Common Medications for Treating Dogs With Allergies
Treating dogs with allergies can be frustrating for both veterinarians and dog parents because not all dogs will respond to the same treatment. Many dogs will require a combination of treatments for complete management of symptoms. What also makes treating dogs with allergies so difficult is that avoidance of the offending allergen provides the best results but in many cases the offending allergen isn’t known or is impossible to avoid.
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine are common medications used by veterinarians for treating dogs with allergies. Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory medications are sometimes used to decrease the pain and inflammation associated with itching but cannot be used to treat or cure the disease itself. More often short-acting steroids such as prednisone and methylprednisolone are used to provide immediate relief. However, there is concern about the long-term effects of steroids so you should spend some time with your veterinarian to pinpoint the main cause of your dog’s allergic reaction so you can treat the cause and not the symptoms of his condition.
Topical therapy including the use of special shampoos is often used in combination with medications. When treating dogs with allergies it’s always in the best interest of the dog as well as the owner to track down the offending allergen(s) as soon as possible. You could easily end up spending hundreds of dollars on medications and treatments that do nothing but treat the symptoms of your dog’s condition. Instead, spend the money on a trip to see a veterinary dermatologist who can offer insight on what specifically is causing your dog.
