Allergy relief for pets allergy testing Allerby important to determine the best possible treatment reliev pet allergies. Dog Allergy Eating disorders and Foor Avoidance is the best way to manage a dog allergy. Accessed April 28, Over-the-counter OTC antihistamine tablets include fexofenadine Allegra Allergyloratadine Claritin, Alavert and cetirizine Zyrtec Allergy ; over-the-counter OTC antihistamine syrups are available for children.

Allergy relief for pets -

What kind of self-care techniques have you used, and have they helped? What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms? Issues if you have asthma If you have already been diagnosed with asthma and you are having difficulty managing the disease, your doctor may talk to you about the possibility of allergies.

What you can do in the meantime If you suspect that you may have a pet allergy, take steps to reduce your exposure to your pets. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

Aug 04, Show References. Pet allergy. Accessed May 5, Pet dander. American Lung Association. Kleinman K, et al. Immunology and allergy. In: The Harriet Lane Handbook. Elsevier; Accessed May 7, Sexton DJ, et al. The common cold in adults: Diagnosis and clinical features. Pet allergy: Are you allergic to dogs or cats?

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Erwin EA, et al. Pets in the home: Impact on allergic disease. Allergy testing. Immunotherapy can provide lasting relief. Accessed April 26, Is rinsing your sinuses safe? Food and Drug Administration. Accessed April 28, Montelukast sodium.

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A person with animal allergies may react less to dogs with soft, constantly growing hair, or one specific cat or dog may cause more or less of an allergic reaction than another animal of that same breed.

You may hear claims about breeds of dogs and cats that are non-allergenic don't cause an allergic reaction or cats and dogs that are hypoallergenic cause less of an allergic reaction.

However, even hairless breeds may cause a severe allergic reaction. Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about caring for your pet, including training techniques and answers to frequently asked questions.

If your or a family member's allergies are simply miserable, but not life-threatening, take these five steps to reduce the symptoms:. Create an "allergy free" zone in your home—preferably the allergic person's bedroom—and strictly prohibit the pet's access to it.

Use a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner, and consider using impermeable covers for the mattress and pillows. Use HEPA air cleaners throughout the rest of the home, and avoid dust-and-dander-catching furnishings such as cloth curtains and blinds and carpeted floors.

Clean frequently and thoroughly to remove dust and dander, washing articles such as couch covers and pillows, curtains, and pet beds. Bathe your pet on a weekly basis to reduce the level of allergy-causing dander shed old skin cells. Cats can get used to being bathed, but it's critical to only use products labeled for them; kittens may need a shampoo safe for kittens.

Check with your veterinarian's staff or a good book on pet care for directions about safe bathing, It's a good idea to use a shampoo recommended by your veterinarian or other animal care professional.

Don't be quick to blame the family pet for allergies. Decongestants, nasal sprays, and prescription medications can also be effective pet allergy treatments, Dr. Decongestants, such as over-the-counter Sudafed , help with congestion and sinus pressure, while nasal sprays, like Flonase and Nasacort help with sneezing and congestion, he explains.

RELATED: Should you use Singulair for allergies? Below are some medications that are used to treat pet allergies. Always consult your doctor before using medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Before using one of these medications for the first time, check with your healthcare professional or pharmacist to ensure it is safe with any medical conditions you have as well as any other medications you take including Rx and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements.

In general, most of the available over-the-counter antihistamines are safe for long-term use, says Dr. Shah, as long as your provider or pharmacist has confirmed you have no interactions. Gupta recommends allergy shots as the best line of defense against severe pet allergies. Also known as immunotherapy , allergy shots are supervised by your immunologist or allergist.

Gupta says. However, they require a time commitment and can be expensive. According to Dr. Shah, you can get lasting allergy relief with immunotherapy. Sublingual immunotherapy allergy tablets are just as effective as allergy shots, says Dr.

Shah, but they can be taken orally from the comfort of your home. Allergy shots are not started on pregnant individuals, but if you were already receiving immunotherapy prior to your pregnancy, they can be continued. You will be monitored closely for a reaction after receiving each dose, just as you normally would when receiving immunotherapy injections.

