Faithful, loyal animals, dogs, have been domesticated for thousands of years. And, in the United States, dogs are the most popular pets, with more than 45 million households owning one. Dogs can be stress-busters, friendly playmates, fierce protectors, and lovable companions for many. However, taking care of them is a huge responsibility. Like humans, dogs too can suffer from allergies, and it can take a toll on your canine’s health. Here are ways to treat dogs with allergies.

1. Causes of allergies
When your dog’s immune system mistakenly feels threatened by a foreign substance, it can cause allergic reactions. And the triggers can be from the foods your dogs eat, the environment they live in, or from flea and tick infestations. Sometimes, allergies are also inherited or genetic. Depending on the cause of the allergy, the symptoms will vary, and so will the treatment.

2. Treatment for allergies
To relieve itching, scratching, incessant paw biting, hair loss, or recurring ear infections, all indications of allergies in dogs, numerous effective treatment options are available. Remember, however, that for allergies, treatment only aims to manage symptoms, and there is no permanent cure.

3. Consult your veterinarian
When you notice any undesirable signs or behavior in your pet dogs, consult the veterinarian immediately. That first step makes the diagnosis and treatment faster and effective. Allergies can be complicated to deal with and requires correct diagnosis and patience. Ruling out other medical conditions that cause similar symptoms is the next step. The third is performing blood tests for environmental allergies and a food elimination process for allergies triggered by ingredients in your pooch’s regular meals.

4. Over-the-counter medicines
For flea and tick allergies, there are over-the-counter chewable tablets, flea and tick collars and shampoos, and topical applications that rid your pet dog of infestations. You need to administer these weekly, monthly, or yearly depending on the severity of allergy symptoms. Antihistamines help minimize itching in dogs, anti-allergy shampoos, and topical applications that are veterinarian-approved are also an efficient remedy to treat dog allergies.

5. Modify your dog’s diet
The table scraps you share with your pet, some flavor-added medications they take for combating other diseases, or even the treats and meals they have been having for many years can trigger food allergies in dogs. For example, the most common food allergens in dogs are beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, egg, and soy. Besides, chemical additives, preservatives, artificial colorants, and flavorings could also trigger an adverse reaction in dogs. All of these are, unfortunately, part of commercial dog foods. The simplest thing to do is identify the foods causing your dog’s allergic reactions and remove them from its diet. Sometimes, your dog might be allergic to more than one food item. Hence, an elimination diet is the only treatment option for food allergies in dogs.

Sometimes, even a tiny change in the diet might help reduce allergies and improve your dog’s health. In severe cases, you could stop feeding all the foods and treats your dog is currently having, and then start a new feeding routine with a novel protein source and fresh ingredients. Maybe a homemade meal made from scratch with no fillers or additives might be ideal for your pet dog with allergies. After consulting your vet, you could also add supplements like omega fatty acids or probiotics a few times a week to your dog’s meals to make them wholesome and nutritious.

6. Make changes in your dog’s routines
When environmental causes trigger allergies in your dog, administering prescription medicines or immunotherapy are some treatment options. Based on the veterinarian’s advice, you can do this regularly or only when allergy symptoms flare up. And, quite logically, when pollen is the cause of allergy, it is wise to keep your dog indoors, at least on days when the count is high. It is important to bathe your pet regularly, wash their bedding often, and keep their environment tidy and sanitized at all times.