Seasonal allergies are no fun, but they’re especially difficult to manage for dogs. They can become so itchy they can’t enjoy the outdoors, sneezing and wheezing incessantly.
When it comes to managing your dog’s allergies, there are many different treatments available. From antihistamines to hypoallergenic wipes, here’s everything you need to know about how to help your pet manage their allergy symptoms.
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If your dog suffers from allergies to a certain protein or ingredient, there are several options available to help reduce their symptoms. One option is to choose a limited-ingredient food or hypoallergenic diet that only contains the protein your pet is allergic to.
Allergen-free foods are a great choice for dogs with food allergies because they eliminate the ingredients that may cause your dog’s immune system to overreact, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and skin problems.
The best food for dogs with allergies is a hydrolyzed veterinary diet or novel protein formula that contains a single meat source and is free from common allergens like chicken, beef, pork, wheat, dairy, soy, and corn. Some dogs can also be sensitive to seafood or fish, so make sure the product you choose doesn’t contain those ingredients too.
Benadryl
Having a dog with allergies can be annoying. Allergies can come from environmental and seasonal allergens, stings and bites from insects, and even medications or vaccines.
Benadryl can help relieve the symptoms of a variety of allergic reactions. It works by blocking histamine receptors on the surface of cells, reducing the inflammatory reaction that causes itching and swelling.
A standard dose for dogs is 1 milligram per pound of body weight, given two to three times a day until symptoms subside. The dosage may vary based on size and breed, but pet parents should always use the product under a veterinarian’s guidance.
Some other OTC antihistamines are available for dogs, including hydroxyzine, loratadine (brand name Claritin), chlorpheniramine, clemastine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine (Zyrtec). These medications can be a great choice for allergy relief, but always consult your vet before giving them to your dog.
Hypoallergenic wipes
Hypoallergenic wipes are a great way to clean up messes on your dog without the risk of causing an allergic reaction. However, they’re not for everyone, and they can also cause dry, itchy skin if you’re not using the right products.
For example, fragrances can be an allergen, so you should avoid those in your pet’s wipes if your dog has a skin allergy.
Another reason why using baby wipes on your dog isn’t a good idea is that they have a different pH than dogs, which can irritate their skin.
Thankfully, there are several hypoallergenic wipes on the market that will be safe for your pup to use. These are all natural and holistic veterinarian approved, with no sulfates, parabens, phthalates or DEA.
Local honey
Besides being delicious, local honey is also a great way to support your dog’s immune system. It’s full of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that can help strengthen their body and fight off illnesses.
It’s not only safe to give to your dog, but it can also ease their allergy symptoms. It contains antihistamines, which can help soothe itching and watery eyes.
Some people believe that eating raw, local honey helps with seasonal allergies. The idea is that the tiny amount of pollen found in honey enables your dog’s immune system to develop antibodies against airborne allergens.
While there are some doctors and integrative veterinarians who recommend giving your dog local honey for allergies, it’s not a cure-all. This is because local honey doesn’t contain the same amount of pollen that your dog will encounter in their environment. It can also be tricky to know how much pollen is contained in a serving of local honey.
