Does your dog constantly scratch or lick certain areas on their body? Do they have red or dry patches of skin? If so, they may have allergies causing their skin to react. Skin allergy treatments for dogs are available so that they don’t have to suffer any longer.
This post will look at what can cause skin allergies in dogs and common skin allergy treatments for dogs available.
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Related: Benefits Of Oatmeal Shampoo For Dogs, Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo For Itchy Skin
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Are Skin Allergies?
Allergies result from the body’s immune system treating an otherwise harmless substance as an invader to the body. The body then overreacts to the substance by producing antibodies to fight it. These antibodies then release substances, such as histamines, that then cause an allergic response in the body.
When this response affects the skin, it is referred to as a skin allergy.
How Do Skin Allergies Affect Dogs?
Skin allergies can affect dogs in different ways. Some may just have dry, itchy patches of skin, others may exhibit more intense symptoms like redness, inflammation, and hair loss.
Signs and symptoms of skin allergies in dogs can include:
- Scratching.
- Chewing.
- Biting.
- Licking.
- Rolling.
- Scooting.
- Ear scratching.
- Head shaking.
- Redness.
- Rash.
- Hair loss.
When a dog scratches and licks incessantly, it can expose them to bacteria and possible infections. This is why it is important to talk to your veterinarian if you notice these symptoms in your dog.
What Causes Skin Allergies In Dogs?
Skin allergies in dogs can be the result of their bodies reacting to various triggers including:
- Seasonal / environmental allergies.
- Food allergies.
- Allergies to flea, tick, and insect bites.
- Contact allergies, such as something they have rubbed up against or laid on (ex. They could be allergic to detergent used to wash their bed or favorite blanket).
What Is The Best Thing To Give A Dog For Allergies?
There is no set “best thing” to give a dog for allergies. There are various types of skin allergy treatments available and you may have to try several of them before finding the right treatment for your dog’s skin allergies.
Discuss with your veterinarian all of your dog’s symptoms and together you can come up with a treatment plan that works for both you and your dog.
What Types Of Skin Allergy Treatments For Dogs Are Available?
If your dog has skin allergies, there are a few treatment options available for you to try. These include over the counter oral antihistamines, prescription medication for itching, immunosuppressants, biological therapy, allergy shots, cbd, allergy relief supplements, and anti itch shampoos.
Oral Antihistamines
A common antihistamine given to dogs is cetirizine, commonly known as Zyrtec. This can be used to treat itching that your dog may be experiencing. Studies have shown that it is not very effective in treating allergies in dogs, but for some people it is an affordable option to try.
Side effects: some dogs may vomit or have increased salivation.
Do not give antihistamines to your dog if it has a decongestant in it, like pseudoephedrine, as this can be lethal to dogs.
Zyrtec should be used with caution in dogs with certain medical conditions so be sure to check with your veterinarian before giving. Other medications can also interact with it.
Pros:
- Can be an affordable option if your dog has mild allergies.
Cons:
- May not be effective in treating your dog’s skin allergies.
Prescription Medication
The most popular prescription medication given to dogs for skin allergies is Apoquel. Apoquel controls allergic itching by blocking allergic itch at the source.
It starts working within 4 hours and controls it within 24 hours and is for dogs 12 months and older.
Apoquel can be used as a short or long term treatment. Dosage is 2x daily for up to 14 days, then once a day for maintenance.
Side effects include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and anorexia.
Apoquel can be used with other medications.
Caution: It may cause existing parasitic infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse.
Pros:
- Easy to give to your dog.
- Stops allergic itching at the source.
- Can be used both short term and long term.
- Able to be used with other medications.
Cons:
- Prescription only.
- Can be expensive for some people.
- There are side effects.
- Can make serious conditions worse.
Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants work by suppressing the immune system. By doing so, it helps to reduce inflammation and itching that your dog may be experiencing.
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive drug used to treat skin allergies and immune related and chronic inflammatory diseases. It can take up to 6 weeks before seeing the full benefits. Cyclosporine can be used in dogs 6 months and older.
Side effects include: gastrointestinal symptoms like upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Caution: Since the immune system is suppressed, if your dog is prone to any disease, like cancer, it may increase your dog’s chance of exhibiting symptoms.
Cyclosporine can also affect the liver and kidneys, so your dog will need to be monitored while on this medication, which can also increase your vet bills.
Pros:
- Can help decrease itching and inflammation.
Cons:
- Gastrointestinal upset.
- Suppresses the immune system and ability to fight off infections.
- Your dog will need to be monitored.
Biological Therapy
Biological therapy, or immunotherapy, uses your own body’s immune system to fight infection. For a skin allergy treatment for dogs, Cytopoint injections fit into this class of drug.
