Best medications to manage allergy symptoms in dogs

When your dog starts to itch or sneeze, it’s understandable to want to find quick relief at home to help them feel better. Since there are multiple options for treating canine allergies, such as prescription medications, injections at a vet clinic, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, it’s best to consult a veterinarian with any questions you have, like:

• What are the symptoms of dog allergies?
• Which allergy medication is best for my dog?
• What types of allergy medication are available for my dog?
• How can an online veterinarian help my dog’s allergies?

An allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to something that’s normally harmless. Dogs don’t necessarily have the same allergy symptoms as humans, and canine allergies can be complicated to treat. Managing allergies in dogs usually involves a combination of treatments to control symptoms and safely and effectively reduce flare-ups. Some medications work better for certain types of allergies or symptoms, and individual dogs respond differently to different treatment methods.

If your dog is itchy or showing other allergy-like symptoms, working with a vet helps confirm whether allergies are truly the cause and ensures your dog gets the right treatment. An online vet can help you manage your dog’s allergies from home by reviewing symptoms, recommending safe over-the-counter options, guiding next steps for ongoing treatment and relief, and, in some cases, prescribing medications.

An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a usually harmless substance (allergen) in the environment or food. This immune reaction results in widespread inflammation that causes allergy symptoms.

Many owners assume dogs have similar allergy symptoms to humans, such as sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. However, clinical signs seen in humans with allergies are not the same as symptoms in dogs. Itchiness and skin irritation are the most common clinical signs of allergies in dogs, and their presence can show in a number of ways, including:

• Excessive scratching or biting at the skin
• Licking or chewing at the paws
• Hot spots
• Hair loss
• Skin rashes
• Scabbed, crusty skin
• Flaky, dry skin
• Thickened or darkened skin
• Recurrent ear infections
• Red, inflamed skin around the eyes

Allergies can be seasonal or year-round. Regardless of the type, symptoms tend to come and go depending on how much the dog is exposed to the specific allergen that triggers their reaction.

Less commonly, allergies in dogs can cause:

• Eye or nasal discharge
• Coughing
• Sneezing

These other symptoms are far less common than skin symptoms and typically occur in addition to itchy skin when caused by allergies. Upper respiratory symptoms are more likely to be caused by another underlying health issue, especially when a dog does not have any skin symptoms.

There is no single “best” allergy medication for dogs. Managing allergies in dogs usually requires more than one strategy. Avoiding known allergens, when possible, is an important part of treatment. For example, if your dog is allergic to flea saliva, you can avoid a reaction by regularly using vet-recommended flea prevention. Food allergies, though less common, can be addressed through a food elimination trial and by carefully selecting an appropriate food in the future.

Every dog is unique and may respond differently to various allergy treatments, but working with a veterinarian will help you choose the safest and most effective way to help your dog feel better. A vet can also confirm if your dog’s symptoms are due to allergies instead of another health problem.

Types of allergies in dogs

There are different types of allergies that dogs can have, such as:

• Flea allergy dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis (inhalant allergies)
• Contact dermatitis
• Food allergies

Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common type of allergy in dogs, followed by atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis, or canine atopy, involves the inhalation of environmental allergens, such as pollen, mold, and dust mites. Atopy is similar to hay fever in people, but instead of sneezing or watery eyes, dogs usually develop itchy, irritated skin, especially on the paws, ears, and belly.

Most canine allergies are chronic conditions that begin within the first few years of life and persist throughout a dog’s lifetime. In contrast, acute allergic reactions usually happen suddenly and unexpectedly, often after a single exposure to a trigger such as an insect sting, a vaccine, or a medication. These reactions can range from mild facial swelling or hives to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Signs include facial swelling, hives, vomiting, collapse, or difficulty breathing, and dogs showing these symptoms require immediate veterinary care. This discussion centers on medications for chronic canine allergies rather than those for acute allergic reactions.

“Managing allergies in dogs is usually a long-term process that focuses on keeping symptoms under control, preventing secondary skin or ear infections, and maintaining good quality of life,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “Because allergic disease is complex, veterinarians often use a combination of treatments, or multimodal management, to address the problem several different ways.” Allergy management strategies include:

• Avoiding allergens
• Symptom relief
• Optimizing skin health

Dog allergy medications and products: Comparison table

There are many kinds of medications and products used to treat allergies in dogs. They work in different ways to control inflammation and itchiness. Allergy treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all; what works best can vary from dog to dog, and finding the right combination of medications may take some trial and error.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of these different types of dog allergy treatments.

Oral prescription medication: Aqoquel, Atopica, and steroids

Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a prescription medication for dogs that helps control itching and inflammation associated with allergic skin disease, including atopic dermatitis. It provides relief from allergic itch so dogs can be more comfortable. Apoquel is for use only under veterinary supervision as part of a long-term allergy management plan.

Atopica (cyclosporine) is also an oral medication used for atopic dermatitis in dogs. It can help reduce itching and inflammation so dogs feel more comfortable. Because it may take several weeks to see improvement, it’s often used as part of a long-term allergy management plan under a veterinarian’s supervision.

Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid sometimes prescribed to relieve severe itching and inflammation from allergic skin disease in dogs. It can provide fast, effective relief, but long-term or high-dose use increases the risk of side effects. For this reason, prednisone is most appropriately used for short-term control during flare-ups, prior to transitioning to other medications better suited for ongoing management.

