All the remedies for allergies must be considered, weighing the pros and cons of each and testing their efficiency on your pet.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are often prescribed to alleviate the irritating symptoms of dog allergies such as itchy skin, hives or swelling.
The steroids are anti inflammatory medications that stimulated the adrenal gland. However, the administration of hormones on a daily basis can have damaging effects on your pet's health and behavior, so the treatment is only recommended for short periods and should be discontinued to prevent liver and kidney damage.
Corticosteroids may be prescribed in alternation with antihistamines and may work well in most types of allergies. This remedy may be applied also in conjunction with the allergy shots, until these shots start to be effective.
Antihistamines
The antihistamines are recommended for any type of allergies. The drugs will inhibit the production of histamines in excess; the histamines are the cause for the allergic reactions in dogs.
One possible problem with antihistamines is that not all antihistamines are effective for dogs, so a bit of testing is involved before finding the right medication.
Also, after finding the type of antihistamines that work on your dog, this can only be applied for a limited time, as the antihistamines will have no effect after 3 or 4 months; the dog builds up immunity to the drug so the vet will prescribe other antihistamines.
The antihistamines may have side effects in canines: vomiting, diarrhea, apathy and irritability.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots can be administered as a cure of desensitization. It is important to know what causes the allergies in your pet: pollens, dust, chemicals, parasites or foods. Unfortunately, the food allergies cannot be treated with shots.
The immunization injections contain the allergen, which is administrated on a regular basis. The dog will have a strengthened immunity and fewer allergic reactions to the allergen.
However, the shots will start to be effective only after a few months of administration.
The dog may be completely cured, but boosters are needed twice per year, to make sure the dog won't develop allergic symptoms.
Homeopathic Remedies
Nature is full of great resources for just about any medical problem. Dog allergies may be healed with homeopathic remedies.
Get some immunity boosters for your dog: dandelion, nettle or echinacea are effective in strengthening your dog and making him less susceptible to allergens.
Don't forget the licorice root, which is a natural herb that has the same effects as steroids.
If your dog has symptoms such as itchy skin and swelling, reduce these symptoms with frequent baths with special formula shampoos that you can find in pet health stores. Get some apple vinegar and rinse your dog after each bath to alleviate the itchiness.
All these remedies have been used to cure or manage allergic reactions in dogs. Some remedies such as the steroids or antihistamines are not recommended for long term usage due to their side effects. Others, such as natural remedies or allergy shots, don't have any side effects but may not work for your dog.
Consider all your options, talk to a vet and decide which solution is the best.