Choose The Right Dog Food
Feed your dog a high-quality diet made from healthy ingredients. As with humans, ingredient quality can affect overall health for dogs. Dogs with allergies and other skin issues can benefit from diets containing higher levels of essential fatty acids as these help to reduce inflammation and itchiness and provide important building blocks for healthy skin and coats.
If a food allergy is suspected, your vet may recommend a diet change. This recommendation usually involves changing to a special limited ingredient diet containing a novel protein chicken and beef are common food allergens for dogs. It is important to have your veterinarian make this diagnosis and to provide a list of acceptable foods. Some over-the-counter ‘limited ingredient’ diets are at risk of contamination with allergens depending how they are prepared and if the facility also prepares other diets on the same equipment.
Whats Causing Your Dogs Allergies And Skin Problems
While it can be tempting to skip the vet and just try to relieve your dogs itching with a nice bath, solving your pups skin problems can be more complicated than that. Your dogs allergies can be caused by many things, including food and flea bites and bathing may not resolve the issue without additional treatments.
In addition, itching, flaky skin, and redness can occur with other medical conditions, including fungal infections or even diseases like Cushings syndrome. In these instances, treating the underlying problem is essential, with bathing serving as just one step in the process.
Allergies Or Skin Conditions
Dogs with allergies or skin conditions may require more frequent bathing. For example, canine dermatitis may require prescription shampoo and a recommended bathing schedule from your vet to treat the condition. Ultimately, dogs with infections will need to be bathed more frequently. Other conditions, such as dandruff in dogs, will require your dog to be cleaned more often to remove the flakes on their skin.
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Maintain The Temperature And Humidity Levels In Your Home
Extreme heat or cold can also trigger allergy symptoms so its important to maintain the temperature in your home. Another thing to consider is humidity levels. If the air in your home is too dry, it can cause your dog to have dry skin which can intensify the itching. So invest in a humidifier if you need one .
What Else Can I Give My Dog To Help With Allergy
When you feel concerned about giving your dog oral or topical medications due to their potential side effects, there are several natural allergy treatments that you might try alternatively.
Colostrum
Colostrum is found in the dog mothers milk and helps build up a proper immune function in pups. Its also one of the natural allergy treatment options available for dog owners. The supplement is believed to help inhibit the immune response on top of carrying anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Giving your dog colostrum for allergies may help build up your dogs natural antibodies that help them identify and fight common allergens.
Probiotics
The bacteria in the gut are very important for the functioning of your dogs immune system. Natural supplements like prebiotics and probiotics can significantly help enhance the dogs immune response by promoting the growth of the good bacteria in their gut. You can also give your dog probiotic-rich food, such as sprouts and seeds.
Quercetin
Some dog parents decide to give their dogs quercetin for allergy. Thats because quercetin has natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Its also an antioxidant supplement.
Quercetin is a flavonoid extracted from fruits and vegetables. Some studies suggest it may reduce allergy symptoms by inhibiting the release of histamine in the body. The list of foods rich in quercetin includes broccoli and apples, as well as in a concentrated form like powdered extracts and pills.
Aloe
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Dog Oatmeal Bath Recipe:
Now that you have your ingredients, heres the recipe for the perfect oatmeal bath shampoo.
Blend or process the oats on the highest setting in your food processor, blender, or coffee grinder until you have a very fine, consistent powder.
Test 1 tablespoon of the powder to see if the oats are ground fine enough to absorb water. Stir the tablespoon of the ground oats into a glass of warm water.
If the oats easily absorb the water and the liquid becomes milky-looking with a smooth feel, you’ve blended long enough.
If the liquid doesn’t turn milky, process the oats to grind them even finer. Test again. Repeat until you get a milky solution with a fine, silky feel.
Is Oatmeal Good For Dogs
The problem with bathing your dog to remove allergens is the shampoo: adding more chemicals irritates their itching skin further. By using oatmeal shampoo, you can soothe their skin with a cheap, natural remedy that removes allergens and leaves their coat nice and shiny.
Oatmeal is NOT a good idea for dogs with yeast infections! See apple cider vinegar below for a soothing yeast infection remedy.
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Clear The Air And Other Surfaces
Inside your home, regularly change air filters to cut down on airborne allergens that enter through open doors and windows. Running an air conditioner or a dehumidifier will help remove moisture from interior air, making it harder for mold to grow in your home. Minimize the amount of time your dog spends in damp environments, such as basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, as these places are more susceptible to mold growth. Vacuum at least once a week, and remember to clean curtains and rugs that may have picked up dust and pollen.
