Treating Symptoms

• In many instances, you can treat the symptoms of the dog's allergies until the condition subsides. Treating the symptoms might include baths with oatmeal, Epsom salts or prescription shampoos. You can also give your dog diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, to help ease the itching and scratching that accompanies allergies. The usual dosage in dogs is 1 mg per 1 lb. of body weight. The medication can be given every eight hours.
  
  

Veterinary Treatment

• Allergy shots are given to dogs in some instances. Allergy shots are expensive, time-consuming and take awhile to work. They do, however, offer a cure in about 75 percent of cases. A common treatment for allergies in dogs is the use of steroid injections. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and itching. However, there are long-term side effects with the use of steroids and this treatment should not be used on an ongoing basis.
  
  

Dietary Changes

• In many instances, a dog's allergic reaction may be the result of a particular food the pet is being fed. You can work with your veterinarian to identify the particular ingredient that may be making your dog ill. When a dog has an allergy to common pet food ingredients--such as chicken or beef--switching the pet to foods that contain venison or salmon may help alleviate some symptoms. There is also evidence to suggest that adding omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to your pet's diet can help in controlling allergies.
  
  

Flea Allergies

• One of the most common allergies from which dogs suffer is caused by a reaction to the saliva of a flea, which is injected into the dog's skin if the flea bites the pet. For dogs that have this particular allergy, the bite of a single flea can cause them intense discomfort and can lead to hair loss. For these pets, practicing strict flea control--using a product such as Advantage, Frontline or Revolution--is very important.