Allergy Medicine for Dogs

Allergy medicine for dogs are usually administered according to the instructions of a veterinarian. However, a basic idea about such medicines may prove beneficial at times. Read on...

As in case of humans, dogs too are prone to allergies. You can deduce this condition from allergy symptoms in dogs, which include, dry itchy skin that results in constant scratching, loss of hair along with dandruff, inflammation of feet, scratching of red itchy ears, coughing/wheezing/sneezing and nasal discharge, chewing of certain spots on their body, and vomiting and/or diarrhea. These symptoms can be categorized into three common types of common dog allergies - skin allergy, dust mite allergy and food allergy. Allergy medicine for dogs may differ with the type of allergy. It is always better to administer allergy medicines for dogs, as per the instructions of a veterinarian. However, a basic idea about such drugs may prove beneficial in emergencies.

Allergies in Dogs

As mentioned above, common dog allergies include food allergies, skin allergies and dust mite allergies. While, food allergy can be caused by a newly introduced food, it is also possible that the animal develops allergy to a food, after a long term of regular consumption. Skin allergies can be cause by various elements, like, fleas, foods, shampoos or sprays, etc. Skin allergy in dogs is characterized by skin rash along with dry, flaky skin with itching and dandruff. Dust mite allergy causes respiratory problems and the symptoms include wheezing, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, eczema, etc. The course of treatment varies with the type of allergy and its severity. In general, it can be said that the best allergy medicine for dogs include antihistamines, anti inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, decongestants, hypoallergenic shampoos, allergy shots, etc. Let us take a look at some of the common allergy medicine for dogs.

Allergy Medications for Dogs

In short, there are many different allergy medicine for dogs that are administered as per the type of allergy and its severity. Right diagnosis is very important and so, it is always better to take your dog to the vet and act as per his instructions, rather than sticking to over-the-counter medications. In some emergency cases, you may use over-the-counter allergy medicine for dogs. Medications for dog allergies include oral antihistamines, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, topical nasal steroids, etc. If you want a long term effect, then, immunotherapy may be tried. The following information is related to allergy medicine for dogs.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are among the commonly used allergy medications for dogs. These drugs block the effect of histamines produced in the body of the dog, thereby providing relief from the allergic reactions. However, as compared to humans and cats, the effectiveness of these drugs in dogs are less, but, the proper antihistamine in proper dosage may work for these animals. There are various types of antihistamines, but, the response of the dog to the medicine may vary from one drug to another. So, you must find out an effective antihistamine for your dog. It has to be noted that some of the antihistamines may cause side effects, like, sedation, constipation, dry mouth, etc. Over-the-counter antihistamines include claritin, benadryl, zyrtec, astelin (nasal spray), etc.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are prescribed in case of severe allergic reactions and symptoms. These drugs are found to be effective in providing relief to dogs from allergic symptoms, like, severe itching, inflammation, etc. However, these medicines may cause short term or long term side effects. According to health experts, if the condition is correctly diagnosed and correct corticosteroids are used in a proper way, then, these drugs can be as safe as others. It has been observed that these steroids are used as allergy medicine for dogs, as a last resort only. These drugs are administered orally, as injections or as nasal sprays. Some of the prescription steroids for dogs include flonase or nasonex sprays. Betamethasone, dexamethasone, flumethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolon are some of the commonly used corticosteroid injections for dogs. Read more on home remedies for dog allergies.

Now, you have a basic idea about some of the common allergy medicine for dogs. In case of food allergies, these medicines may offer short term results only. As the dog consumes the offending food items, allergic reactions will reappear. So, such offending food items have to be identified and avoided, so as to prevent dog food allergies. In some cases, a combination of the above said drugs may be effective in tackling the symptoms. However, allergy medications meant for humans should not be given to dogs. In short, contact your vet, before administering any allergy medicine to your dog. Otherwise, take the dog to the vet for a correct diagnosis and right treatment.