Prescription Allergy Medicine For Dogs – The Best Vet Recommended Options

Having a dog with an allergy is a challenging and frustrating experience. It involves many visits to the veterinarian, costly blood tests, and various trials. It can seem that answers and solutions are hard to find. Fortunately, veterinary medicine has progressed.

There are more options for allergic dogs now than there used to be a few decades ago.

Veterinarians prescribe a variety of medicines for dogs with allergies. These include antihistamines, corticosteroids, cyclosporines, oclacitinib, and Cytopoint. Each has its benefits and side effects. Sometimes a combination of drug treatments must be used to achieve the best results. 

The world of medicines to treat allergies in dogs can be confusing. The best method is for pet owners to work closely with their veterinarians to find the medication or treatment program that works best for their dog. 

What Do Vets Prescribe For Dog Allergies?

Veterinarians prescribe medicines to ease symptoms and improve the dog’s quality of life. There is a range of drugs that can be used. 

Do Veterinarians Prescribe Antihistamines For Dogs?

Dogs with allergies have a hypervigilant immune system. It mistakes harmless substances such as certain foods or environmental material as potentially harmful and dangerous. The immune system mounts a defence that includes the release of histamines. 

Histamines, which are generally helpful in the fight against pathogens, become problematic when they constantly flood the body in response to an allergy. Antihistamines are medicines that counteract the effect of histamines. 

Antihistamines are often a veterinarian’s first choice for treating allergies in dogs. They are useful in mild or acute (short-term) allergies. In some dogs, they are all that is needed and can effectively manage the allergy symptoms. 

The most common antihistamines used are diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine. Cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine, and loratadine (Claritin) are also sometimes prescribed for dogs. 

These allergy drugs can be bought over the counter. Caution must be exercised as dogs metabolize antihistamines differently than people. Using the correct dose to achieve the desired effect without overdosing on the dog is critical. The MSD Veterinary Manual gives guidelines on dosages.

Many antihistamines for humans are sold in formulas that include other active ingredients which can be harmful to dogs. Therefore, it is vital to follow your veterinarian’s instructions on administering and using antihistamines. 

Antihistamines can interact with other medications and cause harmful side effects. This is another reason to check with your veterinarian before administering antihistamines. 

If you have an allergic dog, it is helpful to discuss what medication you can safely use in an emergency with your veterinarian. 

My Vet Prescribed Cortisone For My Dog – Is It Safe?

Cortisone is a valuable corticosteroid drug in the fight against allergies. Unfortunately, social media and proponents of natural medicine have cast underserved doubts on the use of cortisone.

Cortisone is the best drug to use for extreme and serious allergies. It works rapidly and saves lives by reducing the immune system’s overreaction. Swelling in airways and other anaphylactic responses can be quickly alleviated with cortisone. 

As a cheap drug, cortisone is used by veterinarians as a first-line treatment for allergies. It may be used by itself or in conjunction with antihistamines. Antihistamines are used in conjunction with cortisone to reduce the needed dose of cortisone. 

Cortisone suppresses the immune system, and in some cases, a short course of cortisone may be sufficient to calm down allergic reactions. For chronic allergies, veterinarians may prescribe pulsed doses. For example, taking cortisone for one week a month. 

There are side effects to the long-term use of cortisone. It can cause bladder incontinence which is distressing for both the dog and the owner. The constant exposure to leaking urine can burn the skin and exacerbate skin lesions. 

Since cortisone suppresses the immune system, long-term use makes the dog susceptible to fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. The dog’s immune system is compromised to the point that it cannot fight off any challenges. 

Excessive use of cortisone can also predispose a dog to metabolic conditions such as diabetes and Cushing’s Syndrome. For this reason, veterinarians try to avoid the long-term use of cortisone. If it is used long-term, the minimum dose possible is prescribed, and intermittent courses are used.

Other side effects of corticosteroids include:

  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Increased thirst, drinking, and urination
  • Thinning coat
  • Liver changes
  • Behavioural changes such as increased aggression

There are different types of cortisone medications; prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone, sold under various trade names.  

