Itchy skin, hot spots, runny eyes, sneezing, excessive licking of paws, or anal gland issues often come from seasonal allergies. Even though it is not the only reason dogs suffer from these symptoms, but with Spring creeping into most of the area, it is time to start looking for support.
When your dog begins to show signs of seasonal allergies, we do not recommend that you immediately reach for conventional medicine, as many drugs that are used may give some relief, but they do major harm to your dog’s immune system, which can create more serious illnesses. With a decrease in the health of your dog’s immune system, he is more likely to get sick.
There are many natural ways to combat allergies in your dog. Colostrum and mushrooms are a great way to begin building your dog’s immune system, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Natural Remedies for Dog Allergies
Colostrum
Colostrum is naturally found in mother’s first milk. It plays a vital role in developing the newborn’s immune system and digestive tract. But colostrum can help adult animals too as it contains a component called proline-rich polypeptide (PRP).
Research shows PRP helps improve allergy symptoms. It does this by changing the way the immune system responds to allergens. PRP can inhibit immune cells that ramp up allergic reactions and it is also anti-inflammatory and can reduce histamine that triggers allergic reactions. Colostrum works especially well with environmental and seasonal allergies.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are being used more often for allergies due to a substance called beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is a fiber that’s found in the cell walls of certain substances including in many types of seaweed, algae, some cereals (grains) and yeast. However, only beta-glucans from certain mushrooms have immune-modulating properties.
Beta-glucans change the immune response in allergies and prevent inflammation, autoimmunity and allergic reactions. It can help relieve your dog’s allergies without harmful side effects found in conventional medication.
Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shitake, and Maitake are the mushrooms you want to focus on using. Be sure to always cook or dehydrate them. If you choose to purchase medicinal mushrooms for dogs, be sure they are certified to a minimum of 30% beta-glucan and don’t have a high starch content. We recommend The Canine Herbalist for your mushroom needs.
Nettles
Nettles is an herb called that can help manage your dog’s allergies because it contains histamines. The histamines work in small doses that stimulate the body to protect itself from allergens.
Nettles contain histamines. The histamines work in a small dose. The plant stimulates the body to protect itself from allergens. Nettles also contain quercetin, which boosts nettles’ anti-allergy effects.
Canine Herbalist, Rita Hogan recommends you sauté nettles in a pan with MCT oil until tender, then add to your dog’s food. You can also use a nettle tincture that can be purchased through Rita’s store.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, something most of us keep around the house, can be used to calm itchy, inflamed skin. You can simply mix 1 Tbsp of baking soda with a little water to make a paste or in 8 oz. water to use as a spray. Use either on itchy and reddened skin, between the toes, or top of the paws. The paste is easy to clean up from floors but will need to be rinsed after a few hours. The spray will need to be shaken up and mixed prior to each use.
Probiotics
Probiotics are living bacteria that colonize in your dog’s gut. They absorb nutrients, protect your dog from viruses, enable better digestion and nutrient absorption, and help produce B vitamins. Nearly 90% of your dog’s immune system is in the gut which means a healthy gut can help reduce inflammation and autoimmune responses.
When choosing a probiotic, you will want to look for one that is soil based. Soil based probiotics are more resilient than standard probiotics and are more likely to survive traveling through your dog’s gut.
When choosing a probiotic for your dog, opt for a product containing multiple strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium with a minimum of 30 billion CFUs for optimal benefits. To enhance its effectiveness, include a prebiotic in your dog’s daily routine. Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, including probiotics, helping them thrive and support digestion and overall health.
Some good prebiotic sources for dogs include pumpkin, chicory root, apples and flaxseed.
Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital nutrients that benefit your dog. Certain types, including Eicosatetraenoic Acid (ETA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Stearidonic Acid (SDA), can help reduce allergy symptoms by calming inflammation and easing itching and scratching. Consider hempseed oil or green-lipped mussel oil to your dog’s daily routine and it may offer your dog some relief from his allergy symptoms.
We recommend that you pick 1 or 2 natural remedies to start with the next time your dog is suffering from allergies. Be patient, as they take time, but the payoff is that your dog will feel better without any harmful side effects from the use of pharmaceuticals.
NOTE: Please consult your veterinarian or holistic vet for more information. We highly recommend a consult with Canine Herbalist, Rita Hogan where she can get your dog on a routine that is perfect for him.