Conventional methods of treating dog skin allergies can be effective, but there are also many ways to soothe dog skin allergies with homemade remedies. Before attempting to soothe dog skin allergies with homemade remedies, you should identify the type skin allergy your dog has. The types of dog skin allergies can be as simple as environmental allergies such as smoke or dust, or they can be as serious as infectious dermatitis. In most cases, your dog will have to visit a vet, but symptoms of skin allergies may be eased at home in the meantime.
Types of Dog Skin Allergies
Some of the different types of dog skin allergies include:
- Nutritional dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Parasitic dermatitis
- Neurogenic dermatitis
Nutritional dermatitis can result from a lack of necessary vitamins and nutrients. This can result from eating low-quality, low-nutrition, commercial dog food. Lack of vitamins and nutrients can give the skin and coat an appearance of distress. Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease caused by immunological hypersensitivity to common environmental substances such as dust mites, pollen, and mold. Symptoms include excessive grooming, licking, and chewing the paws, perineum (anal region), and abdomen. Parasitic dermatitis is caused by parasites such a fleas, and it causes biting and licking the skin. Neurogenic dermatitis is a skin allergy condition that's characterized by the urge to lick and chew at specific areas. Neurogenic dermatitis can be caused by confinement, boredom, separation anxiety, and even a tiny scratch or tear in the skin that might pique the dog's interest.
Homemade Remedies for Dog Skin Allergies
If your dog has any of the symptoms listed above, you should probably take him to a vet. Long-term treatment for dog skin allergies includes diet changes, digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids, and dietary supplements. Short-term home remedies are as follows:
* Cool colloidal oatmeal baths for itchy skin * Epsom salts and cool water for itchy feet * Cotton balls and mineral oil for ear mite removal from tears * Water and baking soda for itching from insect bites * Diet of yeast and garlic to keep fleas away
If your dog has "hot spots" on his skin, you can soothe the area with a mixture of aspirin, rubbing alcohol, and tea. First, dissolve two aspirins in one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. Next, take a cup of warm water and dip a tea bag in it. Mix the tea and aspirin/alcohol mixture together. Let it cool. While the mixture cools, shave the hair around the hot spot. Last, apply the mixture with a cotton ball. Use as often as necessary. If the dog still feels uncomfortable, use an over-the-counter cortisone cream or spray.
For more information about dog skin allergies, see: