Dogs can have a number of allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies, and skin allergies. Allergies can cause your dog to have itchy skin, redness, and other symptoms that make them uncomfortable. When your dog has an allergy attack, it may scratch or bite at its skin until they bleed. This can lead to bacterial infections and other complications that could require medical attention.
If you suspect that your dog has an allergy, visit your veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Your veterinarian will likely recommend allergy medication that you can give your dog at home so they no longer need to see the doctor every time they have an allergy attack.
Allergies in your dog can be a serious problem, especially if you live in a house with other pets. The main culprit behind your dog’s allergies is usually dust mites or mold spores. While you may be able to get rid of these allergens in your home and yard, they could still be getting into your dog’s lungs through his skin.
Many pet owners are confused about the difference between human and animal allergy medicines. Dogs can be sensitive to allergens in their environment and humans can suffer from allergies just like dogs do. Antihistamines are over-the-counter medications that can ease allergy symptoms. Nonsteroidal immunosuppressants, or NSAIDs, block the itch signals. Other options include Platelet Rich Plasma and Nonsteroidal immunosuppressants.
Over-the-counter antihistamines relieve allergy symptoms
Over-the-counter antihistamine (OTC) treatments for allergies in dogs include corticosteroids, decongestants, and nasal sprays. These medications work to treat allergic rhinitis in dogs by blocking histamine, a chemical produced by the body when it encounters an allergen. Many humans also use OTC allergy treatments to treat their allergies.
Over-the-counter medications for dog allergies include fexofenadine, loratadine, and cetirizine. Human versions contain a substance called xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Over-the-counter antihistamines may be prescribed by your veterinarian if your dog has an underlying medical condition. Depending on your dog’s weight, you can choose the right dosage for your dog.
Human-grade antihistamines such as Benadryl, which contains diphenhydramine, may be more effective for dogs. However, these drugs may leave your dog drowsy or hyperactive. Some OTC antihistamines also contain decongestants, so make sure to check the label before giving your dog a dose. Regardless of which one you choose, remember that if you don’t want your dog to be drowsy, you shouldn’t give him any medication.
Nonsteroidal immunosuppressants block itch signals
Dogs can be allergic to many things, and one treatment for allergies is an antihistamine. Nonsteroidal immunosuppressants are drugs that block itch signals in the immune system and can provide significant relief. Some of the most popular allergy medicines for dogs include Apoquel and Atopica, both of which are extremely effective. The first of these drugs, Apoquel, relieves itching and inflammation within four hours, and its side effects are minimal. Other treatments for dog allergies may also be used, such as oral steroids. Prednisone and trimeprazine are two common oral steroids, as well as Apoquel.
Apoquel, a type of immunosuppressant, blocks Janus kinase enzymes and inhibits the immune response to itchy sensations. This medicine helps dogs with all types of allergies, including those caused by external parasites. Apoquel is the first of its kind in the veterinary market. Janus kinase enzymes work with cells in the body to signal other cells for important bodily functions. Apoquel blocks itch signals without affecting blood cell production.
The study included dogs with presumptive allergic dermatitis and moderate to severe pruritus. Dogs in the study were randomly assigned to receive Oclacitinib 0.4-0.6 mg/kg twice daily or an excipient-matched placebo. They were evaluated daily with an enhanced 10 cm visual analog scale and a veterinarian’s assessment of the severity of their pruritus and dermatitis. The study participants could continue the medication for up to 28 days.
Platelet Rich Plasma
If you’re in search of the most advanced allergy medicine for dogs, you’ve probably heard about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). This blood treatment is an excellent option for dogs with food allergies. It contains several growth factors and signaling molecules that the body needs to heal itself. Several of these factors help increase your dog’s immune response, inhibit inflammatory cytokines, and dampen the production of destructive matrix metalloproteinases. These growth factors also aid in stimulating the body’s own healing response.
The process for administering platelet-rich plasma therapy is relatively simple. A small sample of blood is drawn from your dog, and a centrifuge separates the red and white blood cells. The plasma contains a high concentration of platelets and is then injected into the patient. This entire procedure typically takes less than 45 minutes. Depending on your dog’s injury, sedatives may be administered. Your dog will probably be able to go home the same day.
Patients undergo platelet-rich plasma therapy under sedation. Once a dog has been injected with platelet-rich plasma, the veterinarian will process the blood sample to remove any immune cells. The blood is then processed to extract the increased concentration of platelets and then inject it into the affected joint. This treatment usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, and most owners see significant results in a week. Some pets may require additional treatments after the initial injection, but these are rare.
