🐾 Paw-scription Mondays: The Best Herbs for Seasonal Allergy Relief – Stopping Itchy Skin & Sneezing Naturally 🌿🐶🤧

Does your dog scratch non-stop, lick their paws, or suffer from sneezing fits when the seasons change? Just like humans, dogs can experience seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, dust, mold, and grass.

While antihistamines and steroids are commonly prescribed for relief, they often come with side effects like drowsiness and immune suppression. Luckily, natural herbal remedies can help calm the immune system, reduce inflammation, and soothe itchy skin—without harmful chemicals.

In this Paw-scription Monday guide, we’ll explore the best herbs for allergy relief, how they work, and how to use them to help your dog enjoy the outdoors without the itch! 🌱🐾

🌸 What Causes Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?

🚨 Pollen Allergies – From trees, grass, and flowers.🚨 Mold Spores – Thrive in warm, damp environments.🚨 Dust Mites – Common in homes year-round but worsen in spring & fall.🚨 Insect Bites (Flea Allergies) – Can cause severe itching and skin irritation.

🐕 Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

🔹 Excessive itching & scratching🔹 Red, inflamed skin & rashes🔹 Licking or chewing paws🔹 Runny nose & sneezing🔹 Ear infections & head shaking

If your dog constantly scratches or sneezes when allergy season hits, herbal remedies can provide gentle, natural relief.

🌿 Best Herbs for Seasonal Allergy Relief in Dogs

1. Nettle (Urtica dioica) – The Natural Antihistamine

Nettle is one of the best herbs for allergies because it acts as a natural antihistamine, blocking allergic reactions and reducing itchiness.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Blocks histamine release (like Benadryl but natural!)✔ Reduces itching, sneezing, and inflammation✔ Supports healthy skin and coat

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Nettle leaf powder (¼ tsp per 10 lbs).

• Brew Nettle tea and add to meals.

🚨 Works best when given regularly during allergy season.

2. Quercetin – The "Natural Benadryl"

Quercetin is a plant compound known as nature’s antihistamine, helping to reduce itchiness, redness, and swellingfrom allergic reactions.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Reduces histamine release & inflammation✔ Helps with runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes✔ Supports immune system balance

🦴 How to Use It:

• Available in quercetin supplements (follow dosage on label).

• Works best when paired with bromelain (pineapple enzyme) for absorption.

🚨 Avoid in dogs with kidney disease—check with your vet first.

3. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – The Natural Steroid Alternative

Licorice root has natural corticosteroid-like effects, making it one of the best herbs for reducing allergy-related inflammation and itching.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Soothes skin irritation & hot spots✔ Reduces swelling and redness✔ Supports immune function

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Licorice root tincture (2-5 drops per 10 lbs).

• Works best for short-term relief of allergy flare-ups.

🚨 Do not use long-term or in dogs with high blood pressure.

4. Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) – The Skin Detoxifier

Burdock root cleanses the blood, helping to flush toxins that contribute to allergic reactions and itchy skin.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Supports skin detox and healing✔ Reduces inflammation and irritation✔ Helps with chronic scratching and dry skin

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Burdock root powder (¼ tsp per 10 lbs).

• Brew Burdock root tea and mix into meals.

🚨 Best used for long-term allergy support.

5. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – The Skin Soother

Calendula is one of the best herbs for calming itchy, inflamed skin, making it perfect for rashes, hives, and hot spots.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Soothes red, irritated skin✔ Speeds up healing of allergy-related wounds✔ Reduces inflammation and discomfort

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew Calendula tea and use as a cooling skin rinse.

• Mix Calendula-infused coconut oil for topical relief.

🚨 For external use only—do not let your dog lick too much.

🌿 DIY Herbal Allergy Relief Blend for Dogs

If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, try this homemade herbal mix to provide natural relief.

💧 DIY Herbal Anti-Itch Powder

🫙 Ingredients:✔ 2 tbsp Nettle Powder (natural antihistamine)✔ 1 tbsp Quercetin Powder (histamine blocker)✔ 1 tbsp Burdock Root Powder (blood detoxifier)✔ ½ tbsp Licorice Root Powder (anti-inflammatory)

📝 Instructions:1️⃣ Mix all herbs in an airtight container.2️⃣ Add ¼ tsp per 10 lbs of body weight to food daily.3️⃣ Use for 2-4 weeks during peak allergy season.

🚨 Start with a small amount and monitor for any reactions.

🛑 When to Use Herbal Allergy Support for Dogs

🌿 If your dog constantly licks or scratches their skin🌿 For seasonal allergies (pollen, dust, mold, etc.)🌿 If they suffer from runny nose, sneezing, or watery eyes🌿 To reduce inflammation and hot spots🌿 If they are prone to flea allergy dermatitis

🥗 Other Natural Ways to Reduce Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Along with herbal remedies, you can help reduce allergy symptoms naturally by:

✅ Switching to a Hypoallergenic Diet – Avoid common allergens like wheat, soy, dairy, and chicken.✅ Providing Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Fish oil reduces inflammation and improves skin health.✅ Using a HEPA Air Filter – Helps remove allergens from your home.✅ Wiping Paws After Walks – Reduces pollen and outdoor allergens.✅ Using a Natural Flea Prevention Method – Fleas are a common allergy trigger.

📌 How to Safely Use Herbs for Allergy Relief in Dogs

🌿 Introduce herbs slowly and monitor for any reactions.🌿 Use high-quality, organic herbs for the best results.🌿 Check with a holistic vet if your dog is on medication.🌿 Do not use licorice root long-term—best for short-term allergy relief.

🐶 Final Thoughts: Natural Allergy Relief for a Happier, Itch-Free Dog

Allergies can make life miserable for your pup, but natural herbal remedies like Nettle, Quercetin, Licorice Root, Burdock Root, and Calendula can help provide relief from itching, inflammation, and irritation—without relying on pharmaceuticals.

🐾 Does your dog suffer from seasonal allergies? What natural remedies have worked for you? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️