REMEDIES FOR DOG ALLERGIES AND ITCHY SKIN, EARS, EYES AND PAWS

Dogs who’re prone to allergies suffer with itchy,  irritated paws, skin and eyes as well as mild to severe intestinal issues and reoccurring ear infections just like humans.

This post recommends natural over the counter products that help treat the symptoms of allergies as well as some homeopathic remedies you can make using household ingredients.

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE ITCHY RED PAWS? 

Itchy,  swollen red paws can be caused by several issues including long term causes such as food and environmental allergies or short term environmental issues like walking on chemically treated soil, grass or trails. Both can be treated with these natural treatments at home using these over the counter products and homeopathic paw bath recipes.

POVIDONE IODINE FOR PAWS

If your dogs paws are really inflamed, swollen,  painful to the touch and itchy.  Iodine is a natural antifungal, antiviral as well as safe for dogs, Iodine is non-stinging, non-toxic, and non-abrasive. It’s a very effective disinfectant for your dogs paws.

You can soak your dogs paws in a Iodine and warm water bath in tub,  bucket or even in a baby pool (definitely should be done outside,  iodine can stain). 

You can also get the Iodine Pads, let the pads sit on your dogs paws for 2 mins and then remove them and wipe clean.

Research shows that soaking the paws is more effective than “dunking,” so either technique will be more effective than simply using a washcloth to remove contaminants.

Don’t worry about licking their paws after, Iodine is non-toxic for dogs

I also really like the Iodine Swabs Sticks on Amazon because you can get in between their toes easier and it’s far less messy on your hands. 

OVER THE COUNTER REMEDIES FOR ITCHY DOG PAWS

When itching persists and your dog chews on their paws, they damages the skin and it opens it up to infection. Your vet may recommend OTC medications like Hydrocortisone which will help to ease their itchy,  swollen paws and offer temporary relief, allowing the skin to heal. Antihistamines can also offer itch relief, especially when allergies are the cause of the problem.

Zymox Hydrocortisone Topical Spray

I personally recommend the Zymox – Topical Spray with Hydrocortisone on Amazon to treat fungal and viral skin infections and inflamed, swollen itchy paws.

• Potent and safe treatment for bacterial, fungal and viral skin infections
• Contains a combination of 3 enzymes with Hydrocortisone to reduce swelling and itching. 

Zymox Itch Relief Shampoo and Conditioning Rinse

Zymox Enzymatic Shampoo and Conditioning Rinse provides natural inflammation amd itch relief. Gently cleans the skin and aids in the management of both fungal and bacterial skin infections with its patented LP3 Enzyme System. Pure and gentle enough for puppies and kittens. Does not contain harsh detergents, steroids, or petroleum by products. 

Buy the Zymox Enzymatic Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle on Amazon! 

Chlorhexidine Medicated Shampoo

Strawfield Pets Chlorhexidine Shampoo for Dog, Cats – *Medicated Antiseptic Pet Shampoo for Dry Itchy Skin, Hot Spot Treatment, Mange, Deodorizer, Yeast Infection, Allergy Itch Relief, Ringworm.

Buy Strawfield Chlorhexidine Shampoo for Itchy Dogs om Amazon! 

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE ITCHY EARS AND REOCCURRING EAR INFECTIONS? 

Chronic ear infection in dogs is one of the most common ailments found to occur concurrently with allergies. An ear infection is described in medical terms as otitis externa.

For most dogs, ear infections come from food allergies. Allergies to food cause inflammation in the intestines, which leads to bacterial and/or yeast overgrowth in the intestines, which then spreads to the whole body, including the ears.

Therefore, the first time a dog has an ear infection, a question should already start to form: “I wonder if she’s allergic to something in her food?” If she gets another ear infection, the vet must start looking for the source.

Really curing the problem means first treating the symptoms, second figuring out what your dog is allergic to and getting rid of it, and third treating the systemic problems resulting from the food allergy, which is very often whole body yeast infections which is where a good probiotic comes in to restore the good bacteria in their gut.  I have linked a couple probiotics I use below. 

The best treatment I’ve found that never fails me is the Zymox brand ear drops. Even when perscriptions didnt work this has! 

ZYMOX PLUS OTIC-HC ENZYMATIC – EAR DROPS 

ZYMOX PLUS Otic HC with 1% Hydrocortisone aids in the management of chronic otitis externa caused by resistant organisms. Easy to administer, with no pre-cleaning of the ear required. Recommended for recurring otitis infections or the infections that won’t resolve.

Buy Zymox Plus Otic-HC Enzymatic on Amazon! 

DO YOUR DOGS EYES GET RED AND GOOPY?

There’s a wide range of causes for conjunctivitis, from allergies, injury, birth defects, and tear duct problems, to foreign matter, dry eye, distemper, or even tumors but in alot of cases especially if its seasonal or seems to be happening alot..  the cause is probably environmental or food allergies. If your dog has an eye infection take them to the vet. 

I recommend treating dogs eyes with Vetericyn Plus – Antimicrobial Ophthalmic Gel which is a best seller and formulated to clean away discharge,  alleviate itching and irritation in and around your dogs eyes due to allergies. All Vetericyn Plus products are made with hypochlorous technology, a non-toxic alternative to antibiotics and steroids and jumpstart the healing process. Safe for all animals at all life stages. Safe if licked or ingested. 

ALSO READ: 5 Types of Dog Eye Discharge (and What They Mean) by PetMD

BEST PROBIOTIC FOR YOUR DOGS

All dogs should be on a good probiotic especially if they suffer from allergies and yeast. I like Purinas Fortiflora and Irma Lewis’s Probiotic (linked below). 

