Most Effective Natural Pet Allergy Remedies

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Our guest post today offers some suggestions for the natural treatment of Allergies in pets.

Most Effective Natural Pet Allergy Remedies
By Samaiyah Islam

Many pets suffer from allergies, and sometimes the medicines that are used to combat these allergies are worse than the sickness they are meant to cure. Many people have switched from pharmaceuticals and chemicals to natural, holistic methods to treat their own allergies, and are now switching their pets over to these cures. There are several great, all-natural treatments for pets who suffer from allergies. These treatments allow the animal some relief from what ails them, and lets their pet parent rest assured that they are doing the very best for their pet.

Apple cider vinegar is effective for many things. You can use it for cleaning, cooking and other things around the house. It’s also great for battling allergies in pets. Wendy Volhard is a dog trainer and pet nutritionist, and states that one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar a day per 50 pounds is great for your pet. This dose of apple cider vinegar may cure hot spots, itching, coughing and discharge from your pet’s eyes and nose. It also provides other benefits when mixed in your pet’s food, including better appetite and maintaining the pH balance in your pet’s body, which also helps to repel parasites such as ticks and fleas.

Cooking oil is also one of the better natural pet allergy remedies, though it sounds silly. Choose a healthy type of cooking oil that contains essential fatty acids, such as peanut or sunflower* oil. Add approximately one teaspoon per day to your pet’s food. The oil will help clear up hot spots and dry, itchy, flaking skin for your pet. These issues can be caused by simple dryness or an allergic reaction, but the cooking oil will usually clear it up in a few days.

Vitamins and supplements are another great way to keep allergies at bay for your pet. Butterbur root** is a great supplement for both humans and pets, and controls coughing and sneezing. There are many other supplements that can be helpful in treating and preventing allergies – your veterinarian can help you find the right supplements. Avoid over-the-counter antihistamines and other medications for your pet – these can also cause adverse reactions that can be harmful.

Eliminate allergens. This sounds simple, but is often overlooked by many pet owners. Switch to oatmeal based, natural shampoos for your pet when you bathe them. Cut out harmful flea and tick preventatives and choose a natural method for repelling parasites. Many times, these medications cause worse reactions than an actual flea or tick infestation. In addition, your pet may be allergic to a plant that is in your yard, or even grass. The best way to avoid an allergic reaction is to remove the offending plant, but if you can’t do this, help your pet by wiping down their fur, concentrating on their face and paws, when they come in the house from outside. This removes pollen and other allergy triggers. While there are specially-made wipes for this purpose, they contain chemicals which may also cause an allergic reaction in pets. The safest bet to clean your pet is a wet towel that is soaked with water.

Switch to homemade foods and treats. Many pet parents don’t even think of their pet’s foods and treats as being the cause of allergies. Some store-bought treats and foods are over-processed and full of chemicals that can harm animals. When you cook for your pet from scratch, you know what’s in their food and can ensure that only the best ingredients are used. You can find hundreds of thousands of recipes with a simple search of the Internet.

Allergy sufferers just feel miserable all-around and many times have no interest in normal activities. Allergies can suck the life out of a pet or human and make them lethargic and depressed. Human allergy sufferers who have switched from over-the-counter and prescription medications have reported that they feel healthier and just have more energy and zest for life. While our pets can’t speak to us in “human language” and let us know how they feel, you can tell by their body language when they feel sick or lethargic, and when they feel good and full of energy. Make these changes for your pet and you will be sure to notice a change in their demeanor.

Editor’s Notes:  

* Since sunflower oil is high in Omega-6, it should be balanced with sources of Omega-3 (Krill, Oily fish and Seaweed).  Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio is often (arguably) recommended at 5:1, based on Atopic Dermatitis studies.  Oils we recommend are virgin olive oil and virgin coconut oil.

** Only Butterbur products that are certified pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA)-free” should be used to avoid dangerous side effects.  It may actually cause an allergic reaction in some pets, especially those who are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family.  Butterbur should not be taken by pregnant or nursing animals or juveniles.  Butterbur should not be taken by pets with liver problems. Consult with a veterinarian before administering to avoid complications and drug interactions.

=========== Author Bio ===========
Samaiyah Islam is a recent college graduate, public relations professional and writes about pet health care on behalf of Pet Medical Center of Edmond.
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