Dogs really are our furbabies; they suffer from allergies just like we do. Some allergies are from pests, seasonal allergies (like hay fever), or food allergies from snuffling up what “accidentally” rolls off the table. Using home remedies for dog allergies can alleviate the symptoms in a flash.

Home Remedies for Dog Allergies: Itching Can Be Treated Naturally

The worst reactions are from skin allergies. They scratch their itchy skin, looking sore and forlorn… you can really feel their pain! Luckily there are some fantastic (and cheap) natural remedies you can whip up from household items.

Before delving into the world of home remedies for dog allergies, make sure you head to your local vet for some DLC (doggie loving care) from a veterinary professional. A trained eye can tell you exactly what’s causing the dog’s skin problems and ease your worries!

They might recommend over-the-counter medications or allergy shots instead of natural remedies for your poor pooch.

Fleas, Ticks, Allergens, Oh My! The Natural (and Unnatural) Symptoms of Pet Allergies

Allergic reactions come in all shapes, sizes, and oozes.

Here are some of the itchy skin allergy symptoms to look out for:

  • Itchy skin-localized itches can indicate what the environmental allergies are.
  • Hot spots-inflamed areas of hot, dry skin that your pets might be trying to lick away.
  • Dry skin – sometimes pet dander (flaking or peeling skin) causes itchy, dry skin.
  • Flea bites– fleas generally bite and itch on their back or around the tail.
  • Dog ear infections– if those sad doggy ears are itching or looking gunky, head to the vet.
  • Hair loss– can be caused by too much itching or a yeast infection: see your vet!

Other allergy symptoms (fungal infections, food allergies, immune system problems etc.):

  • Runny nose– pollen is a likely cause. Try a neti pot if this is a recurring problem.
  • Diarrhea/vomiting– most likely from the human food they ate. See a vet if it’s not from food!
  • Sneezing – just like humans, they may be allergic to pollen or dust mites.
  • Snoring– inflamed throats from something your pet has inhaled can cause snoring. Try running HEPA filters overnight to filter allergens out of the air.

If itchy skin symptoms last for ages or get progressively worse, it could be atopic dermatitis (doggy eczema) or an immune system problem- head to the vet!

Itchy Skin? Quercetin for Dogs

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in the skins of many fruits and veggies.

It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine. If your kibble isn’t enriched with quercetin or your pet doesn’t seem to be getting enough of the flavonoid, you can buy supplement pills. This is a good option, alongside fatty acids, if your dog is reacting to food and is inflamed internally.

Aloe Vera for Dogs

Besides the nice smell, aloe vera has cooling, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It’s ideal for treating itchy skin hot spots and sunburn. Apply the gel twice daily directly on their skin.

Is Aloe Vera Safe for Dogs?

Make sure that your aloe vera gel is free of saponins, which act as laxatives. Saponins are the orange-yellow parts inside the leaf- check the ingredients list for saponins in the grocery store before buying.

Coconut oil is also a good alternative!

Oatmeal for Dogs

No, not a healthy bowl of porridge for breakfast! Oatmeal is actually one of the most versatile home remedies for dog allergies and skin itching.

Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs?

The problem with bathing your dog to remove allergens is the shampoo: adding more chemicals irritates their itching skin further. By using oatmeal shampoo, you can soothe their skin with a cheap, natural remedy that removes allergens and leaves their coat nice and shiny.

Oatmeal is NOT a good idea for dogs with yeast infections! See apple cider vinegar below for a soothing yeast infection remedy.

DIY Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs

Blend a cup of oatmeal (or more, depending on the size of your pooch) until it’s a smooth powder. Pick oatmeal that doesn’t have added ingredients like sugar, additives or currents! Mix this with small amounts of doggy shampoo (the most natural you can find) or coconut oil until you’ve got a shampoo consistency.

You can also try adding Epsom salts and baking soda to eradicate odors, and flea powder if your pet is prone to flea allergy dermatitis.

How to Prepare an Oatmeal Bath for Dogs

Use warm water to run a bath for your itchy-skinned friend. You can either gently rub in your homemade oatmeal shampoo, or use powdered oatmeal mixed in the bathwater.

Rinse gently to remove the oatmeal from their fur, leaving a layer of oatmeal goodness on their skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Why Some Pet Owners Swear By It

Using apple cider vinegar can prevent itching doggie skin conditions through anti-microbial properties!

Pour apple cider vinegar and water (in equal measures) into a spray bottle and gently wash those paws where pollen accumulates and spreads when they itch their skin further.

This is a great option for pet owners whose furbabies are suffering yeast infections (or any fungal infections) and ear infections- spray onto the affected areas to relieve soreness.

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  • Helps relieve dry, itchy skin → no more excessive itching
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  • Perfect for dogs struggling with seasonal allergies → less itching, runny nose, and overall irritants
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  • Helps dogs achieve a shiny and healthy coat with omega-3 fatty acids
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3 Other Natural Home Remedies for Dog Allergies

Does your itchy dog not like oatmeal, aloe vera or apple cider vinegar? Try these!

  • Coconut oil– soothes raw dog skin. Coconut oil also settles tummies and boosts immune systems.
  • Thyme– another great one for skin yeast infections without the pungent smell of vinegar.
  • Epsom salts– great for drawing out infections and soothing skin. Use Epsom salts at bath time.

Home Remedies for Dog Skin Allergies: Itching Be Gone!

While our home remedies for dog allergies are great for soothing skin-deep symptoms, you should also remove the allergens (or fleas) that caused the allergic reactions.

Increasing the fatty acids in your pet’s food can boost their immune system and lessen allergic reactions. Improve the doggy diet and see many more health benefits besides reduced inflammation!

Allergic Reaction? Here’s a Step by Step on What to Do Next!

Step 1: stop panicking!

Step 2: head to the vet for a confirmation of an allergy or fleas.

Step 3: work out what the allergens are (Dust mites? Table scraps? New carpet?) and remove or avoid them.

Step 4: treat with prescribed medications and natural home remedies for dog allergies to soothe itchy skin symptoms.

Ahhhhhhh. That’s better!

As pet owners, it’s our duty to take care of our beloved fur-balls. We treat their symptoms, remove their fleas and cuddle them tight. We also get to jump with joy and go for a celebratory walkie when the home remedies work like a treat!