Pets may be allergic to different environmental factors, food and parasites. Medication can bring pet allergy relief but there are also some helpful ways to alleviate the symptoms without drugs.
Allergy Shampoo
Itchy skin is among the most disturbing allergy symptoms in cats and dogs. Get some special formula shampoos that will hydrate and be gentle on the pet’s skin, relieving itchiness.
Frequent Baths
A lot of allergens are absorbed through the skin, so frequent bathing can remove these allergens before they enter in the pet’s pores.
If your pet is not cooperating, use a wet sponge while grooming him and remove all the impurities and dirt from the surface of the skin.
Topical Ointments
The most frequent symptom of allergies in pets will be itchy skin. Topical ointments may be used to treat the skin conditions. The ointments may contain steroids; alternatively, opt for ointments that contain natural ingredients such as licorice root or nettle.
Reduce Exposure to Allergens
If the pet is allergic to a certain material, substance or food, you may reduce his exposure to these or eliminate them for good from the pet’s environment. However, you cannot eliminate pollen and other inhalant allergens.
Diet Supplements
The pet’s diet has a great impact on his overall health and the skin and coat condition. If your pet’s diet lacks the essential nutrients, his skin will be dry or too oily and the itchiness will be worse.
Add some dietary supplements to your pet’s diet to improve the skin’s health:
- Fatty acids such as omega 3, 6 and 9 help in relieving inflammation and itchiness; you may supplement the pet’s diet with fish oil or flaxseed oil
- Vitamin B complex components such as biotin (B7), niacin (B3) and riboflavin (B2)
- Selenium
- Digestive enzymes to boost immunity
- Probiotics to promote a healthy digestion and prevent food allergies
- Antioxidants such as vitamin A and E to remove toxins from the body
Frequent Grooming
Cats and dogs need regular grooming for their hygiene and this will also help in relieving allergy symptoms.
A massage will soothe your pet; stressed pets are more susceptible to developing allergies, having a weaker immune system.
Homeopathic Remedies
Natural remedies can relieve the negative responses to different allergens.
Oat can help in reducing itchiness. Boil some oat straw and add it to your pet’s bath water. Use apple cider vinegar to rinse the pet; this is also a quick itchiness reliever.
Some plant extracts may be added to the pet’s diet, aiming to strengthen the immune system:
- Burdock root extracts to detoxify the blood and help in scaly skin
- Dandelion to cleanse the liver
- Echinacea
- Licorice root, which has similar effects as corticosteroids
Allergy medication will be administered depending on the severity of the symptoms; some pets need only seasonal boosters or a cure of antihistamines when the symptoms are present. However, by following these allergy relief tips, your pet will have fewer symptoms or no symptoms at all.