Scratching, dry skin, and hair loss are the telltale signs of skin allergies in dogs. Your pooch might also have the misfortune of experiencing sneezing, crusty eyes, and a dry, cracked nose. Perhaps you’ve changed their food and tried medications with little relief, so what do you do when your dog suffers from an ongoing skin allergy? 

Let me share something with you: there are definitely incredible benefits to incorporating natural supplements for pets with allergies. From the hydrating properties of fish oil to the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin C, combining these supplements can soothe, reduce, and manage chronic skin conditions. To show you how they work, I discuss my firsthand experience with fish oil, coconut oil, and vitamin C for my dog’s hot spots and ongoing skin problems. In addition to the best supplements for skin allergies in dogs, this guide shares steps to help your dog with hair regrowth, suitable shampoos for sensitive skin, and when to use cortisone to alleviate itching.

Step 1: Getting to the Source of Your Dog’s Skin Allergy 

Food Allergy 

Food-related allergies are the most common in dogs. In many cases, chicken as the primary protein source is the culprit. In other instances, additives, artificial flavors, and corn are responsible for skin and digestive irritations. 

The most common symptoms associated with a food allergy are: 

• Itchy skin
• Loss stools 
• Flaky skin
• Patches of hair loss
• Hives (small bumps that disappear after a day or 2)

My first bit of advice is to isolate what your dog eats. Do they develop sudden symptoms, such as hives or loose stools, after eating certain treats? Place them on a kibble that doesn’t have chicken as the main protein. I’ve placed my Boerboels on beef and lamb kibbles, which have helped firm their stools and alleviate many of their skin issues. However, in addition to changing their primary food, I also added supplements, which made a significant difference in restoring their skin condition and promoting hair growth. 

And remember, before switching to a different food brand, introduce the new kibble gradually. Even if you transition to a raw diet, it should be gradual. This way, you avoid upset tummies and your dog running out on the hour! 

Flea Allergy

Apart from food and grasses in your garden, fleas can also cause symptoms of hair loss, redness, and itchiness in dogs. Always treat your dog for fleas so you can rule out the possibility of these tiny parasites wreaking havoc in your pet’s life. 

Environmental Allergy

Some unfortunate pets are prone to allergic reactions when exposed to pollens, dust, and triggers in their environment. Of course, it’s completely impractical to try to eliminate all of these triggers, but you can create a holistic regimen to control the severity of their symptoms. An important part of helping pets with environmental allergies is building their immune systems. Strengthening their resistance makes them less susceptible to severe symptoms and secondary infections.

Step 2: Introduce the Following Supplements for Skin Allergies in Dogs

Once you’ve determined whether your pooch’s primary source of food is causing their skin problems, the next step is to add supplements. I used a combination of coconut oil, salmon oil, and vitamin C. 

I) Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil can be applied topically and consumed. If your dog has a dry patch, you can apply coconut oil to the area and add a teaspoon of the product to their food. 

The reason I suggest coconut oil is for its lauric acid, which is antimicrobial, strengthens the protective skin barrier, and is potentially anti-inflammatory.  It’s particularly helpful for dry and flaky skin. I prefer virgin coconut oil because it contains antioxidants, but there’s no difference in lauric acid content in virgin and refined coconut oil. 

II) Salmon Oil or Fish Oil

Fish oil is another beneficial supplement for dogs with skin allergies. The oil contains omega-3 fatty acids with high amounts of EPA and DHA, which are known to soothe itchiness. For skin that is irritated, fish oil for dogs locks in moisture while protecting the natural dermal barrier. 

What makes fish oil so beneficial in the treatment of allergies is its immunomodulatory effect. Immunomodulation means that it controls the immune system in some way. Omega-3, in particular, helps improve immune function while reducing inflammation. Because an allergic reaction is an inflammatory response to some type of trigger (allergen), introducing anti-inflammatory supplements may reduce chronic and severe reactions. It also relieves itchiness, preventing the vicious cycle of scratching and skin damage. 

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, a daily dose of salmon oil will promote soft, shiny, and smooth hair. 

