Treating Different Types Of Dog Allergies
Treating different types of dog allergies
Just like humans, our furry best friends are prone to allergies. Unlike humans who can communicate their uneasiness and symptoms, you will have to depend on your pet’s behavior and physical symptoms to understand the signs of an allergic reaction.
Just like in humans, an allergy in dogs is a state of hypersensitivity of the immune system to allergens like proteins in food.
What are some of the symptoms you should look out for in your pet?
The most common symptom of an allergy would be itchy skin. For some allergies, it could involve coughing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Ensure that you visit a vet as soon as you see these symptoms. Along with the medications, here are some natural remedies that will help your dog feel better without the risk of any side effects:
Food allergy remedies:
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has lauric acid, which helps in inhibiting yeast production in your dog, and the good fats in coconut oil are also great for your dog’s health. When incorporated in the daily diet, it increases nutrient absorption, helps with colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome, and reduces bad breath.
It is important to introduce this ingredient slowly so as to make your dog’s system get used to the change. You may start with ¼ teaspoon per day for small dogs and puppies, and see how your dog reacts to this addition before adding it daily to their meal.
Fish oil
One of the two Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil acts as an anti-inflammatory compound. Fish oil capsules are easily available, and you may use those for your dog. You may either give them the capsule as is, or you can add the oil to their meal if your dog is fussy about taking medicine. Take one capsule, pin a hole in it, and let the oil drop in their meal. Ensure that you notice how your dog reacts to it. There aren’t many side-effects to this remedy, but keep an eye on your pet to notice any behavior that is out of the ordinary.
Skin allergy remedies:
Baking soda paste
Baking soda calms itchy, inflamed skin quickly. You can mix a tablespoon of baking soda with some water to make a paste and apply this on the itchy parts on your dog’s skin. Leave it on for a few hours and wash it off with plain water. Don’t worry about the dried up baking soda leaving traces in your house as it can be cleaned easily, and it is not harmful to you.
Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera is known for its healing properties not just externally, but internally also. Humans swear by aloe vera gel that helps in reducing skin irritation, and the same works for your dog. Aloe vera gel has cooling properties that can reduce inflammation and irritation almost immediately.
You can easily buy aloe vera gel from a store near you and apply it twice a day directly on your dog’s skin. Just be careful that the gel does not contain saponins, which is a laxative. If you are directly applying the gel from the leaf, ensure that you remove the orange-yellow parts inside the leaf and only use the transparent/translucent content.
Respiratory allergy remedy:
Quercetin rich food
Quercetin is a flavonoid that has antioxidant, antihistamine, and anti-inflammatory properties, and research suggests that it is used to treat asthma and other respiratory issues. You may either introduce quercetin supplements or include quercetin-rich food in your dog’s diet. Ensure that you are in conversation with a vet when you start such a diet.