Key takeaways:
Dogs with seasonal allergies can develop itchy, inflamed skin. Medications to treat this allergy symptom include human antihistamines and steroids.
Apoquel (oclacitinib) and Cytopoint (lokivetmab) are medications specially made to control allergy-related itchiness in dogs.
Most dogs need a combination of medications to manage seasonal allergies. Your veterinarian may try several medications and dosages before finding the best formula for your dog.
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If you have seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can be. Dogs can have seasonal allergies that are just as miserable. Allergies can affect a dog’s skin, causing itching, irritation, and inflammation. In some cases, they can even develop hives.
This skin condition is called atopic dermatitis. There’s no cure for it. But there are medications that can help your dog feel better.
What is the best allergy medicine for dogs?
Dogs who develop atopic dermatitis from seasonal allergies will have the condition for the rest of their lives. That’s why it’s important to develop a medication treatment plan to manage your dog’s itchy, irritated skin.
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Here’s a list of seven of the best allergy medicines for dogs.
1. Apoquel
Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a medication that controls the itch from allergies in dogs. It can relieve itching in 4 to 48 hours.
Apoquel comes as a chew or an oral tablet. Veterinarians often prescribe it twice a day for 2 weeks, followed by a maintenance plan. Dogs with severe allergies may need additional treatments along with Apoquel.
2. Cytopoint
Cytopoint (lokivetmab) is a newer treatment for allergies in dogs. This medication mimics your dog’s immune system and provides antibodies that neutralize itch signals to the brain.
Cytopoint is a shot that’s typically given every 4 weeks. But your dog may be able to go longer between shots. Talk to your veterinarian about the best schedule for your dog.
3. Allergy shots
Allergy shots are also known as allergen-specific immunotherapy. They provide a safe and effective way to retrain your dog’s immune system. A veterinarian will develop a custom shot to treat your dog’s allergies.
Understanding allergies: Dog allergies can cause miserable symptoms like itchy skin. Learn all about allergies in dogs and how you can help soothe the symptoms.
Itchy eye relief: Allergies can cause redness and irritation in your dog’s eyes. Allergy eye drops may help. Here’s how.
Food-allergy diets: Though food allergies are rare in dogs, pups who have these allergies may need a specialized diet. Read about food-allergy diets for dogs.
It can take time for immunotherapy to be effective. Some dogs take 6 months to 1 year to improve. Your dog will also need allergy testing before they start allergy shots, since the shots will be made custom.
4. Antihistamines
Antihistamines can help manage allergies in dogs by blocking symptoms. Common antihistamines for dog allergies include:
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Clemastine (Tavist)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
Loratadine (Claritin)
Antihistamines don’t work as well as other medications for dog allergies. But they can provide some relief, especially if you combine them with other treatments.
Before giving your dog an antihistamine, make sure to speak with your veterinarian to get the correct dosage. You also want to make sure there aren’t any additives in the medication that could be toxic for your dog. Your vet can let you know about that as well.
5. Cyclosporine
When a dog has skin allergies, their immune system responds by overreacting. Cyclosporine (Atopica) can calm an overactive immune response in dogs. It’s available as a capsule, an oral liquid, and eye ointment.
6. Steroids
Certain steroids can have an anti-inflammatory effect on dogs. This effect blocks allergic reactions and controls itching. Common prescription steroids for dogs include:
Steroids can have negative side effects if used long term. So your veterinarian may wean your pet off steroid medications as their allergies improve.
7. Tricyclic antidepressants
Some antidepressants, like doxepin and amitriptyline, work like antihistamines. They may reduce itchiness caused by allergies in dogs.
When should you see a vet about your dog’s allergies?
It’s time to see a veterinarian if your dog scratches, chews, or licks their skin excessively. There’s no cure for seasonal allergies in dogs. So the sooner you can get your dog on a treatment plan, the better they will feel during allergy season. Left untreated, skin allergies in dogs can lead to hot spots and recurring skin infections.
What are some natural remedies for dog allergies?
Aside from medications, there are other remedies that may help your dog’s allergies. Here are some to consider.
Shampoo therapy
Regular shampooing with a hypoallergenic product can offer your dog relief from itchy, inflamed skin. It also washes away any allergens on their fur.
