Allergy Medication for Dogs

Just like humans, dogs have allergic reactions. Some symptoms of allergies in dogs are hives, wheezing, excessive scratching, digestion problems, inflamed ears and swollen eyes. The causes for allergies in dogs are also similar to humans, and can include dust, grass, food and fleas, among others. These causes may be seasonal, as with grass in the summer, and will vary depending on the dog. To treat allergies you must first determine the irritant, or the agent that initiates the allergic reaction. The cause will determine the treatment. In some cases, you will only have to change the situation. For instance, if your dog is allergic to a particular food, then switch to a better food. In other cases, where the dog's allergic reaction is caused by an allergen, you will need to consider medication as an option. Allergy medication options for dogs vary and will depend on the source of the allergy and the symptoms.

Antihistamines

Most of the antihistamines used for animals are the same ones used to treat human allergies. Although there are many antihistamines available, veterinary use is restricted to the following: Benadryl, Atarax, Tavist and Chlor-Trimeton. Every dog responds differently to each antihistamine, so several may be tested before the one that works best is found. Antihistamines have been shown effective in treating allergies in 30 percent of dogs. Using another treatment, such as steroids, simultaneously with antihistamines can create a higher level of treatment success.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy involves administering a series of weekly or monthly injections to desensitize the dog to specific allergens. First, tests are administered to determine the source of the allergy. Then a specially prepared injection that contains the altered allergy agent is injected into the dog on a weekly or monthly basis. The purpose of this therapy is to re-program the dog's immune system so that over time his system will become less reactive to the original allergen. This treatment has a success rate as high as 80 percent. It is most effective in cases where avoiding an allergen is impossible, where symptoms are apparent for four to six months and when antihistamines do not provide adequate relief.

Topical Therapy

Topical treatments provide immediate, but short-term relief. Topical therapy consists of specially formulated shampoos, liquids, creams or salves that are applied directly to the dog's skin. Hydrocortisone is one of the medicinal properties used in topical treatments, and it helps to alleviate itching and hives.

Steroids

Steroids are extremely effective for relieving itching and inflammation. They are usually given in one of two forms, oral tablets or injections. Injections are administered when immediate relief is needed, or when a dog refuses to take tablets. Otherwise, tablets are administered. Steroids are usually the last resort when considering treatment of a dog's allergies. They are effective, but they can cause a number of serious side effects. Accordingly, they are used under a veterinarian's supervision and in very low doses.

Antibiotics

When dogs scratch or bite themselves excessively due to allergic reactions, sometimes the result is skin damage. This damage can lead to bacterial infections that cause more irritation and scratching. In this case, antibiotics are given to control and prevent infection. Antibiotics are closely monitored by your vet to make sure that the dose administered is effective.

References

• PetEducation.com: Allergy and Atopy Treatment in Dogs
• VetInfo: Allergy Problems In Dogs
• Paw Prints and Purrs: Canine Inhalant Allergy