allergy treatment types for dogs and cats

Allergies are surprisingly common in dogs and cats, but that doesn’t make them any less uncomfortable for your pet. If your dog has been scratching and itching incessantly or your cat has been grooming obsessively, they may be reacting to something in the environment, like pollen, fleas, cleaning products, or even shampoo.   

In this blog, we’ll dig into the different types of allergy treatments available for your dog or cat and how you and your pet’s veterinary team can support your furry friend.  

Pinpoint what’s bugging your lovebug  

If your pet is experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to call your pet’s veterinary office to schedule a nose-to-tail exam.   

• Chewing, biting, rubbing, scratching, and licking skin
• Licking paws
• Inflamed skin
• Ear infections
• Eye discharge
• Sneezing
• Hair loss 

At your pet’s exam, your veterinarian will begin by ruling out the many other conditions that can cause these signs before diagnosing allergies. This may include skin scraping to rule out mites, impression smears to rule out infection, and fungal cultures to rule out ringworms.

Once other possibilities are eliminated, your veterinarian may recommend starting treatment for environmental allergies or beginning a strict food trial to identify potential food-related triggers.

While blood tests for allergies do exist, they’re used less often because their accuracy can vary. For the most precise evaluation, veterinary dermatologists can also perform skin testing to pinpoint specific environmental allergens.

It can sometimes take multiple visits to rule out all potential causes, which makes our Optimum Wellness Plans^® a great option. 

Tip: Diagnosing allergies is a GREAT opportunity to take advantage of Banfield’s drop-off appointments. You’ll drop your furry friend off in the morning, and we’ll spend the day observing signs, running tests, and checking for underlying causes. Then you’ll get a call to go over the results and pick up your pet. It’s a win-win! (Note: Not all services at Banfield can be accommodated with a drop-off appointment.) 
 
If your pet is diagnosed with allergies, your vet will explain the different treatment options available. 

Treatment type #1: Medications 

Oclacitinib  
Your veterinarian may prescribe this oral JAK‑inhibitor medication, available as tablets or chewables, to help manage itching and inflammation caused by allergic and atopic dermatitis in dogs. 

Cyclosporine 
This powerful immunosuppressant, available for both dogs and cats, helps manage chronic allergies — particularly atopic dermatitis and allergic conjunctivitis — by reducing immune‑driven inflammation and itching. 

Other options: corticosteroids and antihistamines 
For environmental allergies that involve itching, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, cetirizine, and loratadine may be prescribed. Corticosteroids, also known as steroids, can help reduce inflammation and suppress immune response. Common options include prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone, though these are less likely to be used to treat allergies nowadays.  

Treatment Type #2: Allergy shots  

Lokivetmab  
Your veterinarian may also prescribe this targeted monoclonal antibody therapy injection used to manage allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis in dogs. 

Immunotherapy injections
Immunotherapy injections, typically administered by a veterinary dermatologist, are often recommended for dogs with severe, year‑round symptoms. These injections work by gradually introducing small amounts of the dog’s specific allergens into their system to help build tolerance. 

Treatment Type #3: Topical care 

Medicated shampoos and wipes 
Bathing your dog or cat as directed by your veterinarian with a hypoallergenic shampoo can help remove irritants from their coat and soothe irritated skin. Sprays, foams, and mousses are some other options to help treat skin issues arising from allergies.

Like shampoo, wipes can help deliver medication to your pet’s skin. Use these after your dog or cat has been outside and make sure to wipe their paws in addition to their coat (don’t forget their belly, face, and toes too).  

Treatment Type #4: Dietary changes and food trials 

If what your dog or cat is experiencing is food allergies, your vet may recommend a trial diet with a hydrolyzed protein food to pinpoint which food or foods might be causing GI issues or itchiness.  

Treatment Type #5: Flea allergy dermatitis management and removal of underlying causes 

If your dog or cat is experiencing skin irritation (dermatitis) caused by a flea allergy, which is common in pets, your vet will recommend year-round flea control.  

Additional ways you can support your pet 

• Allergy supplements, probiotics, and Omega-3 fatty acids (on the advice of your veterinarian)  
• Wash your pet’s bedding regularly (and your bedding, too)
• Clean floors, carpets, furniture, windowsills, and window screens regularly  
• Remove irritating detergents or dusty litters from your home
• Consider using a HEPA filter air purifier in your home 

Helping your pet feel their best 

Allergies can be tough — uncomfortable, painful, and messy — but we’re here to help. If your pet is diagnosed with allergies, you can purchase their prescription medication or dietary food right at your Banfield hospital or online 24/7 at the Banfield Shop. 

If you order through our shop, your pet’s prescriptions will be delivered right to your door within five to seven business days and can be easily renewed on AutoShip.

Tip: If your pet has one of our wellness plans, you can save even more on your pet’s prescriptions. 

Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.