It’s that time of the year again. Itchy noses, red and watery eyes, sneezing, and even skin irritation are regular allergy symptoms for many people during allergy season. You might not be the only one in the house to suffer from allergies, however. Our dogs can also struggle with allergy symptoms.
Dog allergies are surprisingly common. The majority of allergy symptoms start to show up after your puppy is 6 months old, though most dogs begin to become affected by allergies after turning one or two.
Since our beloved furry friends don’t have the words to describe their allergy symptoms, it’s important to be on the lookout for any telltale signs that your dog is suffering from untreated allergies.
Below, we’ll be discussing how to tell if your dog needs an allergy medication, as well as some of the best allergy medications for dogs that will give your best friend the relief he deserves.
What Is an Allergy?
Before we go into allergy symptoms to watch out for in your dog, what exactly is an allergy? According to Catherine Barnette, DVM at VCA veterinary hospitals, an allergy is when the body’s immune system over-reacts to an otherwise harmless particle, called an allergen.
Allergens can come from a number of sources, though the most common allergens responsible for your dog’s suffering include mold spores, and plant, insect, and food proteins. Some allergens cause skin contact allergies, others enter through the airways when your pet inhales, while others enter orally, through food consumption.
When your dog’s body is exposed to allergens over a prolonged period of time, it creates histamines, which are chemicals that cause most allergy symptoms.
Common Allergy Symptoms in Dogs
Though your dog can’t directly tell you what’s wrong, there are symptoms and behavioral cues your dog may be showing that can help you find the source of your dog’s discomfort. Keep an eye out for any of the following warning signs that your dog may be silently suffering:
Itchy Skin
Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common allergy symptoms in dogs. Also known as atopy in dogs, this symptom is caused by allergies to inhalants. If your dog is constantly scratching or nibbling at his skin or if it looks inflamed, pink or red, it could be dog atopy.
Respiratory Trouble
In addition to itchy skin, your dog may show signs of wheezing, coughing, or sneezing. If you hear a whistling sound coming from your dog’s breath, take him to the vet to confirm that your dog is suffering from allergy-induced asthma.
Digestive Issues
Food allergies are another type of allergy that causes symptoms in dogs. Upset stomach and diarrhea are distinct to food allergies in dogs, although your pup can also exhibit the classic, clinical signs seen in atopic allergies, like itchy skin and respiratory distress.
How to Treat Your Dog for Allergies
Fortunately, your pup doesn’t have to be miserable during allergy season. There are medications available that can ease dog allergy symptoms. Let’s look at the best allergy medication for dogs.
Treating Atopy in Dogs
For relief from itching, Apoquel Tablets are an antihistamine-free medication that can improve your dog’s atopic dermatitis. This tablet is not a steroid, antihistamine, or immunosuppressant. Instead, Apoquel works by lowering your dog’s immune response to allergens, providing your dog’s itchy or inflamed skin with relief within 4 hours.
For a steroid-based medication for your dog, another treatment for atopy in dogs is Prednisone. This oral tablet is a corticosteroid designed to reduce severe inflammation in your dog.
If you’re looking for an antihistamine, Hydroxyzine HCL is an antihistamine tablet for dogs suffering from acute inflammation due to allergies.
Treating Food Allergies in Dogs
To treat your dog’s food allergy, the best thing to do is find the root cause of the allergic reaction. Eliminating one food item at a time, over a long period of time, can help narrow down the source of your dog’s food allergy.
Improving Your Dog’s Quality of Life
If you’ve noticed that your dog has any of the allergy symptoms listed above, don’t wait treat your dog’s allergies. Provide your pup with much needed relief by ordering your dog’s allergy medication online at Allivet. Order now and save 10% on your first autoship!
*Always talk with your dog’s vet before attempting to diagnose or treat your pet. Follow all veterinary recommendations while using any medications to treat your dog, and contact your pet’s doctor right away if any side effects occur.
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