Medicated shampoos are available over the counter and by prescription. Ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer to recommend a product and a bathing schedule.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
In a small study, omega-3 fatty acid supplements lowered the amount of steroid needed to control itchiness in dogs. Omega-3s may do this by interfering with the skin’s production of inflammatory chemicals. It can take up to 6 weeks to see if omega-3 supplements will improve your dog’s itch.
Other strategies
Lifestyle practices can also provide relief for your dog. These tips may help:
Avoid giving your dog stuffed toys, which can have dust mites.
Wash your dog’s bedding regularly.
Put your dog in another room when you dust and vacuum.
Run air conditioning or use an air filtration system.
Keep your dog indoors when mowing the lawn.
What allergy medicines should you not give a dog?
Many people use decongestants during allergy season to clear up nasal stuffiness. But decongestants and many other human cold and allergy medications can be toxic to dogs.
Do not give your dog any of the following medications.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that is sometimes used to treat repetitive behaviors in dogs. But it can be toxic to dogs and should only be given under a veterinarian’s supervision.
Nasal sprays and eye drops
Nasal sprays and eye drops containing the following decongestants can make your dog very sick:
Tetrahydrozoline
Naphazoline
These medications can cause vomiting, panting, and agitation.
Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is a decongestant that is sold alone and in combination with other medications. It can harm your dog’s heart and nervous system.
Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that is sold alone and in combination with pain relievers, cough suppressants, and allergy medications. It is the main ingredient in the popular human medication Sudafed.
Pseudoephedrine can make your dog hyperactive or restless and raise their heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause seizures when ingested in large quantities.
Pain relievers
Other human medications that can be toxic to dogs include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen. Only give your dog medication under your veterinarian’s care. That’s the best way to keep your dog safe.
Frequently asked questions
The best allergy medication for your dog depends on their symptoms and how they respond to treatment. Some dogs only need one medication — like Cytopoint — while others need a custom allergy shot combined with steroids. Your dog may have to try several medications before finding a winning formula.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is not better or worse than Benadryl (diphenhydramine). It really depends on how your dog responds to the medications. Like other antihistamines, they both seem to work better when combined with other allergy treatments.
Several human medications, including antihistamines and steroids, can help manage a dog’s allergies. But there are other medications made specifically for dogs that may work better. Talk with your veterinarian to find the best allergy treatment plan for your dog.
Airborne allergens, such as dust, mold, and pollen, trigger reactions in dogs. These allergens are able to penetrate a dog’s defective outer layer of skin. This produces itching and inflammation. Dogs who don’t have allergies have a protective skin barrier that keeps itchiness at bay.
The best allergy medication for your dog depends on their symptoms and how they respond to treatment. Some dogs only need one medication — like Cytopoint — while others need a custom allergy shot combined with steroids. Your dog may have to try several medications before finding a winning formula.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is not better or worse than Benadryl (diphenhydramine). It really depends on how your dog responds to the medications. Like other antihistamines, they both seem to work better when combined with other allergy treatments.
Several human medications, including antihistamines and steroids, can help manage a dog’s allergies. But there are other medications made specifically for dogs that may work better. Talk with your veterinarian to find the best allergy treatment plan for your dog.
Airborne allergens, such as dust, mold, and pollen, trigger reactions in dogs. These allergens are able to penetrate a dog’s defective outer layer of skin. This produces itching and inflammation. Dogs who don’t have allergies have a protective skin barrier that keeps itchiness at bay.
The bottom line
Dogs who have seasonal allergies can develop itchy, irritated skin, or atopic dermatitis. This can cause them to scratch excessively and develop skin infections. Several human medications, like antihistamines and steroids, can help. But some of the best allergy medicines for dogs are Apoquel (oclacitinib), Cytopoint (lokivetmab), and custom allergy shots. These medications are made specifically for canines. They work well on their own or in combination with other allergy medications.
Other ways to provide relief include bathing your dog regularly with medicated shampoo and keeping their bedding clean. But the best thing you can do is work closely with your veterinarian to develop a long-term treatment plan for your dog.
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References
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Carlotti, D N. (2004). Shampoo therapy in veterinary dermatology. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings.
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