Allergic skin disease is the most common reason why canines lick and chew their feet on a chronic basis. Food allergies, in particular, are typically the culprit, and secondary infections from yeast and bacteria can further exacerbate the behavior.

We call this skin allergy “atopy”, and Russell Terriers often have it. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs.

Treatment for Your Dog’s Compulsive Scratching, Licking, and Chewing

1. Eliminating parasites. There are a variety of flea and tick products that your veterinarian can recommend.
2. Changing foods.
3. Using medication.
4. Preventing the behavior.
5. Addressing anxiety or boredom.

Simply combine a mixture of 50 percent apple cider vinegar and 50 percent water in a clean spray bottle, then spray your dog’s itchy spots with the solution. 2 If your dog’s paws are irritated, you can use the mixture for a nice, relaxing paw soak for up to five minutes.

Chamomile, calendula, and green tea have properties that soothe and cool irritated skin. These soaks are best for dogs who have hot, itchy patches of skin that are at risk of getting rubbed raw.

Signs Your Dog May Have a Yeast Infection

1. Skin redness or itching.
2. Sticky or yellow/green discharge.
3. Sores.
4. Greasy coat.
5. Hair loss.
6. Smelly skin.
7. Thickening skin.
8. Crusty, flaky skin.

Adding 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of apple cider vinegar to the water bowl or food once a day is recommended. If adding to the water, ensure there is a water bowl without apple cider vinegar available in case the dog does not like the flavor. Never give undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to your dog.

Science Behind Dogs and Apple Cider Vinegar The most common and safest way to add ACV to your dog’s diet is to add it to their water bowl. Health benefits of ACV include helping with digestion, combating yeast infections, relieving seasonal allergies, and supporting joint health.

For most dogs, the appropriate dosage of Benadryl is perfectly safe. It will begin to reduce symptoms like skin rashes in about an hour. Getting the dosage right is important because most Benadryl tablets are intended for humans.

Dosage of Benadryl

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and loratadine (Claritin®) are commonly used antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms or counteract allergic reactions. Antihistamines are usually safe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive.

Piriton has chlorpheniramine as it’s main active ingredient which is generally safe for dogs, however the active ingredient in Piriteze is cetirizine hydrochloride which is generally not as safe for pets so it’s better to air on the side of caution and give them Piriton which is generally recommended by vets.

Best Home Remedies to Help with Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

• Your Pet’s Diet: Food as Medicine. The specific ingredients you use to nourish your pet can actually provide medical and health benefits.
• Supplements to Enhance and Boost Cooling Effects.
• Medicated Oatmeal and Aloe Baths.
• Apple Cider Vinegar.
• Epsom Salt.

But in our pets, quercetin is most often used to help with the itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort caused by allergies. It is commonly referred to as “nature’s Benadryl” due to its natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihistamine properties.

Antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec ANTI-histamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), certirizine (Zyrtec®), and hydroxyzine, are commonly taken by humans to treat allergy symptoms and can be used for dogs as well. These medications work by preventing histamine from binding to cells and exerting its effects.