Protect your dog from backyard dangers. Many popular veggies like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chives are poisonous to dogs and should be fenced off in a way that prevents your furry friend from getting into them.
What Is Cbd And How Does It Work
CBD is one of the two major active compounds found in Cannabis Sativa plants next to THC. However, unlike THC, its a non-intoxicant, meaning it wont get your dog high.
What CBD CAN do, however, is regulate the activity of the endocannabinoid system the master regulatory network in all mammals.
This natural system within the body processes plant-based cannabinoids and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis between vital physiological and psychological functions. The ECS controls processes like memory, mood, pain perception, stress response, body temperature, appetite, neurogenesis, and immune function, just to name a few.
Cannabinoid receptors in the ECS interact with plant-derived cannabinoids such as CBD.
Products like CBD oil have been shown to reduce allergy symptoms by supporting the ECS, decreasing the amount of pro-inflammatory compounds , and blocking the release of histamine.
Heres what research has found when it comes to giving CBD to dogs with allergies.
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Is Bathing My Dog Twice A Month Bad
How often your dog needs to be bathed depends on their specific needs. For example, if your dog has a skin condition, they may need to be cleaned with a special shampoo twice a month or more. However, if your dog is healthy and they don’t smell or have visible dirt, you don’t need to wash your dog more than once every few months.
Why Does Bathing Help A Pet With Skin Allergies
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How Can I Treat My Dogs Skin Allergy At Home
You can use shampoos and products to help keep your pups skin moisturized and free of allergens. Using an oatmeal bath or other product to help soothe itchy skin can help allergy symptoms. You can also try dietary supplements and remove allergens from your dogs environment. Remember to check with your vet before using any new products on your dog.
Baking Soda Dog Deodorizer
Are you aware that you can use that traditional baking soda in your home as your dogs deodorizer? If not, then you should try using it to fight dog odors.
Despite the fact that you normally have a bath every day, ASPCA suggests that you should let your dog have a bath once after every three months or more times if possible.
You can give your pet a wet bath each month and during this period, a dry baking soda bath and frequent brushing to not only control odors but also make its coat refreshed.
In fact, this shouldnt be a bother to you because its one way you can let your pet know that you love her or him. Just like it helps to get rid of odors in your refrigerator, it can also absorb and eliminate that doggie smell as well.
To do that, take one cup of baking soda or a half cup depending on the size of your dog. Follow this procedure:
- Dust the coat of your dog with baking soda, avoiding the powder to get into the dogs face only.
- Massage the powder using your hands deep into the fur to the skin. Rub the dust in.
- Let the baking soda stay for a couple of minutes to absorb the doggie odors and oil.
- Brush the powder out, leaving the coat of your dog shinier, odor-free, and cleaner than before.
- No need to rinse the pet, and there is no harm if the dog plays in a puddle or rushes into a pool of water or rain.
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Can I Bathe My Dog Once A Week
It’s recommended to bathe your dog once every few months for optimal coat and skin health. However, some dogs will need to be washed more frequently. For example, if you have a hairless dog, they may have to be bathed weekly.
If you’re unsure how often to bathe your dog, it’s always best to ask a vet.
Allergies Or Skin Problems
Some dogs suffer from allergies or skin conditions that may require regular bathing with medicated shampoo. In these cases, the right dog bath frequency will depend on the instructions provided by your veterinarian or groomer. Dogs with itchy skin may also find relief from regular baths with a colloidal oatmeal shampoo. Dogs who don’t respond well to oral or topical parasite treatments might need regular baths to help keep fleas and ticks under control.
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Why Would My Dog Need An Oatmeal Bath
Dermatological issues among dogs are fairly common – itchy, dry skin or other skin issues can be uncomfortable for your pup, and frustrating for you. These can be caused by anything from allergies or irritants to seasonal changes.
An oatmeal bath is one at-home remedy that can help calm minor itches. Though more serious issues will need a vets attention, you may be able to alleviate your poochs discomfort and save yourself some time and money with this method.
What Can I Give My Dogs For Allergies
Wondering what you can give your dog when theyre suffering from allergies? The treatment will depend on the type of allergen. Some dogs suffer from vomiting due to food allergies so the best way to address the problem is to avoid certain types of food. With seasonal allergies, treatment options may vary from over-the-counter supplements to dietary changes to antihistamine medications like Atopica or Apoquel.
