6 Dog Skin Allergies Home Remedies – Top Dog Tips
Skin allergies are fairly common in dogs. They are not typically something to get too concerned about. With proper care and treatment, they shouldn’t cause much of a problem. However, if left untreated they could lead to more severe health problems. You should consult with your veterinarian before using these dog skin allergies home remedies.
Signs that your dog is suffering with skin allergies include:
- Excessive itching and scratching
- Rubbing against objects like furniture and/or trees
- Excessive licking of the effected area
Skin allergies will most often show up on a dog’s face, ears, underarms, lower legs and paws. Your veterinarian will need to diagnose skin allergies. They will evaluate your dog’s current condition and take his medical history into consideration. Blood and/or skin testing me also need to be done in order to diagnose the condition.
If your pet’s symptoms are not severe, it may be possible to treat them with dog skin allergies home remedies. If you try a home remedy and the condition seems to get worse, seek veterinary care immediately.
6 Dog Skin Allergies Home Remedies
1. Baking soda
Most of us have baking soda in our kitchen cupboards, but you probably don’t think of it as a home remedy for itchy skin. While it helps to leaven baked goods, it can also soothe inflamed skin, reduce irritation and stop itching.
Mix 1 part baking soda with 1 part water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Rinse the area thoroughly.
You can also create a spray using 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 8 ounces of warm water. Shake the mixture well before spraying down your pet.
If your dog is experiencing wide-spread itching, you can also create a baking soda bath by adding 2 cups of baking soda to a bathtub of water. Bathe your dog using the same instructions as noted above.
2. Oatmeal bath
Most of the over-the-counter products you will find to treat itchy skin contain oatmeal. Studies have shown that the properties in oats have a positive effect on itchy skin. You can make your dog an oatmeal bath at home to help heal dry or itchy skin.
Add 3 cups of colloidal oatmeal to a bathtub filled with about 6 inches of warm water. Put your dog in the bathtub and use a cup to apply the oatmeal water generously to his coat. Massage the mixture in to the skin with your hands. Try to allow the oatmeal bath to sit on your pup for 20-30 minutes (if he will stay in the tub long enough).
3. Aloe vera
This is a common remedy for sunburns, but can also be effective at treating dog skin allergies. Only use aloe vera gel on your pet, as the rind contains saponins, a natural laxative that can make your dog sick.
Aloe vera has natural antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. The natural cooling effects of the gel should provide almost instantaneous relief.
MORE: 13 Most Common Signs of Allergies In Dogs
4. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider has been shown to have antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. DO NOT use it directly on your dog’s skin, as the high acidity could actually be harmful to him. It could irritate the skin and cause a burning sensation for your dog.
Make a 50/50 blend of apple cider vinegar and water in an empty spray bottle. You can apply the spray to your dog 2-3 times per day until the itching stops. If your dog has chronic skin itchiness, you can use the apple cider vinegar spray once per day as a treatment remedy.
This spray should not be used if your dog has open wounds on his skin. It will sting and cause him unnecessary pain. You should also pay close attention to the itchy areas after applying this dog skin allergies home remedies. If you notice any redness or the itchiness seems to get worse, stop using the spray and contact your veterinarian.
5. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has many effects on skin and coat health. It can help with skin conditions like eczema, contact dermatitis, itchy skin and generally improve skin health. It can also reduce allergic reactions, especially when it comes to flea allergies.
Skin cuts and wounds can also be treated with coconut oil. It can disinfect cuts and promote their healing. It can also help with the treatment of dry skin, hot spots, bites and stings.
Coconut oil can be given to dogs orally or applied topically. Including coconut oil in your dog’s diet can improve their health in general, but for the best results regarding skin and coat health, coconut oil should also be used topically.
Coconut oil can be given to dogs daily with meals, one or two times per day. The amount of oil in your dog’s meals depends on his size. For example, many vets recommend that you introduce coconut oil slowly to your dog’s diet, like 1/4 of a teaspoon for small dogs on a daily basis. For large breeds, start with one teaspoon with every meal.
Using coconut oil topically is rather simple. It is important to start with small amounts because your dog’s fur can get greasy if you apply too much. Just rub a bit of oil between your hands and put in on your dog’s fur, like you are giving him a gentle massage.
Use your fingertips to rub the oil on his skin as well. It is best to apply coconut oil once or twice a week. Coconut oil is very healthy for dogs, so you don’t have to worry if your pooch licks this dog dry skin home remedy.
6. Colostrum powder
Colostrum is an antibody-rich fluid that is produced from a mother’s mammary glands during the first 1-2 days after birth. Most commercial colostrum products are made with colostrum from cows.
Colostrum powder contains proline-rich polypeptides (PRP). PRP has been shown to change the immune systems response to allergens. It inhibits immune cells that ramp up allergic reactions.
PRP can also help to create immune cells that suppress the immune response to allergic reactions. It works as an anti-inflammatory to reduce histamine that triggers allergic reactions.
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