Symptoms of dog allergies may range from light skin irritations to extreme itchiness, coughing, scaly skin, hives and even anaphylactic shock. The top priority is to identify the allergen agents and apply suitable treatment. However, in addition to conventional treatment you may also apply a few simple tricks to reduce the allergy symptoms.
1. Reduced Exposure
Knowing the allergen that causes the allergic symptoms in your dog is essential. You have to reduce your dog’s exposure to this allergen.
Food is easy to avoid and so are other materials such as plastic, wool or chemicals. Dust and mold may also be removed with proper cleaning.
However, controlling the exposure of pollens is difficult, as these are airborne and even if your dog spends more time indoors, the pollens may exist indoors as well.
2. Air Purifiers
A lot of allergens are airborne. An air purifier may reduce the amount of allergens in your home and the dog will be less likely to develop irritations.
3. Regular Grooming
Grooming is a relaxing way of keeping your dog clean. A dog with a proper hygiene is less prone to allergies.
Also, the grooming with soft brushes, offers your dog a thorough massage that can reduce stress and anxiety. Stress can weaken the dog’s immune system and make him more susceptible to diseases and allergic reactions.
4. Baths
Bathing a dog with allergies may reduce significantly the symptoms of allergies. A lot of allergens enter the dog’s system through the pores of the skin; a regular removal of the impurities on the skin may prevent the manifestation of allergies.
Use a gentle shampoo formulated for allergic canines. The shampoo may contain natural ingredients such as Echinacea, oat or dandelion extracts.
Rinse the dog with a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar. This will alleviate the itchiness of the skin.
5. Licorice Root
The licorice root is a powerful herb used in alternative medicine to reduce swellings and irritations. The herb extract contains a substance called glycyrrhizin, which can stimulate the adrenal gland to secret more cortisone. The licorice root is a natural substitute of corticosteroids, having no side effects.
Get a solution of licorice extract and add it to your dog’s food. The dog may reject the flavor, but may get used to it.
Alternatively, the solution may be used on the dog’s skin or in the dog’s bath water.
6. Immunity Boosters
Dogs that develop allergic reactions are typically dogs with a weakened immunity. If you strengthen the dog’s immune system, he is less likely to develop allergies or experience fewer symptoms.
Fatty acids such as omega 3, 6 or 9 are recommended to boost immunity. The omega fatty acids are found in fish oil or flaxseed oil or as supplements.
Add some digestive enzymes to avoid digestive problems and lessen food allergic reactions.
The antioxidants are recommended for the dog’s coat and skin. Get some supplements of vitamin A, E and K. the dog will be toxin free and have a shinier coat.