Oh no, seasonal allergies are starting to hit our pets again! What can we do to help them naturally?
If your dogs allergy
symptoms last year round, they may be reacting to an ingredient in their food, or an irritant within your house. If these symptoms seem to start in the spring and last through the summer, then most likely your pet is suffering from seasonal allergies
Common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:
- Itching and scratching
- Hives
- Ear infections
- Hair Loss
- Chewing or licking paws
- Sneezing
- Runny Eyes
The best way to protect your dog is to keep her away from the allergen, however, that’s not always practical. You can’t just keep your dog indoors for weeks on end. Steroids and anti-allergy drugs like Apoquel or Cytopoint suppress your dog’s immune system. This may help your dog find some relief, but makes her more vulnerable to other diseases. Over the counter allergy drugs have their side effects as well.
So what natural solutions can we use?
Apple Cider Vinegar
If your dog is constantly chewing at her paws:
- Mix 2 parts water and 1 part apple cider vinegar
- Soak your dog’s paws for 5 minutes
- Don’t rinse, but dry the paws after soaking
Full body rinse:
- Mix 2 parts water and 1 part apple cider vinegar
- After bathing your dog pour the mixture over her and pat dry (Make sure you are using a natural shampoo without any chemicals as those will kill the good bacteria on her skin. You can also rinse with water and skip the shampoo altogether)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids help regulate the inflammatory response that causes allergies. You can read more about Omega-3’s in our blog : Does My Pet Need an Omega-3 Supplement?
Raw Goat Milk
Raw goat milk has both anti-inflammatory and anti-mucous properties, which makes it a perfect natural remedy for pets suffering from allergies. Raw goat milk also provide antioxidants for healthy immune system support.
Bovine Colostrum
Cows produce colostrum immediately after giving birth, in mother’s first milk. This helps young calves build up their immunity. The primary antibody in bovine colostrum, IgG can help boost your dog’s immunity to common allergens. Another ingredient, proline-rich polypeptide (PRP) is anti-inflammatory. PRP may also help create special T-cells which switch off the allergic response.
Bee Pollen
When bees collect pollen, they’re not picky, they gather pollen from all different flowers. This means it’s likely that bees are collecting the pollen that is making your dog itch.
Giving your dog a small dose of the pollen she’s allergic to can help desensitize her.
Make sure the pollen comes from local bees so that is contains the correct allergens.
Start with a very low dose, and watch for a reaction before increasing the dose gradually.
Quercetin
Quercitin contains antihistamine compounds that can stop the histamine reaction to an allergen (inflammation, redness and irritation.)
Some fruits and veggies that contain quercetin:
- Some fruits and veggies that contain quercetin:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Berries
- Parsley
- Garlic
- You can also give a quercetin supplement, this is not recommended long term.
Other tips:
- Feed a fresh, raw diet to boost gut health and improve your dog’s natural immunity (You can even start by just adding some to their daily meal)
- Give your dog a good wipe down with a damp towel to remove allergens
- Replace your chemical cleaning products with natural ones