Seasonal Allergies and Dog IBS: A Naturopathic Approach to Summer Relief

As the sun shines and flowers bloom, many pet parents notice their dogs struggling with itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing—and, surprisingly, digestive upset. That’s right: seasonal allergies can trigger or worsen symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) in dogs.

In July, when pollen counts and environmental allergens spike, even the most careful diets can’t completely prevent flares. But don’t worry—there’s a naturopathic path to relief. At DogIBS, we specialize in gentle, gut-healing support for sensitive dogs. In this post, we’ll explore how summer allergies affect digestion and share natural remedies to ease inflammation, calm the gut, and help your dog feel better from the inside out.

🤧 How Allergies Aggravate the Gut

When your dog breathes in pollen or environmental toxins, the immune system responds—sometimes a little too aggressively. For dogs with IBS or leaky gut, this reaction can lead to:

• Diarrhea or soft stools

• Excess gas or bloating

• Loss of appetite

• Licking, chewing, or restlessness

• Eye discharge and ear inflammation

This happens because up to 70% of your dog’s immune system lives in the gut. When allergens are high, the gut becomes inflamed, triggering or worsening existing IBS symptoms.

🌿 Naturopathic Relief: Whole-Body Support

The key to easing allergy-related IBS symptoms is to calm the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support gut repair. Here are our top natural solutions, backed by holistic veterinary guidance:

1. Quercetin (Nature’s Benadryl)

What it is: A natural flavonoid found in apples, broccoli, and leafy greens.

Why it helps: Quercetin stabilizes mast cells, which release histamine during allergic reactions. It also reduces gut inflammation.

Vet-approved dosage:

✔️ 5–10 mg per pound of body weight, once or twice daily (with food)

✔️ Use quercetin combined with bromelain for better absorption

Avoid giving it on an empty stomach, and check with your vet if your dog is on medications.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse)

🌿 Hemp Seed Oil (Plant-Based Anti-Inflammatory Support)

What it is: A cold-pressed oil from the seeds of the hemp plant (no THC), rich in essential fatty acids.

Why it helps: Hemp oil provides a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which helps reduce systemic inflammation, calm allergy responses, and support gut lining repair.

Vet guidance on dosage:

✔️ Start with ¼ tsp per 10 lbs of body weight, once daily, added to food

✔️ Make sure the oil is organic, cold-pressed, and stored in a dark glass bottle in the refrigerator to preserve freshness

3. Marshmallow Root (Gentle Gut + Allergy Relief)

What it is: A soothing, mucilaginous herb that coats and protects mucous membranes.

Why it helps: Marshmallow root forms a gel-like barrier in the gut, reducing inflammation, calming allergic responses, and easing discomfort caused by IBS flares or histamine sensitivity.

How to use:

✔️ Use alcohol-free marshmallow root tincture or a cooled marshmallow root tea

✔️ Start with ¼ tsp of tea per 10 lbs body weight, 1–2 times daily mixed into food

Bonus: It also supports the respiratory tract, making it helpful for dogs with both gut and sinus/allergy symptoms.

4. Probiotics + Gut-Soothing Herbs

What they do: Balance the gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and support immune modulation.

Look for probiotic blends that include:

• L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and B. animalis

• Combined with herbs like marshmallow root or slippery elm

5. Bromelain & Proteolytic Enzymes (Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory Helpers)

What they are: Bromelain is a powerful enzyme naturally found in pineapple, and proteolytic enzymes are a group of enzymes (like papain or trypsin) that help break down proteins in the body.

Why they help: These enzymes have natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce tissue swelling, calm allergic reactions, and ease inflammation in the gut. They also improve nutrient absorption, essential for dogs with compromised digestion.

Best for:

• Dogs with seasonal allergy symptoms + IBS

• Chronic inflammation, leaky gut, or post-vaccine support

• Bloating or poor digestion after meals

• It’s very important to build gut health first before starting enzyme therapy and please ask me for how to introduce.  

✔️ Give on an empty stomach for anti-inflammatory benefits, or with food to support digestion

✔️ Start with ¼ of the suggested dose and monitor tolerance, especially in sensitive dogs

⚠️ Avoid giving to dogs with active ulcers or on blood thinners unless guided by your vet.

🥣 Bonus Tip: Allergy-Friendly Summer Feeding

Reduce digestive burden by:

• Avoiding chicken, wheat, and dairy, which may worsen allergy symptoms

• Focusing on cooling foods like celery, cucumber, turkey, and white fish

• Homemade bone broth recipe:

🍲 Homemade Bone Broth for Dogs (Gut-Healing + Cooling)

Bone broth is one of the most soothing, mineral-rich, and hydrating remedies you can offer a dog with IBS or a sensitive tummy. It's gentle on digestion, rich in collagen and amino acids, and helps repair the gut lining.

Here’s a simple, safe version you can make at home.

🐾 Emanuela’s Gut-Soothing Bone Broth for Dogs

Ingredients:

• 2–3 lbs organic, pasture-raised bones (chicken backs, turkey necks, beef marrow bones, or knuckle bones)

• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps draw minerals from the bones)

• 1–2 stalks celery, chopped

• Optional: 1 small zucchini or a handful of parsley

• 10–12 cups filtered water

Instructions:

1. Place bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker.

2. Add vinegar and water until bones are fully submerged.

3. Add celery and any optional veggies (no onions, garlic, or salt).

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer:

   • Stovetop: 12–18 hours

   • Slow cooker: 18–24 hours

5. Skim any foam or fat off the top as it cooks.

6. Once done, cool slightly and strain the broth.

7. Let it fully cool in the fridge. Remove and discard hardened fat on top.

8. Store in glass containers for up to 5 days or freeze in silicone molds or ice cube trays.

   
   

Serving Ideas:

• Pour over meals for moisture and gut repair

• Use in frozen “broth cubes” as hydrating summer snacks

• Serve slightly warmed on cooler days to calm the digestive system

🐕 Always serve plain—no salt, garlic, onion, or strong herbs. Start with small amounts (1–2 Tbsp for small dogs, ¼–½ cup for larger dogs) and observe.

Keep meals consistent and hydrated. Avoid over-supplementing—simplicity is key during flare season.

🧘‍♀️ Reduce Environmental Triggers

Alongside supplements, reduce exposure to pollen and pollutants:

• Wipe your dog’s paws and belly after walks

• Use HEPA filters or Himalayan salt lamps indoors

• Bathe gently every 1–2 weeks with hypoallergenic, unscented shampoo

• Keep bedding clean and non-toxic

💡 Final Thoughts: Healing Through Balance

Allergies and IBS don’t have to dominate your dog’s summer. With a naturopathic approach that supports the gut, calms inflammation, and gently detoxifies, your dog can enjoy this season with fewer flares—and more tail wags.

At DogIBS, we’re here to help you uncover the root causes and offer natural solutions that work.

🐾 Ready to build your dog’s allergy + gut healing plan?

📞 Book a 1:1 virtual consult at DogIBS.

BOOK NOW!

Together, we’ll make summer a season of comfort, not discomfort.