My dog is itching her hindquarters due to allergies. How can I help?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on February 18th, 2018

  Skin allergies can definitely be frustrating (and sometimes expensive!) to treat. Apoquel is a good drug, but it's pricey. Atopica is another, similar medication option - but tends to be about the same cost-wise. Cytopoint injections are a relatively new thing that can be effective for many dogs - they're typically given about once a month. This drug is somewhat expensive as well, but may be less per injection than the current $190 you're paying for Apoquel.
  
  You could also consider allergy testing to identify what specific things Gunner is allergic to, followed by hyposensitization injections to help train his immune system to stop reacting - this is the closest thing there is to a "cure" for allergies. It's pricey up front, but can often save money in the long run.
  
  Honestly, if cost is a major concern, you may want to sit down and have a talk with your vet about the pros and cons of using low-dose prednisone long-term to control Gunner's itching. This isn't ideal, but it's very inexpensive - so much more manageable for many owners who simply can't afford the monthly cost of Apoquel or similar drugs. I have a number of patients who do this, and it works well for many of them with few side effects and a low risk of long-term issues.

  

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• Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 31st, 2019

  Hello. Story has allergies, more than likely a combination of inhalant allergies called atopy & contact allergies to environmental irritants such as grasses, pollen, dust mite, etc. The gold standard to identify allergies is a dermal test conducted by a dermatologist. There is also testing that can be done through blood & saliva, but the skin test is best. Once the allergens are identified, then a desensitization program is developed to retrain the immune system not to react to the allergens. Another option is just to treat her symptomatically using the newest drugs designed just to treat allergies. Ask your vet about Apoquel or Cytopoint, both can keep Story very, very comfortable. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
  

  

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