Dog allergies can usually be managed by actions you take at home. Always check with your veterinarian to make sure the cause of your dog's symptoms is identified before you try to treat your dog. You will need to be consistent with the treatments to relieve your dog's allergies.
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Skin and Coat
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Many dogs are allergic to fleas. Just one bite can cause itching, red, irritated skin. To treat your dog, you must get rid of the fleas. Start by discussing a flea prevention protocol with your vet. Your vet may prescribe a topical medication for you to apply at home every month.
If the problem is extensive, you may need to deep-clean the whole house. Vacuum rugs and wash bedding and upholstery in hot water. Pay special attention to areas your dog frequents, because most flea eggs will be found there. Replace dog bed filling with cedar, which tends to repel fleas. In some cases you may have to have a pest-control professional treat your whole house for fleas.
To soothe dry, irritated skin, regularly use dog shampoos with aloe vera or oatmeal. Ask your vet how often you should shampoo to keep your dog's coat healthy. In some cases medicated shampoos may be needed to treat irritated skin.
Food Allergies
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Symptoms include irritated, itchy skin and vomiting. Take your dog to the vet to make sure the problem is a food allergy. Breeds such as golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers can be especially susceptible to food allergies.
If food allergy is the culprit, try an elimination diet. Start feeding your dog food that your vet recommends, or try plain rice, boiled chicken, or cottage cheese. These foods are mild on the stomach as well as nutritious so they are generally tolerated well.
Once your dog's symptoms are gone, start adding food items back to his diet one at a time. Try potato or peas for starch, and eggs or lamb for protein. Ask your vet for suggestions. Each time you introduce a new food item, wait several weeks before adding another to see if symptoms come back. If they do, go back to the food that was tolerated well. Some dogs never move past simple boiled chicken and rice. If your dog maintains his weight, has no symptoms and has a good energy level, you will have found the right diet for him.
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