Dogs sometimes develop allergies, whether it is an allergy to food or a skin allergy caused by toxins, stimulants in the environment or even fleas. Home remedies may help, but usually a trip to the veterinarian is the smart choice. Medications or medicated shampoos may help. Dogs experiencing allergies can exhibit the same symptoms as people, usually the scratching and irritation of the skin.
Instructions
Give the dog medicated baths. Veterinarians can help you decide on the proper medicated shampoo. A shampoo with a combination of oatmeal and aloe vera can reduce the itching and skin inflammation by removing certain antigens. Bathing a dog in shampoo made for humans may not be a good idea. It does not contain the correct pH for a dog's skin and coat, which can cause even more skin irritations.
Change the dog's diet. Certain dog foods contain additives that just do not agree with the dog's system. The veterinarian can run various blood tests to determine the allergy and the best kind of food to feed the dog. Sometimes a dog may be allergic to a particular vegetable, eggs, meat, grain or wheat.
Reduce the dog's toxins and vaccinations. Some veterinarians strongly believe in treating dogs with the latest chemically based topical or oral flea prevention. These may contain certain stimulants that can irritate the skin and cause allergies or even make them worse. Dogs may even be sensitive to certain vaccinations. Discuss with the veterinarian which vaccinations are needed most and possible side effects.
Ask the veterinarian about prescribing an allergy medication. Antihistamine options include Benadryl, Tavist and Chlor-trimeton. The veterinarian may also give some sort of steroid to help reduce the itching and the swelling resulting from scratching.
Give the dog a healthy vitamin supplement. Sometimes using a supplement such as fish oil, along with a natural food diet, may help with allergies. It is always a good idea to consult the veterinarian and get feedback on certain natural remedies before following through with a new plan of action. The dose of supplements may need to be based on the dog's weight, as well as the severity of the allergy.