Allergies can be both irritating and potentially serious for dogs, leading to health complications like asthma. Effective control requires multiple strategies ranging from home remedies and supplements to diet changes and lifestyle modifications.
Your vet may suggest a hypoallergenic diet for your pup. These foods contain proteins chemically “split” into individual amino acid building blocks to make them virtually undetectable by your pet’s immune system.
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Nasal steroids
Steroids can be an effective solution to allergies in dogs as they reduce inflammation and itching. Veterinarians may prescribe them in various forms such as oral tablets, topical shampoos/medications or injections; additionally nasal steroids like triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ), beclomethasone dipropionate (Flonase) and budesonide (Rhinocort AQUA) can now be purchased over-the-counter and quickly relieve symptoms.
Nonsteroidal immunosuppressants can also help control allergy symptoms without the potential adverse side effects associated with steroids. Apoquel (oclacitinib) has proven itself safe for long-term use when treating airborne, food, and flea allergies in dogs.
Quercetin is an all-natural antihistamine that works by restricting histamine production by immune cells. You’ll find this ingredient in foods like apples and broccoli; however, for maximum effectiveness take a supplement form of this natural remedy.
Allergy shots
Allergy shots may seem like the last resort in treating allergy symptoms for dogs, but for certain breeds it can be extremely effective. These year-long treatments for environmental allergies use serums derived from your pup’s blood or skin test results to desensitize them to allergens that trigger itching.
Pet parents seeking to give their dog the best possible life may consider this costly but worthwhile option, beginning by consulting a vet or dermatologist for skin and/or blood allergy testing.
Apoquel, the most widely prescribed allergy shot, uses a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes proteins that cause itching while also having anti-inflammatory properties. Cytopoint (lokivetmab), another newer immunotherapy option with lower side effect risks than steroids and can block itching for up to 75% of dogs.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines can help manage allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and itching by providing immediate relief in pill form, tablets, chewables liquid or nasal spray formulations – some may even be available over-the-counter while some require a valid valid valid valid valid valid prescription from their healthcare provider.
Apoquel (oclacitinib) and Atopica (cyclosporine) are nonsteriodal immunosuppressants that help manage allergies without producing negative side effects due to steroids.
OTC antihistamines work by blocking histamine, the chemical responsible for allergic reactions. While first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl may cause sedation, second-generation ones usually provide less sedating relief while still causing itching; other OTC antihistamines include hydroxyzine, loratadine and fexofenadine; these OTC medications come as nasal sprays, topical medications or shampoo – these products should only be taken temporarily to provide short-term relief from allergies.
Probiotics
Nearly 90% of a dog’s immune system resides in their gut, making probiotics an invaluable way to improve digestive health and reduce inflammation – helping alleviate itching, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. Coco & Luna Probiotics & Enzymes Powder offers a unique combination of probiotics and enzymes designed to support digestion, immunity, gut flora health and gut flora maintenance – while being completely safe for dogs with an irresistibly tasty salmon flavor they love.
Many pet parents give their animals yogurt with live cultures or sauerkraut to increase their probiotic intake, but this may not deliver as many benefits. When shopping for probiotic supplements designed to support dogs specifically, make sure the package includes dosing instructions. Also be mindful of colony forming units (CFUs).
Home remedies
There are various home remedies you can try to alleviate your dog’s allergies and itching, according to Wag! For instance, applying vitamin E oil on itchy areas can reduce inflammation. Furthermore, adding an omega-3 capsule containing eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as part of their food can also be effective against allergy symptoms like itching.
Colloidal oatmeal baths can also help alleviate itchy skin by binding to it and soothing irritation, and are readily available at most pet stores. A rinse after each walk may also prove useful, washing away allergens that cling to their fur or pads which could otherwise trigger allergic reactions in future.
