Tips for Treating Your Dog's Allergies

With allergy season for humans starting to kick into overdrive, lots of people don't realize their dog can also have allergies. If your dog is an obsessive licker or he frequently scratches or scoots across the floor, he may have allergies. Just like humans, dogs can overreact to harmless allergens in the air, sneezing and itching as a result.

There are four main types of allergies in dogs: atopy, flea, food, and contact. Atopy refers to enviornmental allergies; a dog's body releases excess histamine when exposed to a higher concentration of pollen in the air. The most common symptoms of atopic allergies are itching, scratching, biting, and chewing.

Here are some tips to help prevent or minimize the symptoms of atoptic allergies in dogs:

Wipe down your dog to remove allergens after walks
Try a hypoallergenic shampoo (or if your dog is allergic to wheat/gluten, then try a wheat and gluten free shampoo)
Use appropriate, dog supplements such as biotin or omega-3s (Vet's Best Brand)
Try sulfodene treatments (hot spot and itch relief spray) - these treat irritation, red skin, and hot spots
Give baths with gentle or medicated shampoo - baths will help control the amount of allergens on your dog's skin, as long as you avoid anything that will irritate or dry out their skin
Apply a medicated spray - a popular one is Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Spray - helps treat fungal and bacterial skin infections, plus contains soothing aloe
Aloe or Witchazel Spray
Wholesome Diet - Your dog's diet may be completely overlooked if your dog only suffers from environmental allergens, but the more natural your dog's diet, the better their bodies are able to fight off and heal from allergies and external stressors
Apple Cider Vinegar - If you can stand the smell, you can apply a 50/50 mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water in a spray bottle to the itchy spots on their skin

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