As with people, many dogs suffer from allergies. The most common allergies in canines produce symptoms that make the dog's skin itch. This includes flea allergies. Dogs also experience food allergies and seasonal allergies. There are medications that can help ease the discomfort from whatever type of allergy your dog is suffering. While your veterinarian can't offer a cure for your dog's allergies, the doctor can prescribe medications and offer advice about triggers---foods, parasites---from which your dog should be kept.
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Topical Medications
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Topical medications can ease itchy skin in dogs with allergies. These medications consist of shampoos, rinses, salves, creams and ointments. They offer short-term relief.
Fatty acids
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Fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, have shown promise in the treatment of dog allergies. They reduce the effects of chemicals the dog's body releases in response to allergies. It often takes several weeks or months of taking fatty acids before a pet shows improvement. Dogs should only have fatty acids made from fish oil.
Biotin
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Biotin is a B vitamin that studies show helps dogs who are suffering from allergic itching of the skin. It is given daily as a supplement and often in combination with fatty acids. Brewer's yeast contains biotin and may be given as a supplement.
Antihistamines
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Antihistamines, such a Benadryl, are often prescribed for all types of allergies. Antihistamines can cause sedation, hyperactivity, constipation, dry mouth and lack of appetite if given in the wrong dosage. Mild sedation is possible even in correct dosage and may offer an itchy pet some relief.
Cortisone
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Cortisone is available in a pill, injection, spray, liquid and ointment. Cortisone blocks the allergic reaction and gives the dog relief from the constant itching and scratching of skin allergies, such as those caused by a flea bite. This is also given at times to dogs suffering from inhalant allergies, such as hay fever, that affect the respiratory system.
Cortisone is a steroid and comes with side effects, including increased water consumption and urination, increased appetite and weight grain, possible depression or hyperactivity, panting and diarrhea. Long-term use side effects can include increased incidence of infections, poor condition of coat and skin, immunosuppression, diabetes mellitus, adrenal suppression and liver problems.
Hyposensitization
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Hyposensitization is a form of allergy therapy for dogs with inhalant allergies. The dog is injected with various possible substances to which she may be allergic. This is done to identify what is causing the dog's allergy. Once the source of the allergy is identified, small amounts of the substance are injected into the pet weekly in the hopes of reprogramming the dog's immune system and ending the allergic response.
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