Unfortunately, antihistamines and other drugs used to treat allergies in dogs can sometimes harm our canine friends.
Its recommended to err on the side of caution when giving these medications to your allergic dog. Some of them may even further disrupt your dogs immune system, resulting in secondary infections or a greater susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.
The next section will cover traditional treatments that veterinarians recommend to dogs with allergies.
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Home Remedies For Dog Allergies: Itching Can Be Treated Naturally
The worst reactions are from skin allergies. They scratch their itchy skin, looking sore and forlorn you can really feel their pain! Luckily there are some fantastic natural remedies you can whip up from household items.
Before delving into the world of home remedies for dog allergies, make sure you head to your local vet for some DLC from a veterinary professional. A trained eye can tell you exactly whats causing the skin problems and ease your worries!
They might recommend over-the-counter medications or allergy shots instead of natural remedies for your poor pooch.
How Old Is Your Dog
The shampoos on our list differ when it comes to their safety for young puppies. Depending on the age of your dog, you may need to wait to use your preferred shampoo or temporarily make another choice. Getting your puppy socialized to their future bathing and grooming routine at a young age is always recommended. This is especially vital for breeds already prone to allergies and skin issues.
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What Makes Me Allergic
Any allergic response is your body overreacting to harmless allergens, which can be food-related, seasonal, or environmentalincluding pets.
Allergens easily stick to carpet and is difficult to remove. Ditch the carpet for laminate flooring, if possible. Image via Flickr.
Studies show a whopping 15% of the population is allergic to pets, and 30% of those with allergies of another kind are also allergic to dogs and cats. One study showed that even if advised to give up their pet by their doctor, only one of five people did.
What makes a person allergic? A secreted protein released by dander and saliva is to blamethese allergens are sticky, clinging to pet fur but also clothing, mattresses, drapes, or bedding for long periods of time. They also stay suspended in the air for several hours.
For these reasons, allergens can remain in a home for up to six months, even after a pet is gone. If youre not willing to say goodbye to your furry friendwho is?weve got you covered with 10 tips for controlling dog allergies.
How Frequently Can You Bathe Your Dog
We recommend that you do not use shampoo-based products on your dog more than once every 2 weeks, as these can remove the beneficial layer of oils, known as sebum, on your dogs skin and possibly make them more susceptible to skin irritations. Unless specifically directed by your veterinarian to bathe more frequently, water baths or gentle wipe downs are advised.
Frequent brushing can help to stimulate the skin and build this barrier layer stronger. Especially if you have a long-haired dog, daily, or close to daily, brushing can be a crucial part of your dogs care.
Step 3: Control Your Dogs Outside Environment.
Eliminating your yard probably isnt feasible, but keeping your grass trimmed short can also have a positive impact on your dogs allergies. Also, keep them inside while youre mowing or otherwise gardening to limit their exposure to pollen. Steering them away from damp garages, barns and other areas that may have significant amounts of mold and mildew may also help.
Step 4: Battle Dust Mites and Other Allergens Through Cleaning.
Zip up pillows and mattresses in covers that trap dust mites. Then, wash your dogs bed every week in hot water to kill any mites and remove any other lurking allergens. Also, be ruthless when eliminating possible sources of mold and mildew in your home.
Step 5: Reduce Indoor Airborne Allergens.
When to Visit a Veterinarian
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Common Weeds Cause Grass Allergies To Flare Up
Certain weeds can cause grass allergies to flare up in dogs. Ragweed, a common type of soft-stem weed that contains 17 different species, is another common cause of allergies. It typically is in season from August to October, which is later than other plants, but it can cause serious allergies in some dogs.
Dandelions, one of the most common weeds, is another plant that can cause allergies to flare up in dogs. These abundant weeds can potentially carry lots of pollen that can cause irritation in dogs. Nettle, another common weed, can cause allergies to occur in dogs, as well as being toxic is ingested.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog
Splish splash splish splash. How often should you bathe your dog? For us, pet parents, we find ourselves taking a bath once or twice every day. But is this applicable for our dogs, too?
“Many dogs struggle with bath time. Aside from the water either being too hot or too cold for your furbaby, bath times make them uncomfortable.”
In this article, get ready to get down and dirty on things you should consider that will determine how often you should be bathing your dog and tips to help your furbaby have care-free and happy bath time.
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