Dealing with Allergies: Natural Remedies and Managing Flare-Ups
Itchy skin, runny eyes, and constant licking
can signal allergy trouble in pets. While veterinarian-prescribed medications
are often essential for managing allergies, natural remedies can provide
additional relief when used safely. Implementing dietary changes, supplements,
baths, and environmental control at home helps reduce allergy suffering and
medication needs.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Allergy Triggers
- Dietary Adjustments
- Helpful Supplements
- Soothing Baths
- Controlling the Environment
- Working with Your Veterinarian
Understanding Allergy Triggers
Allergy triggers vary but often include:
- Food ingredients (common are
beef, dairy, chicken, eggs, corn, wheat)
- Environmental allergens (trees,
grass, weed pollen, dust mites)
- Flea bites
- Contact allergens (plastics,
fabrics, chemicals in grooming products)
Identifying and minimizing exposure to allergy
sources provides relief. Keeping a symptom journal helps pinpoint causes.
Dietary Adjustments
Feeding a hypoallergenic diet may help by
removing problem ingredients. Options include:
- Novel protein diets - Venison,
duck, kangaroo, or exotic proteins your pet hasn't eaten before
- Hydrolyzed protein - Proteins
broken into smaller pieces
- Limited ingredient diets -
Contain fewer components
Consult your vet on diet changes. Challenge
diets help confirm which foods trigger reactions.
Helpful Supplements
Natural supplements shown to improve allergies
include:
- Probiotics - Support digestive
and immune health
- Omega-3 fatty acids - Reduce
inflammation
- Quercetin - Stabilizes cell
membranes and inhibits histamine
- Vitamin E - Antioxidant that
may ease itching
Always consult your vet before giving
supplements to avoid interactions.
Soothing Baths
Bathing can provide relief by rinsing off
allergens. Use gentle shampoos like:
- Colloidal oatmeal - Soothes
itchy skin
- Chlorhexidine - Anti-bacterial
and anti-fungal
- Benzoyl peroxide -
Antimicrobial to fight infections
- Allermyl - Contains ceramides
to heal skin
Bathe at the first sign of flare-ups, then
follow up with medication if needed.
Controlling the Environment
Reduce allergen exposure at home by:
- Using HEPA air filters
- Washing bedding frequently in
hot water
- Avoiding stuffed toys that
collect dust
- Cleaning with microfiber cloths
- Bathing or wiping paws after
going outside
Keep up with flea, tick and parasite
prevention. Limit contact with irritants when possible.
Working with Your Veterinarian
Partner with your vet to:
- Diagnose underlying causes
- Prescribe medications as needed
- Develop a treatment and
prevention plan
- Provide allergy injections if
appropriate
- Monitor for secondary
infections
While natural remedies can help, veterinary
care is crucial for managing challenging allergy cases in pets.