Natural Allergy Relief for Dogs

Natural allergy relief for dogs such as herbal remedies and supplements can be used to alleviate symptoms caused by allergies in dogs. In addition, since most dogs with allergies are those with imbalanced immune systems, natural remedies can be used to enhance and balance the allergic dogs' immune systems.

Dog allergies such as atopic dermatitis and flea allergies are rather common. Conventional dog allergy treatment is to use medications such as antihistamines to alleviate itching and skin irritations, and corticosteroids to suppress the immune system (allergic reactions are caused by an overly active immune system). However, it is a known fact that prolonged use of corticosteroids has harmful effects on dogs. Many holistic vets do not condone overuse of steroids, especially prolonged use for chronic allergy dog patients.

If your dog shows symptoms of allergy, it is important to get her tested to find out if she is in fact suffering from allergy, and if so, what the allergen is.

Then try to consult with your vet to see if milder and safer treatment options can be used. For example, natural allergy relief such as herbs, and natural supplements can be used to treat symptoms caused by dog allergies and, more importantly, to balance and strengthen the dog's immune system since, as mentioned above, many cases of dog allergies are the result of an imbalanced or overly active immune system.

If your dog has been diagnosed with atopy and is allergic to pollens, weeds, or other seasonal allergens, you should be prepared to try to control her allergy, starting every year in February and March, before the "real" allergy season kicks in.

This page focuses on some natural allergy relief. In particular, it looks at the following:

Herbal allergy relief for topical use
Herbal allergy remedies for internal use
Natural supplements for allergy

Natural Allergy Relief - Herbs for Topical Use

One natural allergy relief is the use of herbs. Herbs can be used topically to alleviate symptoms such as itching. Herbal remedies can also be used to strengthen the dog's weakened body systems, such as the immune system, the liver, kidneys, etc.

By tackling dog allergies both topically from the outside and systemically from the inside, long-term use of selected herbs can rid a dog of allergies without causing havoc to his body system functioning.

Topically, oat can be used to ease itchy skin. Give your dog oat baths regularly. Boil about one pound of organic oat straw in 2 quarts of water and add this to your dog's bathwater.

Note, however, that if your dog's itchy skin is caused by yeast infections, DO NOT use oat! Oat is a grain which is a source of carbohydrates (sugars), and yeast thrives on sugar! That's why it is so important to find out the ROOT CAUSE of the itch before you give treatment to your dog.

Though not an herb, apple cider vinegar can be used as a rinse for quick relief from itchiness caused by allergies.

Castor & Pollux Head to Tail Aloe Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs and Cats

This Oatmeal Shampoo Works Well Too

Castor and Pollux Head to Tail Aloe Oatmeal Shampoo

I like it since it contains aloe which conditions and moisturizes the coat; the borage seed oil and oatmeal help relieve itching and in addition they give the dog's coat a revitalized shine.

The fire-hydrant-shaped bottle is not only cute, but also practice. It gives you an easy grip even if your hands are slippery!

Topical Herbal Spray

Animals' Apawthecary FidoDerm Herbal Spray for Dogs

You may also want to consider this herbal spray that is very effective in alleviating itchiness and redness in the skin. This is an all natural herbal spray that contains aloe and calendula - both herbs are highly soothing and calendula has excellent skin healing effects.

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Herbal Remedies for Allergies in Dogs - Internal Use

As mentioned in Common Dog Allergies, many dogs develop dog allergy symptoms because they have a weakened imbalanced immune system, or the proper functioning of their major organs are compromised. Herbal remedies are effective in toning, balancing, and strengthening the immune system and other major "waste-disposal organs" (the liver, skin, kidneys). Here are a few herbs that can be used as natural allergy relief for dogs:

Burdock root: Burdock cleanses the blood and helps eliminate toxins in the urine and sweat. It is good for dry and scaly skin. Burdock root is very safe for our dogs and can be used as a daily dietary supplement.
Dandelion: Dandelion aids the liver which of course is a main toxin-removal organ. It cleanses and tones the liver and enhance its proper functioning. Another herb that also helps the liver to eliminate toxins is yellow dock.
Echinacea: Echinacea is an excellent herb for enhancing the immune system. Other immune-enhancing herbs include astragalus, goldenseal, and Oregon grape.
Licorice root: Licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is similar to corticosteroids. The compound glycyrrhizin helps stimulate the adrenal glands to produce its own natural corticosteroids which give anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, immune-supporting effects on the body. As a result, licorice root can give relief from the itching and inflammation without seriously compromising the autoimmune system.
Nettle: Nettle is used in many herbal treatments for allergies. It stimulates blood circulation, has antibiotic properties and is effective in treating such skin problems as eczema.
Myrrh: Myrrh has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is also an astringent. It is therefore a great herb for irritated and inflamed skin.
Sarsaparilla: The antibacterial actions of sarsaparilla make it effective in treating chronic scaly skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

A Natural Herbal Allergy Product for Dogs
Only Natural Pet Blood and System Herbal Formula

This is a natural herbal product that contains a lot of the immune-boosting herbs mentioned above. The good thing about this product is, it is easy to administer and effective! Highly recommended.

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Natural Allergy Relief - Supplements

Supplements are also important for dogs with allergies. In particular, the following should be given to your dog if she has allergies:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty acids (Fish oil, krill oil, etc.) are an important anti-inflammatory agent. Omega-3 FAs are beneficial for a variety of chronic health problems such as allergies.

Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics: Digestive enzymes improve your dog's digestion and absorption of nutrients from the diet. With better absorption, your dog will have a stronger immune system.
Probiotics are the "friendly bacteria" in the dog's digestive system. Medications such as antibiotics tend to kill off these friendly bacteria and upset the microflora in the dog's system, resulting not only in digestive problems, but also yeast infections. Yeast infections very often manifest themselves as allergies.
Quercetin: If you are an allergy sufferer, you will most definitely have heard of this natural allergy relief. It is a bioflavonoid and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is a natural antihistamine because it suppresses the release of histamine from mast cells.
Bromelain: Bromelain is another commonly used supplement to relieve allergies. It is a mixture of enzymes that digest proteins (proteolytic enzymes) and is extracted from the stems of pineapples. Bromelain helps quercetin absorption and suppresses histamine release.
Kelp: Another good natural allergy relief is kelp. In a study, dogs who had been fed kelp daily for a period of six months had darker, thicker, and shinier coats. They also scratched less and their skin was not as dry.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, remove free radicals and other toxins from the body. As the skin the biggest toxin-removal organ, antioxidants are essential in keeping the dog's skin healthy.
Local Honey: If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, try giving him a tablespoon of local honey twice a day. The minute amount of local pollen in the honey desensitizes the dog's body so that the immune system will not over-react to the pollen when exposed to larger amounts in spring and summer.

Only Natural Pet Super Daily Vitamins Skin Coat 10 oz.

Only Natural Pet Super Daily Vitamins Skin and Coat

A natural allergy relief product that provides all of the above essential elements to keep your dog allergy-free, it contains antioxidants, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and flaxseed oil.

The supplement can make your dog's coat healthy, soft, and glossy, and can support the overall wellness and vitality of your dog.

Integrative Therapeutics Inflamzyme

This natural allergy relief product contains quercetin, bromelain, other mixed bioflavonoids, and vitamins. All ingredients work synergistically with anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, and antioxidant effects.

The product is extremely effective in alleviating allergy symptoms in dogs.

Check out our page on How to Treat Dog Allergies for more information on other allergy treatment options. Also use the navigation bar on the left of this page to get access to more information on other canine allergies and skin problems.