Are you searching for everything you need to know about finding the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs? Help is here. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby guides you through the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for canine allergies, including the latest on newer allergy medications such as Apoquel® and Cytopoint®.
Senior dog with itchy paws rubbing face on grass, seeking relief from allergies
Allergies are a very common problem in dogs. But that doesn’t make it any easier for you or your beloved canine companion who is suffering from relentless itching and discomfort.
Thankfully, veterinary medicine now has more to offer our itchy canine companions than Benadryl® and prednisone, which were the “go-to” allergy medicines for dogs in prior decades. There are newer veterinary-prescribed medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint that can quickly quell the itch and provide much-needed relief. Finding the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs often involves a combination of approaches tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive list of 10 solutions for dogs with allergies that includes Benadryl, Apoquel, and Cytopoint. Read on or jump to a specific topic by clicking any of the headlines in the Table of Contents below.
Understanding Dog Allergies: What Causes the Itch?
Before we can talk about some strategies to manage allergies in dogs, first we need to establish the types of allergies dogs suffer from. Dog allergies fall into three main categories:
- Environmental allergies
- Food allergies
- Flea allergies
Dogs can be allergic to many of the same things we can be allergic to!
Environmental Allergies (Atopy)
Environmental allergies, also known as seasonal allergies, atopy, or atopic dermatitis, are exactly what the name would indicate—allergies to components of your dog’s environment. The most common environmental allergens include:
- tree pollen
- weed pollen
- grass pollen
- dust mites
- mold and mildew
While these are the most common, dogs can also be allergic to other environmental substances. The dog may show allergy symptoms part of the year when certain pollen counts are high. Or, if the dog has allergies to multiple pollens or to indoor allergens, he or she may be symptomatic year-round.
Food Allergies (CAFR)
Food allergies, also known as cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFR), occur when your dog’s immune system sees foods or ingredients as an allergen. There are a variety of foods that have been implicated in food allergies in dogs. The most common culprits are beef, chicken, lamb, and wheat.
Dogs typically develop allergies to foods they have been eating for a while (months to years). It is much less common for them to start to show food allergy signs around the time they start eating a new food.
Flea Allergies (FAD)
Dogs with flea allergies (flea allergy dermatitis or FAD) are not allergic to the presence of the fleas themselves. Rather, they are allergic to the flea’s saliva that is deposited in the skin when it bites the dog. This means it only takes a few flea bites to make a flea-allergic dog significantly itchy. Therefore, effective best flea tick protection for dogs is crucial for these sensitive canines.
Having Allergies May Require a Combination of Treatments
To further complicate matters, a dog may suffer from one, two, or all three of these types of allergies. The symptoms of these allergies have a cumulative effect. This is why your veterinarian may treat your dog with a combination of allergy medications for dogs, food changes, and other strategies, especially if your dog has more than one type of allergy. Sadly, there is no single “magic bullet” that works in all cases all the time to provide the ultimate anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs.
Golden Retriever rubbing its face in the grass, a common sign of canine environmental allergiesA dog rubbing his face in the grass or on the carpet is a classic allergy symptom.
Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms of Skin Allergies in Dogs
Dogs with food, flea, or environmental allergies (or a combination of these allergies) tend to have similar signs. Some of the common symptoms of allergies in dogs include:
- Itchy ears that are prone to infections
- Licking or gnawing at feet and legs due to itchy paws
- Incessant scratching of the armpits, belly, face, base of the tail, or seemingly everywhere
- Red, irritated skin that is prone to yeast or bacterial infections
- Frequently attempting to rub the face or body against the floor
- Hair loss
- Additional skin problems such as hot spots, interdigital cysts, or furunculosis
- Less commonly, a dry cough or other respiratory symptoms
- Vomiting or diarrhea (occasionally seen with food allergies)
Allergies Can Impact Your Dog’s Quality of Life
Dogs who suffer from moderate to severe allergies often scratch constantly, lick their paws obsessively, and battle one ear infection or skin infection after another. In short, quality of life ebbs for these itchy dogs. They are too busy scratching and licking to fully enjoy the simple pleasures of dogdom.
