If your dog won’t stop scratching, licking, or chewing their skin, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not helpless. Allergies are one of the most common (and frustrating) issues dog owners face, often showing up as itchy skin, red patches, or constant discomfort. While it can be heartbreaking to watch your pup suffer, the good news is there are practical, vet-approved ways to help soothe their symptoms right at home.

Whether the cause is seasonal allergies, environmental triggers, or even food sensitivities, there are safe and simple remedies that can make a real difference. From calming oatmeal baths to immune-supporting supplements, this guide walks you through natural ways to ease your dog’s discomfort, without relying solely on medications or expensive treatments. Let’s explore what actually works to help your dog feel better, fast.

Easy, Effective Home Remedies to Help Your Dog’s Allergies

Firstly, you should rule out anything serious with your vet. Then, you can try out our vet-approved at-home remedies to safely try to soothe your pup’s symptoms:

1. Make Small Lifestyle Adjustments

Often, a few daily changes can make a big difference. If your dog seems to react after walks or playing outside, consider:

Avoidance is the simplest way to reduce exposure to environmental triggers.

2. Clean Up the Air

Indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, and pollen can linger in the air. Using an air purifier can help filter these out, improving the air quality for both you and your pet. This is especially useful if your dog spends most of their time indoors.

3. Try an Oatmeal Bath

An old favorite for soothing irritated skin, oatmeal baths act as an emollient to lock in moisture and reduce itching. Just blend plain oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to your dog’s bath. Alternatively, an oatmeal-based dog shampoo can also help remove allergens from their coat.

4. Use Natural Soothing Ingredients

Several natural remedies can be applied topically to relieve itching and inflammation:

Always monitor your dog’s reaction and stop if irritation worsens.

5. Soothe with Soaks

Epsom salt baths can calm inflamed skin and support healing. Add about half a cup of Epsom salts to your dog’s bath, or soak a cloth in the solution and apply it directly to problem areas.

6. Support Skin Health from the Inside

What your dog eats plays a huge role in how they feel. Here are a few dietary supplements and additions that support skin and immune health:

Before adding supplements, check with a vet to confirm the right dosage for your dog’s size and condition.

7. Consider a Diet Overhaul

Food allergies in dogs are typically triggered by protein sources like chicken, beef, or eggs. If your vet suspects food is to blame, they may recommend a limited-ingredient diet or novel protein (like duck or venison) food.

Always transition to new foods gradually over several days to avoid digestive upset. And ensure any new food still meets your dog’s nutritional needs.

When to Call the Vet

If your dog is scratching nonstop, developing sores, or showing signs of infection (like oozing or foul-smelling skin), it’s time to consult your vet. Even natural remedies can’t replace medical intervention when symptoms become severe.

A vet can:

Final Thoughts

While dog allergies can’t usually be cured, they can be managed with the right care, consistency, and attention. Whether you’re adjusting their diet, improving indoor air quality, or applying soothing natural treatments, these at-home options are a great starting point.

If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to involve your vet. Together, you can create a treatment plan that keeps your pup comfortable year-round.

Did You Know? 

Feature Image Credit: kobkik, Shutterstock

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If you have had a dog for a while, you probably noticed that they sometimes get eye boogers and tear stains, and it’s common to worry that it might be a sign of poor health. Fortunately, eye boogers and tear strains are natural occurrences for most dogs, but keep reading while we list the reasons that they can have these issues and provide tips and tricks to minimize them.

Why Do Dogs’ Eyes Tear Up?

Your dog’s eyes are not that different from ours, and they tear up for the same reason: to clean and lubricate the eyes. Usually, the discharge is clear or slightly gray and won’t irritate the eyes or the area around them. If you notice reddish brown staining around the eyes, it’s from porphyrins, naturally occurring iron-containing molecules in the tears and saliva.

Why Can There Be Tear Staining Around a Dog’s Eyes?

The porphyrins in a dog’s tears contain iron molecules, which produce a rust color. The natural shape of canine eyelids enables some of the tears to drip onto the fur around the eyes, which leads to staining. Since porphyrins are also in saliva, there is a good chance that you will notice staining around the mouth too. It’s easier to see on light-colored dogs, but the staining can occur in any breed.

Why Are There Boogers in a Dog’s Eyes?

Boogers in your dog’s eyes are quite natural, and like humans, they develop as the tears collect dust and other pollutants from the air. They then dry as your dog sleeps, forming the boogers. Playing outside on windy days can additionally cause the eyes to dry out, causing the formation of more eye boogers than usual. However, it can also be a sign of a health issue.

1. Allergies

One of the most common reasons dogs can develop eye boogers is that they have an allergy to something in the environment. Like humans, canines can be allergic to pollen from trees, grass, and flowers, which can cause the eyes to develop boogers. Allergies may also cause skin irritation in dogs. Contact your vet if you think that your pet might be suffering from allergies to help get them treatment.

2. Eye Irritant

If your dog gets soil, sand, or another pollutant in their eye, there is a good chance that your dog’s immune system will kick in, which will cause boogers to form. In most cases, tearing will help remove the irritant, but you may need to contact the vet if it continues for more than a short time.

3. Dry Eyes

If your dog isn’t producing enough tears, they may have thick discharge from the eyes. If you think that this is the situation for your pet, contact your vet. In many cases, medication or false tears can help.

4. Conjunctivitis

Another condition that dogs can get just like humans is conjunctivitis, or pink eye, which causes the mucous membranes around the eye to become irritated and produce a discharge, which can result in a high volume of eye boogers.

5. Breed-Specific Issues

Some dogs are naturally more prone to eye issues due to the shape of their heads. Breeds with prominent eyes, e.g., Pugs, are prone to eye issues because their eyelids cannot completely close with each blink.

6. Other Health Issues

Certain health issues like glaucoma, eyelid growths, and eye ulcers can lead to increased tearing and the production of eye boogers.

When Should I Contact a Veterinarian?

If you feel that your dog’s tears or boogers are not normal, it’s a good idea to contact the vet to have your pet looked over. You should also contact them if you notice any redness, swelling, or pain or if the amount of discharge has suddenly increased. Take your dog to the vet immediately if they start to aggressively paw at their face.

Tips to Reduce Tear Staining

Conclusion

If your dog has tear stains around their eyes, there is no cause for alarm, as it is usually the result of tiny iron-containing molecules that occur naturally in tears getting onto the fur. Boogers are generally the result of dried tears that contain dust and other pollutants and are natural occurrences in dogs like they are in humans.

However, certain health issues can result in excessive tearing or the production of boogers, including allergies and doggie pink eye, so contact the vet if you think that there are underlying health problems, especially if you notice other signs, like redness or swelling.

Featured Image Credit: oasisamuel, Shutterstock

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