Dog Skin Allergies: Home Remedies That Work

by Jaron Lukas May 19, 2022

Most dog skin allergies are caused by contact with foreign substances

The most common allergens for dogs are fleas, grass, dust mites, mold spores, and food. Other possible allergens include insect bites, carpet and upholstery fibers, cleaning chemicals and other household products, laundry detergent, perfume or cologne residue on clothing, latex rubber or rubber products like dog toys; and even cigarette smoke.

An allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs when it becomes sensitized to a specific substance. The substance that triggers an allergic reaction is called an allergen. When a dog becomes sensitized to an allergen through exposure over time (or after a single high-dose exposure), such as eating chicken or inhaling pollen from the air in the springtime months―the immune system identifies that allergen as harmful to the body.

Dogs don't have an allergic reaction to the same things humans do

It's important to note that some of the things dogs are allergic to aren't actually substances that come in contact with their skin.

"Allergic reactions are quite common in dogs," said Dr. Kim Smyth, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at BluePearl Veterinary Partners. "The most common triggers for allergies include flea bites, environmental allergens such as dust mites, mold spores and pollens, and food."

These allergens can cause rashes and hair loss associated with allergies, but they also can lead to more serious issues like respiratory disease or ear infections. In rare cases, dogs can have anaphylactic reaction to certain allergens similar to the way humans do—although the types of allergens might be different.

"Dogs usually aren’t allergic to medications like penicillin," said Dr. Smyth. "Many people think they’re allergic because they get symptoms like rash or itching when they take it."

A dog's allergies could stem from multiple sources: flea bites, grasses or trees that grow in your yard and outdoor mold spores just to name a few possibilities.

There are a lot of ways to treat dog skin allergies, but not all of them work.

When it comes to treating your dog's skin allergies, you have a wide range of options. Some are simple and cheap. Others are more expensive or dangerous. It’s important to consider which treatments will work well for your dog's needs, and which ones are just fluff.

Keep reading to know what different treatments do, and whether they're worth trying out with your pet.

Make sure you bathe your dog regularly to prevent dog skin allergy problems.

The frequency of bathing all depends on the type of hair coat, skin conditions your pet has, and how much time he spends outdoors. When dogs are kept in a house or apartment it is recommended that they be bathed at least once a week. If your pet has long hair and is mainly an outdoor pet then bathing should be done every 1-2 weeks.
Use a shampoo that is right for your dog's coat type. Your veterinarian can recommend one if you're unsure which one to use, but it must have the proper pH balance for their skin, which tends to be more acidic than humans'. Some shampoos are made especially for dogs with sensitive skin as well, so look into those if this applies to yours!
Bathe your dog in warm water - never hot! Hot water can dry out their fur even more and make them uncomfortable too; cold water won't help get rid of dirt either so keep it somewhere between lukewarm temperatures when washing away dirt with soap or shampoo from between the folds of his paws (if he has any).

Home remedies for itchy dogs include oatmeal baths.

Oatmeal is a natural moisturizer, which helps soothe itchy skin and relieve irritation. Oatmeal can be ground into a fine powder in a food processor or blender. Create the bath by mixing one cup of finely ground oatmeal with warm water in a clean sink or bucket—make sure to use plain oatmeal, not flavored oatmeal, as the added ingredients might irritate your dog's skin further. Add the mixture to your dog's bathwater. Soak your dog for 15 minutes, then rinse well with cool water.

If you prefer to purchase an oatmeal-based pet shampoo rather than make your own, look for a shampoo that contains colloidal oatmeal—this type of oatmeal is finely ground so that it can be absorbed into the skin and hair follicles where it relieves itchiness and inflammation.

Although some dogs will feel immediate relief from an oatmeal bath, others may need several consecutive baths to achieve relief from their itching. If you're using store-bought shampoos for your dog's condition, discontinue use until you've spoken with your veterinarian about how to proceed further in treating allergic dermatitis in dogs at home.

If your dog has kidney disease, talk to your vet before giving him an oatmeal bath—even plain oats are high in phosphorus and potassium which could cause problems if they're already elevated in his system due to illness.

You can also add aloe vera gel or tea tree oil to help soothe your pup's skin.

To further help soothe your pup's skin, you can add either aloe vera gel or tea tree oil to the bath. Aloe vera hydrates the skin and helps it heal faster, and tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that kills infection-causing bacteria. Make sure not to use aloe vera juice, which contains ingredients that aren't safe for dogs. Both aloe vera gel and tea tree oil are safe for dogs with skin allergies.

A coconut oil bath can also be beneficial.

Not only does coconut oil contain lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties, it may also help reduce fungal infections and skin irritation as well as itching. Additionally, coconut oil can be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of allergies.

Fish oil supplements can help prevent dry skin in dogs.

Fish oil supplements can be helpful in alleviating dry skin and itching, as well as other dog health problems. It's best to give your dog fish oil that comes from the deep ocean, not from farm-raised fish or lower quality sources. Not all fish oil supplements are created equal, so it's important to do your research before buying.

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties that could help dogs with itchy skin.

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties that could help dogs with itchy skin. You can apply ginger topically to your dog’s skin or feed it to them in small amounts.

According to Dr. Andrea Tasi of the University of California, a compound found in ginger is effective as an anti-inflammatory and can also help with nausea in humans. Relying on anecdotal evidence of its healing effects, pet owners have tried using ginger for their dogs as well.

However, ginger should be used in moderation and only for topical application purposes. Experts recommend that pet parents get advice from their veterinarian before using any home remedies on their pets.

Be sure to consult your vet before starting any of these home remedies for dog skin allergies itching.

Before starting any treatment, be sure to consult your vet before starting any of these home remedies for dog skin allergies. Even natural and seemingly harmless treatments can be harmful if used in excess. Your vet will help you identify potential allergens and foods that may cause skin problems.

Last but not least, check your dog's diet.

Inflammatory foods such as dry kibble can make dog skin allergy symptoms worse. Highly processed kibble often contains high levels of inflammatory omega-6 and is produced through a process that oxidizes the oils (causing them to become even more inflammatory).

If your dog experiences skin allergies, we recommend switching your dog to a natural food diet as part of a longer term treatment plan.