Real Deal Pet Labs exclusive formulation of the best probiotics for dogs.  Their probiotic powder is easy to use and will keep the digestive system running smoothly by restoring the natural balance of good bacteria in the intestines. The modern-day pet diet has created the need for probiotic supplementation. The additives found in most store-bought pet foods are depleting our dog’s digestive and immune system of vital good bacteria. Without a properly functioning immune and digestive system our pets will struggle to fight illness.

Buy Real Deal Probitics on Amazon! 

 

K9 NATURE ALL-CLEAR

Dog Allergy Supplement ALL-CLEAR Herbal Anti Itch Treats Provide Natural Relief from Seasonal Allergies Reducing Constant Scratching & Other Symptoms in Dogs 45 Tasty Soft Chews

Buy All Clear on Amazon!

HOMEOPATHIC FOOT AND BODY BATHS FROM HOME

IODINE ITCHY PAW BATH

Iodine Itchy Paw Bath: putting warm water and PVP Iodine liquid in your dog’s bath will get rid of any allergens or toxins on her feet and between her paw pads, disinfect any wounds she may have, and will treat any ongoing yeast infection caused by constant licking or chewing.

Add just enough iodine in the water to turn it the color of iced tea, then stand your pet in the solution for 30 seconds. Pat the paws dry with a clean towel and your pup is good to go. Don’t worry if they licks their paws after, iodine is non-toxic for dogs.

BAKING SODA PAW BATH

Add Baking soda in a bucket of warm water and mix well.  This will help to remove any allergens or chemicals that might be causing your dogs paws to become itchy and inflamed. Baking soda will soothe the inflamed and irritated red skin and also wash away anything that may continue to irritate their poor feet.

You can dunk your dog’s feet into the bucket when you come in from outside and let them sit there for a minute or two, and the licking and chewing should stop.

Just add 1 or 2-tablespoons of baking soda per gallon of water.  That should be enough to calm the itchiness.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR & HYDROGEN PEROXIDE BATH 

A combination of warm water, organic,

unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide works to treat yeast infections and sooth irritated paws with its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. To make this solution, pour 1 cup of organic apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into 1 gallon of warm water. Soak your dog’s paws in the liquid for 30 seconds and allow the skin to air-dry.

EPSOM SALT SOAK FOR YOUR DOGS ITCHY SKIN

Epsom salts (1 cup per gallon of water) dissolved in a warm water bathtub or baby pool. Epsom Salt contain the potassium, nitrates, and chloride that helps restore your dog’s natural bacterial balance on the skin of her paws.

The salts raise your dog’s natural pH level, which helps to kill off the “bad” bacteria causing any inflammation or itching, and regenerate the “good” bacteria that keeps her skin and coat healthy.

Your dog needs to be able to stand in the Epsom salts for around 10 minutes for the treatment to be effective. If it’s not just their paws that’s itchy you can use a cup and continuously pour the epsom salt and water over their whole body as well, it helps if you can get your dog to lay down in the bath.

Once the 10 min salt soak is completed then you can just wash them normally with one of the recommended medicated or enzymatic shampoos recommended above.  

TRY EPSOM SALT GEL! 

Epsom Salt gel is great and dissolves in water much quicker then the actual salt. 

Buy Durvet Epsom Salt Gel on Amazon! 

EPSOM SALT SOAK – DETOX

Buy Epsom Salt – Detox on Amazon! 

 

DOG ALLERGY PREVENTION

Using Dog Booties (if your dog isn’t too embarrassed) for outdoor walks or hikes can help if your dog is sensitive to grass pollen, this helps keep grass and other types of seeds and environmental  allergens off their paws. 

PAWZ – RUBBER DOG BOOTS

• Bends with paw and absolutely stays on
• Protection from ice, snow, salt, lawn chemicals and hot surfaces
• Assists with traction control and protects dogs paws from environmental allergies

Buy Pawz Rubber Dog Boots on Amazon! 

 

AFTER THE FUN – ITS TIME TO CLEAN UP

When you get home from your outside adventures make sure to wash your dogs feet and face with a damp washcloth or even easier and better use some of the PetMD Medicated Wipes.

Remember washing their face is just as important as their paws because the nose and face pick up a lot of the irritants that can be transferred to their paws.

Pet MD Chlorhexidine Wet Wipes

Pet MD Chlorhexidine Wipes with Ketoconazole and Aloe for Cats and Dogs

• Non Stinging Antiseptic, Antibacterial and Antifungal Solution for the Topical Management of Skin Problems in dogs.
• Moistened Wipes also Deodorize and Help Relieve Fungal and Bacterial Skin Infections Like Hot Spots, Ringworm and Acne in Pets.
• Helps Heal Skin Infections, Superficial Cuts, Abrasions and Insect Bites.
• Kills the Types of Bacteria and Yeast that are Most Commonly Associated with Skin Infections in Dogs

Buy Pet MD’s Antiseptic Wipes on Amazon!

 

KEEPING YOUR AIR CLEAN FOR YOUR ALLERGY PRONE DOG

If your dog is allergy-prone, you can also add a air humidifier or air filter to their sleeping area. A HEPA air filter picks up pollen, dust,  smoke and other airborne particles. This means cleaner air for both you and your dog. Also make sure to vacuum your carpets and mop your floors often. Wash your dogs bedding with a perfume-free detergent.

I like the Germ Guardian 3-in-1 Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter on Amazon!

Germ Guardian 3-in-1 Air Purifier with Pet Pure True HEPA Filter, UV-C Sanitizer, Captures Allergens, Smoke, Odors, Mold, Dust, Germs, Pets, Smokers, 22-Inch Germ Guardian Air Purifier. 

 

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