We have all had that dramatic episode where we discover red sores or bumps on our puppy for the first time and become really worried, unsure of what to do next as a pet parent. Singapore’s generally hot and humid weather, accompanied by a lack of whole organic foods and natural produce, encourages some very bad allergic reactions in our dogs.

So, how do we treat dry, itchy skin in adult dogs, or even puppy hot spots with some common natural household ingredients? We list down five natural remedies that you can find in your kitchen for your dog’s food and seasonal allergies below!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Best for: Dry, itchy skin. Not suitable for raw or open wounds.

How-to: Prepare a 50-50 apple cider vinegar to water mix in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto affected areas or soak affected paws in solution for up to 5 minutes.

This organic, all-natural salad dressing has a yummy sweet-sour tang, but did you know that it is also very effective in relieving itchy spots too?

Apple cider vinegar has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that helps heal your dog’s sores and bumps. This is due to the naturally-occuring acetic acid content in apple cider vinegar that kills bacteria without harming your pup’s skin. One study found that spraying a 50-50 mixture of water to apple cider vinegar onto the kitchen surface reduced bacteria and other pathogens to undetectable levels.

For ear infections and yeast infections, the water and apple cider vinegar mix can also be applied directly using a cotton swab or cotton bud. This should slow the growth of yeast in your dog’s ears or affected areas almost immediately.

If your pup has any itchy bumps or rashes, apply or spray the solution directly onto the affected area to help relieve itching immediately!

Aloe Vera

Best for: Hot spots, burns and itches.

How-to: Use a commercially available, all-natural 100% aloe vera gel. Apply directly to hot spots, burns and itches to soothe the pain or itch. Apply twice daily.

Aloe Vera is known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that makes it perfect for treating burns, itches, and hot spots when applied to the skin or wounds. In addition, aloe vera also contains antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins A and C, which helps with most skin issues that arise due to allergies. Finally, aloe also provides a soothing and cooling sensation that makes allergy rashes feel much more comfortable once it is applied.

Be reminded to always use 100% aloe vera gel. If you have an aloe plant at home, remove the rind and latex first before applying on your pup. The rind and latex are the yellow-orange parts on the leaf and they are laxatives that can make your dog sick. Only use the center of the leaf which yields the healing aloe gel for your furkid’s allergies.

Chamomile & Green Tea

Best for: Hot, itchy patches of skin that are almost raw.

How-to: Fill a tub or sink with lukewarm water and let several tea bags steep for three to five minutes. Then, remove the tea bags and let your dog soak in the mixture for at least five minutes. If you want to treat a spot on your dog's skin, steep a tea bag and let it cool completely before applying the tea directly to affected areas.

Chamomile and green teas have been used by humans for thousands of years as natural anti-inflammatory remedies. These healing properties can be transferred similarly to our furkids by soaking them in a chamomile tea bath or a green tea bath. If your pup has allergic reactions in a small area of their skin, you can use a steeped and cooled tea bag to dab directly onto the affected areas for best results. These teas also have natural antioxidants that will benefit your pup if they happen to lick them off the affected areas. However, try to keep your dog from licking the tea away so that the healing can take place.

Coconut Oil

Best for: Allergic reactions to fleas & insects, doggy eczema, yeast infections.

How-to: For allergic reactions on skin, apply coconut oil to affected areas. For boosting immune function and digestion, ¼ teaspoon for small dogs and 1 teaspoon for big dogs daily. Increase dosage to 2 teaspoons per 10kg of body weight gradually.

Coconut oil has extensive benefits for your dog. Chilled, solidified coconut oil can help soothe discomfort associated with doggy eczema, allergies, skin infections, and even bug bites when massaged onto the skin and coat of your dog.

When used in combination with fish oil in your dog's diet, coconut oil can also help suppress inflammatory responses that come with allergies.

If you have never fed your dog coconut oil before, start with small portions before increasing gradually to a suggested dosage. Also, remember to consult your vet to find out if coconut oil will be beneficial for your dog if they have specific conditions you need to look out for.

In Singapore’s hot weather, coconut oil left in the kitchen at room temperature will “melt” and turn into its liquid form. Always ensure to chill your jar of coconut oil in the refrigerator before feeding it to your pup. 

Natural Healing Balms

Best for: Doggy acne, rashes due to allergies, hot spots, dry skin, burns, and more.

How to: Apply all-natural organic healing balms such as Natural Dog Company’s Skin Soother directly onto the affected areas. Apply two to three times daily for best results.

With the advancement of technology, some herbalists have found methods to create all-natural organic healing balms from herbs that help heal and benefit our dogs. These healing properties are extracted from ingredients such as those mentioned above, and also other well-known healing ingredients such as chamomile, lavender oil, and shea nut butter, to create an effective soothing balm for our dog’s allergies.

Skin soothers can now help to heal rashes and itches within a day when applied consistently and frequently. Reward your dog when you have successfully applied the healing balms to reinforce a positive experience!

Want to learn more about the best ways to treat your pet?
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xo
Nellie