Dog Allergy Inhalant Remedies

Many dogs, especially Schnauzers, Irish Setters, and terriers are affected by inhalant allergies. An inhalant allergy, also called atopy, occurs when a dog breathes in an allergen such as pollen, mold or environmental pollution and experiences a histamine response. While an allergic reaction in humans might include respiratory symptoms like sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, and red, itchy eyes, dogs can experience similar symptoms plus pruritis, or severe, generalized itching. Though there is little you can do to cure an inhalant allergy, there are remedies you can use to alleviate your dog's symptoms.

  1. Avoidance

    • Avoid allergens that trigger your dog's symptoms. If pollen is the culprit, keep windows and doors closed and use an air purifier or air conditioner. If mold is present, use a dehumidier to alleviate conditions ideal for breeding mold. Wipe all furniture surfaces and vacuum furniture and floors frequently. Since some allergens can be absorbed into the skin, intensifying pruritis, keep allergic dogs from playing in grassy or wooded areas. Also, flea and tick bites, though not related to inhalant allergies, can exacerbate a dog's allergic state. Use a preemptive topical solution like K9Advantage which repels fleas and ticks.

    Holistic Therapies

    • Introduce fatty acids into your dog's diet like Omega fish oils, gamma linoleic, primose oil, and Vitamin A, E, and Zinc. In 10 to 25 percent of afflicted dogs, fatty acids in conjunction with antihistamines have been shown to reduce topical and internal inflammation caused by an inhalant allergy.

    Topical Therapy

    • Bathe your dog during peak periods of pruritis with a colloidal oatmeal shampoo, a sulfur lime dip, or other recommended treatment on your veterinarian's advice. Some of these products require two to three treatments per week for maximum relief. Colloidal oatmeal acts as a sponge and absorbs allergens from the skin. Sulfur lime dip, though foul smelling, dries weepy sores and kills parasites like ringworm and bacteria that often breed in open wounds. Both can be purchased at a pet supply specialty store, health food store, or online pet supply outlet.

    Antihistamines

    • Administer antihistamines to control itch. During acute flare-ups of an inhalant allergy, your veterinarian may prescribe a round of antihistamines in addition to fatty acids. The most commonly prescribed antihistamines are Benadryl (diphenylhydramine), Tavist (Clemastine Fumarate), Atarax (Hydroxyzine) and Chlortrameton (Chlorpheniramine). All can be purchased in the pharmacy section of your supermarket. However, you will have to verify the correct dosage with your veterinarian. One other highly effective drug called Temaril combines the antihistamine, Trimperazine, with a small dose of prednisone. This can only be obtained through your veterinarian, but is an alternative to a course of prednisone.

    Antibiotics

    • Give antibiotics to your dog when chewing and scratching results in oozing sores. Open sores are susceptible to parasite and bacterial infections, and can ultimately lead to systemic infection. Your veterinarian will assess your dog's condition and will choose the best antibiotic and an appropriate course of treatment.

    Steroid Treatment

    • Use steroids when a combination of antihistamines and fatty acids fail to reduce your dog's itching. Glucocorticoid hormones are a class of steroids that veterinarians commonly use during short-term periods of acute allergy symptoms. Using oral tablets is preferable to injections--pill dosage is easier to decrease over time.

    Desensitization

    • Test your dog for pollen, mold, insect bite, or food allergies, if inhalant allergy symptoms like pruritis persist. Like immunotherapy in humans, desensitization works by introducing small amounts of the allergen into the dogs system over time. The dog's immune system builds a tolerance and allergy symptoms abate. This is the most expensive and least agreeable option for many dog owners who simply can't afford endless medical treatments and veterinarian visits.