8 Most Important Home Remedies to STOP your dog or cat from itching.

Pet allergy symptoms to look for

• Scratching and biting their coat or skin

• Red, inflamed, or infected skin

• Excessive shedding

• Compulsive paw licking in dogs

• Boot scoots or licking their anal glands

• Chronic ear infections or red, waxy ears (common for dogs who are prone to ear problems in the first place)

• Respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing (more common in cats)

This is far more common in dogs, although some cats do suffer from allergies.

Atopy, (environmental allergy) often can start out as seasonal ( ie when plants grow, pollinate), but can then become a year round concern

Top 8 Effective Remedies

EFA's. Omega 3 Fatty Acids. There is a lot of evidence, and clinical results supporting the benefits of EFA's. The anti-inflammatory components of the Essential Fatty Acids are EPA and DHA can cause a marked decrease in the level of redness and ongoing scratching.

The important point here is to have a HIGHER than typically suggested dose to see a benefit, and to give the CORRECT type of Omega 3. New research is suggesting that Krill can be better absorbed, ultimately giving better results. Regardless, it needs to be at a high enough dose.

My suggested dose of the Fish Oil supplements is 1000mg per 20lbs of body weight daily. Doses of Krill can be lower at 500mg/20lbs daily, but if after 14 days there is no great response, then double this dose.

ANTIHISTAMINES. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the most used antihistamine. It is given at a dose of 1 mg per pound of body weight, 2-3 times a day. CETERIZINE (Zyrtec): I have now been using this 24-hour antihistamine on my dogs and cats. It has less side effects than the Benadryl- doses of 5mg/10lbs once daily. It is best to consult your veterinarian before using these medications. It often takes 14 days of using these to see if they are helping.

HERBAL Antihistamines: The most effective ‘natural’ antihistamine herb is NETTLE, and there are clinical studies showing it to be beneficial for people with allergies. It is also nutrient dense (Vitamins A,C,K, B, Ca, Magnesium, Iron, Quercetin, Carotenoids) so offers added nutrition to your dog’s diet . 1 teaspoon/10lbs daily,

TOPICAL CORTISONE. The 1% hydrocortisone creams are generally effective at quickly lowering the inflammation locally, and I have seen this work very well for my animals. They come with side effects if used long term, so  best if only used for 5 days in a row.

LICORICE ROOT. Considered ‘natural’ steroid. This has been most helpful for my dog when I want to quickly relieve her itching symptoms. The dose is ½ ml per 20lbs twice daily of the tincture. Caution if underlying organ dysfunction. Max use for 14 days in a row.

CBD-Cannabidiol. This is the non psychoactive ingredient from cannabis and is being primarily used to decrease inflammation/pain. It is now helping many dogs with Seasonal Allergies, and in fact my brother’s dog Angus with allergies STOPS itching while on the CBD. Doses of 3mg/10lbs twice daily.

SOY to STOP the ITCH.
Beta-sitosterol is a sterol (type of fat) found in soy, and it can help decrease the level of pruritis (itchiness) in your dog. In people it is most used for lowering cholesterol levels and improving symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Studies have shown that Beta-sitosterol ‘attenuates’ atopic dermatitis in animals. The dog Beta-sitosterol dose is 1-2mg/lb twice daily. The one I have used is called Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols, 180 Soft gels by Now.

BIOFLAVONOIDS. Natural Antihistamine in the form of Quercetin.
Quercetin has been extensively studied, and some researchers claim it is the most beneficial supplement for Seasonal Allergies. It is a flavonoid (beneficial nutrient), that is found in apple peel, red onion etc.

Quercetin displays high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have been proven by many in vivo and in vitro studies. Quercetin’s anti-allergic mechanism of action through the inhibition of enzymes and inflammatory mediators has also been extensively studied.

Standard Quercetin Dose: 100mg/10lbs daily, lower doses of the Bioavailable Quercetin, such as ours at 50mg/15lbs daily.