Thus, if your dog is showing some of these symptoms, please make an appointment with your vet to discuss the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs for their specific condition.
Diagnosing Dog Allergies: What to Expect at the Vet
During the appointment, your vet will ask you a lot of questions about your dog’s history. He or she will want to know what kind of food your dog is eating, what sort of flea prevention you use, and when the last dose was. Plus, the vet might ask about the symptoms you are noticing, if the symptoms have happened before, whether the itching is worse at a particular time of the year, etc.
The vet will pay particular attention to your dog’s skin during the examination. This is important because secondary skin and ear infections are common with allergies. And they tend to make the itching and discomfort even worse. Plus, the vet will want to check for fleas and get an idea of what portions of the dog’s skin seem to be most affected.
There isn’t a quick and easy test that says your dog has allergies. Thus, the vet will make the diagnosis based on history, signs, and response to treatment.
While there is allergy testing for dogs, the purpose of it is to develop allergy shots (which we will discuss later), not to diagnose a dog with allergies. Plus, allergy testing is only accurate for environmental allergies, not food allergies. A food trial (also discussed more below) is the way to diagnose food allergies in dogs.
To help you understand the diagnostic and treatment process, allow me to introduce you to one of my patients.
Case Study: Zachory’s Allergy Journey
Recently, I met Zachory—a 65-pound Chow mix who had allergies. On top of that, he was fragile, suffering from back pain, hind-end weakness, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD in dogs) in his neck.
His mom wisely realized that contorting his body in unnatural positions to scratch himself all day was the last thing he needed to be doing. She knew he needed relief from his environmental allergy symptoms, which were at their worst in the spring.
For years, when Zachory’s allergies “flared up,” his mom would take him to the vet for a steroid injection. (More to come about how steroids can yield miraculous results, but the body pays a price.)
However, now he had high liver enzymes. Plus, he was on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which meant that steroids were no longer an option for him. NSAIDS and steroids should never be used together because of the potential of causing stomach ulcers and kidney damage.
So even though my patient came to me for acupuncture of his neck, I was excited to discuss new, better, and safer options for treating his allergies. We worked with his regular veterinarian to select and administer Cytopoint. Zachory’s injection (dosed by body weight) was pricey. However, unlike some alternatives, it should keep him symptom-free for about a month.
Thankfully, Cytopoint won’t interfere with his other medications and it has worked beautifully for him! Mom described it as a huge relief for both of them, proving it was the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs in his unique situation.
Dog scratching body obsessively with hind leg, indicating a need for anti-itch allergy medicineConstant scratching is one of the signs of allergies in dogs.
How Allergies Cause Itching in Dogs (The Science Behind the Scratch)
In order to understand how to treat skin allergies in dogs, it helps to know how they occur.
In humans, the immune system cells that mediate allergies—called mast cells—predominantly live in the upper respiratory tract. This also happens to be the location most of our seasonal allergy symptoms center around. However, for our canine companions, this is not the case.
In dogs, the allergy-mediating mast cells live in high concentrations in the skin. (Remember, ears are just an extension of the skin.) Plus, environmental allergens tend to enter the body through a defective skin barrier. Thus, dogs are more likely to have seasonal allergy symptoms that center around the skin and ears.
Mast cells look very distinct under a microscope. They are filled with tiny granules which contain several active substances, the most well-known of which is histamine. Don’t forget about histamine because it will come into play when we look at allergy therapies—namely antihistamines.
When mast cells sense something they see as a potential threat—in this case, an allergen, like pollen—they become activated and start “degranulating.” This is the process of dumping the granule contents (histamine and other immune system molecules) into the surrounding tissue. A chain of events ensues which summons the rest of the immune system army (aka the reinforcements) and causes allergy symptoms.
Now that we’ve established the role the mast cell plays in dog allergies, let’s discuss allergy medicines for dogs and supportive therapies, helping you find the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs.
