There are several manifestations of allergies in dogs, including atopic and flea allergy dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and bronchitis, hives, and insect bite hypersensitivity. Symptoms may include pruritus (itchiness), sneezing, coughing, clear nasal discharge, or raised welts on the skin.
Pruritus due to hives and insect bite hypersensitivity are caused by the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. Over-the-counter dog allergy medications like antihistamines are typically effective at relieving this form of itchiness. More severe cases may require the addition of a glucocorticoid to reduce inflammation.
There was a time when glucocorticoids were the primary form of treatment in relieving pruritus (itchiness) associated with atopic dermatitis. Glucocorticoids are effective for this purpose but come at a price.
Glucocorticoids may increase your dog’s thirst and hunger. When they drink more water, they naturally have to urinate more often. This can lead to urinary accidents in the house. They may pant for no apparent reason and act lethargic.
Long-term chronic use of glucocorticoids can cause thinning of the skin and haircoat. Dogs may develop comedones (black heads) of their skin, particularly on the underside of their belly. Wounds may take longer to heal. Muscle wasting may occur because of catabolic changes to their metabolism. Dogs may become obese due to increased appetite and caloric intake. There is an increased risk of developing bacterial or fungal infections, adult-onset demodectic mange, and diabetes mellitus.
Today, there are many alternative and equally effective medications that relieve the pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis. These medications are generally safer than glucocorticoids when used long-term. However, there may still be instances when glucocorticoids are an appropriate choice to manage pruritus.
The following principles should be followed when using a glucocorticoid to treat your dog’s pruritus:
- Any underlying disease that is contributing to your dog’s pruritus should be identified and treated. Using a glucocorticoid without completing a diagnostic workup first can mask an underlying disease and make your dog’s overall condition worse.
- The least potent glucocorticoid should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time necessary to control your dog’s symptoms.
- Your dog should be rechecked by your veterinarian at regular intervals while taking a glucocorticoid.
Allergic rhinitis and bronchitis may be responsive to the antihistamine cetirizine (commonly known as Zyrtec). Coughing due to allergic bronchitis may require an antihistamine and glucocorticoid combination, such as trimeprazine and prednisolone (Temaril-P).
Itchy skin associated with atopic and flea allergy dermatitis is not always responsive to antihistamines. Medications that target specific itch receptors in the skin may provide dogs with more complete relief from their pruritus than antihistamines. See the article “Allergies in Dogs” (WDJ website) for more information on other treatments that may help your dog.
The following is an information guide to many of the common medications that are used to treat allergy symptoms in dogs.
Many drugs are metabolized in the body and converted to both active and inactive forms. Prednisone is converted by the liver into the active metabolite prednisolone. Humans and healthy dogs are readily able to make this conversion, so most pharmacists treat prednisone and prednisolone as bioequivalent drugs. They do not know that there is a difference between prednisone and prednisolone in veterinary patients. Dogs that have liver disease may not be able to readily make this conversion—these dogs may be prescribed prednisolone instead of prednisone. Incidentally, healthy cats and horses are not efficient at this conversion and should be prescribed prednisolone instead of prednisone. If your veterinarian has specifically prescribed prednisolone for your dog, it may be up to you to ensure that your pharmacist has filled the correct medication.
Is there a reason that Apoquel isn’t on the list? I have been using that daily to help with my 4 year old Scottie’s horrendous fungal infection and itching. She still gets it every day as maintenance…
My French Bulldog, color = mostly white – named Frenchi.
Veterinarians call her a = LWID “little white itchy dog’s” built low to the ground & picking up all ground debris-
Frenchi spends much time “scratching or licking, underarms, feet, thighs, & private parts.
She was allergy tested & results point to “environmental-grass,trees”. I was feeding Stella & Chewy Skin & Coat. I was also using Apoquel 5.4mgs -dose for 20# French Bulldog once per day.
My Vet decided to try Cytopoint, a “Canine Allergic Dermatitis immunotherapeutic”.!!
Frenchi was injected this past Thursday afternoon- I was amazed- she slept when we returned home.
Normally she sleeps on bed with my other French Bulldog & my husband. My job is to keep Frenchi from scratching & licking by keeping her busy & entertained.
Today is Sunday- she is 85-90% cured.
The few times she decided to lick or chew her body, I believe it was HABIT= not need.
I am extremely impressed – I am using Cyto & stopped Apaquel. 🐶. Interested in hearing your results.
Ileen Green, CPDT-KA
Also wondering why Apoquel isn’t mentioned. Prescribed by my vet for my dachshund’s itchy paws.
Diana pawPrints developed an allergy between 2 and 3 years old. My previous dog had a food allergy and I just eliminated all chicken from is diet and he was fine. Diana was so bad she was losing hair and had skin infections, bumps and sores before the vet diagnosed her. She was put on antibiotics, anti itch meds and Chlorhexadine shampoo. She cleared up but symptoms returned the following Spring. The vet said it is an environmental allergy. I caught it early and have been able to manage it with Benedryl and Chlorhexadine shampoo, both over the counter. The vet said the Benedryl, even at 8 per day, was cheaper than the prescription meds and fine as long as it was working for her. I’ve been tracking pollen counts for two years through the Accuweather app and have determined it is tree pollen. She doesn’t react to grass , mold, weeds or ragweed but when tree pollen is high, that is when she started to itch. So I keep my eye on the weather and as soon as the tree pollen starts to show on the weather app I start the pills and she starts getting bathed more often. Weekly at it’s worst. So far so good.
Freyja doesn’t seem to be allergic to anything but she is sensitive to pork so no pig ears for her.
Apoquel is the common trade name for Oclacitinib – it’s on the list under that name. Sorry for the confusion!