04/01/2026
If your dog has allergies please read ❤️ very helpful information here .
The warm weather and rain has meant that allergies are starting for lots of dogs! Here is the information I've posted the last few years for those who would like to avoid the heavy duty meds the vets often prescribe.
As things warm up and start to bloom...dog's can experience seasonal allergies just like humans can. Allergies are the immune system being overactive and having 'too much' of a response to pollen/environmental allergens. The body gets inflamed and then you see itching/scratching/pink skin/red ears/etc.
The vets typical response is to prescribe apoquel, cytopoint, or steroids. What these are are immunosuppressants that 'turn off' the body's natural immune response...but, they aren't actually getting to the root of the problem...and they can and do weaken and destroy the immune system (since they will just shut down the immune system entirely) so your problem just gets worse and potentially can even lead to death. Apoquel in particular has been linked to cancer (https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/wouldnt-give-dog.../) and IMO should be avoided.
"Dogs have 10 times more mast cells on their skin than people do. So it’s no surprise they’re constantly scratching … but scratching increases the intensity of the itching, because it activates more mast cells. When your mother told you that the more you scratched that mosquito bite, the more it would itch … she was spot on!
So if you can nip the first itchy spot in the bud, you’re way ahead of the game. Itching begets scratching and if we can handle the first set of itches we may win the battle."
Here is my arsenal on how to handle seasonal allergies:
1. Regular baths with a medicated shampoo - I highly recommend this one - https://amzn.to/4s8jNxq - if your dog has already opened up their skin from scratching or is very red and itchy then you should be bathing every other day for a week or two. If they're just mildly itchy or for maintenance after you get the itching under control...then bathe once or twice a week. Get them wet with warm water - suds super well to the skin - let sit for at least 10 min - and then rinse really well with cool water. Once you are down to a once a week bathing schedule - this topical oil product is AMAZING - I apply it the day after their bath and then reapply weekly or biweekly during itchy season and also during winter if skin is dry/flaky - https://amzn.to/3Zrer1J
2. Make sure your dog is on a high quality fish oil supplement...and during allergy season, double it! I recommend: https://amzn.to/4m9rbr0
3. Plant Sterols help to naturally balance the immune system - give 1 capsule 3x daily - https://amzn.to/3lKnA85 - another good supplement to help with their immune response is colostrum - https://amzn.to/3U8L8Rd
4. Quercetin and Stinging Nettle are both natural anti-histamines and can help a lot with seasonal allergies - this product has both in one - https://amzn.to/3G22c57 - 2 capsules - 2x daily
5. Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is usually a good antihistamine choice for dogs with seasonal allergies - for a 100ish lb Swissy start with 1 tablet - 2x daily - can go up to 2 tablets - 2x daily if needed - https://amzn.to/3nxKbF4 (dose would be smaller for a smaller dog)
5. If ears are itchy/inflamed at all - zymox is the absolute best for any ear issues - since it's enzyme based you don't have to worry about antibiotic resistance - https://amzn.to/3G0VsEr - DO NOT clean or wipe out the ear before or during use. Just fill the ear canal with zymox - massage externally into the canal - and that is it. Use daily for 10-14 days for minor issues - 30-60 days for bad issues - once a month for 5-7 days for maintenance or dogs prone to yeastiness.
6. For topical/spot treatment in between baths this is a good choice: https://amzn.to/40LW3Sw
7. Make sure you are washing their bedding regularly in hot water.
8. A good air purifier can do wonders for their (and our) allergies as well - this is the one we have in our house - it helps with dog dander also - https://amzn.to/3lPAa5I - the nice thing about this brand is that you only have to replace the filters once a year...the amount of crap you rinse off the pre-filter regularly is insane though, you can definitely tell it's doing it's job.
I know the baths are the 'hardest' part...but, they are also the most important...so, do not skip them! The supplements can take 30-60 days to kick in...so, stay patient and stay the course and if you know they get allergies every spring as things start to bloom (or late summer/fall with ragweed)...next year start back on the allergy supplements in February/early March so you can get a head start before the itchiness starts.