III) Vitamin C 

Not only do I recommend vitamin C for cancer in pets, but also for managing chronic allergies. This powerful vitamin is loaded with antioxidants, which protect against free radicals responsible for cellular damage. This means that it significantly reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier. 

You might be surprised to learn that vitamin C acts as the body’s natural antihistamine. When your pet’s body reacts to an allergen, the vitamin helps decrease overall histamine that causes itching, inflammation, and even digestive upset. 

Lastly, because vitamin C boosts the body’s defense mechanisms, it strengthens and regulates the immune system against allergies. This means that your pooch can better cope with allergens and, in most cases, prevent secondary infections because of their immune strength. 

Important Note!

Dogs cannot consume regular vitamin C or ascorbic acid. They must receive water-soluble or buffered vitamin C. Start with a smaller dose based on body weight and reduce if you notice that your pooch has runny stools or digestive problems.

Here’s Why You Should Avoid Harsh Shampoos with Allergy-Prone Dogs 

Two of my dogs have lost the hair on their bodies after using shampoo that severely irritated their skin. One was a herbal shampoo with a very strong scent, and the other was a tick and flea shampoo. It took months for the skin to heal and hair to grow back. Don’t use any type of lavender, chamomile, tea tree, or herbal products on your allergy-prone dog because it will cause inflamed skin.

If your dog has any of the above-mentioned sensitivities, I suggest using oatmeal-based shampoo or baby shampoo. I’m currently using regular baby shampoo on Roxy-Mae, and I haven’t had any issues with her skin because it’s so mild. 

How to Get Your Dog’s Hair to Grow Back 

If your dog has patches of missing hair and flaky or scabby skin, I suggest adding coconut oil and fish oil to their diet with weekly rooibos rinses. Rooibos tea is a South African favorite known for its sweet aroma and taste, but most importantly, it is loaded with antioxidants and zinc. For the skin, rooibos can alleviate inflammation, and in people, it’s often used to manage eczema and acne. Zinc is known to minimize bacterial growth while supporting the regeneration of the skin. 

I would prepare a rooibos rinse by steeping teabags in a 5-liter water bottle, preferably in lukewarm water. Once the water turned a deep amber color, I’d pour the tea over my dog’s back, legs, and problem areas and then pat them dry with a towel. If your dog has a fair amount of hair loss and itchiness, I suggest applying a rooibos rinse at least twice a week. 

For bald spots, rub a small amount of coconut oil onto the affected areas once daily or every second day. 

When to Use Cortisone for Skin Allergies in Dogs 

Persistent scratching and biting at the skin may require a trip to the vet. Some dogs benefit from a short course of cortisone to reduce the itchiness and the amount of histamine in the body. I would avoid the prolonged use of cortisone to control skin allergies in your dog because of its side effects. Some of the unpleasant side effects of cortisone in dogs include rapid weight gain because of constant hunger, frequent urination, and restlessness. It also thins the skin and increases the risk of diabetes. 

Should your dog need cortisone for their skin allergy, combine it with fish oil, coconut oil, and a nutritious diet. It’s all about finding balance between conventional medicine and natural remedies, and you should easily be able to discuss this with your trusted veterinarian. 

Take Control of Your Dog’s Skin Allergies

Dealing with your dog’s constant itching, patchy skin, and dull coat is an absolute nightmare. I’m all too familiar with the trials of changing food and using different shampoos to provide them with much-needed relief. Not only is it frustrating for you and your pet, but it can also become costly as you try to find a long-term solution.

The best place to start is determining where the allergen or trigger is. Is it the food, or could seasonal pollens be causing changes in their skin? Once you can ease or control the particular allergen, you need to get the inflammation, responsible for the itchiness and hair loss, under control. This is where a regimen of supplements, such as fish oil, offers the greatest benefits for skin allergies in dogs. Focus on strengthening your dog’s immune system with nutritious food. If your fur baby’s hair looks dull and patchy, adding coconut oil and fish oil to their meals will restore supple skin and a glossy coat.

It may take some time, but I used the above-mentioned supplements, rinses, and food changes, which greatly relieved the skin issues in my dogs. If you have any suggestions on foods, supplements, or products that have helped your dog’s skin allergy, feel free to share them with me so we can continue to help other pets.