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Guide to The Best Allergy Treatments for Dogs

Written by: Justin Palmer
Justin Palmer is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and co-founder of iHeartDogs.com. Inspired by his rescued husky, Splash, he dedicated himself to learning about extending both the length and quality of her life. Splash lived and thrived until 18 years old, and now Justin is on a mission to share what he learned with other dog owners.Read more
| Published on December 6, 2022

Allergies can cause a great deal of discomfort for dogs and can be difficult to deal with. Finding the right treatment for your pet is essential, and understanding the cause of the allergies is the first step. In this article, we will discuss the cause of allergies in dogs, the best supplements and shampoos for allergies, common foods that cause allergies, common environmental allergy triggers, and the best way to get your dog tested.

The Cause of Allergies in Dogs

The cause of allergies in dogs is not fully understood, but it is thought that a combination of genetic factors, environmental triggers, and immune system sensitivity can cause a reaction. Some of the common causes of allergies in dogs may include:

  • Flea saliva
  • Pollen
  • Mold
  • Dust mites
  • Certain foods
  • Certain medications
  • Chemicals

 

Which Dog Breeds Are Most Prone to Allergies?

Allergies in dogs can vary and can be caused by anything from environmental allergens to food. Certain breeds are more prone to allergies than others due to their genetic makeup. Here is a list of some of the most common dog breeds that suffer from allergies:

• Poodle
• Bichon Frise
• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Cocker Spaniel
• Shih Tzu
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Boxer
• Lhasa Apso

 

Best Supplements for Dog Allergies

There are many supplements that can be used to help alleviate the symptoms of allergies in dogs. Some of the most common supplements include:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3 fatty acids are known to help reduce inflammation and can be found in fish oil supplements or krill oil supplements.
  • Probiotics – Probiotics help to support the gut and can help to reduce inflammation.
  • Vitamin E – Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help to reduce the symptoms of allergies.
  • Quercetin – Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that can help to reduce inflammation and allergic reactions.
  • Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation and can be found in many supplements.
  • B-complex vitamins – B-complex vitamins can help to support the immune system and reduce inflammation.

 

5 Common Veterinary Prescription Drugs That Treat Canine Allergies

There are many prescription drugs available to treat allergies in dogs. Here are some of the most common:

  • Apoquel – Apoquel is an oral medication that helps to reduce itching and inflammation in dogs. It can cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.
  • Cetirizine – Cetirizine is an antihistamine that can help to reduce itching and inflammation. It can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and decreased appetite.
  • Prednisone – Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can help to reduce inflammation and can be used to treat allergies in dogs. It can cause side effects such as increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, and panting.
  • Cyclosporine – Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that can help to reduce itching and inflammation. It can cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.
  • Atopica – Atopica is an oral medication that helps to reduce itching and inflammation in dogs. It can cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.

 

Best Shampoos to Help Dog Allergies

Shampoos can be used to help reduce the symptoms of allergies in dogs. Here are some of the best shampoos to help allergies:

  • Allermyl Shampoo – Allermyl Shampoo is designed to help reduce itching and inflammation associated with allergies.
  • Oatmeal Shampoo – Oatmeal shampoo contains natural ingredients such as oatmeal, honey, and aloe vera that can help to reduce itching and inflammation.
  • Hypoallergenic Shampoo – Hypoallergenic shampoos are formulated to be gentle and can help to reduce itching and inflammation.
  • Medicated Shampoo – Medicated shampoos contain ingredients such as chlorhexidine and sulfur that can help to reduce itching and inflammation.
  • Tea Tree Oil Shampoo – Tea tree oil shampoo can help to reduce itching and inflammation associated with allergies.

Common Foods That Cause Allergies for Dogs

Many dogs suffer from food allergies. Here are some of the most common foods that can cause allergies in dogs:

Protein Allergies:

  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Lamb
  • Fish
  • Pork
  • Dairy
  • Egg

Grain Allergies:

  • Wheat
  • Corn
  • Rice
  • Barley
  • Oats
  • Rye

Related: 11 Best Dog Foods for Allergies

Common Environmental Allergy Triggers for Dogs

Many dogs suffer from environmental allergies. Here are some of the most common environmental allergens that can cause allergies in dogs:

  • Mold
  • Pollen
  • Dust mites
  • Flea saliva
  • Chemicals
  • Cleaning products
  • Smoke

Best Way to Get Your Dog Allergy Tested

The best way to get your dog allergy tested is to visit your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can perform a skin test or a blood test to determine what your dog is allergic to. Based on the results of the test, your veterinarian can help you come up with a plan to manage your dog’s allergies.

Conclusion

Allergies can be a difficult condition to manage in dogs, but with the right treatment and management plan, they can be managed. It is important to understand the cause of allergies in dogs, as well as the best supplements and shampoos for allergies, common foods that cause allergies, common environmental allergy triggers, the best way to get your dog tested, and how to prevent allergies in puppies. By following these steps, you can help to reduce the symptoms of allergies in your dog and keep them comfortable.

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