Top 10 Anti-Itch Allergy Medicine & Solutions for Dogs
1. Antihistamines (Benadryl, Zyrtec)
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl® for dogs), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and hydroxyzine, are commonly taken by humans to treat allergy symptoms. And you can use these antihistamines in most dogs as well. Antihistamines work by preventing histamine from binding to cells and exerting its effects. These are often considered a first line, over-the-counter allergy pills for dogs itching.
Typically, the mast cells release histamine at the beginning of an allergy flare-up. This means that starting to give antihistamines at least two weeks before a dog’s seasonal allergies are likely to flare up (based on past history) can be helpful. If your dog’s allergies are like a ball poised to roll down a hill, the antihistamines get in front of the ball to make it less likely to get rolling.
However, antihistamines can’t do much about the histamine that has already bound to the receptors and kicked off an allergy flare-up. This makes them less effective at managing symptoms once the “allergy ball” is already in motion.
It is also important to keep in mind that you never want to give your dog an antihistamine that is combined with a decongestant or other medication (e.g., Claritin-D®). Some decongestants like pseudoephedrine can be dangerous for dogs.
The benefits of antihistamines are that they are a cheap over-the-counter medication and may help prevent or lessen mild environmental allergies in dogs. The downside is that they are typically unimpressive in their effectiveness for more significant environmental allergies in dogs, especially once the dog is symptomatic. Therefore, you usually need to use antihistamines in combination with other medications to control symptoms.
BOTTOM LINE: Antihistamines as an allergy medicine for dogs are generally very safe but not very effective for anything beyond mild symptoms. Prescription allergy medications tend to be a much better alternative for more significant cases.
2. Apoquel (Oclacitinib)
An exciting new addition to the allergy treatment toolbox, Apoquel, gained FDA approval in 2013. Oclacitinib (Apoquel®) works by blocking the action of JAK1 and JAK3, molecules normally used to transmit the “itch and inflammation signal” created in response to an allergen. This translates to less itching and inflammation for your allergic dog. This drug is often hailed as a strong contender for the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs due to its rapid action.
Like the dog in the before and after photos below, most allergy patients respond to Apoquel very quickly. It’s highly effective in quelling the itching, as well as managing the allergies long term.
Before treatment photo of a dog with severe skin allergies and inflammationThis dog had suffered from long-term chronic allergies. He was treated with Apoquel for allergies and antibiotics for a secondary bacterial infection of the skin. Photo credit: Dr. Julie Carroll
The dog’s skin is less red and inflamed after being treated with Apoquel and antibiotics. Photo credit: Dr. Julie Carroll
Initially, you typically give your dog Apoquel pills or chewable tablets twice a day for two weeks, and then taper to once a day for maintenance. Some dogs show an increase in symptoms when they go from the twice-a-day dose to the once-a-day dosing. If you notice your dog is becoming itchier again, speak to your veterinarian for guidance on how to proceed.
Possible Side Effects of Apoquel
Like any medication, there is a risk of side effects. However, the number of dogs who experienced side effects (such as vomiting and diarrhea) was very low compared with other medications.
Because Apoquel does block a chemical signal in the immune system, there is a risk of suppressing the immune system at high doses. However, since Apoquel has a more specific target than other medications such as cyclosporine or steroids, there is a comparatively lower risk of immunosuppression.
Apoquel and Cancer in Dogs
In the interest of full disclosure, there was some concern that because of the way Apoquel works to modify the immune system, it could be linked to the development of cancer in dogs.
A study was recently published that compared the occurrence of cancer and skin masses in allergic dogs who were treated with Apoquel to allergic dogs of a similar age and breed who had never received Apoquel. This study determined that there was no significant difference in the rate of occurrence of cancer and skin masses or in the average age at death between the groups, which is reassuring.
The Apoquel product insert, however, continues to warn that it may exacerbate (worsen) cancerous conditions, and that the risks and benefits should be weighed before using it in dogs with a history of cancer.
