Remedies for Dog Skin Allergies

When Fido gets an itch, a good scratching doesn’t always provide relief. Skin allergies in dogs can cause intense discomfort; constant scratching, licking and biting can cause “hot spots” of bald, red, sore skin. Such allergies in dogs can be caused by fleas, boredom, stress, food sensitivities, anal gland disease and ear infections. Although there is no “cure” for skin allergies, there are remedies that can ease allergy flare-ups. Consult your veterinarian for diagnosis of allergy and before treating your dog.

  1. Flea Control

    • Fleas are a leading cause of skin allergies in dogs. Preventing flea infestations is thus the best way to avoid flea-allergy dermatitis. Since the bite is what triggers an allergic reaction in dogs, fleas should be killed on contact, not after they bite. Flea-control products that work on contact are preferred over treatments that are absorbed systemically. Flea-killing shampoos can be initially effective but work best when used to rid a dog of existing fleas and in conjunction with a topical, extended-relief treatment. To combat a severe flea infection, many vets administer a tablet containing nitenpyram, which begins killing fleas in minutes. A steroid injection, also given by a vet, provides irritation relief while waiting for some medications to work.

    Holistic Approaches

    • Holistic remedies for dog skin allergies are growing in popularity with many owners because they are often considered gentler on a dog’s system and seem to have fewer side effects than conventional medicines. Holistic remedies can take longer to work than conventional medicines, and relief is often shorter in duration. Herbal and natural shampoos, rinses, sprays and creams containing or made from oats, dried yellow dock, chamomile, calendula and apple cider vinegar can cool irritated skin. One pound of oat straw boiled in 2 quarts of water can be added to Rover’s bathwater; or rinse him with apple cider vinegar for quick relief.

    Conventional Medicines

    • Conventional veterinary medicine often turns to steroids, antihistamines and immunotherapy treatments to relieve skin allergies in dogs. The corticosteroids hydrocortisone and prednisone are effective and fast-acting anti-inflammatories that are known for relieving pain and itching associated with skin allergies. They are also controversial because they can decrease the body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of developing infections. Side effects of steroid use also include increased appetite and thirst, kidney and liver disease, high blood pressure and fluid retention.

      Antihistamines are another common remedy for dog skin allergies, and antihistamines containing diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine are the most commonly administered antihistamines. However, antihistamines are not as effective as steroids and should be taken before an allergy flares up. Itching typically occurs after the flare-up has begun.

      Immunotherapy is another word for allergy shots and is typically not considered very effective for treating dog skin allergies. It can take up to a year to determine if the often-costly injections are working on your dog.