Symptoms Of Allergies In Dogs
- Itchy ears that are prone to infections
- Licking or gnawing at feet and legs
- Incessant scratching of the armpits, belly, face, base of the tail, or seemingly everywhere
- Red, irritated skin that is prone to infections
- Frequently attempting to rub the face or body against the floor
- Less commonly, a dry cough or other respiratory symptoms
For years, when allergies flared up, his mom would take him to the vet for a steroid injection. In Zachorys case, his liver enzymes were on the rise, and he was now on a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug .
Are There Any Potential Side Effects
Cetirizine does not typically cause any side effects. Vomiting and increased salivation have been observed in some dogs. At high doses, sleepiness has been reported in small dogs and cats. Any side effects that are severe or worsen should be reported to your veterinarian.
This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Oral Prescription Allergy Medicine For Dogs
For oral prescription allergy medicine, both vets we spoke to recommended Apoquel.
Apoquel is an oral tablet you can give your dog daily for his allergy symptoms. It works by suppressing your pups immune system so he doesnt have such a strong reaction to the things hes allergic to.
Oral steroids are sometimes prescribed for allergies, but these arent a good long-term medication because of the side effects associated with them. So you should really only use oral steroids as needed, like if other treatments arent effective or its the only option you can afford.
And now that you know your options for your dogs allergy medication, youll be able to help ease his symptoms in no time.
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Essential Fatty Acids As A Supportive Therapy For Treating Allergies In Dogs
Essential fatty acids help decrease inflammatory signals in the body and improve the skin barrier. This can help reduce the amount of medication, particularly steroids or antihistamines, needed to control allergies.
Its important to point out that this is an additional therapy. In other words, it is ineffective as a single therapy to control allergies and itching but can be useful in conjunction with the other therapies discussed here. Also, it may take up to two months to see improvement.
Essential fatty acids come in oils or capsules that can be added to your dogs food and are relatively safe and relatively inexpensive. For more information on the importance of careful storage of Omega 3s and to learn which brand I recommend, read my article: The Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Your Dog.
The bottom line on essential fatty acids for dogs with allergies
BOTTOM LINE: Essential fatty acids make a great adjunctive therapy for dogs with allergies, but they are not sufficient as a sole means of allergy control.
Dog Allergy Medication Prices
Its hard to pinpoint a price range for dog allergy medications because there are so many types, both prescription and OTC. As a general rule, youll pay less for a generic drug than a brand-name medication. That goes for both prescription and OTC drugs. For example, a generic bottle of Diphenhydramine HCl, which is the active ingredient in Benadryl, can cost as little as $5 for 100 tablets, while brand-name Benadryl might cost $15 for the same amount.
When it comes to itch-and-allergy treatments, expect to pay $20 to $30 for a one- to three-month supply, depending on your pets weight.
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How Dog Allergies Are Treated
Treatment for your doggies allergies depends on the severity of your pets symptoms and their overall health. Veterinarians will first work to determine if your dogs symptoms are allergy related or due to another underlying health condition. They may run an allergy test to determine what your dog is allergic to.
To treat severe dog allergies, vets may prescribe a combination of medication, supplements, and topical therapies like shampoos and conditioners. Sometimes, there is never a 100% fix for your dogs allergies, according to Dr. Erica Irish.
It can take a lot of testing and a lot of trial-and-error to figure out what your dog is allergic to and how you can help ease their symptoms.
Dog Allergies: Causes And Treatment
Believe it or not, your dogs allergy symptoms might be from the food theyre eating. The animal-based ingredients in dog food are responsible for over 3 times as many food allergy cases as the plant-based ingredients. According to a study on PubMed.gov, after five weeks of their dog patients starting an elimination diet, more than 80% of patients had achieved a remission of clinical signs of CAFR .
That means your dogs allergies could be eliminated just by changing what they eat. So before you give your dog any Benadryl, consider switching their dog food. 86% of customers reported a positive health benefit for their dog after switching to Wild Earth dog food!
We have a number of reviews from customers whose dogs no longer suffer from chronic itching, licking, inflammation, or gastrointestinal problems because of switching to Wild Earth dog food. Check out one of them in the video below!
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Immunotherapy: The Gold Standard In Treating Environmental Allergies In Dogs
When it comes to treating environmental allergies in dogs, the gold standard is immunotherapy. Similar to allergy shots in people, this treatment works by slowly exposing the dogs immune system to the allergen until the immune system no longer reacts to it.
The immunotherapy is given as an injection under the skin once every one to three weeks or as a medication that is given under the tongue every 12 hours.
Benefits of immunotherapy as an allergy medication for dogs
There are many benefits of immunotherapy. Instead of suppressing the immune system, the treatment is directly targeted to the allergens that specifically trigger that dogs immune system. A skin test or blood test is used to determine which allergens are a problem for that dog, and the immunotherapy is customized based on that information.