Personally, I think it’s a valuable drug that has dramatically improved the quality of life for many dogs who suffer from allergies. Although the data doesn’t indicate that Apoquel increases the cancer risk, I still prefer to play it safe and use other allergy treatments in dogs with documented or suspected cancer.
Happy dog playing outdoors with bubbles, enjoying life after successful allergy treatmentFinding the right allergy medication can greatly improve your dog’s happiness and reduce the need for anti itch medication for dogs.
Finally, Apoquel is labeled for the management of allergies in dogs older than one year of age. This means it cannot be used in young dogs suffering from allergies.
Can I Give My Dog Apoquel and Benadryl, Cytopoint, or Other Medications?
The good news about Apoquel is that in most cases, dogs can safely take Apoquel with Benadryl, Cytopoint, NSAIDs, antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitic medications, joint supplements, and more. Plus, in Apoquel studies, dogs mounted a sufficient response to vaccinations.
However, other drugs that cause immune system suppression such as steroids and cyclosporine should be used with caution with Apoquel due to limited data.
The Bottom Line on Apoquel for Dogs
BOTTOM LINE: Apoquel is a veterinarian favorite due to its ability to rapidly and effectively control allergies with minimal side effects, making it a strong contender for the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs. Although it should still be used with caution in dogs with cancer, a recent study indicates that it doesn’t increase a dog’s risk of developing cancer.
3. Zenrelia (Ilunocitinib)
While on the topic of JAK inhibitors like Apoquel, there is a new player on the scene—Zenrelia™ (ilunocitinib). Zenrelia, which gained FDA approval in 2024, inhibits the JAK1, JAK2, and TYK2 enzymes to decrease inflammation and itching in dogs with allergies.
Some veterinarians are reporting that Zenrelia has been very effective in dogs who didn’t respond well to Apoquel and Cytopoint. Plus, a study that compared Apoquel and Zenrelia showed that both worked equally well to decrease itching scores in the first 14 days of use. However, once Apoquel dosing dropped from twice a day to once a day, its efficacy decreased. From 14 days onward, Zenrelia, which is given once a day for the duration of treatment, had improved efficacy compared to Apoquel.
Like Apoquel, Zenrelia is approved for dogs over 12 months of age, so it isn’t an option for itchy puppies. And as mentioned above, dogs take Zenrelia once a day.
Side Effects of Zenrelia for Dogs
Zenrelia tends to be well tolerated overall and the main side effects are GI upset (vomiting and diarrhea). However, like Apoquel, it does suppress the immune system, which could increase the risk of infections. Plus, while there may or may not be a true connection, some dogs in the clinical studies were diagnosed with benign or malignant tumors.
Black Box Warning for Zenrelia
The biggest concern about Zenrelia is that it currently has the following black box warning:
WARNING: VACCINE-INDUCED DISEASE AND INADEQUATE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO VACCINES. Based on results of the vaccine response study, dogs receiving Zenrelia are at risk of fatal vaccine-induced disease from modified live virus vaccines and inadequate immune response to any vaccine. Discontinue Zenrelia for at least 28 days to 3 months prior to vaccination and withhold Zenrelia for at least 28 days after vaccination.
This warning is scary sounding for sure, and raised concerns among many veterinarians, especially when Zenrelia first came out. The study that prompted the black box warning was conducted on puppies who had not previously received vaccinations and were sick. Since then, Elanco, the manufacturer of Zenrelia conducted another study on previously vaccinated healthy puppies. The dogs in this study did not experience the same poor response to vaccinations when taking Zenrelia. Even so, as of March of 2025, the black box warning remains on the label.
If it seems like Zenrelia could be a good option for your dog, the best thing you can do is talk to your veterinarian about the risks and benefits. He or she can discuss the studies on Zenrelia further and advise you about what is best for your dog’s particular situation.
