Natural Antihistamines For Dogs
Histamines are chemical compounds that do a number of jobs in the body. However, they’re infamous for being an immune response to an allergen as part of the bodies defence system.
Histamines can act like bodyguards, once they see a threat (e.g. allergens), they will start the process to remove the threat from the body. This process can include sneezing, itching, tearing up, or anything else that removes the threat or prevents the threat from getting any further. This will be when you want to reach for antihistamines to help dial down the bodies allergen response.
Why we don’t recommend prescription antihistamines for dogs
Although piriton is deemed safe by the medical community, it can cause side effects that we want to avoid:
Drowsiness
Nausea
Interference with the production of mucus membranes, causing dry: mouth, oesophagus and gut.
Raising of liver enzymes – if piriton is given over an extended period of time this can happen
Interference of enzymes within the digestive tract – piriton has been found to dampen the effects of the enzyme which breaks down histamines in the digestive tract.
It’s important to note that although we do not recommend the use of prescription antihistamines for most dogs, we recognise and understand that for some dogs they cannot be avoided. Always seek advice and guidance from your holistic/integrative veterinarian.
Natural Antihistamines
To avoid the side affects of using chemical antihistamines, we would advise using some alternative natural antihistamines, which are much kinder on the body!
Natural antihistamines include:
Local honey
Local organic raw unfiltered honey is likely to contain a tiny amount of bee pollen (which is the natural antihistamine) from the same source affecting the dog. Feeding these tiny particles can help to desensitise your dog to the allergen. If you use honey / bee pollen from somewhere else it may not contain the same allergens that cause your dog’s symptoms. However this is not suitable for puppies under 1 year of age and take extreme caution with diabetic dogs. It is possible to buy bee pollen on its own. However, we do not recommend this as the practice of collecting bee pollen is unethical, and local ethically sourced honey is much kinder to the bees.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid which has great benefits including: antihistamine, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This can be naturally found in: Apples (including the skin), broccoli, dark leafy greens, peppers, raspberries, and blueberries. However, if your dog cannot tolerate plant matter, then look into feeding a clean quercetin supplement.
You can also feed your dog quercetin-rich foods throughout the year. Foods are that rich in this flavonoid include broccoli, yellow bell peppers, berries (e.g. strawberries), and apples. The apple skin is rich in quercetin, but it may be hard for dogs to digest the skin, so the best way is to puree an unpeeled apple (with core and seeds removed of course) and feed it to your dog.
Important note on Quercertin; Some recent studies have shown that it may take quite a while (several months) for quercetin to take effect in the body, so it should be used as a long-term remedy, rather than just a one-time fix. For example, if you know your dog has seasonal allergies, give quercetin to your dog a month or two before springtime to "prep" the dog's body for the upcoming seasonal assault.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples which also has antihistamine benefits. In fact, quercetin is more effective when used alongside bromelain, as bromelain helps the body absorb quercetin more effectively.
Nettles
Nettles contain quercetin and are often found in natural antihistamine supplements alongside quercetin and bromelain. However, for a free antihistamine you could try picking your own nettles and brewing your dog (and yourself if you like) a nettle tea to pour on top of their food, just don’t forget to wear gloves!
Butterbur
Butterbur is a herb which has antihistamine properties. This can be supplemented in but be sure that the supplement does not contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, as these can trigger allergic reaction. In addition, butterbur should not be given to: puppies, pregnant or lactating dogs, or dogs with liver problems.
Important notes
Although antihistamines will help lower histamine levels and allergy reactions (e.g. itchiness), antihistamines do not solve the internal problem which is causing the upset. It is therefore important to find the root cause of your dogs reactions and treat appropriately.
We understand that sometimes a dog will need a pharmaceutical antihistamine (e.g. piriton). However, this should only ever be given under the advice and guidance of a vet, to ensure the correct dosage is given.
If your dog is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, for example: anaphylaxis, excessive swelling, or hives; call a vet immediately for emergency medical advice.
As with all supplements, they will not suit every dog, so if you believe your dog is reacting negatively to a supplement or food you have given them then discontinue immediately.
Jenny’s Top Picks
Here are my top picks for natural antihistamine supplements:
Four Leaf Rover Red Rover USA CA GB