RELATED: Are allergy shots worth it? In addition to the immunotherapy that she recommends, she also suggests the following:. If you have a dog allergy but have your heart set on a pup of your own, breeds like the Afghan Hound, American Hairless Terrier, Bichon Frise, Irish Water Spaniel, Maltese, or Poodle may be a better choice.

And for cat lovers with allergies , breeds including the Balinese, Cornish Rex, Javanese, and Siberian may be less likely to trigger a reaction. For severe wheezing or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately, as these could be a sign of anaphylactic shock.

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What are the best medications for allergies to pets? If you find cats or dogs have you sniffling and sneezing, these treatments can spell quick relief.

If your nose Nutritional strategies for peak performance, your eyes water or you start Alergy Allergy relief for pets wheezing All-natural Orange Essence petting or playing Allrrgy a dog ror cat, Alkergy likely have a pet allergy. A pet reloef can contribute to Allergy relief for pets allergy Ppets, as exposure can occur at pest, school, day care or in other indoor environments, even if a pet is not present. If your nose runs and your eyes water or you start sneezing and wheezing after petting or playing with a cat, you likely have a cat allergy. A cat allergy can contribute to constant allergy symptomsas exposure can occur at work, school, day care or in other indoor environments, even if a cat is not present. Cats produce multiple allergens proteins that can cause allergy. These allergens are found on the fur and skin and in saliva. Picture Allergy relief for pets You see a sign for free kittens — Alldrgy wide-eyed, fluffy faces are just petts sweet and Alllergy to resist. I Could Be Allergic to That? Shah says. That means even households without pets can be exposed to dander if a pet owner enters their home, he adds. So, how many people are allergic to dogs and cats?

Allergy relief for pets -

Always make sure you tell the vet what OTC and holistic remedies you are currently giving your dog, as they can potentially interact with prescription meds. If your dog has an itchy, red hot spot, Animax Ointment a prescription topical treatment that combines a corticosteroid, an antifungal and an antibiotic may help.

Topical sprays containing a steroids, like Genesis Spray by Virbac, are often prescribed for local itchy hot spots as well. In the old days, the only oral prescription options available were steroids, like prednisone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, and betamethasone.

While these medications did stop allergy symptoms, they also came with a whole host of negative side effects, including increased appetite, increased water consumption and urination, and increased susceptibility to infections, to name a few. Steroids are also less effective with food allergies.

Oral and injectable steroids are still used and prescribed in some dog allergy cases, but there are new medications available that still stop itching without the negative side effects.

Atopica is the brand name for cyclosporine, a medicine for dogs with allergies. Apoquel is another newer prescription allergy relief for dogs that is touted to have even fewer side effects than Atopica.

Your veterinarian may also recommend treatment with Temaril-P , an oral prescription allergy medication that combines the antihistamine trimeprazine with the steroid prednisolone.

If your dog cannot tolerate oral medications or you do not want to give oral medications over a long period of time, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about giving allergy injections, commonly known as allergy shots.

Platelet Rich Plasma PRP and stem cell therapy is less common but something to potentially discuss with your vet. The traditional allergy shot requires that you take your dog either to your local veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist for allergy testing. Allergies are tested with a blood test or with a skin prick test.

The skin prick test is considered more accurate and is usually only done by veterinary dermatologists. Once the test is done, an allergy serum is created.

This allergy serum is administered via a series of injections and is intended to desensitize your dog over time to the allergens that cause them grief. Allergy shots are the only way to truly reduce the instances of allergy symptoms. All other treatments are aimed at controlling symptoms. Cytopoint is another option that is administered as an injection.

It starts providing relief within one day and controls allergic itching for four to eight weeks. Cytopoint is only available through your local veterinarian and has a low incidence of side effects. Platelet Rich Plasma and stem cell therapy, both of which have been used to treat joint disease for quite some time in dogs, have also been shown to have a positive effect in dogs who are suffering from seasonal allergies.