The Bottom Line on Zenrelia
BOTTOM LINE: Zenrelia is a new drug that shows promise in helping control itching, especially for dogs who don’t respond to Apoquel or Cytopoint. However, the black box warning can be a cause for concern. Plus, it complicates the logistics of using Zenrelia since dogs should be off of it for a period of time surrounding vaccinations. Your vet can help determine if it’s the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs in your care.
4. Cytopoint (Lokivetmab)—Canine Atopic Dermatitis Immunotherapeutic
Another more recent development in the management of allergies in dogs is Cytopoint® (lokivetmab)—an antibody (immune system molecule) that attaches to an itch-triggering chemical signal called IL-31. Once bound to IL-31, Cytopoint blocks the creation of further itch signals, thus offering relief to your itchy dog. This innovative treatment is considered by many to be a strong contender for the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs.
It’s not a pill, but rather, is given every one to two months as an injection at your veterinarian’s office. This is great news for parents of dogs who won’t take pills.
The before and after photos below illustrate the marked improvement Cytopoint can make. The dog photo on the left was from November 25, 2020. The dog photo on the right was from on May 14, 2021.
Dog scratching under its armpit, a classic symptom of allergies and persistent itchingScratching under the armpit is a classic sign of allergies.
Cytopoint starts working within one to two days after the injection and helps the dog for one to two months. It targets a very specific signal in the immune system, so the risk of suppressing the immune system is low.
Plus it is generally well tolerated, with occasionally minor side effects such as discomfort at the injection site, lethargy, vomiting, or hyperexcitability. Cytopoint has no known drug interactions, meaning it can be used safely with other medications.
Unfortunately, because Cytopoint targets the chemical signal associated with the itching “feeling” instead of modifying the action of cells in the immune system, it’s not as effective as steroids or Apoquel in reducing signs of allergy-related inflammation in dogs. In other words, it won’t do as much for red and irritated skin or swelling of the ear canals.
The Bottom Line on Cytopoint for Dogs
BOTTOM LINE: This is one of the “latest and greatest” allergy medications for dogs. It is perhaps safer than other available options for dogs who already have an underlying medical condition. However, it does not do as good of a job of reducing inflammation. Since a single injection lasts four to eight weeks, it can be an easy and effective solution for canine allergies, positioning it as a top anti itch allergy medicine for dogs.
5. Steroids for Dog Allergies (Prednisone, Dexamethasone)
Steroids, including prednisone for dogs, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone are available in a wide variety of forms. Some common options include oral liquids, oral tablets, topical medications/shampoos, and injectable medications.
They work by suppressing specific cells and chemical signals found in the immune system to dramatically reduce inflammation and itching. In fact, steroids often work like magic to provide relief for itchy dogs.
Benefits of Steroids as an Allergy Medication for Dogs
Steroids do have several benefits for dogs with allergies. They work rapidly and powerfully, and are relatively inexpensive. If you are looking for something to knock out inflammation and itching quickly, steroids take the cake. For this reason, vets will sometimes use a “crisis buster” course of steroids. This involves giving an oral steroid (usually prednisone) for 2-3 days to knock down the itching while waiting for other treatments to take effect.
Additionally, steroids are particularly beneficial in the treatment of ear infections in dogs. Here’s why: many times the swelling of the ear canal is so severe that it can be difficult to get the medication down into the ear canal to treat the infection. Because steroids reduce inflammation, they are one of the only classes of allergy medication that can open the ear canal. This allows for better treatment of the underlying ear infection.
However, and it’s a big “however,” steroids are not without side effects. Compared with the alternatives discussed in this article, steroid’s side effects are relatively common and disturbing.
What Are the Side Effects of Steroids for Dogs?
- Increased thirst in dogs
- Ravenous appetite
- Frequent urination
- Panting
- Muscle wasting
- Increased risk of urinary tract infections, fungal infections, mange, and bacterial infections
- Potential to cause iatrogenic Cushing’s disease in dogs, a condition in which administration of steroids, either topically or systemically, mimics naturally occurring Cushing’s disease in dogs.
