Veterinarian Shares Inexpensive Remedies To Help Itchy Dogs Beat Seasonal Allergies

Summer allergies can be hard for everyone, especially dogs. Some can lick and itch themselves raw overnight, often requiring a trip to the vet. Not only can this be expensive, but no one wants to see their beloved pets suffering in such a way.

Thankfully, we have two readily available and affordable options from the pharmacy. These don’t require a prescription or a long-term commitment. Check out what this veterinarian suggests in this video shared on July 10:

This is great to know. While over-the-counter remedies can provide temporary relief, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s needs are met. Until you get there, Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM (@ veterinarysecrets ), has some advice that may help.

Related: Is Your Pet Suffering from Seasonal Allergies?

Two Over-the-Counter Remedies for Itchy Dogs

1. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) . This antihistamine has been around for a long time, and while it may be effective in relieving itching within one to two hours, it does have some unfortunate side effects. These include sedation, lethargy, excitement, agitation, and gastrointestinal upset. He advises the standard doctors to take 1 to 2mg per pound three times a day.
   
   
2. Cetirizine -Zyrtec in the US, and Reactine in Canada. This modern antihistamine can also combat itching. He tells us it works quickly by decreasing the histamine in the dog’s skin and has fewer side effects than diphenhydramine. The standard dose for cetirizine is 5mg per pound once every 24 or 12 hours. For example, his twenty-pound dog Tula would receive a 10mg tablet every 24 hours.

For a more natural allergy remedy , I tried one of Dr. Jones’s recommendations, Propolis (bee pollen), and it’s worked like a charm. Last year, my dogs were itchy in the spring as they adapted to the Florida climate and pollen. This year, I began giving them Propolis daily before the itchy season started, and it’s been more effective than I could have hoped for, and it’s had no side effects.

Parents were thankful for these tips. One person responded, “Thank you. The Reactine has been working great for Abbey!” That’s great to hear. Viewer @JosieDancy shared, “Thank you! I usually don’t have an issue with Benadryl, but the last time I used it, he had a bad reaction. Will try this now!” It’s great to know there’s another option. However, another person reported, “Benadryl and Zyrtec both were zero help. My dog was just as itchy.” Sometimes, itching can be caused by bacteria or yeast, so it’s always best to see your vet for a proper diagnosis.

While medication is sometimes the only way to comfort an itchy dog, hopefully, these options can also help relieve occasional allergies. And it never hurts to have them on hand in our dog's first aid kit , especially when traveling.