This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice.*

Treating Pet Allergies Naturally

If your dog has been diagnosed with allergies (itchy dog, chronic itching and scratching, hot spots on skin, skin problems such as canine dermatitis (flaky, itchy skin), runny eyes, runny nose, coughing, sneezing), and you've already done the two most important things: 1) switched to a healthy, natural dog food that doesn't contain a lot of corn, wheat or soy (common irritants to dogs), and 2) have begun supplementing your dog’s diet by sprinkling Omega 3 Oil for Dogs (and cats) on his food, but your dog still has symptoms, what do you do?

Herbs to treat Seasonal Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Here are some herbs that are safe for dogs, cats and most other mammals and can be very effective at treating seasonal issues without harmful drugs or their side effects. These herbs are available in an herbal treatment for seasonal allergies in dogs and cats that is safe and easy to use with almost any mammal pet. The tincture contains all the herbs in this article and it is easy to use. Animals Apawthecary Spring Tonic

Dog Allergy Herb 1: Nettle (Urtica spp.) – Nettle is an herbal success story with many herbalists. Many animals, as well as people, have found relief from symptoms, including seasonal symptoms, from the daily use of this herb, especially when it is begun at the earliest onset of hay fever season. One of the predominant theories of how nettle works is centered on the release of histamine. Histamine is a protein produced by the body that contributes to the body's inflammatory responses. If too much histamine is released by the body or released too quickly, symptoms such as swelling, sneezing and coughing are more likely to occur. Nettle’s chemistry includes an interesting assortment of proteins and histamine-like compounds that herbalists believe may slow the body’s own release of histamine, thus lessening severity of symptoms.

Dog Allergy Herb 2: Eyebright (Euphrasia officianalis) – Herbalists have used this herb, eyebright, for centuries to relieve inflammation of upper respiratory mucus tissues. Eyebright is also thought to help support and strengthen various liver functions, meaning that it helps with the body’s elimination of systemic waste that may compound the problem.

Dog Allergy Herb 3: Burdock (Arctium lappa/minor) – Burdock has been used since ancient times as an herb that is a safe, gentle liver tonic. In Chinese medicine it is referred to as “gobo”. It has long been regarded as a specific remedy for various forms of chronic dermatitis. It is thought to work by supporting the liver in the elimination of protein byproducts and other metabolic waste that may otherwise cause reactions if left in the body. The strategy is to get the offending substances out of the body before inflammation is triggered.

Dog Allergy Herb 4: Licorice Root Glycyrrhiza glabra/uralensis) – Licorice root may be the most broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory herb available. In addition to strong liver-support attributes, this herb contains an assortment of phytosterol constituents that may serve to supplement the body’s natural product of cortisone; a hormone that serves to further slow and regulate the body’s inflammatory response. It is also anti-tussive and an expectorant, meaning that it will help make your pet's coughs and sneezes less violent and more productive.

A special blend of these herbs is available in a convenient and easy-to-use herbal tincture to give to your pets. Animals Apawthecary Spring Tonic

Thanks to Greg Tilford of Animals Apawthecary for his extensive work on herbal treatments for dogs and cats.

Additional Dog Allergy Information

Please note that this information is for educational purposes only and is reflective only of the opinions of its author. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or prescribe any course of therapy or be a substitute for the care and advice of a qualified veterinarian. If you feel your pet may have health problems, please consult a veterinarian.