Natural Remedies For Your Pet’s Allergies

Man preparing natural remedies on a rounded white plate

Just like humans, pets suffer from allergies, too. Here are some tips on things you can do around the house to lessen your pet’s allergic reactions, as well as some natural remedies you can try using inexpensive household items.

Throw Away the Plastic

If your dog or cat has pet allergies that result in redness on their face, this might be caused by their plastic food bowls. Plastic food bowls tend to develop cracks over time, and in these little cracks is where bacteria can grow and create problems. Animals or pets that are allergic to this bacteria can develop dog or feline acne, a rash, or pimples that tend to develop around their chin and lips, sometimes around their eyes and ears. To remedy this, throw away the plastic food bowls and replace them with stainless steel, glass, or ceramic food bowls. Try your best to keep them clean by washing with warm soap and water as often as necessary.

Don’t Use Human Skincare Products on Your Pets

Don’t use human skincare products like acne medications or shampoo, as these can cause allergic reactions in pets. Human skin is more acidic than your dog or cat’s skin, and using these products on them can cause irritation. A natural and affordable remedy to heal your pet’s redness and acne is Epsom salt. If your pet has redness of the feet, soak them in warm water with a generous amount of salt dissolved in it for 5 to 10 minutes. For acne, apply the Epsom salt and water solution to a cloth and apply to the affected area. This Epsom salt solution helps with fighting off infection and will also reduce swelling.

Wipe the Pollen Off

If your pet has been outside in the yard, or the pollen count for the day is high, try wiping your dog’s paws with a cool cloth to remove any pollen residue, or give your dog or cat a weekly bath. To avoid bringing pollen throughout the house, have everyone in the house leave their shoes at the door or in the foyer area. Pollen is one of the main causes of pet allergies, so keeping it out of the house and off of your pet is key.

Pollen from a variety of common plants: sunflower (Helianthus annuus), morning glory Ipomoea purpurea, hollyhock (Sildalcea malviflora), lily (Lilium auratum), primrose (Oenothera fruticosa) and castor bean (Ricinus communis). The image is magnified some x500, so the bean shaped grain in the bottom left corner is about 50 μm long. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Vacuum Your Home

In addition to pollen, dust is also a common allergen that affects animals. If your dog or cat has pet allergies that are triggered by dust in your home, try vacuuming your carpets more often and more thoroughly. Also, clean and vacuum your curtains, too. Dust can collect on your pet’s bedding as well, so try washing it regularly with a gentle detergent that doesn’t contain any perfume or dyes.

Feed Your Pet Oil

Need a remedy for dry, flaky skin and dandruff? Feed your dog or cat oil. Yes, that’s right – oil. Adding oil to their diet will provide the essential fatty acids that work against these problems. A few examples of some good oils to use are peanut, safflower, corn, and sunflower oil. Cats can have about half a teaspoon with every meal, while dogs can take one to three teaspoons at every meal depending on how big they are.

Unfortunately, treating your pet’s allergies isn’t as easy as popping an antihistamine pill. However, by doing a few simple things around the house and using common products found in your cabinet, you can help your cat and dog make this allergy season a more pleasant one.

Sean Carter is an experienced writer who has contributed to numerous blogs all across the internet. His main areas of expertise include computers, pet care advice and healthly living.