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How to Naturally Treat Your Dog's Allergies

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By Lilfix
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Does your dog have allergies?
Does your dog have allergies?
sneezefurs.org

Does your dog suffer from allergies? Do you know to look for? Do you know what causes allergies in dogs?

The following article is here to help you identify and naturally treat your dog's allergies...

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    What kinds of things can your dog be allergic to? Some common allergens are pollen, fleas, dust mites and molds.

    Very seldom will you see any allergy symptoms in a puppy. Allergies usually occur within one to three years after a dog has been exposed to the allergen.

  2. Step 2

    How does your dog act when they have allergies? They don't usually sneeze, instead they tend to get skin problems. Itchy skin and hot spots tend to be the most common skin conditions that your dog will have.

    They will often lick and scratch their skin until it's raw and bleeding. Allergies can also cause ear infections in your dog.

  3. Step 3

    Most dogs will have seasonal allergies, which is good. Seasonal allergies can be treated very simply. Pay attention to your dog, if you notice them scratching more during a certain time of the year, then you know they have seasonal allergies. But if they seem to be scratching all the time, all year long...then this can be more difficult to treat and may require the help of your veterinarian.

  4. Step 4
    Splish! Splash! Give me a bath!
    Splish! Splash! Give me a bath!

    So how do you treat these allergies? A simple bath can temporarily relieve their itching. The shampoo will wash away the dirt and other things that are on his fur and/or skin. To try this 'bath' technique, you will want to bathe your dog every day or every other day until his itching goes away. This usually takes 5 to 7 days. Then you may need to bathe him 1 to 3 times a week to control the itching until his allergy season is over.

    You want to make sure you are using the right kinds of shampoo. The best shampoos and conditioners will have aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal in them.

  5. Step 5

    Another way to naturally treat your dog's allergies is to try Antioxidants. These Antioxidants inhibit chemicals that cause the allergy symptoms.

    Two products you can look for are: Proanthozone made by Animal Health Options and NutriPro made by Rx Vitamins. Follow the instructions on the label.

  6. Step 6

    Omega-3 fatty acids will decrease some dogs' itching and inflammation. Choose fish oils over flaxseed oil. Dogs bodies can't use everything that makes up the flaxseed oil.

  7. Step 7

    Certain Herbs can also be helpful in relieving your dog's allergies. Aloe Vera, calendula, chamomile, peppermint and witch hazel are all herbs that can be applied topically.

    Herbs that are given orally, that can help with allergies, are...alfalfa, dandelion, licorice root and yarrow.

    Check with your veterinarian to choose which herbs are best for your dogs.

  8. Step 8

    Food allergies are very rare in dogs, but changing your dog's diet can help ease his/her allergy conditions.

    Some dogs show improved skin when fed a wholesome diet. Processed food can be contaminated with additives, preservatives, pesticides and/or hormones.

    A homemade diet for your dog can be the best treatment of all.

Tips & Warnings
  • Find a veterinarian that will work with you to try a more natural treatment before they try prescription medicines.
  • Talk with your veterinarian before trying any of these treatments. You will want to know what dosage amounts to use and what types of natural treatments will work best with your type of dog.
  • Some allergies can only be treated with prescriptions and this is something you may have to continue for the life of your dog.

Comments  

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MariM said

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on 2/26/2009 my 180lb great dane will appreciate this.5*recmd

sneedc said

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on 2/23/2009 I ? My Loo Loo and I will try these if she gets pesky allergies. She's a goddess, as are we. 5*

goodselfme said

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on 2/22/2009 I don't have a dog now, but I think your article is very through and well explained. I support you!

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on 2/20/2009 I needed this info... thank you!

codydermid said

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on 2/20/2009 Great article!! :) 5*

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