Injectable medications: Cytopoint, immunotherapy, and Depo-Medrol

Cytopoint (lokivetmab) is an injectable treatment used to help relieve itching associated with allergic skin disease in dogs. It provides targeted, long-lasting relief and is often used as part of an ongoing allergy management plan. The frequency of injections and treatment schedule are determined based on each dog’s need.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), often called allergy shots or desensitization therapy, is a customized treatment designed for dogs with confirmed environmental allergies. It involves giving small, measured amounts of the allergens to help reduce sensitivity over time. ASIT is typically managed by a veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist and can be given as injections or oral drops. Because it works gradually, this approach is used for long-term management rather than quick symptom relief, and it may be combined with other treatments as part of an overall allergy care plan.

Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate) is a long-acting corticosteroid injection sometimes used to provide short-term relief from severe allergic flare-ups in dogs. Because long-term or repeated steroid use can increase the risk of side effects, vets typically reserve this option for specific situations when other treatments aren’t suitable or effective.

Flea control products

Because flea allergy dermatitis is so common in dogs, the use of a broad-spectrum flea prevention is often part of a dog’s allergy treatment plan. Flea prevention helps to treat and prevent allergic reactions caused by flea bites. Even if fleas aren’t seen, consistent prevention is important to prevent the return of symptoms. Treating all pets in the home is important, since a single bite can set off severe itching in allergic dogs.

Over-the-counter antihistamines

Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications are often used to try to treat symptoms in dogs because they are generally safe when given as directed, inexpensive, and widely available. This includes allergy medications like Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Antihistamines do not work as well as other allergy treatments at relieving most types of allergy symptoms in dogs, but they’re sometimes used for acute allergic reactions or in an effort to relieve symptoms of allergic skin disease. Peer-reviewed studies and veterinary guidelines show antihistamines provide little to no benefit for chronic atopic dermatitis in most dogs. In dogs, antihistamines are most appropriately used for sudden, unexpected allergic reactions, like hives or facial swelling, to things like vaccines, insect stings, blood transfusions, or medications.

It’s important for pet parents to talk to a veterinarian before giving their dog an OTC medication. These medications are meant for humans and may contain other ingredients that are toxic to dogs. In addition, medications can negatively interact with other medications or supplements a dog may be taking.

Dietary supplements

Skin and coat supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids may optimize skin health and help the skin heal while allergies are being treated. Fatty acid supplements alone are unlikely to treat the allergies themselves or stop itchiness. It’s important to talk to a vet to ensure you’re getting a supplement that’s safe and effective because supplements are not regulated the same way medications are.

Special diets

Nutrition plays an important role in supporting skin health and managing allergic skin disease. While medications help control itching and inflammation, diet can strengthen the skin barrier and reduce flare-ups. Dogs with allergies often benefit from dog food made to support skin and coat health. Key nutrients include omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and high-quality proteins that reduce inflammation and support the immune system.

Food allergies in dogs are uncommon. When they happen, they are managed by identifying and avoiding trigger ingredients, not by giving symptom-relief medications. Some dogs have both food and environmental allergies, so a special diet may be recommended alongside medication such as Apoquel, Cytopoint, or immunotherapy. Veterinary guidance helps ensure the chosen diet is safe, balanced, and appropriate for your dog’s specific condition.

Special shampoos and topical care

Medicated shampoos, anti-itch sprays, wipes, and other grooming products may help soothe itchy skin, clear secondary infections, and improve comfort. Leave-on mousses or wipes may be easier for dogs that don’t enjoy baths. Topical anti-itch products are useful for localized problem spots but won’t manage full-body allergies.

Canine allergies are chronic and often require management over the long term, frequent monitoring, and adjustments to treatment plans. Allergy symptoms can change over time, and virtual visits can make it easier to stay on top of your dog’s progress between in-person appointments. A virtual veterinarian can:

• Review your dog’s history and current symptoms
• Help you to identify flare-ups early
• Provide guidance on managing common complications, such as ear infections or hot spots, before they worsen
• Recommend safe over-the-counter products for relief

Virtual appointments are often available much sooner and can be scheduled more flexibly than in-person visits. This makes it easier to access timely professional advice when your pet’s condition changes.

A vet’s ability to diagnose and prescribe virtually depends on local laws and how the veterinarian–client–patient relationship (VCPR) can be established. In some states or provinces, a VCPR can be created remotely, allowing veterinarians to prescribe medications or therapeutic diets through telemedicine. In other areas, prescriptions require an in-person exam first, but virtual care still supports follow-up, monitoring, and treatment adjustments. Writing a prescription is always at the veterinarian’s professional discretion to ensure the safety and appropriateness of care.

Why you should seek veterinary help for your dog’s allergies

There are many health issues unrelated to allergies that can cause similar symptoms. A vet can give a definitive diagnosis for the cause of the symptoms and create an appropriate treatment plan. Different allergy treatment methods work better for specific types of allergies, and some treatments work for some dogs but may not work for others. Working with a veterinary professional is the best way to quickly find a treatment plan that is safe and tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Attempting to treat symptoms at home is likely to be ineffective and may make things worse.

What is the most effective allergy medication for dogs?

There isn’t one “best” allergy medication for dogs. Each dog responds differently, so veterinarians often adjust treatment to find what works best for the individual. Most allergy plans use a combination of approaches (multimodal management), such as medications, topical therapies, and allergen avoidance, to control symptoms and keep dogs comfortable in the long term.

Can I treat my dog’s allergies at home?

Because many different conditions can cause itching or skin problems, it’s best to work with a veterinarian to confirm whether allergies are truly the cause. Home remedies or over-the-counter products rarely control true allergic disease and sometimes make things worse. Veterinarians can recommend safe, effective treatments and a long-term plan tailored to your dog’s needs.

Can I give my dog over-the-counter allergy medication?

Over-the-counter allergy medications such as Zyrtec, Claritin, and Benadryl usually do not work as well as other allergy treatments at relieving most types of allergy symptoms in dogs. It’s best to work with a veterinarian to find the best treatment methods for your dog’s individual needs.

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.