage for your dog, as dosage will depend on your dog's weight and breed.