Have you been woken up during the night by your four-legged family members flapping their ears, scratching, licking or even nibbling and biting their feet? This can make you feel helpless in your effort to stop the itch and to help them settle down again. Dog allergies can keep you and your pet up all night.

According to WagWalking, there are an endless number of things that can cause allergy reactions. Some of these include pollens and grass, carpet deodoriser or even the substances in the flea collar your pet is wearing.  Another possibility is ingredients in your dog’s food and so the list goes on.  

Common Allergies 

Allergies are as real to dogs as they are to humans.  They can suffer from allergies from as young as 6 months, even though most only occur over the age of one or two. Allergies are often seasonal and can blow over quickly. It can however turn into a nasty allergy with prolonged symptoms where you will need the help of a veterinarian. As allergies can be managed but not cured, there are a few natural remedies that you can try alongside the protocol that the veterinarian has put in place for your furry companion. 

According to the website VCA Hospitals, the most common symptom associated with dog allergies is itching of the skin, either in one area or all over the body. These are often caused by plants, insects, animals or foods. If the reaction is more severe the symptoms may involve coughing, sneezing and a runny discharge from the eyes or nose. In other cases, the allergic symptoms affect the digestive system resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. 

Food Allergies 

An easy way to determine whether your dog has a food allergy is to exclusively feed a specific diet for eight to twelve weeks.  Keep in mind that sauces, wet food, treats and chew bones all contain certain ingredients that might also flair up an allergy. So, when you do make the effort to put your pooch on an exclusive diet, keep away from these treats.  Rather invest in fun toys that can also give your pet endless pleasure to play with and chew on. Let your vet assist you during this process. 

Home Remedies 

There are a couple of natural and home remedies to consider and you can read more about these remedies on Wagwalking.com, Dogtime.com and Thesprucepets.com. You will find that these are all items that you already have in your grocery cupboard.

Apple Cider Vinegar

An easily available and affordable product that acts as a natural skin soother, while warding off fleas. It is also a powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal treatment by mixing 50 percent apple cider vinegar and 50 percent water.  Do so in a clean spray bottle to spray your dog’s itchy spots or dip cotton wool in the mixture to wipe out an affected yeast ear infection.  You can even soak those irritated paws in the mixture for 5 minutes.  Just make sure to never use it on raw or open wounds, it will be extremely painful for your dog. 

Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal is a natural moisturizer and an oatmeal bath can often give a dog with itchy skin immediate relief.  It reduces inflammation and washes away allergens that get trapped in the fur.  Simply blend a cup of oatmeal in the blender until it becomes fine like a powder and add it to your dog’s bath. The best part is that Oatmeal is totally non-toxic, so no worries if your dog takes a couple licks from the bathtub. Make sure your dog’s itching is not due to a yeast infection, as an oatmeal bath will then worsen the infection. 

Chamomile and Green Tea

Chamomile and green teas are well-known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory effects in humans but they work just as well for dogs, too. Spraying irritated areas with cooled down tea or a soak bath in these teas will help your dog’s hot and itchy patches of skin. 

Epsom Salts  

Even though Epsom salt is called a salt, it actually really isn’t, it is a mineral combination of sulfate and magnesium with a healing compound. Great for healing wounds and once again relieving the itch of allergic dermatitis. Dissolve half a cup of Epsom salt in a bath tub and soak your dog for five minutes twice a day or soak a washcloth with the mix and hold it on the inflamed area for soothing and healing.  

Coconut Oil

A good organic, unrefined or virgin coconut oil is full of good fats.  Not only is the oil used as an oral supplement for metabolic function and bone health but can be massaged into the skin to help with discomfort associated with doggy eczema, allergies, skin infections, and even bug bites. You can also use the oil as a lotion for sore footpads and it contains lauric acid, which decreases yeast production.  

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural hero with its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it perfect for treating burns, itches, and hot spots when applied to the skin. A 100 percent natural aloe vera is easily available from a pharmacy and is certainly a must-have for any home. 

Baking Soda

A pantry staple, baking soda can do much, much more than making your baked goods rise. When combined with water and blended into a thick paste, baking soda can dry out rashes on the skin, alleviate itching, and reduce redness and inflammation.  All you have to do is combine 50 percent baking soda with 50 percent water and apply the paste to your dog’s skin. After about 20 minutes, rinse completely. 

Thyme

Thyme contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antifungal properties, which make it great for use where skin and yeast infections are common, like between your dog’s toes. Simply make an infusion out of dry or fresh thyme and apply it to the affected areas. Make sure it gets deep between the toes.