Did you know that your pet can suffer from the same allergies as you do? Allergies can drive your dog crazy and result in sneezing, obsessive licking, scratching, and biting, while you feel helpless in your efforts to stop the itching. When your pet suffers from allergies, it is not only uncomfortable for your companion, but it can also be distracting to you, as their owner. That doesn’t mean that there is nothing that can be done for your itchy dog. If you are wondering “What can I give my dog for allergies?”, there are many safe options to relieve allergy symptoms and help your buddy feel better.
Most common types of dog allergies
Allergy symptoms occur when your dog’s immune system misfires. When this happens, the immune system responds by releasing histamines that cause inflammation, swelling, and itching. This causes your dog to react to things that are normally safe. It is ideal to determine what your dog is allergic to, which is usually not simple. To help you do that, here are the most common types of dog allergies:
Environmental / Seasonal allergies
Your dog can have an environmental allergic reaction to any substance he encounters, such as grass, mold, pollen, or dust. These allergens are typically inhaled, although some dogs will develop skin contact allergies to things like shampoo, plants, or specific chemicals. In most cases, these allergies are seasonal, so you may only notice your dog itching during certain times of the year. If the allergy symptoms persist all year long, it’s a sign that the sensitivity has increased to something more constant in the environment or something in your dog’s diet.
Food allergies
Food allergies are less common than environmental allergies but are still present in 10–15% of all allergies in dogs. Dogs with a food allergy usually present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, or dermatologic signs like itchiness, red skin, and poor coat, as well as chronic ear or foot infections. Since antibody production is required for an allergy to develop, food allergies usually manifest after eating the same food over a long period of time.
Flea allergies
Flea skin allergy in dogs is an allergic reaction to fleabites when a dog is allergic to flea saliva. This makes dogs extremely itchy, especially at the base of the tail, and their skin may become red, inflamed, and scabbed.
Symptoms of dog allergies
Seasonal and environmental skin allergies can cause great discomfort for dogs. Unfortunately, identifying allergy symptoms in dogs isn’t always easy. Since your dog can’t exactly tell you what’s wrong, it’s up to pet parents to look for the signs. Knowing how to spot dog allergy symptoms is crucial, so you can start treating them as soon as possible before it gets worse.
Itchy skin
The most common symptom associated with pet allergies is localized (in one area) or generalized (all over the body) itching of the skin and ears, especially when it is excessive. If your dog’s itching results in red, scabbed-looking skin, there is definitely a problem. Keep in mind that in some dogs, licking or chewing the feet is the only symptom of itching.
Respiratory symptoms
In some cases, dog allergy symptoms involve respiratory system problems, including coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. Sometimes, there may be runny discharge from the eyes or nose.
Digestive symptoms
In other cases, dog allergies can affect the digestive system, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, or chronic anal gland issue. This is usually the most common allergy symptom of food allergies.
How can I help my dog with allergies?
Treating dog allergies can be frustrating for the pet owner, the veterinarian, and most of all, for the poor dog allergic to the nasty stuff. So, what can you give a dog that is suffering from allergies? It depends on your dog’s type of allergy because there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to allergy treatment or type of remedy that will make your dog immune to allergens. The best way to help your dog is by avoiding the cause and allergen, though this may not always be possible, which is why it is important to know how to treat dog allergies efficiently and get rid of them for good.
How to treat allergies in dogs and other pets?
If your canine pet is suffering from allergies, you are probably wondering “What can I give my dog for allergies?” in hopes of finding a solution that will relieve your dog’s allergy symptoms. Thankfully, there are ways to help your pet. The type of allergen will determine the type of treatment options that will be most effective, as well as consulting with your veterinarian.
Hypoallergenic diet
If a food allergy is suspected, your veterinarian may recommend a diet change for your pet. This usually involves changing to a special limited ingredient diet or switching to hypoallergenic dog food. Chicken and beef are the most common food allergens for dogs.
Allergy medicine for dogs
In addition to any lifestyle changes that might be necessary, you may also get a vet prescription to buy an allergy medication, which may be the case with certain airborne allergens that can’t be removed from your dog’s environment.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a good place to start with dog allergy treatment, but, histamines aren’t the only possible culprit. These drugs often must be combined with other types of medications or lifestyle changes in order to be effective.
Dog allergy shots
If your dog can’t tolerate oral medication, then you may want to consider allergy injections for dogs, commonly known as allergy shots.
Over-the-Counter allergy pills for dogs
Dogs may benefit from natural daily supplements for the immune system, with fatty acids like biotin and omega-3’s, that do not require a prescription. These supplements can boost your dog’s immunity, relieve itchy skin, plus keep your dog’s coat healthy. And, the best thing is – you can shop right now!
Special dog shampoo
Special dog shampoos may be used to help relieve dog allergy symptoms. Prevent dry, itchy skin by giving your dog a bath more often and wash their fur with a gentle, hypoallergenic anti-itch shampoo. You can also buy allergy sprays that offer similar benefits.
How to get rid of dog allergies forever?
Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for pets or humans, when it comes to allergies. However, there are things you can do to help keep their symptoms and discomfort under control. To help minimize allergy symptoms naturally, avoid walking your dog in the early morning or late afternoon when pollen levels are typically highest. After a walk, wipe your dog’s body and paws with a hypoallergenic grooming wipe. Inside your home, keep the surfaces your dog comes in contact with clean and consult with your veterinarian for possible allergy meds and other treatment.
Jack was born and educated in Ireland and U.K. He has a varied education, mostly in engineering projects. Since then he has worked with a number of major companies with interests in various parts of the world. His personal interests include athletics, cross country skiing and especially long distance running. Jack has competed in many running events and some at an international level, including many marathons. He has always had a keen interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. More recently he has specialized in the areas of health and supplements, with a special focus on the immune system.