Talk to your vet about these cutting-edge therapies. Even though food allergies are less common in dogs than atopy or flea allergy, they can still occur. If your dog has allergies year-round or has itchy skin that flares after eating certain foods, your dog may have a food allergy and may need a dog food specifically formulated for dogs with allergies.

Check with your vet for suggested options. The basic gist of a food trial is this: You work with your veterinarian to choose a prescription hypoallergenic diet for your dog more on that below , and then after you slowly transition your dog to the new food over three to five days, you will feed only that food for eight to 10 weeks.

Your dog must consume only that food. The reason you must only feed the hypoallergenic diet for eight to 10 weeks is to diagnose a food allergy. Since it takes about 20 days for canine epidermis skin to turn over and at least six weeks for previous allergens to clear out, diet trials must last eight to 10 weeks.

If all the itching goes away on the new diet, then it is likely that your dog has a food allergy. If your veterinarian has recommended a diet trial, it is important to follow their food recommendations precisely. Over-the-counter diets are not considered good hypoallergenic choices for food trials because they are often manufactured on machines that make other diets.

Hypoallergenic diets generally are created on dedicated machine that are meticulously cleaned to prevent cross-contamination with allergens. There are two main types of food to choose for diet trials: hydrolyzed diets, which are foods that are manufactured to remove allergens, or novel protein diets, where you feed your dog a protein and carbohydrate that he has never eaten before.

Popular dog food for dogs with allergies that are used by veterinarians for diet trials could include:. If you have a dog with allergies, then you also need to think about treating the environment your dog lives in, especially if your dog suffers from flea allergies or atopy.

They include:. If your dog has a flea allergy, then the bite of just one flea can drive him crazy. Use flea control on all dogs and cats in the household consistently throughout flea season to keep flea allergies under control. Be sure you use a flea and tick treatment formulated specifically for each type of pet.

If your dog is prone to seasonal allergies, then you need to reduce exposure to allergens. Use a HEPA filter in your furnace, plug in some air purifiers, cover bedding with an allergen barrier, and wash pet bedding once a week during allergy season with a gentle, hypoallergenic laundry detergent.

So, what can you give your dog for allergies? Every dog is unique and causes and severity can vary so the answer might be more complicated than you may have thought.

Controlling allergies takes some trial and error and usually requires a combination of therapies. Working with your veterinarian, you can discover what to give your dog for allergies and stop the itching for good.

Q: What causes dog allergies? A: In dogs, allergies can be caused by pollen, dust, mold, dander, and other allergens, just like in humans. Dogs can also be allergic to flea saliva when they are bitten by fleas, and insect bites and stings.

Dogs can also develop allergies to ingredients in their food, resulting in itchy skin and digestion abnormalities. Q: Can dog allergies go away? Treatment is aimed at reducing itching and avoiding the offending allergen as much as possible.

The only way to really minimize allergies is by having a dog tested for allergens and then started on a series of allergy shots, where a dog receives a series of injections that contain very small amounts of allergen, thereby desensitizing the dog to the allergen over time and curing the allergic response.

In time, symptoms will get better, and the pet may not have symptoms as often. Q: Can dog allergies cause diarrhea or coughing? A: In dogs, the most common symptoms associated with allergies are those related to the skin, i. In some cases, allergies can also affect the digestive system such as when a dog eats something they are allergic to, which can cause skin signs and digestive signs, including vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive gas.

Q: Can you give a dog Benadryl? A: Yes, dogs can tolerate diphenhydramine, which is the active ingredient in Benadryl. The standard dosage is 1 milligram per pound. Not all dogs can tolerate Benadryl, however, and Benadryl may interact with other medications.

Always check with your vet before giving your dog Benadryl. Q: Can you give a dog Claritin? If so, how much Claritin can I give my dog? A: Loratadine, the active ingredients in Claritin, is a safe drug to use in dogs for allergies.

Typical dosage is 0. Loratadine can cause side effects and does interact with some other medications and should only be administered under the supervision of a veterinarian. Check with your vet before giving loratadine to your dog, and never give a dog Claritin D because it contains pseudoephedrine.