Food allergies in dogs
Treating your dog’s food allergies is easier than you may think. Food allergies can cause a range of issues, including digestive problems, breathing difficulties, itchy face, and ear infections. Some dogs are sensitive to grains, too, and treatment is usually easy to find over the counter, although prescription medications are sometimes prescribed in the most severe cases and can have potentially harmful side effects. Read on to learn more about treatment options for dog food allergies.
There are two main types of allergy medicines. One type is known as immunotherapy and is given as a shot under the skin every two to three weeks. The second type of treatment is known as hyposensitization and involves a series of injections that gradually desensitize a dog to the allergen. While these two treatments are effective, they are not ideal for every dog, and only half or so of them will show significant improvement.
A human allergy test can be performed on your dog. This is a simple test, which uses a small quantity of the allergen to induce a skin reaction. The welt or hive will appear within 15 minutes of the injection. The vet will evaluate the severity of the reaction, and then mix the allergens in different concentrations to create an allergy shot. The best allergy medication for dogs contains ingredients that are safe for dogs and have minimal side effects.
Steroid injections
Dogs with allergic reactions to certain allergens may need to take steroid injections. While these shots may relieve symptoms, they have side effects, including long-term damage to the immune system. Corticosteroid shots, which suppress inflammation, can mask common signs of infection and illness. Steroids are not recommended for young children, women who are pregnant, and nursing women. Dogs should be tested for allergies before getting an injection, even if they don’t have any.
Corticosteroids are a class of medications that suppress the immune system and provide fast relief from allergy symptoms. These medications are synthetic versions of natural hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. They also suppress certain substances that trigger inflammation. Corticosteroids can be given orally, intravenously, or subcutaneously. There are several risks involved with corticosteroid injections for dogs, and you should discuss these with your veterinarian.
A new type of drug is available to treat dog allergies. One such medication is Cytopoint. This treatment, which is administered via an injection in the veterinarian’s office, blocks a chemical signal that triggers itchiness. It lasts about four to eight weeks and has been shown to reduce symptoms in as many as 88 percent of dogs. Unlike Apoquel, Cytopoint has no anti-inflammatory effects and should be given as a last resort.
Nonsteroidal immunosuppressants
Dogs can be treated with a nonsteroidal immunosuppressant, or NSAID, just like their human counterparts. Apoquel and Cytopoint are two examples of NSAIDs. Both are effective against a number of common allergens, but they are different in their effects. Cytopoint stops the nerve transmission of itch sensations and is therefore considered a safe and effective treatment option. It is generally a lifelong treatment, although it is sometimes given only during certain seasons.
NSAIDs have the potential to produce serious side effects, but cyclosporine works similarly well to steroid drugs to control allergy symptoms in dogs. NSAIDs can cause diarrhea and vomiting and may increase the risk of infections. However, unlike NSAIDs, cyclosporine is safe for dogs over 12 months of age. It is recommended to discuss with your veterinarian the possible side effects before giving any of these medications to your dog.
Steroids can cause a variety of side effects in humans. The most common of these is itchy skin, so treating the underlying cause of the allergic reaction is vital. NSAIDs are not effective in curing the underlying cause of the allergy. Instead, they alter the hyperactive immune response to the allergen. This treatment is not effective overnight and should be continued for several weeks while the NSAIDs take effect.
Cytopoint
Unlike anti-itch medications for dogs, Cytopoint human allergy medicine for dogs does not rely on chemicals to treat the condition. It works by mimicking the immune response of the dog, and thus reduces the itching and scratching that often accompany the condition. The main problem with antihistamines and steroids, however, is that they tend to have wide-ranging side effects. Cytopoint works by targeting specific proteins that cause the immune system to respond appropriately.
Unlike other drugs, Cytopoint is safe to use in dogs of all ages and is safe to administer. It is safe to use in dogs who are already on other drugs and have underlying diseases. It is non-toxic and has no side effects, and does not put pressure on the kidneys or liver. Unlike other antihistamines, Cytopoint is administered in a veterinarian’s office. One or two treatments a month can keep the itching at bay.
While Cytopoint human allergy medicine for dogs can be expensive, the manufacturer of the drug has made an easy-to-use app for dog owners to help them monitor their dog’s progress. It is free to download and should accompany the dog owner to the progress exam. If the itch persists, the veterinarian may need to adjust the medication. The CYTOPOINT Environmental Allergic Itch Tracker helps pet owners keep track of the itch and the severity of itching.