If your dog is on steroid pills and experiences side effects, you can talk to your vet about stopping the steroids. However, if your dog receives a long-lasting steroid injection (some may last for weeks), there is no way to take it away if your dog shows undesirable side effects. You just have to wait for it to wear off.
The Bottom Line on Steroids for Dogs with Allergies
BOTTOM LINE: Steroids are inexpensive and highly effective for treating environmental allergies (not necessarily food allergies) but concerning for long-term use. Chronic steroid use will likely take a toll on the dog’s body, and the risks may outweigh the benefits, especially when seeking the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs for sustained relief.
6. Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): The Gold Standard
When it comes to treating environmental allergies in dogs, the gold standard is immunotherapy. Similar to “allergy shots” in people, this treatment works by slowly exposing the dog’s immune system to the allergen until the immune system no longer reacts to it.
You or your vet will administer the immunotherapy as an injection under the dog’s skin once every one to three weeks. Or you can give it under the tongue (sublingually) every 12 hours.
Benefits of Allergy Shots as an Allergy Medication for Dogs
There are many benefits of immunotherapy. Instead of suppressing the immune system, the treatment is directly targeted to the allergens that specifically trigger that dog’s immune system. The vet uses skin or blood allergy testing to determine which allergens are a problem for that dog. Then the company that makes the allergy shots customizes them based on that information.
Between 50% to 80% of dogs on immunotherapy show improvement in allergy symptoms after a year of treatment.
Happy Golden Retriever panting outdoors, reflecting improved comfort from anti-itch allergy medicineImmunotherapy is the gold standard for the treatment of environmental allergies.
Downsides to Allergy Shots as a Medication for Dogs with Allergies
There are some downsides to immunotherapy. First, because allergy shots stimulate the immune system instead of suppressing it, there is a low risk of a serious allergic reaction. Second, therapy is a lengthy process, usually taking between 6 and 12 months. Because no standard protocol exists, results can vary. Plus, dogs may need to remain on immunotherapy for the rest of their lives to maintain control of their environmental allergies.
Additionally, dogs often need other allergy medications to control their symptoms while waiting for the allergy shots to kick in. Sometimes, even after immunotherapy reaches full effect, the dog will still require additional medications to calm down allergy flares. But ideally they won’t need as much medication and for as long as before.
The Bottom Line on Allergy Shots for Dogs with Environmental Allergies
BOTTOM LINE: Immunotherapy can be a great tool for dogs with environmental allergies because it specifically targets problematic allergens and has a low risk of side effects. However, it may take 6-12 months to reach full efficacy, and doesn’t work in all cases. This is considered a long-term strategy for finding the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs dealing with environmental triggers.
7. Atopica (Cyclosporine) as a Medication to Treat Allergies in Dogs
Cyclosporine (Atopica®) works by blocking the activation of T cells, a type of white blood cell that targets specific foreign invaders, and decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals. This helps reduce the signs associated with allergies since they are mediated by the immune system’s reaction to allergens.
Cyclosporine is effective for the long-term management of allergic dogs. In some cases, it even works as a sole treatment for allergies.
Atopica takes about six to eight weeks to see the full effects of medication. Sometimes your vet might need to use other allergy pills for dogs itching to control allergy symptoms while waiting for the cyclosporine to kick in. It’s also important to note that some dogs experience undesirable side effects.
What Are the Side Effects of Atopica?
Side effects of cyclosporine include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea in the first 7-10 days of administration (Thirty percent of dogs may have this.)
- Overgrowth of the gums (gingival hyperplasia in dogs)
- Immunosuppression could lead to increased susceptibility to developing neoplasia (cancer)
- Reported increased risk of urinary tract infections in dogs and fungal infections
The Bottom Line on Atopica for Dogs with Allergies
BOTTOM LINE: Atopica can be effective at managing allergies. However, it comes with a host of side effects. It has fallen out of favor in recent years as a first-line allergy therapy now that Apoquel and Cytopoint have come on the market, which are often preferred for providing the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs.