Cytopoint injections treat allergic dermatitis in dogs. It works by targeting and neutralizing proteins that send itch signals to the brain.
Cytopoint relieves itching for 4 to 8 weeks and starts working the next day after the injection. It is safe to be used on dogs of any age.
Cytopoint does not affect the kidneys or liver.
Side effects include: dermatitis and bacterial infection.
Pros:
- One injection can last multiple weeks.
- Good if your dog is not good at taking pills.
- Doesn’t affect the kidneys or liver.
- Can be used in dogs of all ages.
Cons:
- You will need to go to the vet every few weeks, which can be stressful for some dogs, not to mention on your wallet.
Allergy Shots
Another type of immunotherapy available to your dog is allergy shots. Using this method, a small amount of the substance causing your dog’s allergies is injected into them. This helps the body make the proper amount of antigens to fight it instead of having a hypersensitive response.
This type of treatment is best started as early in a dog’s life as possible, as allergies can get worse as a dog ages.
Pros:
- Can teach the body to fight off the allergens.
Cons:
- Requires multiple trips to the veterinarian.
- Expensive blood work may have to be done to find out the specific source of your dog’s allergies.
- If your dog is adverse to needles, this could be very stressful for them.
CBD
CBD or cannabidiol has been shown to decrease inflammation associated with allergies, and thereby reducing symptoms.
Pros:
- It can help decrease your dog’s symptoms.
Cons:
- It is not regulated so there is no specific dosage to give your dog plus any product you buy may or may not contain the amount of CBD listed.
Allergy Relief Supplements
Another option you can try to treat your dog’s skin allergies includes giving them allergy relief supplements. These are supplements you can buy over the counter. They contain ingredients in them to help combat itchy skin and can be given to your dog like a treat or mixed into their food.
Pros:
- Easy to administer.
- Can provide relief from dry, itchy skin.
Cons:
- If you are giving your dog a soft chew, if the product happens to be in pieces it can be hard to know if your dog is getting the proper dosage.
- The liquid form can be messy.
- It can cause digestive side effects.
- Dogs can get bad breath, depending on the ingredients used.
These are a few over the counter skin allergy supplements for dogs. The product information is according to the manufacturer.
Soft Chew
Solid Gold Allergy Support Supplement
- Smoked bacon or beef flavor.
- Helps support normal histamine levels.
- Helps dogs with seasonal allergies.
- Contains colostrum to support the immune system, fish oil to support skin health, beta glucan to support the immune system and the normal histamine response.
Liquid
Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil Skin & Coat Supplement For Dogs
This supplement contains rosemary and green tea, which are antioxidants that also help with digestion.
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Has EPA and DHA.
- Fish oil is from wild caught cold water fish.
- Also contains rosemary and green tea extract.
- Made in the USA.
Anti-Itch Shampoos
In addition to medications and supplements, you can also bathe your dog on a regular basis with an anti-itch shampoo. This can help to decrease any discomfort your dog may be feeling and help reduce their likelihood to scratch their skin, in addition to making their coat soft and shiny.
Pros:
- Can help to decrease itching.
- Helps reduce redness and inflammation.
Cons:
- You will need to bathe your dog on a regular basis.
- When using this type of shampoo, you will need to let the shampoo stay on your dog for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off, which can be tricky for some, especially if your dog doesn’t like to take baths.
Best Skin Allergy Shampoos
These shampoos are formulated to decrease itching related to allergies. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Zymox Anti-Itch Shampoo
- Tear free.
- Non-toxic.
- Contains vitamin D.
- Relieves redness and irritation.
- Soothes itchy, allergy skin.
- Made in the USA.
Douxo S3 Calm Shampoo
- Treats itchy, irritated, allergic skin.
- Soothes and hydrates.
- Hypoallergenic fragrance.
- ph balanced.
- Soap free.
- Sulfate free.
- Paraben free.
- Phthalate free.
Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo
- Helps relieve itchy, irritated skin due to seasonal allergies.
- Paraben free.
- Dye free.
- Sulfate free.
- Calms irritated skin.
- Moisturizes skin and coat,
- Contains colloidal oatmeal, lavender, vitamin E, aloe, tea tree oil, and neem oil.
- Made in the USA with US and globally sourced ingredients.
Skin allergies can be stressful for both you and your dog. Fortunately, there are various skin allergy treatments for dogs available. It is important to discuss all of your dog’s symptoms with your veterinarian so you can come up with a treatment plan that works for you and your dog. You may have to try a few options before finding one that works. Have patience and your dog can be itch free in no time.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.