Natural Remedies for Dog Allergies & Itching

If your dog won’t stop scratching, licking their paws, or rubbing their face on the carpet, you know how frustrating allergies can be—for both of you.

The good news? Natural remedies can make a real difference. This guide covers what actually works—and what doesn’t—for dogs with allergies and itchy skin.

First: What Kind of Allergy Does Your Dog Have?

Before reaching for remedies, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with:

Type	Common Signs	When It Happens	What Helps
Seasonal (Environmental)	Itchy paws, face rubbing, sneezing	Spring/summer/fall	Quercetin, nettle, reducing exposure
Food Allergies	Chronic ear infections, paw licking, GI issues	Year-round	Elimination diet + gut support
Flea Allergy	Intense itching at tail base, hair loss	When fleas present	Flea control + skin healing
Contact Allergy	Itching where skin touches irritant	After contact	Remove irritant + soothe skin

Most common: Seasonal allergies affect about 10-15% of dogs. Food allergies are less common than people think (only about 10% of allergic dogs).

Signs Your Dog Has Allergies

Not sure if it’s allergies? Look for:

Classic allergy signs:

• Constant scratching or biting at skin
• Red, irritated skin (especially belly, armpits, paws)
• Licking paws obsessively
• Rubbing face on carpet or furniture
• Recurring ear infections
• Hot spots (red, oozing patches)
• Hair loss from scratching

When to see a vet first:

• Open sores or wounds
• Signs of infection (pus, strong odor)
• Swelling of face or throat
• Severe hair loss
• No improvement after 2-3 weeks of treatment

Natural Remedies That Actually Work

1. Quercetin - “Nature’s Benadryl”

Quercetin is a plant compound that works like a natural antihistamine. It stabilizes the cells that release histamine (the chemical that causes itching).

Why it works: Blocks histamine release at the source Best for: Seasonal allergies, environmental allergies How long: Start seeing results in 1-2 weeks Dosage: About 8mg per pound of body weight, twice daily

Unlike Benadryl, quercetin doesn’t cause drowsiness and is safe for long-term use.

2. Nettle (Stinging Nettle)

Nettle is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory. It’s been used for centuries to treat allergic reactions.

Why it works: Reduces histamine and inflammation Best for: Seasonal allergies, itchy skin How to give: Dried herb in food, or as a tincture Dosage: Follow product instructions based on weight

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish oil isn’t just for shiny coats—it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps from the inside out.

Why it works: Reduces inflammatory response in skin Best for: All types of allergies, especially skin issues How long: 4-6 weeks for full effect Dosage: About 20mg EPA/DHA per pound of body weight

4. Licorice Root (External)

Licorice contains compounds similar to cortisone but without the side effects. Great for topical use on itchy spots.

Why it works: Natural anti-inflammatory and anti-itch Best for: Hot spots, localized itching How to use: In sprays or as a tea applied to skin

5. Slippery Elm + Marshmallow Root (For Food Allergies)

If your dog’s allergies involve the gut (loose stools, gas, vomiting), these herbs soothe and heal the digestive tract.

Why it works: Coats and protects irritated gut lining Best for: Food sensitivities, leaky gut How long: 2-4 weeks for gut healing

What About CBD for Allergies?

CBD can help with the inflammation and discomfort of allergies, but it doesn’t address histamine. It’s best used alongside antihistamine herbs, not instead of them.

Home Care for Itchy Dogs

While herbs do their work, these steps provide immediate relief:

Soothing Baths

Oatmeal bath: Colloidal oatmeal relieves itching on contact Apple cider vinegar rinse: 1 part ACV to 3 parts water (avoid on broken skin) Cool water: Never hot—heat makes itching worse

How often: 1-2 times per week for itchy dogs

Paw Soaks

For dogs who lick their paws constantly:

1. Fill a container with cool water
2. Add 1 cup Epsom salt per gallon
3. Soak paws for 5 minutes
4. Pat dry thoroughly

Do this after every walk during allergy season.

Reduce Allergen Exposure

• Wipe paws and belly after outdoor time
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water
• Use air purifiers indoors
• Keep grass short in your yard
• Avoid walking during high pollen times (early morning, windy days)

Recommended Products for Dog Allergies

Quick guide - which product is right for your dog?

• Seasonal Allergy Powder → Outdoor allergies, spring/summer itching, sneezing
• Itch Relief Formula → Intense itching, hot spots, skin irritation
• Allergy Relief Capsules → Comprehensive allergy support, chronic allergies
• FidoDerm Spray → Topical relief for hot spots and itchy patches

Diet Changes That Help Allergies

What your dog eats affects their allergies:

Foods That Reduce Inflammation

• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
• Blueberries
• Sweet potatoes
• Leafy greens (small amounts)

Foods to Avoid During Flare-Ups

• Highly processed foods
• Foods high in omega-6 (corn, soy)
• Common allergens (if suspected): chicken, beef, wheat, dairy

Consider a Limited Ingredient Diet

If you suspect food allergies:

1. Feed a novel protein for 8-12 weeks (something your dog has never eaten)
2. No treats, table scraps, or flavored medications
3. Watch for improvement
4. Gradually reintroduce foods to identify triggers

When Natural Remedies Aren’t Enough

Sometimes allergies need veterinary intervention:

See your vet if:

• No improvement after 3-4 weeks of natural treatment
• Skin infections developing
• Your dog is miserable
• Weight loss or other systemic signs

Integrative approach: Many vets support using natural remedies alongside conventional treatment. Apoquel or Cytopoint for immediate relief + herbs for long-term management is a common combination.

Building a Long-Term Allergy Plan

The best results come from a multi-pronged approach:

During Flare-Ups:

1. FidoDerm Spray for immediate itch relief
2. Itch Relief or Allergy Relief capsules daily
3. Oatmeal baths 2x weekly
4. Wipe down after outdoor time

For Prevention:

1. Start Seasonal Allergy Powder 2 weeks before allergy season
2. Add omega-3s to diet year-round
3. Keep up with regular bathing during allergy season
4. Minimize allergen exposure

Long-Term Immune Support:

1. Quality diet with anti-inflammatory foods
2. Gut health support (probiotics, digestive herbs)
3. Reduce environmental toxins
4. Consider allergy testing to know exactly what to avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do natural remedies take to work?

Most dogs show improvement in 1-3 weeks. For best results with seasonal allergies, start treatment 2 weeks before allergy season begins.

Can I use natural remedies with Apoquel or Cytopoint?

Yes, in most cases. Always check with your vet, but herbs generally work well alongside conventional allergy medications.

Are these safe for puppies?

Most are safe for puppies over 6 months. Use lower doses and consult your vet for very young puppies.

My dog is on other medications. Is it safe?

Most allergy herbs are safe to combine with medications, but always inform your vet about all supplements your dog takes.

Why do allergies get worse as dogs age?

The immune system becomes more reactive over time. That’s why early intervention and ongoing management are so important.

Conclusion

Dog allergies are frustrating, but natural remedies offer real relief without the side effects of long-term medication use. The key is finding what works for YOUR dog—every dog responds differently.

Start with one approach (we recommend the Seasonal Allergy Powder for most dogs), give it 2-3 weeks, and adjust from there. Combined with good home care and diet changes, you can significantly improve your itchy dog’s quality of life.

Your dog doesn’t have to suffer through allergy season. With the right support, they can be comfortable and happy year-round.

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Has natural allergy relief worked for your dog? Share what helped in the comments!