Last Updated on October 12, 2018
Common Allergy Treatments for Dogs
If your dog has taken a recent downturn in health, which has been attributed to an allergic reaction, depending on the symptoms and of course the exact allergy this will have a direct bearing on the proposed action in respect of treatment options.
Some allergies are very straightforward to treat; removing the offending source can do the trick resulting in a swift and full recovery.
Below are some of the more common allergies and some simple solutions to offer the animal relief.
Flea Allergy.
Fleas tend to be in abundance during spells of hot weather but can be present year-round if the environment permits,
Fleas are fairly easy to spot or diagnose by inspecting the animal’s skin, you may see the flea itself or its dirt when the flea bites or feeds on the dog the saliva is usually what causes the reaction which is compounded by the dog itching or biting at irritated areas.
Treatments include flea collars, shampoos, baths and sprays these items do work to a degree but fleas are resilient and usually they will reoccur if not monitored, a medicated dip can have the quickest and longest lasting effects as traces usually stay with the dog for a few weeks eliminating the re-infestation.
Always remember to treat the dog’s bed, and probably the carpets of the home as well this is easily done by an aerosol spray.
Food Allergy.
As the name suggests this is a reaction to a specific food or an ingredient used in the manufacture of food, This type of allergy usually occurs if a change of diet has happened, If diagnosed fairly early on then treatment would be of trial and error to remove the offending product from the diet and things should settle back down.
Contact Allergy.
As the name suggests the contact allergy is exactly what the dog has suffered a reaction to something that its come into contact with, this could be very simply a new bed, been out for a walk a ran in long grass.
Again similar to food allergies it’s about carrying out an elimination process to find the cause, the most obvious place to start would be specific and recent changes in routines IE dog being walked in a new location and being exposed to different plants or grasses etc.
Inhalant Allergies.
The inhalant or atopic allergy is generally caused by the dog being in an environment whereby exposure to Dust, Mildew, Mould, and Pollens are a concerned,
Symptoms could include watering eyes with a discharge, sneezing, coughing and scratching.
Treatments vary depending on the actual cause, if this was specific to the home environment a dehumidifier or air purifier may be utilized but other things such as dietary aids and medicated supplements would offer relief however prior to the administration of medications prescribed or otherwise seek the appropriate advice.
Bacterial Allergy.
A bacterial allergy tends to be more of an internal issue and requires the appropriate medical input, things associated with this type of allergy include ringworm and similar parasites.
Bacterial allergies are treated with antibiotics.
Medicated Dog Shampoo
As with people, dog shampoos come in varieties specially formulated for dry skin, normal skin or oily skin. The general rule of thumb when choosing a medicated dog shampoo is to locate one that is manufactured with as many natural ingredients as possible.
If you cannot identify nor pronounce certain ingredients listed on the bottle, then it is probably not one to purchase.
Another important point is to never use shampoo for humans on a dog. It may irritate your dog’s skin even more or cause severe irritation.
Dog shampoos are specially formulated with a specific and more acidic PH level which is ideal for your dog’s skin.
When you choose a dog shampoo, consider your dog’s skin. Is it overly sensitive? If your dog scratches often, it may have very sensitive skin. If your dog has very sensitive skin, you might try a dog shampoo that contains oatmeal or aloe vera.
Dog shampoos that contain less synthetic ingredients are preferable. Avoid purchasing shampoos that are scented in any way, scents can also irritate your dog’s skin.
Dogs that have a greater susceptibility to fleas or ticks or are generally outside more should be washed with a dog shampoo that contains pyrethrins. It is important to ensure that none of the shampoo comes into contact with your dog’s eyes or mouth while you are bathing him.
Dogs, unlike people, do not need to be washed every day.
When your dog has a skin irritation or rash, you will want to purchase a dog shampoo that contains some sort of medication to address the specific problem. Other than that, you probably don’t need to wash your dog more often than once per month.
As with humans, the more often you wash a dog, the more likely you are to strip out the natural oils from their skin and fur, and these oils help to keep them dry and their skin healthy.
Best Herbs For Dogs With Allergies.
In particular, the various benefits that come with supplementing your dog with natural products.
That is not to say that you are going to start bombarding your dog with various types of herbs, but there are certain and some would say the best herbs for dogs with allergies that can be very effective in relieving symptoms of many types of problems including those problematic seasonal allergies.
