Itchy nose? Watery eyes? Rashy skin? Sounds familiar, right? While it may seem surprising, your pet can also experience allergy issues many people experience. The good news is that a dog's allergies are easy to treat using the same allergy remedies used for people. From the most common to some of the more unusual, dogs can typically be treated using natural remedies such as acidophilus, evening primrose oil, omega-3 fats, and coconut oil.
Catching a pet’s allergic response early on is one of the most important steps to fighting allergies. In some cases, you may notice symptoms of allergies in your pet before it develops to a systemic response, which allows you to begin treating immediately and avoid additional vet visits. However, if you pet is red, itchy, and swollen, you should probably head to the vet with the animal to get a more thorough diagnosis. In any event, though, natural cures are helpful supports for safely and effectively alleviating allergy issues in pets. Consider trying acidophilus, evening primrose oil, omega-3 fats, and coconut oil to treat your pet’s allergy symptoms.
Acidophilus is a form of good bacteria that helps balance the body’s immune system. When the natural bacteria is “in check” in the gastrointestinal tract, your pet’s immune system functions more optimally. You can find acidophilus in the form of a dietary supplement and even in yogurt or food forms for your pet.
Evening primrose oil has active anti-inflammatory and anti-itch compounds. You can apply primrose oil to you animal’s skin to treat dry or itchy skin issues. Likewise, giving your pet evening primrose oil by mouth helps calm allergies and boost the immune system.
Omega-3 fatty acids are more balanced, complex fats than other forms. These supplements help decrease inflammation and relieve allergic responses throughout the body. Omega-3s are especially helpful for treating seasonal allergies. Consider using krill, salmon, or tuna oil as a dietary supplement or topical application for your pet.
Coconut oil is another complex fat. This blend contains lauric acid, which actually helps fight the production of yeast, a common inflammatory component. Coconut oil also helps decrease inflammation and can be used internally and externally for treating your pet’s allergy issues.
If your dog is chewing or licking his paws, it might be from allergies in the environment. Rinsing your dog's paws after she or he returns from the walk may help immensely.
If dietary changes and home remedies don't work in improving your dog's itchy skin, especially if his/her immune system has been compromised and weakened, ask your vet about a Cytopoint injection, which treats itchy skin and atopic dermatitis in dogs with minimal side effects. One shot, though quite expensive, lasts 4-8 weeks.
The two most common forms of allergies that your pet may experience are food allergies and environmental allergies. As a general rule of thumb, seasonal allergies are situated within the “environmental” category of allergies.
Allergies of any type are an overreaction of the immune system, in which the immune system identifies the allergen as a foreign substance that it must eliminate. As the animal’s body tries to fight this substance, the reactions in the form of allergy symptoms occur.
Several different types of pet allergies are relatively common including dust mite sensitivity and sensitivity to chemicals such as latex or aerosol. Nonetheless, the absolutely most common allergies that may be affecting your pet are environmental allergies that include ragweed, grass, pollen, mold, and trees.
Much like you experience allergy symptoms, animals do too. The symptoms your pet exhibits may vary depending on the specific allergy it has, but generally animal allergy symptoms are relatively common. Some of the symptoms that your pet may exhibit include inflammation in the sinuses or airways, coughing, excess mucus, nasal discharge, runny eyes, swollen eyes, redness in the paws or belly, and itching and scratching. Bowel issues are also common in relation to environmental allergies and may include issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.
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Below you will find user submitted natural remedies for pets with allergies. Our most popular treatment for allergies in humans, apple cider vinegar, is also very effective for pets. Many users have also suggested dietary changes for your cat or dog; food allergies to certain brands are quite common. Please let us know if you try any of the remedies mentioned below for your beloved pet!
