How to Control Your Dog's Allergies

Dog allergies can be frustrating to treat, and there is no cure except for removing the allergen. This is not difficult if your dog has an allergy to fleas or a food ingredient; you can control fleas and your dog's diet. It's trickier when the allergy is to airborne substances such as mold and pollen. In this case you can control the symptoms, which often manifest as itching, skin problems and secondary infections.

Instructions

    • 1

      Suspect allergies if your dog is itchy, has skin problems, licks her feet or has numerous ear and bladder infections. Bring your dog to the vet to identify what kind of allergy your dog has.

    • 2

      Control fleas and parasites with prescription flea and tick medication. Don't assume that because you don't see fleas, they are not a problem: all it takes is one flea bite to make a very allergic dog itch and scratch for weeks. Treat your yard and your home with flea spray or diatomaceous earth.

    • 3

      Pay attention to your dog's symptoms. If they flare up at certain times of the year, or after spending time playing in long grass, the problem is likely to be atopic or airborne allergies.

    • 4

      Take your dog to a canine allergist or dermatologist to identify airborne allergens. Symptoms can be treated with a custom mix ̶0;cocktail̶1; vaccination that targets specific allergens.

    • 5

      Use a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter in your heating system, or an air cleaning device. These remove tiny particulates from the air, making it healthier to breathe and less likely to trigger allergies.

    • 6

      Enlist the help of your veterinarian if you suspect a food allergy. Food allergies account for about 10 percent of all canine allergies.Your veterinarian can prescribe a food with novel proteins and grains, such as duck, salmon or oatmeal.

    • 7

      Add fish oil to your dog's diet for the omega-3 fatty acids. The kind sold for people is fine for dogs, and many dogs eat them like treats. Give up to 1,000 mg for each 30 pounds of the dog's weight, per day.

    • 8

      Give your dogs daily probiotics. The Oklahoma State Center for Veterinary Health Sciences says probiotics are a helpful supplement for many conditions, including allergies.

    • 9

      Provide palliative relief for itching--a very common allergy symptom--with an antihistamine. Most antihistamines sold in drug stores for human use are very safe for dogs. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations and dosage.

    • 10

      Keep your dog's ears clean if he's prone to ear infections. Ask your vet for ear cleaner and follow her recommendations. Clean the ears regularly to prevent allergy-triggered yeast buildup from becoming infected.