Natural Allergy Relief for Dogs

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Itchy, scratchy, uncomfortable pup? Allergies can be frustrating for both dogs and their owners and aren’t always a quick fix. While dog allergy medicine like prescription pills and injections exists, it’s important to incorporate natural allergy relief into your dog’s daily routine to help address the underlying cause and provide long-term allergy support.

Natural Allergy Relief Options for Dogs

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s offer anti-inflammatory properties and support skin and coat health. Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet through high-quality fish oil or sardines can be particularly helpful for pups suffering from chronic itching, hot spots, or skin irritation.

Probiotics

Digestive health plays a major role in allergy management, as approximately 80% of your dog’s immune system is in their gut. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that balance the gut microbiome, which in turn helps stabilize the body’s immune response. Raw goat milk, fermented foods, plain Greek yogurt, or plain kefir are great natural sources of probiotics for your dog, and there are many probiotic supplements and treats for dogs.

Quercetin

A plant compound that acts as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory. It is naturally found in foods like apples, blueberries, and broccoli, but you can also purchase dog-formulated supplements that contain quercetin.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Certain varieties of mushrooms, like reishi and turkey tail, can help regulate the immune system and naturally reduce inflammation. There are many mushroom-based supplements available for dogs in powdered, chewable, or liquid forms.

Coconut Oil

The natural antimicrobial and moisturizing properties of coconut oil can help soothe itchy, irritated skin. Apply a small amount topically to dry skin patches or minor hot spots.

Fresh Foods

Adding antioxidant-rich foods to your dog’s diet can help reduce inflammation, soothe skin, and support their immune system. Foods include blueberries, cranberries, spinach, cooked sweet potatoes, and carrots. These shouldn’t replace your dog’s diet, but can be added to the bowl or given as a daily treat in small amounts.

Raw Diets

Switching your dog to a raw diet can feel like a major step, especially if they’re used to eating kibble, but it can play a big role in long-term allergy improvements. In fact, a study found that 9 out of 10 dogs with digestive or skin problems saw relief after switching to raw foods.

Highly processed kibble can contain artificial preservatives, filler ingredients, low-quality proteins, and excess carbohydrates that can contribute to chronic inflammation and gut imbalance. A raw diet made with whole foods provides more bioavailable nutrients that help strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, and support whole body health from the inside out.

Bottom Line

When it comes to natural allergy relief options for dogs, consistency is key, and the biggest improvements may take several weeks to appear. Every dog is different, so it may take some experimenting to find a combination that works best. Natural support can be extremely helpful, but it’s important to work in tandem with your veterinarian for severe cases.

Find Steve’s Real Food at your local pet store or shop online.

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