Holistic Treatments for Dogs with Allergies: Types and When To Use
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Warm weather outside means environmental allergens are plentiful. Dogs with allergies have uncomfortable symptoms like itching and watery eyes.
There are many products on the market to help our canine companions find relief, but holistic treatments for dogs with allergies are becoming increasingly popular.
Here you will learn about several holistic options, including a few home remedies for dog allergies and how to work with a veterinarian to decide the best choice for your pet.
Key Takeaways
- Holistic treatments for dog allergies refer to natural remedies used to provide relief from seasonal allergies.
- Holistic treatments work by strengthening a dog’s immune system and finding out why allergies are happening so a dog’s overall health can be helped, rather than simply treating allergy symptoms.
- It's important to always talk with a veterinarian before giving your dog any type of treatment for dog allergies.
What Are Holistic Treatments for Dog Allergies?
Holistic treatments for dog allergies refer to natural remedies used to provide relief from seasonal allergies.
There are a variety of holistic treatment options available to pet parents, but traditional methods—such as medications—are still used more commonly.
If a dog has intense itching, significant hair loss, and reddened or infected skin, a traditional allergy option, such as Apoquel or Cytopoint, may be necessary at first.
Nevertheless, holistic treatments are an option to pet parents looking for a more natural approach to their pet’s health care.
Holistic treatments work by several methods depending on the product, including ridding the skin and fur of allergens, strengthening the body’s natural defenses against allergens, and counteracting symptoms of allergies, such as itching and redness.
Holistic Treatments for Dog Allergies vs. Traditional Treatments for Dog Allergies
Holistic and traditional treatments for dog allergies differ in various ways. Traditional treatments target symptoms of dog allergies and include options like medications or injections.
Holistic treatments promote a dog’s overall health and strengthen the immune system and include options like supplements, special diets, or home remedies for dog allergies. Both options can provide dogs with allergy relief and reduce overall symptoms.
Pet parents can consider holistic treatment options when they are looking for natural remedies for dog allergies instead of traditional allergy therapies.
Additionally, if a dog has tried several traditional options without success, if the dog has negative side effects to traditional allergy treatments, or if a pet parent is looking to resolve the underlying cause for the allergy, a natural remedy may be chosen.
Veterinarians may recommend holistic treatment options for certain dogs depending on their overall health and the severity of their allergies.
Holistic treatments work better for milder cases of allergies, whereas traditional therapies are preferred if dogs have moderate to severe allergy symptoms.
For example, if a dog has intense itching, significant hair loss, and reddened or infected skin, a traditional allergy option, such as Apoquel or Cytopoint, may be necessary at first.
Once the symptoms have reduced, it may be more practical to switch to a holistic option for long-term control of the allergies.
How Do Holistic Treatments Work?
Holistic treatments work by strengthening a dog’s immune system and finding out why allergies are happening so a dog’s overall health can be helped, rather than simply treating allergy symptoms.
Natural remedies for dog allergies don’t always work. This is especially true for dogs with severe allergies and symptoms. Additionally, if a dog has any other underlying health conditions, holistic treatments may be less effective for allergies.
Top 5 Holistic Treatments for Dog Allergies
There are several popular holistic treatment options for dog seasonal allergies, which include:
Supplements and Probiotics
Supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help a dog’s overall health and wellness as well as support a healthy skin and coat in dogs.
Probiotics, such as Purina FortiFlora Powder, contain live bacteria that reduce inflammation (swelling) and support a healthy gut in dogs. They also control the immune system to counteract allergies.
Pet parents can follow the instructions on the product packaging or ask their veterinarian about how to use these treatment options.
Diet
Special diets, such as Hill’s Diet Derm Complete, contain fatty acids and phytonutrients to protect skin and manage the immune system.
Pet parents will need a prescription from their veterinarian for these special diets.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative therapy where tiny needles are placed in various locations of the body to stimulate the dog’s skin and reduce inflammation.
This technique is done at the veterinary hospital by a technician or a veterinarian.
Changing of Environment
Sometimes simply changing a dog’s environment is enough to clear up their allergies. For example, if it is a particularly warm day or the allergen count in the air is high, keeping your dog indoors can prevent allergy symptoms.
Herbs
Herbs can be used to reduce skin inflammation that occurs with dog allergies. There are various types of herbs, including turmeric and nettle, that help to soothe the skin. Many herbs have antioxidants and improve liver health, which can rid the body of allergens.
Always ask a veterinarian before using any herbal products for your pet. Some herbs, such as aloe vera and lavender, can be soothing for a person’s skin but they pose serious safety risks for dogs and should be avoided.
When To Bring Your Dog to the Vet
Pet parents should not use natural allergy relief for dogs when their symptoms are severe. Additionally, skin infections make it difficult for holistic treatments to work well.
Dogs should be taken to the veterinarian for their allergies if symptoms are not getting better using a holistic treatment option. If a dog is noticeably uncomfortable or has intense itching, hair loss, skin bumps, or skin infection, a trip to the veterinarian is important.
Holistic Treatment for Dogs With Allergies FAQs
What herbs are good for dogs with allergies?
Numerous herbs are good for dogs with allergies, including nettle, turmeric, and echinacea.
What is the best thing to give a dog for allergies?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dog allergies. Each dog may have a preferred treatment option based on his unique needs and allergies.
What can I give my dog for allergies without a trip to the vet?
It is important to always talk with a veterinarian before giving your dog any type of treatment for dog allergies. The veterinarian can suggest different over-the-counter treatment options that are available.