Q: What is the difference between Benadryl and Claritin? A: While both Benadryl and Claritin are antihistamine medications, the active ingredients are different. Benadryl contains diphenhydramine, and Claritin contains loratadine.

Q: Can you give dogs Pepto pills? A: Pepto-Bismol bismuth subsalicylate is safe to offer most dogs; however, salicylates in the medication can, in rare cases, cause gastric bleeding, and the bismuth in the medication often turns stools black.

Q: Can you give a dog Zyrtec? If so, how much Zyrtec can I give my dog? A: The active ingredient in Zyrtec is cetirizine and is a safe drug to use in dogs for allergies. Cetirizine can cause side effects and does interact with some other medications and should only be administered under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Check with your vet before giving cetirizine to your dog, and never give a dog Zyrtec D because it contains pseudoephedrine. By: Dr. Sarah Wooten Updated: September 22, By: BeChewy Editors Updated: October 10, Learn what to feed a puppy at every stage in their development with this veterinarian-approved puppy feeding guide for new puppy parents.

More Details. By: Linda Rodgers Updated: October 13, Some plants can give your pup diarrhea, others are extremely poisonous and can cause serious problems. By: Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA Updated: October 10, Want to know how you can potty train your dog in 7 days?

What Can I Give My Dog for Allergies? All About Dog Allergies:. Types of Dog Allergies. Seasonal Allergies Treatment. Flea Allergy Dermatitis Treatment. Food Allergies Treatment. Environment Treatment. Diagnosing Dog Allergies. Veterinarians group skin allergies in dogs into three main categories: 1 Flea allergy dermatitis This is caused by an allergy to flea saliva and is the most common type of allergic reactions in dogs.

The classic sign of flea allergy dermatitis FAD in dogs is hot spots , either around the base of the tail or around the neck. Dogs with atopy are seasonally itchy around their face, paws, and armpits.

Recurrent ear infections are common with atopy. Dogs with a food allergy are itchy around their rump, armpits, groin, face and in between their toes. The most common allergens in dogs are protein in nature and include chicken, beef, pork, egg, soy, and dairy.

Photo: Chewy Studios. Treating Dog Allergies. Remember: It's always a good idea to check in with your vet before treating your dog for allergies. Have more questions about your pet's behavior? to 11 p. Treating Seasonal Allergies.

More to Explore. Fall Allergies in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment and More. OTC Medications If your dog has a skin infection, external parasites, or food allergies, using an over-the-counter product may not help and may make it worse. Antihistamines Many dogs respond well to human OTC allergy medicine that you can purchase at most drug stores.

Anti-allergy Wipes and Shampoos If your dog has seasonal allergies, then giving oral antihistamines in conjunction with wiping or washing allergens off your dog is very helpful in preventing itching.

You can either wipe your dog with a pet wipe, like TropiClean Oxy Med Allergy Relief Wipes after they go outside and roll in the grass. Or you can bathe your dog periodically with a hypoallergenic shampoo, like Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs or Perfect Coat Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo.

You could also try using a shampoo designed to reduce itching, such as PetHonesty's Allergy Anti-Itch Shampoo. Veterinary shampoos and conditioners, like Virbac Epi-Soothe Shampoo and Cream Rinse , are also formulated to quickly reduce itching and dryness. DIY Remedies Omega-3 Fatty Acids Some dogs with seasonal allergies respond well to fish oil supplementation.

Pet allergens can cause nasal congestion, stuffy nose, and other symptoms in people with allergies. Allergy sufferers are particularly sensitive to pet dander, which can be present at lower allergen levels than other common allergens.

Symptoms of pet allergy can include sneezing, coughing , itchy eyes , and skin rash. Treatment typically involves avoiding exposure to pets as much as possible and taking medication to reduce symptom severity.

Pet allergy treatment can provide significant benefits to people who suffer from allergies or asthma. Allergens from cats, guinea pigs, and other furry animals can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as itchy nose, coughing , sneezing, and hair loss.

Pet allergy testing is important to determine the best possible treatment for pet allergies. Treatment may include allergen avoidance measures such as changing litter boxes more often or keeping pets out of certain rooms in the house.

Medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids can also help reduce the severity of symptoms. In addition to reducing symptom severity, pet allergy treatment can also prevent long-term complications associated with pet allergies. Pet dander, which is pieces of dead skin cells and pet hair that are shed by animals, can trigger asthma attacks in some individuals and contribute to food allergies in others.

Regular allergy treatments may also help reduce skin conditions caused by bacteria or parasites that thrive on pet fur and saliva. Proper pet care and hygiene will also help reduce the risk of developing allergic reactions to pets; regular bathing and brushing of pets will help remove allergens from their fur.

Pet allergies can trigger a range of symptoms impacting the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and even breathing. Common pet allergy symptoms include:. The most common cause of pet allergies is a person-to-person transmission of proteins found in the saliva, urine, or dander of animals.

These proteins are known as allergens and when inhaled or ingested by a person with allergies they can trigger an immune system reaction. There are several types of pet allergies, including cat allergies, dog allergies, guinea pig allergies, mice allergies, and bird allergies. Diagnosing these different types of pet allergies requires medical testing from a professional allergist.

It is not always possible to avoid exposure to pet allergens, but there are some steps that individuals can take to reduce their exposure. One of the best ways to control pet allergens in an indoor environment is by using air cleaners such as HEPA filters. These filters can capture airborne allergens, such as cat dander and other particles, that may be present in the home.

In addition to air filters, people with pet allergies should consider taking antihistamine pills before coming into contact with animals or spending time outdoors. This may reduce common symptoms of pet allergies including nasal congestion and itchy eyes.

People with asthma and other respiratory conditions should limit their minutes of exposure if they find themselves around animals that trigger symptoms. Additionally, it is important to thoroughly clean your home on a regular basis to remove visible dust and animal dander that has accumulated over time.

By following these simple tips, people with pet allergies can continue living their daily lives without their allergies becoming a hindrance.

Various medication options exist to control pet allergy symptoms , including OTC and prescription drugs, immunotherapy, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and nasal sprays.

Antihistamines and decongestants can alleviate pet allergen reactions. Prescription drugs like leukotriene modifiers e. They suit moderate to severe allergies or inadequate OTC response.

Allergy shots gradually expose individuals to allergens, lessening sensitivity and allergic reactions in the long term. Antihistamine nasal sprays lessen nasal inflammation, available OTC or by prescription based on symptom intensity.

Pet allergy sprays with prescription are typically more potent. Our board-certified allergy specialists will diagnose, educate, and help their patients manage allergies to pets and other things. Seeking a qualified allergy specialist is central to getting an appropriate, effective treatment plan. In addition to medical treatments, there are several non-medical alternatives for controlling pet allergy symptoms.

These include:. Using a vacuum with a double or micro-filter bag reduces pet allergens. Vacuum at least weekly, focusing on pet-frequented areas. Employ high-efficiency particulate air HEPA filters in air purifiers and HVAC systems to remove pet allergens from the air effectively.

Regular pet bathing decreases dander and saliva allergens. Brush them outdoors to prevent indoor allergen spread. Pick one of our convenient locations for your Pet Allergy Treatment.

In this section, we will address some common questions related to pet allergy treatment to help you better understand the available options and make informed decisions about your care.

Millions of people enjoy sharing their homes and their Allergy relief for pets with Prts, even those Petts are allergic to animals. Unfortunately, some people believe peys once ppets are diagnosed with a pet allergy, they petd no choice but Nutrient timing for nutrient absorption remove their pets from rlief family. Thankfully, Allergg are many Allergy relief for pets that can be explored that Alkergy allow an allergy sufferer to keep their beloved pets while successfully managing their allergies. You'd be surprised to know how many people with allergies that aren't life-threatening are able to live happily with their pets. It is important to see a doctor and be tested to determine what allergies you actually have. You may find that you're allergic to something else and not your pet at all! For example, you may assume that you are allergic to your beloved dog, only to find out through an allergy test that you're actually allergic to a specific tree pollen that got on his fur during a walk together, and that's actually what's bothering you.