Allergies in dogs can be difficult to manage. If your pet has an allergy, you may find yourself looking for home remedies to help them feel more comfortable that don’t break the bank.
Allergies are complex to diagnose and treat, and sadly, often respond best to veterinary-prescribed treatment. In this article, we’ll explain common remedies for allergies in dogs and answer the following questions:
- Will baking soda help my dog stop itching?
- How do I get my dog to stop itching and licking?
- Can dog allergies go away?
- Can I put olive oil on my dog’s itchy skin?
- What oil is good for a dog’s itchy skin?
Disclaimer: Please refer to the information in this article as a guide only. If you think your dog may have allergies, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Will baking soda help my dog stop itching?
It’s thought that baking soda can help soothe a dog with itchy skin, however, we’d recommend taking your dog to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Baking soda may soothe the skin, but it likely won’t resolve the exact reason why your dog is scratching. This means it could hinder a diagnosis and your dog may get worse in the long term.
Don’t forget, your dog will likely lick away anything you put on their skin too. But don’t worry, we’ll explain what to do to help your dog itching in the next section.
How do I get my dog to stop itching and licking?
The best way to help stop your dog from itching and licking is to get to the root of the problem. One thing you can do at home is to check your pet for fleas. To do this, simply take a look at their skin and fur, and see if you can find any fleas or flea dirt.
If you find some, then you’ll need to treat your pet with medication such as a tablet, spot-on, or a collar. If you don’t find fleas, then the next step would be to take your pet to a veterinarian for a proper examination and diagnosis.
The veterinarian will start the consultation by asking you questions related to your dog’s scratching such as:
- When did it start?
- How bad is it on a scale from 0 to 10?
- Do they scratch all the time or does it seem to be related to a specific time of year or event?
- Where do they scratch, itch, or chew?
- Are any other animals or people in the household affected?
The vet will then examine your pet, paying particular attention to any problem areas but also looking at your pet as a whole. They may also take swabs and other samples for microscopic analysis.
If they have ruled out other potential causes of scratching, such as infectious diseases then they may narrow the allergy down to one of the following causes:
- Food allergy – for example to meat, dairy products, soya, or grains.
- Environmental allergy – such as pollen or dust mites.
Can dog allergies go away?
When it comes to the topic of ‘treating’ allergies, it’s a little complicated. The type and severity of the allergy affect the course of action in terms of managing the allergy. Additionally, the budget for pet parents also plays a role, as there is a big difference in price for each therapy option
We’ve listed some examples of how different types of allergies in dogs can be managed below:
- Avoidance – this is recommended for all types of allergies, however, it’s easier for some (food allergies) compared to others (environmental allergies).
- Creams, shampoo, ointments – for relieving itchy skin and reducing the occurrence of secondary infections.
- Medication – such as tablets or injections which reduce symptoms such as scratching. These can be good in the short term, however are usually expensive.
- Allergen-specific desensitization therapy – for reducing and in some cases, resolving symptoms. This can be an option when it comes to environmental allergies identified using intra-dermal allergen testing, however can only be performed by a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and is expensive.
- Dietary supplementation – the addition of veterinary-approved oils or supplements can help your pet’s general health and condition.
Remedies to relieve dog allergies at home
Here are a few useful links:
Can I put olive oil on my dog’s itchy skin?
Nothing is stopping you from putting olive oil on your dog’s skin, however, it’s unlikely to help your pet in the long term. Aside from making a mess in your home, your dog will probably just lick away the oil, and it won’t fix the cause of the problem.
Different types of oil can be beneficial for dogs, especially those with allergies, but we’ll talk more about that in the next section.
As we already mentioned, if your pet is itching, then it’s best to take them to a veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis and the according treatment plan.
Home remedies often seem like a cost-effective solution, however, they are seldom effective and can worsen your pet’s condition and be more expensive in the longer term.
What oil is good for a dog’s itchy skin?
If your dog has itchy skin associated with an allergy, then it’s likely your veterinarian will recommend you include oil in their diet. Some specific types of oil such as fish or coconut oil include agents that reduce inflammation, moisturize the skin, and help your dog’s immune system.
