What can I give my dog for allergies?

What Can I Give My Dog for Allergies?

If you’ve noticed your dog scratching, licking their paws, or developing rashes, allergies might be the culprit. Allergies in dogs are more common than many pet owners realize, and managing them takes a thoughtful approach tailored to your dog's specific needs.

Types of Allergies in Dogs

Dogs can experience several types of allergies:

• Environmental allergies: Triggers include pollen, mold, and dust mites.
• Food allergies: Often linked to proteins like chicken, beef, or dairy.
• Insect allergies: Flea bites are a common cause.
• Contact allergies: Direct contact with substances like grass or certain fabrics can set off reactions.

The signs? Watch for excessive itching (especially around the face and paws), runny nose or eyes, rashes or hives, hot spots, tummy troubles (vomiting or diarrhea), and recurring ear infections. If these sound familiar, it’s time to talk to your vet.

How Vets Diagnose Allergies

Your veterinarian will start by ruling out infections or parasites. For food allergies, an elimination diet—removing then reintroducing potential allergens—is the gold standard. Environmental allergies may require blood or skin tests (often by a veterinary dermatologist). Sometimes vets try treatment trials to see what helps most.

Treatment Options: What You Can Give Your Dog

• Over-the-counter antihistamines: Medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and hydroxyzine can help some dogs. They work best as preventatives and aren’t equally effective for all dogs. Never use antihistamines with decongestants—those can be toxic!

Always check with your vet for safe dosing before giving any medication.

• Bathing & topical care: Bathing with soap-free oatmeal or hypoallergenic shampoos helps remove allergens from the skin and coat. Wiping down paws and fur after walks reduces allergen load. For dogs prone to ear issues, regular ear cleaning is important.

• Flea prevention: For flea allergies, strict year-round flea control is essential. All pets in the home need treatment—even indoor-only animals—to break the flea cycle.

• Prescription medications:
  • Apoquel (oclacitinib): An oral medication that quickly relieves itching and inflammation by modulating immune signals. Not suitable for very young dogs or those with certain health histories.
  • Cytopoint (lokivetmab): An injectable antibody given every 1–2 months at the vet's office; targets molecules involved in itch with few side effects.
  • Cyclosporine (Atopica): Used for long-term management but may cause stomach upset or increase infection risk.
  • Corticosteroids: Powerful for severe flare-ups but carry risks if used long-term (increased thirst/appetite/urination and risk of infections).

• Allergy shots (immunotherapy): Customized injections help desensitize your dog’s immune system over time—results take months but can be very effective for environmental triggers.

• Topical treatments: Anti-itch sprays, creams, foams, wipes, and shampoos containing colloidal oatmeal or ceramides soothe irritated skin and help strengthen its barrier function.

Nutritional Supplements & Supportive Care

Certain supplements support allergy management:

• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin (ask about vitamin E to balance fish oil use).
• Probiotics made for dogs may support gut health and regulate immune responses.
• Coconut oil can moisturize skin when introduced gradually.
• Quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine adjunct in some cases.

You might also hear about local raw honey (for possible desensitization) or bone broth for hydration—though evidence is mixed on honey’s effectiveness. Golden paste (turmeric-based) is sometimes used for its anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Treating Food Allergies: The Role of Diet

If food is the trigger, your vet may recommend a prescription hypoallergenic or hydrolyzed protein diet—these minimize exposure to potential allergens. During dietary trials:

1. Avoid all other foods/treats/table scraps/flavored meds not approved by your vet.

If symptoms improve on this diet but return when old foods are reintroduced, you’ve likely found the culprit!

Environmental Control Strategies

• Vacuum regularly and wash bedding weekly in hot water to reduce dust mites/allergens.
• Add air purifiers and HEPA filters where possible.
• Avoid high-pollen days outdoors; wipe down your dog after walks to remove pollen from fur/paws.

You’ll want to avoid scented shampoos/cleaners—stick with gentle products designed just for dogs. Rinses made from diluted apple cider vinegar or green tea can soothe itchy skin too. If licking/scratching gets excessive, an Elizabethan collar may be needed temporarily (your vet will guide you).

When To See The Vet Again?

If home remedies aren’t enough—or if you spot redness, oozing sores, bad odors (signs of infection)—call your vet promptly. Dogs with severe or persistent symptoms often need advanced treatments: bloodwork, dermatology referrals, combination therapies including oral/topical meds plus dietary changes.
Your veterinarian will tailor therapy based on allergy type, medical history, age, and other medications. Many dogs need a mix of approaches—and plans may change as seasons shift or your dog ages.
The bottom line: Always involve your veterinary team before starting any new medication or supplement so you’re sure it’s safe for your unique pup.