Dog skin allergies occur due to different causes including dust mites, pollens, skin parasites or household chemicals. The main symptoms that should prompt you to suspect skin allergies include frequent scratching, irritated and scaly skin. The dog experiences a lot of burning and itchiness and this may be relieved with a few home remedies.
The Best Home Remedies for Skin Allergies
The best home remedy for your pet may vary depending on your dog’s reactions; dogs react differently to the same remedy. However, some of the home remedies that have been proven effective include: oatmeal, flaxseed oil, apple cider vinegar, Epsom salts or mineral oils.
1. Oatmeal Solution Bath
The itchy skin as well as the crusty lesions caused by allergies can be treated with frequent baths with a solution of oatmeal. Starting with a cool bath can relieve the itchy sensation. Then, give a warm bath to your dog and add some oatmeal in the bath water.
2. Topical Solution
You may prepare a topical solution using 2 aspirins and 1 tbsp of rubbing alcohol. Add this solution to a cup of warm green tea and wait for the tea to mix and cool down. Identify the irritated areas and hot spots and use this topical solution; you may apply it using cotton balls; get an over the counter cortisone ointment or spray and apply it as well.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be used to relieve itchy skin. Use a diluted solution, 1 part apple cider vinegar, 10 parts lukewarm water and rinse the dog after a bath.
This solution may also be effective in removing fleas, which can cause skin allergies.
Don’t use this solution if your dog has open wounds.
4. Epsom Salts
Skin allergies may often cause itchy paws and you can identify this if your dog is chewing his paws or licking them in excess.
Epsom salts may be effective in relieving itchiness. Mix Epsom salts in lukewarm water. Dip the pet’s paws in the solution for up to 10 minutes; monitor your dog to make sure he doesn’t drink the water, as it may cause vomiting and stomach discomfort.
5. Mineral Oil
Skin allergies may affect the ears, especially if the dog has ear mites and is allergic to these parasites. If your dog is scratching and pawing his ear and facial area, you should get some mineral oil solution and swab the dog’s ears. The mineral solution may remove the ear mites and provide temporary relief.
6. Baking Soda
If the dog is allergic to flea or other insect bites, a solution of baking soda mixed with lukewarm water should relieve the itchiness.
7. Flaxseed Oil
Allergies are more frequent in dogs with a weak immune system. Administering flaxseed oil to your dog may fortify your dog and minimize the allergic reactions. Flaxseed oil contains essential fatty acids that boost immunity. It may be added to your dog’s food; however, the effects of this remedy will not be visible immediately.