Always consult your veterinarian before supplementing your pet’s diet. If your vet agrees that supplementing your pet’s diet with fish oil may help then don’t forget the following:
- Introduce it to your dog’s diet slowly and check for any adverse reactions.
- Read the label carefully and only feed as instructed according to your dog’s size and weight.
- Only give your dog veterinary-approved products from reputable manufacturers.
Home Remedies for Itchy Skin in Dogs
Here are some of the most effective home remedies for itchy skin in dogs:
- Oatmeal baths: Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help to relieve itchy skin. You can add colloidal oatmeal to your dog’s bath water or use an oatmeal shampoo.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help to soothe itchy skin and reduce inflammation. Apply coconut oil directly to the affected area or add it to your dog’s food.
A note on apple cider vinegar: it is often recommended online, but there is no evidence it balances skin pH or relieves allergic itching, and it stings inflamed or broken skin. Leave it out.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article about home remedies for dog allergies. If you think your dog might have an allergy, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment before attempting home remedies.
Read More:
My Vet Told Me to Give My Dog Paracetamol – Is It Safe?
Can Dogs Have Ketchup? 5 Risks to Consider
Effective Ways to Remove Dog Pee from Carpet
When Is the Right Time to Take Your Puppy for Their First Walk?
Home Relief vs. When Allergies Need a Vet
Most dog allergies are lifelong conditions that are managed, not cured — the Merck Veterinary Manual is clear that the goal is keeping symptoms under control. Home care has a real role; it just isn’t the whole plan.
Home care that genuinely helps What it does Weekly bath with a gentle oatmeal or hypoallergenic shampoo Rinses pollen and dust off the coat; calms irritated skin Wiping paws and belly after walks Removes allergens before they’re licked in Omega-3 fatty acid supplement (fish oil, vet-dosed) Supports the skin barrier; takes 6–8 weeks to show effect Washing bedding weekly, HEPA filtering the bedroom Cuts dust-mite and pollen load Year-round flea prevention Flea-allergic dogs react to a single bite See the vet when itching lasts beyond two weeks, when there’s hair loss, hot spots, ear infections, or a yeasty smell, or when your dog can’t sleep for scratching. Modern allergy medications and allergen-specific immunotherapy are far more effective than anything in the kitchen — VCA’s guide to atopy in dogs explains the options your vet will discuss.
How Long Do Dog Allergens Stay in the House?
Dog allergens can linger in your home for a significant amount of time, even if you don’t have a dog. The duration these allergens remain present varies based on a few factors. Here’s a general idea of how long dog allergens can stay in a house:- Immediate Presence: If you have a dog in your home, allergens will be constantly generated. The allergens are in your dog’s dander, saliva, and urine. These particles can remain suspended in the air for several hours and settle on surfaces like furniture, floors, and walls.
- Long-term Residue: Even after a dog is removed from a home, the allergens can continue to be a problem. Dog allergens are known to be very sticky and can adhere to surfaces. They can linger in your home for months or even years after the dog is gone.
- Cleaning Frequency: Regular cleaning can significantly reduce dog allergens in your home. If you vacuum, dust, and clean surfaces frequently, you can minimize the buildup of allergens. However, if cleaning is infrequent, allergens will accumulate over time.
- Ventilation and Airflow: Proper ventilation and airflow in your home can help reduce allergen concentrations. Opening windows, using exhaust fans, and using air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove allergens from the air.
- Humidity: Humidity levels in your home can impact the persistence of dog allergens. Higher humidity can make allergens settle more quickly, while lower humidity can keep them airborne longer.
- Personal Sensitivity: The length of time dog allergens affect you can depend on your sensitivity. Some people may experience symptoms in the presence of even small amounts of allergens, while others may not be affected as quickly.
Charlotte qualified as a veterinarian in 2023 and has been working as a writer for several years helping pet parents understand how to help their pets live happy healthy lives whilst pursuing her interests in wildlife conservation.
She enjoys traveling and has undertaken positions in Belgium, Spain, Austria, Germany, and the Galapagos and has a 15-year-old rescue dog called Chiki.