Between 50% to 80% of dogs on immunotherapy show improvement in allergy symptoms after a year of treatment.
Downsides to immunotherapy as a medication for dogs with allergies
There are some downsides to immunotherapy. First, because the immune system is being stimulated instead of suppressed, there is a low risk of a serious allergic reaction. Second, therapy is a lengthy process, usually taking between six to 12 months. B ecause no standard protocol exists, results can vary, and dogs may need to remain on immunotherapy for the rest of their lives to maintain control of their environmental allergies.
The bottom line on immunotherapy for dogs with environmental allergies
Whats The Best Allergy Medicine For Dogs
Whether your dog is suffering from digestive issues or skin problems, allergies can wreak havoc on a dogs body. How can you relieve your dogs suffering? Youre likely wondering, what can I give my dog for allergies? We tell you all of the safe medications, supplements, and other products that can help your pup in our best allergy medicine for dogs article.
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Learn More About Dog Allergies
The dog allergy medicine Apoquel is one of the best dog allergy meds on the market. But if youre not sure if your dogs itching is from allergies or another cause, check out our article about dog allergy symptoms. Our experts also tell you all about dog skin allergies.
If you suspect that your dog has allergies, its always best to visit your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. But in the meantime, you can also give your dog an at-home allergy test. These at-home kits can test for many food and environmental sensitivities your dog may have. Once you get the results, you can share those with your vet to develop a proper treatment plan.
How Long Does It Take For Dog Allergies To Go Away
For homes with sensitive individuals, the best way to protect indoor air quality is to remove the animal from the home. However, pet allergens may stay in the home for months after the pet is gone because the allergens remain in house dust. Allergy and asthma symptoms may take weeks or even months to improve.
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What Can I Give My Dog For Allergies Remedies That Really Work
Your dog is constantly itchy, scratching and chewing themselves to the point of hair loss. You’ve noticed red, inflamed skin, and perhaps a funky odor coming from your pet. It seems like they have more dandruff than usual.
Symptoms like these often have one common cause: allergies. And allergy symptoms are more than a nuisance. If not dealt with, allergies can have serious side effects like skin infections, permanent hair loss, or digestive issues.
Asking yourself, What can I give my dog for allergies? If you think your dog has allergies, it’s best to set up an appointment with your veterinarian to get your pooch examined. The first step will be to rule out other possible causes of your dog’s symptoms, like parasites or insect bites, and diagnose an allergic reaction. Working together, you can set up a treatment plan that includes one or more of the methods described below.
Let’s take a look at different types of dog allergies and how to help your four-legged friend.
How Effective Are Allergy Shots For Dogs
Results will vary for each dog, but allergy shots can be very effective.
According to Dr. Scott Miller, an intern in small animal dermatology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, when it comes to immunotherapy, Overall, 60 to 80 percent of dogs with environmental allergy will respond very well to allergy shots, often eliminating the need for other medications the pet may have been given to control signs. He also said, Young dogs may respond better to immunotherapy than do older dogs.1
UW Veterinary Care at the University of Wisconsin-Madison weighs in on Cytopoints effectiveness by saying, Cytopoint does not work for every dog, but we estimate it helps in about 75% of cases. In some cases, the itch relief is dramatic and long-lasting in others, it helps more modestly and/or may not last as long.2
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Prescription Allergy Medication Vs Otc Allergy Medication
There are varying levels of effectiveness between prescription and OTC allergy medications but its important to remember that each dog is different, and what works for some dogs might not be the best approach for your dog.
Typically, prescription medicine issued by the vet will be most effective, Dr. Simon said. This tends to include strong anti-itch medicine, which can minimize itching and stop the itch-scratch cycle in its tracks.
According to Dr. Ochoa, OTC medications are really only effective for mild allergy symptoms, whereas prescription allergy medication can help with more severe symptoms.
Some allergy symptoms include:
- Wet, irritated or scabbed skin
Discover Delicious Food Your Dog Deserves
If your dog is prescribed antihistamines you will need to try them for 2-3 weeks to see if it helps. If it doesnt, youll need to stop giving it to your dog and try another until you find one that works, following the advice of your vet.
There are also a number of potential side effects your dog might have after taking antihistamines, including drowsiness, an tummy upset, hyperactivity, drooling and an increased heart rate.
This is in general though, and antihistamines arent safe for every dog to take depending on their specific needs or underlying health conditions. You must always check with your vet if antihistamines are safe for your individual dog before you give them any.
There are some antihistamines formulated for use in pets and these are generally safe to use as long as you follow the recommended dosage from your vet. However, your vet might prescribe human antihistamines that you can get over the counter at pharmacies. So are these still safe for your dog?
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Guidelines For Benadryl For Dogs
Never give a dog too much Benadryl an overdose is possible. Abuse of the drug can result in fatal diphenhydramine poisoning, so always consult your veterinarian if you are unsure of the proper dosage. Signs of overdose include constipation, agitation, dilated pupils, seizures, and rapid heart rate.
