How to Treat Dog Allergies at Home

Does your dog become itchy during the spring? Do they get the sniffles during the winter? Or, maybe they’re sensitive to certain foods? If this sounds like your pup, they might have seasonal or chronic allergies. Luckily, these symptoms don’t always require a trip to the vet. Read on to learn more about how to treat allergies in dogs from the comfort of your own home.

Common Types of Dog Allergies

How to treat a dog allergy ultimately depends on the type of allergy your pet has. For instance, how you treat dog skin allergies can differ from how you’d treat a food allergy.

Like people, dogs can have allergies to food, pollen, grass, insect bites, and more. Types of allergies can be easily categorized into: 

• •Food Allergies: If a dog has a true food allergy, it can trigger an immune response that we call an allergic reaction. However, many more dogs have a food sensitivity that can cause an upset stomach, itchy skin, and more uncomfortable allergy symptoms.

• •Environmental Allergies: If you notice your pup sneezing or itching in the spring, they likely have seasonal allergies. Common environmental allergens include dust, pollen, mold, or certain air fresheners and chemical compounds. These airborne allergens can cause allergic dermatitis, sneezing, itchy skin, and hives.

• •Flea Allergies: While flea bites are sometimes considered an environmental allergen, they can be categorized as a stand-alone allergen. Most dogs are allergic to flea bites, and some can even have an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Fleas and sometimes other insects can trigger atopic dermatitis in dogs.

Treating Dogs With Allergies at Home

Having a pet with allergies isn’t always a sign for concern. Many times, the allergic reaction will clear with time. However, there are ways to make your furry friend feel more comfortable.

While your veterinarian may recommend allergy testing and allergy shots (which can permanently change your pet’s immune response to environmental allergies), you can also usually treat mild dog allergies at home.

Here are some tips and tricks for how to treat dog allergies yourself.

Mitigate Exposure to Allergens

This may seem like a no-brainer, but mitigating allergens can go a long way to making your pet more comfortable. This is especially true if your dog has a food allergy and you eliminate the food(s) of concern from their diet!

While it may be impossible to mitigate environmental allergens, you can use an air purifier to remove pollen and dust from the air. This can make your pup feel more comfortable at home.

DIY Skin Treatments

There are many ways to treat dog skin allergies at home with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here are some common DIY skin treatments that can alleviate your dog’s itchy skin:

• •Apple cider vinegar can be great for your dog’s skin. According to Dogs Naturally Magazine, raw, organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar can help relieve itchy skin and rashes caused by an allergic reaction. Simply make a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to the itchy spots.

• •Oatmeal baths are a great way to treat your dog’s itchy skin at home, especially if they have sensitive skin. Let your pet soak in a homemade oatmeal bath and then rinse them off and pat them dry with a clean towel.

• •Coconut oil can also help soothe your dog’s itchy skin or bug bites. Simply rub a small amount into his or her coat and massage it into the inflamed skin. It can also be used to treat digestive problems caused by food sensitivities. However, it should only be given in small amounts (no more than a 1/4 teaspoon for smaller dogs) and you should monitor how your dog reacts to this addition.

• •Epsom salt can be used to help alleviate itchy paws, which can commonly stem from allergies. Use cold water and salt and let your pup soak their feet.

Supplements

Another way to treat dog allergies at home is to give your dog supplements to help support his or her immune system. There are many immunity-boosting dog food toppers and supplements that can help your pup feel their best year-round. 

Switching to a Raw Diet

No matter whether your dog has food allergies or itchy skin (or both!), one of the best ways you can help them at home is by switching them to a raw diet. The raw diet for dogs with skin allergies is a game-changer. In fact,  9 out of 10 We Feed Raw clients said their dogs' skin and coats looked and felt healthier after switching to a raw diet.

The same is true if your pet has a food sensitivity. The best raw dog food is made from high-quality proteins, sourced from human-grade meats, and free of fillers. All things your dog was biologically designed to eat! 

Get started with feeding your dog the best diet to help with allergies today.