In addition to medications to treat dogs with allergies, there are a number supportive therapies that can help control allergy symptoms.
8. Diet Changes: Managing Food Allergy Symptoms
Performing a food trial, which involves changing your dog to a hypoallergenic diet, can help diagnose and manage food allergies in dogs. If the allergy symptoms improve after your dog has been eating the new food (and no other foods or treats) for 6-12 weeks, and then return within 14 days of reintroducing the old food or suspected allergen, the dog has a food allergy.
Once your dog is diagnosed with a food allergy, continuing to feed the hypoallergenic diet and eliminating the allergen from the diet may help control allergy symptoms long term.
How Do I Choose the Food for a Food Trial?
The goal of a food trial is to ensure that your dog is eating only food that he or she is unlikely to be allergic to. This can be accomplished using a veterinary prescription diet or a homecooked diet for dogs formulated by a veterinary nutritionist.
Types of Hypoallergenic Diets
Hypoallergenic diets fall under two categories:
- Novel protein: These diets usually consist of a new protein, such as kangaroo, rabbit, duck, venison, etc. that your dog has never eaten before and, therefore, is less likely to be allergic to it.
- Hydrolyzed protein: The protein source in these diets is broken down into such small pieces that the body should not mount an allergic response to the food.
Shih Tzu eating from a bowl, demonstrating how dietary changes can manage food allergy symptoms in dogsChoosing the proper diet may be what your dog needs to overcome his food allergies.
If you plan to use a commercial kibble or canned diet, it is important to choose a veterinary prescription diet instead of an over-the-counter diet.
Studies evaluating over-the-counter diets frequently detected the presence of proteins not listed on the label due to cross-contamination during manufacturing. This means that it’s possible that an allergic patient may unknowingly continue to be fed the allergen. Then it may appear that the new diet didn’t help improve allergy symptoms.
Prescription diets, in contrast, are produced on a dedicated food production line that only processes the food on the label. This prevents contamination with other proteins so you can feel confident that your dog is eating only the listed ingredients.
Food Trials Can Be Tricky to Execute
Food trials have tremendous benefits because they can help identify and manage food allergies. But they can be tricky to perform. The diets are expensive and can be labor intensive if a homemade diet is used.
The new dog food needs to be fed for 6 to 12 weeks with no additional treats, table scraps, or protein sources. It is critical that every member of the family and even neighbors are on the same page regarding the diet trial.
Taking these precautions will ensure that no one accidentally feeds your dog table scraps or treats during this period. Your dog sneaking cat food, stealing a snack from the toddler, or conning the neighbor out of a treat can be enough to make the food trial appear to have been unsuccessful. In reality, however, your dog was still eating the allergen.
Also, talk to your veterinarian about heartworm prevention and flea and tick prevention during the diet trial. The flavoring in some medications can negate the test as well.
The Bottom Line on Food Trials for Dogs with Food Allergies
BOTTOM LINE: Eliminating allergens from your dog’s diet is by far the best way to manage food allergies. It can be expensive and cumbersome to carry out a food trial and tightly control your dog’s diet long term. But this is the single best way to give your food-allergic dog some relief. All other medication and treatment options pale in comparison when dealing with specific food sensitivities, complementing any anti itch allergy medicine for dogs.
9. Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3s)
Essential fatty acids (EPA/DHA) help decrease inflammatory signals in the body and improve the skin barrier. This can help reduce the amount of medication, particularly steroids or antihistamines, needed to control allergies.
It’s important to point out that this is an additional therapy. In other words, fatty acid supplements are ineffective as a single therapy to control allergies and itching. But omega-3 fatty acids for dogs can be useful in conjunction with the other therapies discussed here. Also, keep in mind it may take up to two months to see improvement.
Essential fatty acids (Omega 3s) come in oils or capsules that you can add to your dog’s food. They are relatively safe and relatively inexpensive.