If your dog is suffering from an onset of a severe allergic reaction, use your best judgment to determine if it would be best to opt for an emergency trip to your veterinarian. There are cases where a veterinarian may need to inject an antihistamine under your dogs skin in order for the medicine to act more quickly.
Also, avoid using time-release capsules for dogs. Time-release capsules are absorbed differently in humans vs dogs and may affect your dogs dosage.
Making Diet Changes To Help Control Food Allergy Symptoms
Performing a food trial, which involves changing your dog to a hypoallergenic diet, can help diagnose and manage food allergies in dogs. If the allergy symptoms improve after your dog has been on the new food for six to 10 weeks, a food allergy is a likely the underlying reason for the symptoms.
Confirmation of the diagnosis comes if symptoms return within 14 days after being reintroduced to the old food or suspected allergen. Once a food allergy is diagnosed and the allergen is identified, continuing to eliminate it from the diet may help control allergy symptoms long term.
How do I choose the food for a food trial?
The goal of a food trial is to ensure that your dog is eating only food that its unlikely to be allergic to. This can be accomplished using a veterinary prescription diet or a homemade diet formulated by a veterinary nutritionist.
For detailed information on homecooked diets, check out my podcast: Homecooked Diets for Your Dog with Dr. Jackie Parr.If a commercial kibble or canned diet is going to be used, it is important to choose a veterinary prescription diet instead of an over-the-counter diet. Studies evaluating over-the-counter diets detected the presence of proteins not listed on the label due to cross-contamination during manufacturing. This means that its possible that an allergic patient may unknowingly continue to be fed the allergen, making it appear that the new diet didnt help improve allergy symptoms.
Types of hypoallergenic diets
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Can I Give My Dog Liquid Benadryl
Benadryl comes in different forms that range from pills, liquid, or even Benadryl treats specifically designed for dogs. When you are giving your dog this type of medication it is important to first speak with your vet. Your veterinarian will have a better understanding of the current health of your dog and any possible issues. Your vet will give you a recommended dosage of Benadryl based on the overall weight of your dog. This dosage will be in milligrams . Once you know how many milligrams you can give to your dog, you must look at the label of your Benadryl to understand how much to give to your dog.
Liquid Benadryl or tablets will both list how many milligrams are within one serving. You should use this number as a reference in order to give your dog the correct and safe amount.
Giving Your Pet Allergy Medication For Humans
Most commercially available allergy medications contain histamine blocking agents that reduce the amount of histamine thats produced by the body. Since dogs are very sensitive to different types of medications its best to administer drugs that are specifically formulated for use in pets.
The ingredients that are present in dog allergy medications are similar to those that are present in allergy medicines for humans. Several pet owners therefore administer certain human medications like Tavist, Benadryl and Claritin to their pets in order to get rid of the symptoms.
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What Can I Give My Dog Orally For Itchy Skin
Here are a few common supplements recommended by veterinarians.
- Fish Oil. The Omega-3 fats found in fish oil help reduce inflammation, which can lessen the intensity of many allergies. …
- Coconut Oil. Coconut oil can improve many skin conditions including itchiness and dryness. …
- Digestive Enzymes. …
Treating Your Dogs Allergies With Allegra
Allegra is considered a safe drug for dogs in its basic simple form with fexofenadine as the active ingredient. A dogs body is equipped to handle the slow-releasing fexofenadine over 24 hours.
You should not give your dog any dose of Allegra-D for any reason. Allegra-D contains a decongestant ingredient called pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is harmful to dogs, and it should not be given to them to treat allergies, as the decongestant acts as a stimulant to your dog. The safest form of Allegra for your dog is the 24-hour Allegra for allergies.
Only give your dog Allegra in the form of a 60-milligram tablet. Not only is the milligram amount safe, but there are no additional ingredients in the tablet as there are in the liquid form. The liquid form of Allegra contains xylitol, a sweetener used in oral liquid medications. Xylitol is dangerous for dogs and should not be given to them for any reason.
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Our Favorite Cbd Products
There is no better way to give your dog better health than rewarding them with a lip-smacking, mouth-watering, and delicious treat. And with CBD treats thats now a complete possibility. With flavors like Steak & Cheese or Maple Bacon & Berries, your dog will come running, eager to take their daily treat for better health without the risk of spitting out a drug like Apoquel.
For smaller dogs or dogs less than 12 months of age, there are CBD soft chews that provide a more appropriate dose. As well, Chews like Turkey & Apple are perfect for older dogs that need to watch their teeth or are reluctant to take harder treats.
If treats arent an option for you, CBD comes in a dose of oil/tincture. This is great for giving your dog a precise dose – you can also make your own customized CBD dog treats with the tincture. The oil can be given directly under your dog’s lips for immediate results or mixed into their water bowl for a slower effect.
CBD oil has all the same great benefits that come along with the treats and can improve your pets health in a multitude of ways.
