What Can I Give My Dog for Allergies?

But when it doesn’t stop, and your puppy’s uncomfortable, it’s hard not to worry.

Allergies in dogs are a lot more common than most people think. And they don’t always show up the same way. Some dogs sneeze. Others get itchy skin. Some develop constant ear infections. None of it’s fun to watch.

And figuring out what’s causing the problem? That’s its kind of headache. But there are safe, simple ways to help without guessing your way through it or trying every product on the shelf.

How Can You Tell It’s Allergies?

Dogs scratch. It’s normal. But if your pet is doing it non-stop, or if it seems to come with a few extra symptoms, dog allergies might be the reason.

Unlike a one-off itch, dog allergies show a variety of symptoms. You might notice things like:

• Constant scratching or licking, especially the paws or belly
• Red, bumpy, or irritated skin
• Watery eyes or frequent sneezing
• Recurring ear infections or head shaking
• Patches of missing fur or visible hotspots
• Upset stomach, like vomiting or diarrhea

Not every dog shows the same symptoms. Some get skin issues. Others deal with breathing problems. A few unlucky ones get both.

Allergies can often resemble other conditions. Fleas. Mites. Even dry skin. So it’s worth paying attention to when the symptoms happen and how often they come back. If it feels like a pattern, it probably is.

What’s Causing the Dog Allergies?

Allergies can be frustrating. Especially when you don’t know what’s causing them. And no, it’s not always the dog food. There’s a good chance your dog’s allergies are coming from something in their everyday environment.

Environmental Triggers

Dust mites. Mold. Pollen. Grass. Even your cleaning sprays.

These are the usual suspects when dogs develop seasonal or year-round allergies. If your puppy starts itching more in the spring or summer, this might be the reason.

You can’t bubble-wrap your dog, but you can reduce exposure. 

Food-Related Sensitivities

A food allergy doesn’t always show up overnight. They can sneak in slowly.

The most common dog food triggers? Chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs. And despite what you might hear, grain isn’t always the villain. The best way to know is through an elimination diet, but that takes time and patience.

Fleas

Flea bites are annoying for any dog. But for some, just one bite can trigger a full-blown allergic reaction.

This is called flea allergy dermatitis. If your dog’s scratching and you haven’t seen a flea, don’t rule it out. They’re good at hiding.

Contact Allergies

Plastic bowls. Shampoos. Laundry detergent. Even their dog collar.

Some pets react to direct contact with certain materials or chemicals. If symptoms flare up after bath time or bedding changes, you might have your answer.

What Can You Give Your Dog for Allergies?

There’s no one-size-fits-all fix when it comes to dog allergies. But there are a few safe, vet-approved options that can help manage the symptoms.

1. Antihistamines (Benadryl and others)

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter allergy meds for dogs.

It blocks histamines: the things that trigger itchiness and swelling. It’s often safe in the right dose, but not every dog responds the same way. Some get sleepy. Others bounce off the walls.

The general guideline is about 1 mg per pound of body weight. But don’t guess. Always check with your vet first, especially if your dog’s on other meds.

Other options like Claritin (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) are also sometimes used. The same rule applies; vet first, dosage second.

2. Omega-3 Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids, like in fish oil or salmon oil, can help reduce skin inflammation over time.

They won’t fix things overnight. But they’re great for ongoing support, especially if your dog has seasonal or chronic skin allergies.

You can find them in liquid, capsule, or powder form. Most dogs don’t mind the taste when it’s mixed into food.

3. Prescription Medications

For moderate to severe allergies, over-the-counter just doesn’t cut it.

Medications like Apoquel or Cytopoint are often prescribed by vets. Apoquel is a daily tablet that targets the itch response. Cytopoint is an injection that works for 4–8 weeks. Both aim to calm the immune system without heavy side effects.

In more extreme cases, vets may use corticosteroids. They work fast but aren’t great for long-term use due to side effects.

4. Hypoallergenic or Limited Ingredient Diet

If dog food’s the problem, switching to a limited-ingredient or hydrolyzed diet might help.

These diets are designed to avoid common allergens like chicken, beef, or wheat. But don’t expect instant results. It can take 8–12 weeks to see a real difference.

When making a diet change, do it slowly over a week. Mix the new food in a little at a time to avoid stomach issues.

5. Topical Relief Options

For mild symptoms or flare-ups, topical treatments can bring quick relief.

Look for oatmeal-based shampoos like Lakeside The BatherBox Oatmeal Shampoo Gallon Jug, pet-safe aloe vera gels, or anti-itch sprays. Medicated wipes are also handy, especially for paws and underarms.

Just be sure the product is made for dogs. Some human products contain ingredients that can be harmful.

For cleaning your dog's clothing, blankets, and puppy beds, use Lakeside The Dog Off - Laundry Detergent.

6. Flea Prevention

Even if you don’t see fleas, they can still be the problem. One bite is enough to trigger a full reaction in some dogs.

Stick with vet-recommended preventatives. Year-round.

Flea allergies are easier to prevent than to treat once they’ve kicked in.

When to Call the Vet?

• The symptoms last more than a few days with no improvement
• You see open sores, scabs, or signs of infection
• Your dog is unusually tired, won’t eat, or starts acting off
• Vomiting or diarrhea becomes frequent

It’s also worth looping in your vet before starting any supplement, diet change, or over-the-counter treatment, especially if it’s something you plan to use long-term.

Even natural remedies can cause side effects or interact with other meds.

You know your dog better than anyone. If something feels off, trust that instinct. A quick visit can save you weeks of guessing. Plus, your vet can help you rule out anything more serious, like parasites, autoimmune issues, or skin infections that look like allergies but aren’t.

Can You Prevent Dog Allergies From Getting Worse?

• Bathe regularly with dog-safe products. Oatmeal, tea tree, or medicated shampoos like Lakeside The BatherBox Go To Shampoo Gallon Jug can help calm itchy skin. Just don’t overdo it; too many baths can dry them out.
• Wipe their paws after walks. Pollen, grass, and other allergens stick to paws like Velcro. A quick wipe can cut down on irritation.
• Wash their bedding and vacuum often. Allergens build up where dogs spend the most time. Bedding, rugs, furniture.
• Try an air purifier. Especially if your dog stays indoors most of the time. Cleaner air = fewer triggers.
• Only change their food with vet guidance. Rotating proteins or switching brands too often can backfire if your dog already has sensitivities.
• Stay on top of flea prevention. Year-round protection is key, especially if fleas are a known trigger.

These aren’t magic fixes. But they help keep things under control and make allergy season a little easier to manage.

Helping Your Dog Feel Better Starts With Knowing What to Look For

Dog allergies aren’t always straightforward. What helps one dog might do nothing for another. Some respond to a simple dog food change. Others need prescription medication or a full routine shift.

And it takes time. There’s trial and error involved. But that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It just means you’re learning what works for your dog.

Allergies can feel like a never-ending puzzle some days. But they’re manageable with a little patience, a sharp eye, and sometimes a check-in with your vet.