The Bottom Line on Essential Fatty Acids for Dogs with Allergies
BOTTOM LINE: Essential fatty acids make a great adjunctive therapy for dogs with allergies. But they are not sufficient as a sole means of allergy control. They can, however, enhance the effectiveness of the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs you might be using.
Dog in grass scratching ear with hind leg, finding relief from allergy-related itching with supplementsEssential fatty acid supplementation can help with allergies when in combination with other medications.
10. Holistic & Supportive Strategies to Reduce Allergy Symptoms in Dogs
As discussed in the section on the types of allergies, there are often multiple factors contributing to allergy flare-ups in dogs, which gives an opportunity for various avenues of control. Treatments that can work synergistically with the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs to help reduce symptoms include:
Flea Prevention
In addition to spreading diseases like Bartonella, fleas can contribute to allergy flare-ups in dogs. If your dog is flea allergic, all it takes is the saliva from one bite of a flea to trigger an allergic flare-up.
Therefore, it is important to keep your dog on year-round flea prevention. Flea preventatives come in oral and topical treatments. Dogs who are bathed frequently may do better with an oral product, but dogs who have food allergies can benefit from a topical product. Plus, you may want to use a combination product that also protects against ticks, heartworm disease, and/or intestinal parasites. To find the most effective solutions, explore options like best flea and tick treatment for extra large dogs or other specialized products.
Please talk with your veterinarian about which preventative is best for your dog.
Medicated Shampoo for Dogs
Medicated shampoos can be used to treat fungal and bacterial infections as well as reduce the number of allergens that build up in your dog’s fur. Most protocols involve bathing your dog one to two times per week and letting the shampoo sit for a contact time of 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Talk with your veterinarian about which shampoos and bathing frequency would be best for your dog.
Also, simply wiping a dog’s body and paws down with a cold, wet washcloth after being outdoors will remove allergens from the coat. This can also help reduce allergy symptoms for dogs with environmental allergies.
Vacuuming and Washing Pet Beds
Dust mites are a common source of allergens in humans and pets. Although it’s difficult to completely eliminate dust mites from the environment, routine vacuuming, and washing dog bedding in hot water will help reduce the number of dust mites in the environment.
Topical Products to Improve the Skin Barrier Function
Since environmental allergens can enter the body more easily when the skin barrier breaks down, topical products that contribute to a healthy skin barrier can also be helpful. Some common active ingredients that promote skin health include colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, phytosphingosines, essential fatty acids, and dog-safe essential oils. Your veterinarian can help you find the product that is right for your dog to complement any prescribed dog medicine for loose motion or other treatments.
Bottom Line on Additional Therapies for Dogs with Allergies
BOTTOM LINE: Strategies like flea control, avoiding or removing allergens, and promoting skin barrier health can help decrease allergy symptoms in dogs. When it comes to allergies, every little bit helps, but these changes are not meant to be a stand-alone management tool. They work best in conjunction with the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs prescribed by your vet.
Partnering with Your Veterinarian for the Best Allergy Management
Thankfully, there are a lot of options today for allergy medicines for dogs. Your veterinarian can help create a plan that works for your dog, and for you too. If you don’t think the plan is feasible due to time or financial constraints, or your dog’s tolerance to the treatments, don’t be afraid to ask for alternatives. Your vet is on your side to help you find the best anti-itch allergy medicine for dogs.
While treating your dog’s allergies, it is important to keep in mind that there isn’t just one right approach, so it may take some trial and error. Plus, as seasons change or other factors affect your dog’s skin health, you may find that what once worked isn’t doing the trick anymore.
As soon as you notice your dog’s allergy symptoms worsening, take action. Depending on the situation and instructions your vet gave you, this may mean making a vet appointment, ramping up your bathing or wiping routine, restarting an allergy medication, or something else. The sooner you start controlling the itching again, the better! Your beloved canine companion will thank you for it.
Infographic: Allergy Medicine for Dogs
As a summary, the infographic below is your quick reference guide to understanding how each allergy treatment option works, the dosing frequency, and the pros and cons of each allergy treatment option.