Many of the best herbs for dogs with allergies that you would use have almost unbelievable and beneficial qualities because they are primarily natural antioxidants and can eradicate harmful cells; some studies have shown a reduction in serious ailments such as cancer cells.
In fact, grape seed oil is said to do just that.
In addition, grape seed oil contains flavonoids which not only support the immune system but also can help to reduce inflammation, which is a leading cause of pain in joints and tissue.
Aloe vera is one of the most useful and best herbs for dogs with allergies.
It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and is also extremely soothing on the skin. You do not even need to purchase this; you can take a leaf or two from your houseplant, split them and crush the contents, spreading it on your dog’s skin to relieve itching or irritation.
Goldenseal is another herb which has anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used on open sores or wounds including eye infections in dogs.
Yellow Dock is yet another herb that improves the function of the liver and improves the ability of the bowels to eliminate waste.
If your dog has a flea allergy, one of the most beneficial and best herbs for dogs with allergies is garlic.
Fresh garlic is not recommended, because garlic and onions have been known to be toxic to dogs; however, sprinkling garlic powder into your dog’s meals can keep those fleas at bay. Garlic is known to boost the immune system and it also has antibacterial properties.
Dogs that scratch because they have allergies can benefit from topical treatments that are made up of herbal ingredients. Some of the best treatments include those that contain rose bark, calendula, lavender, peppermint and or chamomile.
Although many of these herbal products can provide relief, it is only going to be for a short time, because you are only treating the symptoms and not the problems. The best course of action is to pinpoint what the specific allergy is.
Once you have determined what your dog is reacting to, you can either reduce your dog’s exposure to it, or eliminate it, if possible.
A dog that is free of allergy symptoms is a happier pet. You will probably be feeling a lot better yourself, knowing that your dog is not being driven crazy with an insatiable itch or rash.
Allergies can be treated quickly and the best course of treatment is a natural solution where possible and of course include some of the best herbs for dogs with allergies.
Drugs, steroids, and chemicals can be so harmful and have harsh long-lasting effects on your dog’s health.
Spend some time and research more into the best herbs for dogs with allergies you will be surprised at what you find and how simple some of the remedies are.
Are homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies a viable and practical option?
Often, people look for alternatives besides taking their dog to the vet for a variety of reasons; homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies can be just as effective as traditional treatments prescribed by your vet and maybe only a fraction of the cost, which is an added bonus.
Most dog owners just want to see their dogs feeling better and watching their pet go through contortions and constant irritation just to find relief can be upsetting.
Homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies can be one of the more modern and effective ways to deal with these problems and provide relief to your best friend at the same time.
Homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies are similar to homeopathic remedies for humans.
Because many of the same herbs are used to treat the same types of symptoms. The main idea behind homeopathic remedies is a holistic approach which means treatment of the whole body, not just the symptoms which is what modern medicine tends to do.
The basic approach with homeopathic remedies is to treat a symptom with a low dose of a herb that would cause those types of symptom in a much larger dose. It is important to determine what the root causes of the allergies are before you seek treatment of that particular allergy.
With homeopathic remedies, there are reference books called “repertories”. These books are used in reference to determining symptoms, bunched together in groups which lead to causation. Of course, you must know what all of the symptoms are, including the environment, area affected, time of day and what was consumed immediately preceding the symptoms.
Homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies is a very practical option but DOES require professional guidance.
There is a science behind diagnosing the allergies and or illness that your dog has, and it is strongly recommended that you consult with a homeopathic veterinarian to make a determination of the allergies.
Once this has been done, you can save money by finding the specific treatments from other less costly sources, but you will know for sure which are the correct remedies in your dog’s case.
Many people immediately take their pet to a vet when they see that their pet is ill or is suffering some sort of possible allergic reaction. This is a really good idea because you are obviously concerned about your pet’s well-being.
Your veterinarian will not have all of the necessary information required to make a solid diagnosis if you are dealing with some type of allergy. They can, however, make a determination through various tests, and these tests can be as simple as some blood tests or skin scrapings.
Another important thing to keep in mind when it comes to homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies is that sometimes the remedy will work well for a few weeks. At some point after that, symptoms may return and or get worse, but that will only be temporary.
Homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies can be a great choice when it comes to treatment because they are less harmful than medications and can often achieve the same results in the long run.
Homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies can be a great source of relief for your pet.
