Allergy season is right here once more for people. As attractive as flowers are, they carry allergens like pollen onto our garments and sneakers and, in flip, into our houses. These allergens not solely trigger us to cough and sneeze however could have an effect on our canine as properly.
Antihistamines like Benadryl are a go-to over-the-counter resolution for people with allergy symptoms. Sometimes, pet dad and mom give their canine antihistamines in the event that they discover they’re exhibiting allergy signs.
“It’s few and much between {that a} canine with true seasonal allergy symptoms goes to reply adequately with an over-the-counter antihistamine,” says Dr. Lara Wilson, DVM, of Firehouse Animal Health.
But that doesn’t imply it’s by no means OK to present your canine an antihistamine. Dr. Wilson says there are just a few conditions the place they might be useful, simply not as many as she feels the general public typically thinks. Dr. Wilson shared when to succeed in for Benadryl or ask your vet about totally different options in your canine’s allergy symptoms.
When Can I Give My Dog Benadryl?
Antihistamines have their place in canine healthcare.
“They are useful with acute allergic reactions, akin to if a pet will get a vaccine and is torpid after, or if they’re out within the yard and bit by ants or stung by a bee,” Dr. Wilson says.
They can also assist with delicate seasonal allergy signs.
“If it’s simply sneezing or watery eyes, I’d use Benadryl,” Dr. Wilson says.
Related: Is Benadryl Safe for Dogs? What to Know About Benadryl for Dogs
Why Don’t Antihistamines Work for Chronic Seasonal Dog Allergies?
When individuals have seasonal allergy symptoms, they typically sneeze, get watery eyes and develop hay fever. Dogs can also expertise these items, however sometimes persistent seasonal allergy symptoms current otherwise in our furbabies.
“More typically, they’ll get severe itchy pores and skin which may result in a bacterial or fungal an infection from the irritation of no matter they’re allergic to, like pollen,” Dr. Wilson says. “In that state of affairs, the over-the-counter antihistamines don’t actually assist. They don’t reduce on the extent of itch.”
Photo: Shutterstock.
How Should I Treat My Dog’s Seasonal Allergies?
If you discover your canine exhibiting indicators of seasonal allergy symptoms, which can embody sneezing and fixed itching, contact your vet. Dr. Wilson advises letting your vet know:
- How outdated the pet was when the signs began.
- What a part of the physique the pet is experiencing signs.
- Whether it seems to be seasonal or if it’s 24/7/365.
- What drugs the pet is taking, notably for fleas and ticks.
Your vet will then be capable of diagnose and prescribe remedy. Dr. Wilson believes the remedy of seasonal canine allergy symptoms has come a good distance just lately.
“In the final 5 to seven years, we’ve seen extra oral and injectable drugs that the itch and treats the an infection,” Dr. Wilson says.
Dr. Wilson typically prescribes Apoquel to her pup sufferers. The label for the oral remedy incorporates some scary-sounding uncomfortable side effects, akin to lethargy, lack of urge for food and vomiting, however Dr. Wilson advises sufferers to not fear an excessive amount of. She hasn’t had a canine get sick from the remedy, and she or he feels they’re safer than steroids, which aren’t appropriate with each remedy a pup may have and enhance the danger for muscle/joint adjustments and Cushing’s Disease.
“When you learn the Apoquel label, it could possibly look terrifying, however the security research are actually intensive,” Dr. Wilson says.
Your vet also can provide you with prescription-strength topical therapies, akin to shampoos and wipes, that may alleviate itchiness. Sometimes, an over-the-counter resolution may match.
“For delicate itchy/dry pores and skin, aloe and oatmeal shampoos are nice,” Dr. Wilson says.
She recommends maintaining shampoos on the pores and skin for five to 10 minutes.
“Think like utilizing a magnificence product face masks for ourselves,” Dr. Wilson says.
Featured Image: Shutterstock.
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