Allergies are a hassle whether you̵7;re a person, a cat or a dog. While humans have a wide variety of over-the-counter allergy remedies and medications, pets do not. Common types of allergies include inhaled (pollen), contact (poison ivy) and reactions to food. Fortunately, advances in human medications also lead to advances in veterinary medications and treatments. Today, dog owners have several options to relieve their dog̵7;s symptoms.
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Symptoms
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Identifying allergies in a dog is often difficult for owners who are unaware that dogs display their allergy symptoms differently than humans. Dogs who suffer from allergies may chew on their feet, scratch excessively and suffer hair loss, mutilated skin and recurring ear infections.
Antihistamines
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Drs. Foster and Smith estimate that antihistamines help to control up to 30 percent of allergies in dogs. Often, antihistamines can be combined with other allergy treatments to improve the overall relief. Commonly, veterinarians will prescribe brand name tantihistamines such as Benadryl or Tavist. Dogs suffering from allergies may need to try several different types of antihistamines before the owner find one that works effectively. Antihistamines can have several potential side effects including lethargy, sedation, dry mouth and diarrhea.
Topical Medications
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Topical medications come in creams, sprays, gels, ointments and shampoos. Ideally, the topical medication should contain hydrocortisone, an essential ingredient to provide topical itch relief. Often, these topical medications will include terms such as ̶0;oatmeal̶1; or ̶0;hypoallergenic̶1; in their descriptions. Oatmeal is beneficial because of it's itch-soothing capabilities, while hypoallergenic is a term used to describe products that initiate fewer allergic reactions than traditional products̵2;making them idea for dogs with allergies.
Steroids
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Steroids must be prescribed by a veterinarian. While certain topical therapies contain low doses of steroids, like hydrocortisone, prescription steroids often are stronger and more effective. Steroids require trial and error to determine the correct dosage with the least number of side effects. Always be sure to follow all dosing instructions to avoid accidental overdose or potential short-term and long-term side effects.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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For those who prefer a more holistic approach to treating a dog̵7;s allergies, Omega-3 fatty acids are an option. Ideally, fatty acids should be paired with antihistamines or other allergy treatments for optimal results. According to Drs. Foster and Smith, Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, improve the coat and energize dogs that suffer from the typical sedation side effect of antihistamines.
Vitamin B
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Along with fatty acids, biotin of the vitamin B complex is another optional supplement for those who prefer holistic allergy treatments. Biotin works to sooth dry and itchy skin. However, as with fatty acids, vitamin B supplements often work best in conjunction with other allergy treatments. Vitamin B often can be purchased through a veterinarian, who will prescribe the appropriate dosage amount for your specific dog breed or at a local pet supply store. According to Drs. Foster and Smith, it has no side effects or toxicity issues.
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