If you have ever witnessed your dog scratching and licking its paws into a mess or crazy patches of hair loss, you know how frustrating it can be. I’ve been there. My 2-year old German Shepherd, Alexy, did just that, and I learned more about dog allergy medicines than I ever thought I would.
In this post, I’m going to discuss the different kinds of allergies that are out there for your pooch, how they work and what was effective (and useless) based on my actual experience with Alexy.
First of all, how can you tell if it’s allergies?
You must first be able to identify the symptoms before you can put your hand to any medicine. The symptoms gradually developed in Alexy.
- Continuous scratching and rubbing of skin
- Excessive salivation that can be seen in the mouth or around the face
- Recurring ear infections
- Any warm/muddy areas on his fur coat
- Watery, irritated eyes
- Red, inflamed skin
- Labs show low thyroid levels (Hypothyroidism)
- Reduced appetite
I initially tried some home remedies I had read about online. That was a bad move — the symptoms worsened. I monitored him closely and within about 4 days I called a veterinarian who determined the underlying causes: environmental/seasonal allergies and a flea allergy. That diagnosis was life changing.
This was the first thing I learned and the best advice I can give: Do not guess, diagnose first. It can save you time, money and most importantly your dog’s suffering.
Disclaimer: Please note: The content of this article is based on personal experience and general research and should not replace the advice of a licensed veterinarian for any medication changes or medication starts.
What Types of Medications Are Available for Treating Dog Allergies?
There are a few primary kinds of dog allergy medication.
1. Apoquel (Oclacitinib)
There’s a reason why Apoquel is one of the most prescribed dog allergy medicine these days. It works through targeting specific enzymes (JAK enzymes) that are responsible for the itch and inflammation response and provides fast, targeted relief without the general side effects of steroids.
My experience with Alexy: I have seen a definite decrease in his scratching within 7 days of him starting Apoquel. He was calmer and sleeping better and the hot spots started to settle. In less than a week, the dog’s life changed drastically – and for the better!
Apoquel is usually administered as a once a day oral tablet and is indicated for use in dogs 12 months of age and older. Prescription-only, therefore a vet visit is required.
2. Cytopoint (Lokivetmab)
Cytopoint Lokivetmab is an injectable, biological product (not a traditional drug) which neutralizes a protein (IL-31) that is responsible for the itch signal in dogs. It is a very clean safety targeted antibody.
My experience with Alexy: He would experience about 2 weeks of relief following his Cytopoint injection. It did not work for all dogs, but in Alexy’s case it gave him some good relief that allowed his skin to begin to heal.
Cytopoint is injected by a veterinarian and lasts about 4-8 weeks after each injection. It’s a great option for dogs who have difficulty taking daily oral medications.
3. Corticosteroids (Steroids)
Older, but effective, anti-inflammatory and anti-itch drugs include the steroids prednisone and prednisolone. They are fast acting and frequently employed to treat flare ups.
But, there are also real risks associated with long-term steroid use: increased thirst and urination, weight gain, impaired immune system and organ stress.
Most veterinarians today would rather try alternative treatments, such as Apoquel and Cytopoint, before resorting to long-term use of steroids.
My take is that while steroids are useful for acute flares, I wouldn’t use them as a long term solution from my experience and what I’ve read and been told by vets.
4. Antihistamines
Many dog owners, including myself early on, think that taking Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for dogs will help resolve a dog’s allergies just like it does for people. The truth is more complex – antihistamines do not work as well in dogs as they do in people, but they may modify some reactions, and may be useful in the treatment of environmental allergies for some dogs.
Safe, inexpensive and readily available, they should always be administered at the correct dosage, which should be confirmed with your vet. Some products have xylitol or decongestants that are poisonous to dogs.
5. Immunotherapy involves taking allergy shots or drops (immunotherapy).
If the basic cause of a dog’s allergy is known to be an environmental allergen, then the closest approach to a long-term cure is to do immunotherapy. Once allergy testing is complete, a specific serum is developed and injected into the dog, or placed under his or her tongue, for several months or years, slowly decreasing the dog’s sensitivity to the allergy.
It comes with a period of time, however — it can take 6-12 months for results to be seen — but for dogs with severe chronic allergies, it can make a huge difference in their need to take constant medication.
6. Flea Prevention Medications
This one is a no-brainer if your dog has a flea allergy (as does Alexy). Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) is amongst the most frequent allergic reactions in dogs, and a single flea bite can cause a huge reaction in a susceptible dog.
If you have a flea prevention plan in place and stick to it with Alexy, it was a game-changer. After we had a solid flea prevention program in place, the signs from the flea have gone away. Common products used include Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica or topical products such as Frontline, your vet can advise you which is most appropriate.
If the fleas are still biting, no anti-itch medication will be fully effective.
7. Medicated Shampoos and Topical Treatments
Medicated shampoos are not systemic drugs but are important supportive agents. They assist in controlling secondary skin infections, alleviate inflammation and eliminate environmental allergens from the coat and skin.
I used medicated bath as part of an overall skin care program for Alexy and noticed a definite improvement in his coat’s appearance and feel.
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What really helped Alexy in the long run beyond medication?
Here’s a little secret not everyone in the allergy medicine article knows: Medicine is not the entire solution. In Alexy’s case, two non-pharmaceutical interventions were helpful in the long-term:
Dietary changes: Diet has been analyzed, and targeted changes were made focused on whole-food ingredients and decreasing known inflammatory foods from Alexy’s diet. His skin and coat improved after approximately a month. I can’t stress enough as a pet nutritionist how important diet is to skin health, which is something that is often overlooked.
Fortunately, omega-3 fatty acid supplements for dogs reduced systemic inflammation in Alexy’s skin. As before, the effects were not instant, but those that I experienced were significant and after approximately a month.
My approach to treatment is a 5-step process.
I’m going to outline my 5-step treatment philosophy.
Having gone through this with Alexy and doing the research, I have created a framework which I now recommend to any other dog owner:
- Begin with a veterinary diagnosis – don’t make any assumptions about an allergen or a treatment.
- Assess and clear up diet — remove poor quality foods and try an elimination diet if a food allergy is suspected.
- Start using medicated shampoos and topical skin care.
- Flea & Tick prevention — year round, not just during the summer.
- Prescribe medications as necessary per veterinary guidance (Apoquel, Cytopoint, antihistamines, and/or immunotherapy).
What are the important takeaways from Alexy’s journey?
After about one week of treatment, Alexy’s symptoms were mostly controlled. We took a structured approach and acted early, and that’s why we were able to achieve that quick turnaround. What I would like each dog owner to have in mind is this:
Bigger problems are prevented with early treatment; otherwise, it allows secondary infections and hot spots to get worse.
Dogs with flea allergies must be treated consistently against flea infestations.
The owner doesn’t know how important diet is. It’s not a sexy piece of advice, but it’s right.
- Patience is essential. Some treatments can last for weeks or months (dietary changes, omega-3s, immunotherapy). Be prepared to persevere.
Never increase or decrease a dose or overdose medications without your vet’s guidance — this will not make them more effective and could make your pets unwell.
Final Thoughts
While annoying, it is possible to control dog allergies. With Apoquel and Cytopoint, antihistamines, steroids and immunity, there are tools to help vets and owners bring relief. However, the optimal outcome is achieved by a combination of medication, judicious nutrition, regular parasite control and a touch of patience.
Alexy is a testament to that. If your dog is struggling right now, I hope that his story offers him a roadmap and hope for you both.
Have any questions about a particular medication or your dog’s symptoms? Include them in the comments below.