Cyclosporines Prescribed By Veterinarians For Allergic Dogs

Cyclosporines are similar to corticosteroids in that they modulate the immune system. They do not have the steroidal side effects seen in cortisone therapy. There are some other side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and an increased risk of susceptibility to infections. 

Atopica is the cyclosporine most commonly prescribed for dogs with allergies. It takes two to three weeks to show an improvement as the medicine must build up in the skin cells. 

Atopica may increase the risk of cancer in dogs. 

Why Did My Veterinarian Prescribe Apoquel (Oclacitinib)?

Apoquel is another immunosuppressive drug. It has less risk of causing cancer than Atopica and can be used with dogs that have recovered from previous cancer. 

It is very effective with atopic (environmental) dermatitis in dogs. It works rapidly, and dogs usually experience relief after the second dose. 

It is not recommended for dogs younger than one year. Some dogs develop diarrhoea on it, and there is a risk of the dog being susceptible to other infections. Veterinarians feel that the benefits outweigh the risks. The Pet Dermatology Clinic discusses side effects in more detail. 

Veterinarians report good results with general pruritus but limited effect on allergy symptoms in the ears.  

Is Cytopoint Prescribed By Veterinarians for Dogs?

Cytopoint is a new treatment for managing environmental allergies. It does not affect the immune system and is not an antihistamine. 

When a dog’s immune system is activated, it releases cytokines in its fight against pathogens. The same occurs when the faulty immune system reacts to allergens. Cytokines are small proteins that cause skin itching or pruritus. 

Cytopoint mimics natural antibodies, but they target and neutralize cytokines. In this way, an allergic dog’s incessant itching is reduced. The scratch-itch cycle is also disrupted, and dogs experience relief within a few days of treatment.

Cytopoint is administered as an injection that lasts four to eight weeks. Initially, the treatment may be given every four weeks at increasingly longer intervals, depending on the dog’s response. 

Not all dogs benefit from Cytopoint, but researchers have found that 75% of allergic dogs will experience relief when treated with Cytopoint. 

Cytopoint is not regarded as a drug treatment but rather a biological therapy since it mimics natural antibodies found in the body. As a result, it has negligible side effects and can also be used in conjunction with other medicines.    

What Is The Best Treatment For Dogs With Severe Allergies?

Dogs with allergies have varied responses to medicines. Medicine that works for one dog may not work for another. The veterinarian will try to develop a treatment program that addresses the dog’s symptoms most effectively with the least side effects or impact on other body systems. 

For many allergic dogs and their owners, Cytopoint has been a game-changer, but not all dogs respond to it or have a sufficient suppression of symptoms. In these cases, a different treatment may be used or a combination of drugs. 

Another issue to be considered is the owner’s ability to afford the treatment protocol. Cortisone and antihistamines are relatively cheap options, whereas Apoquel and Cytopoint are more expensive.  

Can I Give My Dog Generic Allergy Medicine?

It is not advisable to use allergy medicines without prior knowledge that they are safe for your dog. Correct dosage of any medicine is critical, and certain factors such as age and general health can influence the dose. 

In an emergency or after hours, some pet owners use allergy medicine such as Benadryl. It is advisable always to contact a twenty-four-hour pet advisory or veterinary centre. They can recommend the right dose and if the medicine is appropriate for dogs. 

You can follow the guidelines of reputable veterinary sites for doses if you cannot obtain veterinary guidance. (See the above MSD Veterinary Manual link.) Be aware that this can put your dog at risk of side effects, and your dog may have an unforeseen response to the medicine. 

Conclusion

There are various medical options for managing allergies in dogs. The benefits and risks of each one must be carefully weighed to choose the most appropriate protocol for your dog. 

References

https://www.msdvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/antihistamine-dosages
https://www.allergyearskincare.com/drug-therapy-for-allergies.pml
https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/cyclosporine-atopica
https://www.petdermatologyclinic.com/apoquel-information
https://uwveterinarycare.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Cytopoint-2018.pdf
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