6 Dog Allergy Medications Prescribed By Vets
If you’re an allergy sufferer, you are probably well aware of the frustration and misery that allergies can cause. Given the impact that allergies have on our lives, it’s only natural to wonder about allergies in dogs. Do dogs develop allergies like we do? If so, how can these allergies be managed? Read on to learn more about canine allergies and dog allergy medications.
Popular Allergy Medicines for Dogs
Do Dogs Get Allergies?
Allergies are a relatively common problem in dogs, just like in humans. Dogs can be allergic to some of the same substances that trigger allergies in people.
Where we differ, though, is in the effects of common allergies. While humans tend to get a runny nose and watery eyes when we’re experiencing allergies, our canine companions tend to develop itchy skin and ear infections.
There are three common triggers of skin allergies in dogs:
Environmental allergies: Like humans, dogs can become allergic to inhaled allergens, such as dust, dander, and the pollens produced by trees, weeds, and grasses. Allergies to inhaled environmental allergens, also known as atopic dermatitis, are estimated to affect 10-15 percent of dogs. Affected dogs often experience seasonal itching and inflammation of the skin.
Food allergies: An estimated 1-2 percent of dogs are affected by some form of food allergy. In these dogs, eating a particular food item will trigger an allergic reaction affecting the skin and ears. The most common food allergens in dogs include beef, chicken, eggs, and dairy.
Flea allergy: Fleas are a nuisance to any dog, but some dogs are especially sensitive to proteins found in the flea’s saliva. In these dogs, just one or two flea bites may be enough to trigger a widespread skin reaction. Fortunately, signs of flea allergy dermatitis can be prevented through the regular use of flea prevention.
Each form of canine allergies requires a unique approach to diagnosis and treatment. After determining the underlying cause of your dog’s allergies, your veterinarian may prescribe dog allergy medications as a component of your dog’s short-term or long-term treatment.
Why Your Vet Might Recommend a Prescription Dog Allergy Medication
In a perfect world, we could prevent symptoms of allergies in our dogs by avoiding allergens. In reality, however, that isn’t always feasible. Food allergies and flea allergies may be preventable, but there’s no way to completely protect your dog from pollen, dust, cat dander, or even human dander, all of which can serve as potential environmental allergens. Therefore, allergy medication for dogs often plays a role in treatment.
Some dogs, with very mild allergies, can be managed with over-the-counter allergy medications like Benadryl or Zyrtec. Unfortunately, over-the-counter antihistamines are not very strong, and they are insufficient to provide significant relief for many dogs with allergies. Therefore, veterinarians often recommend prescription allergy pills for dogs to help manage their allergies and make them more comfortable.
6 Prescription Dog Allergies Medications
Veterinarians use a variety of tools in the management of allergic dermatitis. Depending on your dog’s allergies, your treatment plan may include parasite preventives, prescription diets, injections, medicated dog shampoo for skin allergies, and other treatments. In many cases, prescription dog allergy medicine plays a role in the management of allergies.
These five allergy medications for dogs are commonly prescribed by veterinarians to manage allergy symptoms in dogs.
Apoquel
Apoquel (oclacitinib) for dogs is a more recent development in the fight against canine allergies. Introduced in 2014, it is now a commonly-prescribed medication for dogs with allergies. Apoquel works by blocking the production of cytokines, chemical signals that lead to itchy and inflamed skin. Dogs are typically started on a twice-daily dose (to calm the allergic reaction), and then are tapered to once-daily dosing for long-term maintenance.
This drug offers many of the benefits of other medications like prednisone/prednisolone and cyclosporine, with an even lower risk of side effects. In comparison to over-the-counter antihistamines like Zyrtec, Apoquel may be more effective at managing severe and chronic allergies in dogs.
Pros
- Rapid onset
- Low risk of side effects
- Acts only on the skin – doesn’t suppress the immune system
Cons
- Can be expensive, compared to other options
- No generic form available
- Does not work for every pet
Atopica
Atopica for dogs is available in capsule form. The active ingredient is cyclosporine, which was introduced as a treatment for dog allergies in 2003. This drug was intended to offer the benefits of prednisone/prednisolone, with a lower risk of short-term and long-term side effects. Some dogs experience gastrointestinal side effects with cyclosporine, while nearly all dogs experience some level of side effects with prednisone/prednisolone.
