Treating Dog Allergies: Your Guide to a Healthier Dog

If your dog bears all the right signs of allergic reaction – rashes, constant scratching, chewing and licking of the skin – it’s all too likely that the poor canine is experiencing one. Better to treat these outbreaks than to let your dog while it out, because those small allergic reactions can turn into bacterial infections if left unwatched.
   
Consider some of the following points as your guide for treating allergies in dogs.

• For flea allergies, try any of the readily available commercial products for pets. These include Advantage, Calamine lotion, Frontline, Revolution, and a host of other topical monthly treatments. Speaking more specifically, these brand names fall into two fields, one consisting of antihistamines; the other, corticosteroids. Side-effects may vary, since medications that treat dog allergies can react negatively to other, concurrent medications, so be sure to consult a licensed veterinarian.
• For inhalant allergies, seek a veterinarian’s consultation, first and foremost. A licensed professional will determine whether steroids or antibiotics are required; if steroids, they may come in the form of capsules or injections. Some pet companies also offer shampoos, conditioners, and other ointments for pet owners wary of injections and steroidal applications. Pet owners who opt for topical treatments, shampoos, or conditions should be warned to avoid re-infecting the dog.
• For food allergies, there often are far simpler remedies than ones that require antihistamines, steroids, and topical treatments. Oftentimes, all one need consider to treat dog allergies is change the usual meal plan. A variety of ingredients, from meats to wheat, may be responsible for the allergic reaction. If removing the offensive foods fails, and the symptoms persist, the allergies may stem from common, natural inhalants, so make sure to consult with the veterinarian.
• For bacterial allergies, establish an antibiotic regime with the veterinarian. It is important to understand that bacterial allergies – particularly when it comes to treating dog allergies – are irregular for a dog or any animal, and that infection can follow if left untreated.
  
• For contact allergies, try to remove any flea collars or the current bedding; these are common causes for otherwise rare allergies. Avoidance therapy is the best treatment. If it fails, consider using antihistamines (see above), fatty acids, biotin, safe shampoos or conditioners.
  

If a sign or symptom persists that these treatments fail to stop, see your licensed veterinarian for advice.