Did you know that 20 to 25 percent of dogs suffer from allergies at some point in their lives?
Signs of allergies in dogs include sneezing, watery eyes, itching and hair loss.
Although allergies are a common problem, they can still cause a lot of stress and anxiety for dogs and their owners.
The good news is that there are many effective ways to manage your furry friend’s allergies.
Whether your dog is allergic to pollen, dander, household chemicals, or food ingredients, here are four treatment options to consider.
Remove the Allergen
If you suspect your dog is allergic to something, the first step to take is removing the allergen.
That might mean changing your dog’s diet, treating them for parasites or changing the soaps, cleaners and other chemicals that you use in your home.
Unfortunately, it may not be possible to remove environmental allergens like pollen or pollution, but you can mitigate your dog’s exposure by exercising them inside and giving frequent baths.
Manage Symptoms With Medication
Removing the allergen from your dog’s environment can help, but it’s often not enough to eliminate symptoms.
Ask your veterinarian about medications to help manage persistent allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching and hair loss.
Pharmaceutical options for treating your dog’s allergies may include antihistamines, steroids, nasal sprays or topical medications.
Use Natural Supplements
Do you prefer natural options for your dog’s health whenever possible?
There are many natural supplements that are also effective for treating allergy symptoms.
Quercetin is a natural alternative to antihistamines like Benadryl that can help with sneezing, watery eyes and itchy skin.
Omega-3 supplements like fish oil and coconut oil can treat allergies by reducing inflammation.
Digestive enzymes can be helpful for dogs that suffer with food allergies or intolerances.
Get Allergy Testing
If your dog’s allergies persist despite treatment, you may not be treating all of their allergies.
Allergy testing can be helpful to pinpoint your dog’s exact allergy triggers so that you can treat them more effectively.
You can do allergy testing at home with mail order kits, or take your dog to a pet allergy clinic for professional testing.
An elimination diet can also be helpful for diagnosing food allergies.
Although the symptoms of allergies in dogs can be distressing, remember that your dog can still live a full and happy life with allergies.
Young dogs often grow out of their allergies, and there are always more treatment options being developed and coming onto the market.