Have you ever heard someone say that their dog suffers from allergies? Has your doctor mentioned that your dog may have allergies? Do you believe your dog has allergies? If so, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that dog allergy treatments aren’t as easy as we’d like. To begin with, there are various sorts of allergies that might be causing your dog’s symptoms.

Types of Dog Allergies

Allergies are mistaken immune system reactions to external chemicals that can affect humans and animals. There are many different kinds of allergies in dogs. Skin and food allergies, as well as environmental allergens all offer difficulties for both the dog and their owners, and to make matters more problematic, the symptoms of all of these allergies can overlap.

Allergies to the Skin

The most prevalent form of allergic response in dogs is skin allergies, often known as allergic dermatitis. Skin allergies in dogs are caused by three primary factors:

• Flea allergy dermatitis
• Food allergies
• Environmental allergens

An allergic response to fleabites causes flea allergy dermatitis. Flea saliva causes allergies in particular dogs. This causes intense itching in afflicted dogs, particularly at the base of the tail, and the skin becomes red, inflamed, and scabbed. You may also notice flea symptoms such as filth or even see fleas themselves. Itchy skin can also be caused by food allergies and sensitivities. Dogs with food allergies frequently scratch their ears and paws, which may be followed by gastrointestinal issues.

Atopic allergic responses or atopic dermatitis can be caused by environmental allergens such as dust, pollen, and mold. Most allergies are seasonal, so you may notice your dog scratching only during particular seasons of the year. The most typically afflicted regions, as with food allergies, are the paws and ears (but itcan also  spread to the wrists, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, the eye area, and even in between the toes).

Secondary infection is a possibility with all skin allergies. When your dog scratches, chews, or licks his skin, he exposes himself to yeast and bacterial infections that need treatment.

1. Apoquel

It’s a tablet that relieves itching. Itchiness can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including scratching, licking, chewing, biting, rubbing, and even shaking their heads. It is intended to treat allergy-related itching rather than mange or other skin disorders. Yes, light-coated dogs are more prone to allergies. And certain breeds: I used to have an American Bulldog who had bad allergies, so I understand how my clients feel. Apoquel is one of the dog allergy treatments for itching, but it does not address the underlying cause. I believe there is no purpose in keeping a dog on Apoquel for the rest of their lives if the root of the itch is not addressed.

2. Cytopoint

Skin infections are common in dogs with environmental allergies. Cytopoint injections are classified as biological dog allergy treatments. It’s a dog antibody that neutralizes a cytokine, which is a protein in a dog’s body that causes itching. It’s ideal for folks who don’t want to medicate on a daily basis because it lasts for four weeks on average. The disadvantage is that it is dosed by weight and comes in individual vials, so it may be costly for large dogs.

3. Diet

There is no single diet that will keep your dog’s allergies at bay. “Oh, if I do grain free…” there’s this feeling. Grain is not the most prevalent allergen in dogs, contrary to popular belief. There are food allergy blood tests available that are completely untrustworthy. A diet trial is the only way to determine if a dog has a food allergy. Your veterinarian will either prescribe or recommend a home-cooked diet.

Basically, we need to provide your pet with a protein source that they have never had before. I encounter a lot of dogs that are allergic to chicken, but this is because chicken is in a lot of dog diets, treats, and even toothpaste. They are often exposed to chicken. I do a lot of rabbit and potato for prescription diets. Raw food diets for dogs are controversial, in my opinion, and I am not a supporter of them. My problem with them is bacteria and GI issues.

4. Immunotherapy (a.k.a. allergy shots)

Immunotherapy is used to treat allergies caused by the environment. It’s akin to having a skin prick test. It will tell you exactly what is causing your pet’s allergy. Is it the oaks or the ragweed? Then, based on the specific allergies, they will develop a vaccination, either oral or injectable, and dog allergy treatments. Immunotherapy is one of the most effective long-term treatments for dogs suffering from environmental allergies. It allows your pet’s body to acquire tolerance and alters how its immune system reacts to allergens. Perhaps it will wean a pet off meds totally or allow them to take them less often.

5. Shampoos and anti-allergy wipes

If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, taking antihistamines combined with wiping or washing allergens off your dog can greatly reduce itching. You can either wipe your dog down with a pet wipe, such as TropiClean Oxy Med Allergy Relief Wipes, after they go outside and roll in the grass or bathe your dog on a regular basis with hypoallergenic shampoos, such as Vet’s Best Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Dogs or Perfect Coat Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo.

You might also use an itching-relieving shampoo, such as Nootie Medicated Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo. Veterinary shampoos and conditioners, such as Virbac Epi-Soothe Shampoo and Cream Rinse, are also designed to relieve irritation and dryness immediately as one of the best dog allergy treatments.

Conclusion

Have you noticed your dog scratching more? What about thinning hair? Hives? Allergies, which are very common in dogs and can present in a variety of ways, from skin and ear infections to itchy and red skin, may be causing your poor pooch to suffer. Fortunately, there are several dog allergy treatments for dogs, including treatments from your veterinarian, simple home cures for dog allergies, and over-the-counter (OTC) solutions that simply take a trip to your local drug store. If you liked thi sarticle, you might like our blog on dog hairball treatments. Hopefully, it will add to your knowledge.