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Pet owners should understand that there is no cure for allergies but these problems can be successfully treated. There are several treatment approaches that include a combination of oral medication, topical therapy, bathing, and therapy that involves antigen injection. The correct allergy medicine for dogs is prescribed based on the symptoms that are being displayed, the severity of the symptoms exhibited by the dog, and any underlying medical conditions that are already present. The treatment regimen for allergies in dogs may involve one or a combination of the following therapies:
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids and/or antihistamines
- Immune modulators to modify and reduce the immune response of the dog so there will be less amount of itching
- Certain food and dietary supplements such as special protein diets and fatty acid supplementation.
- Alleviate itching with antipruritic (anti-itch) medication such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, Apoquel, etc.
- Medicated shampoo and regular bathing to remove the antigens a dog a has been exposed to as well as remove dead skin cells. Bathing with medicated shampoo can also help treat secondary infections caused by yeast or bacteria. There are also shampoo products with anti-inflammatory ingredients.
- Hyposensitization therapy can be used when the offending allergen/s has been identified. It involves giving allergy shots to the patient.
To know which treatment options are best for your dog, schedule an appointment with your animal hospital Scottsdale, AZ today.