Pros
- Fewer side effects than prednisone and prednisolone
- Available for dogs 4 pounds and over
- Available in 15-count, 30-count, 45-count, and 60-count packages
Cons
- Slower onset of relief than prednisone and prednisolone
- May suppress the immune system, especially at higher doses
- Dogs may experience gastrointestinal side effects (vomiting, diarrhea)
Cyclavance
Cyclavance is another cyclosporine option for treating allergies in dogs. Unlike Atopica, Cyclavance is an oral solution that can be given to dogs with a syringe. This could make dosing easier for dogs that have problems taking pills. Cyclavance has the same benefits and side effects of Atopica, but it is a more affordable treatment option.
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive
- Liquid form may make dosing easier
Cons
- Same cons (immune system suppression and GI side effects) as Atopica
Prednisone/Prednisolone
Prednisone and prednisolone have long been used to treat allergic reactions in a variety of species. These two closely related drugs (prednisone is metabolized to prednisolone in the body) suppress the immune system, effectively managing allergic reactions.
While these medications are highly effective, they can have a number of side effects. Veterinarians may use them for short-term relief in extremely itchy dogs, but they are not typically recommended for long-term use.
Pros
- Rapid onset of relief
- Effectively control itch and inflammation in almost every pet, especially at higher doses
Cons
- Side effects are common: increased thirst/urination, panting, hunger, lethargy
- Suppress the immune system
- Long-term use associated with significant health issues, including skin disease, delayed wound healing, muscle weakness, urinary tract infections, fungal infections, diabetes, and Cushing’s disease
Hydroxyzine
Not every dog needs a strong medication like prednisone/prednisolone, cyclosporine, or Apoquel. In some cases, an antihistamine alone is sufficient to control itching. Antihistamines for dogs work by counteracting the activity of histamine, an inflammatory chemical released in allergic reactions. Hydroxyzine is a commonly-used, prescription-strength antihistamine in veterinary medicine. This drug is similar to Benadryl in its actions, but it can be more effective for many pets.
Pros
- Rapid onset
- Low risk of side effects
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Does not work for every pet
- Must be repeated every 6 – 8 hours
- May cause sedation
Clemastine
Like hydroxyzine, clemastine is a prescription-strength antihistamine. It’s more effective than Benadryl in many cases of canine allergies, but not as effective as more targeted medications. Still, many veterinarians recommend this medication in the case of mild skin allergies, due to its low cost and low risk of side effects.
Pros
- Works quickly to reduce itching
- Low risk of side effects
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Is not effective for every pet
- May cause sedation
There is no single best allergy medication for dogs. Instead, the best treatment for each individual dog will depend on factors specific to that pet. Trial and error of different dog allergy medications is often needed to find the best option.
Dog Allergy Medications: Tips and Safety
Do not give any allergy medications to your dog without first consulting your veterinarian. Although some over-the-counter human allergy medications are safe for dogs, your veterinarian is the best source of reliable information regarding dosing, side effects, and whether a given medication may be appropriate for your pet.
Talk to your veterinarian before combining medications. If your dog is taking over-the-counter medications or prescription medication obtained from another veterinarian, make sure that your veterinarian is aware of this before beginning a new prescription medication. Allergy medications can interact with each other, leading to an increased risk of side effects. Do not combine medications unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian.
Follow your veterinarian’s instructions requiring dosing. If a given medication is not effective, do not increase your dog’s dose without first contacting your veterinarian. Overdosing your dog on allergy medication can have serious impacts. If a given medication at a given dose is not effective, that may mean that your dog needs a different medication.
Finally, oral medication alone is not effective for every allergy case. In many cases, your veterinarian may recommend additional treatments, such as parasite prevention, medicated allergy shampoo for dogs, a hypoallergenic diet, allergy testing, or adjunct treatments (such as long-acting injections) either alone or in addition to an oral medication.
Allergies in dogs are managed, not cured. Your dog will likely need lifelong treatment, unless you are somehow able to prevent all exposure to their allergens. Therefore, it’s important to work closely with your veterinarian, collaborating to determine the most effective treatment protocol for your individual dog.
