What to Know About Allergy Drugs for Dogs

Allergies are common, and sometimes even pleasant, part of owning a dog. Being around animals of all kinds is one of the best things that can happen to you if you’re prone to allergies or asthma. There are some potential downsides—like how dogs may trigger your own allergies, but generally speaking, getting an allergic reaction from your dog is not something to fear. So what to know about allergy drugs for dogs.

However, there are certain dog allergy medications that you may want to keep an eye out for and know how to handle in case of an emergency. If you own a dog or any other pet, chances are good that he or she has at least one allergy-related question along with the rest.

For example: is there anything I can give my dog to help with his hives? If so, what should I be looking for? Should I start out with an allergenic seafood-free diet first? What about all those over-the-counter allergy medication options? We’ve put together this guide to answer these questions and more when considering giving your dog any type of “allergy meds.

What is an Allergy Medication for Dogs?

Allergy medications for dogs have prescribed medications that can reduce the risk of developing an allergic reaction to specific allergens in your animal’s environment. Allergen exposure in your dog can occur in your home, your car, at a show or convention, or visiting a friend’s home. Allergen exposure can occur even if your dog is wearing allergy-friendly clothes in a pet-friendly environment. You still want to ensure she’s safe and healthy in these cases.

Allergens that can cause an allergic reaction in dogs include grass, tree nuts, and other vegetation. Other potentially problematic foods that may contain these same allergens are found in certain types of shampoos, soaps, and other products. Several pharmaceutical drugs can cause dogs’ allergies, so it’s important to know which foods and medications to watch out for.

What Are the Proven Benefits of Allergy Meds for Dogs?

The obvious benefit of any medication for an animal is to keep that animal from getting sick. With that in mind, the leading research elements for the use of an allergen medication for dogs include A reduction in the number and/or severity of allergic reactions, A reduction in the length of time that a dog stays sick after allergen exposure, An increased likelihood that a dog will prefer to be exposed to the allergen again compared to a dog not being treated for allergies.

These benefits are most evident when you look at the list of medications approved by the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists (AHPHC) to treat canine allergies.

What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Using Allergy Meds?

Allergy meds have potential drawbacks that need to be considered before starting any new medication for your dog. These might include The potential for liver or kidney damage from certain medications.

Treating an existing immune-mediated condition An increased risk of developing autoimmune disorders like insulinoma or type 1 diabetes. The “What to Know About Allergy Drugs for Dogs” section is below.

How to tell if your dog has an allergy or asthma reaction?

Your dog may still be sensitive to certain allergens even if the dog is not allergic to you. An Allergic Dermatitis also called an “allergy,” is a skin reaction that may occur due to an allergen or allergens in your dog’s environment.

Some examples of foods that can cause an “allergy” are: fruits and vegetables. Yet, some dogs can be “allergic to everything.” This is called an “immune system reaction to something else.” These types of dogs are known as “all-comers.”

Allergen-Free Dog Foods to start with

If your dog is not showing signs of an allergic reaction, she’s likely to maintain a healthy balance and go to a dog show or convention without issue. However, there is no good evidence to suggest that different types of dog foods have different anti-allergy properties. Some pet owners may choose to feed their dogs a certain type of food to reduce their chances of developing an allergy to that food.

While there is no good evidence to suggest that one type of dog food can prevent another type of dog food from causing an allergic reaction. Some owners may choose to start an allergen-free dog food as a “first line” treatment to avoid developing an allergy to that food.

Bottom line

The best approach when deciding how to treat your dog’s allergies is to know their symptoms and triggers. Next, you’ll want to choose a medication that has been proven to help reduce dogs’ risk of an allergy. After that, you should be able to test your dog to see if it is allergic to your food or another dog’s food. If not, you can work toward lowering your dog’s medication dosage until you can tolerate it.

Remember, allergies are not something to be feared but rather accommodated. It’sIt’s important to understand your dog’s allergies so that you can try to avoid triggers and have an easier time identifying them in the first place.