Dogs can get seasonal allergies, much like humans can. Allergies in a dog can show up as red, dry, flaky and irritated skin, as well as red and watery eyes. Some dogs are more susceptible to allergies than others, and treatment for them is necessary in order to alleviate their symptoms.
Benadryl
The over-the-counter allergy medicine for humans, Benadryl, can be given to dogs in moderation. Benadryl is one of the few medicines for humans that is safe to give to dogs. One 25 mg Benadryl minitab (or other generic form of Benadryl) can be given to your dog every 4 hours to help with itching and watery eyes. Never give your dog Benadryl for an extended length of time without consulting your dog's veterinarian.
Prednisone
Prednisone can be prescribed by your dog's veterinarian, which treats autoimmune conditions in dogs, which includes allergies. It helps reducing the allergies itself, as well as reducing itching. Severe itching in dogs can lead to excessive redness on their skin and can even cause welts and bleeding. Prednisone is an effective way to treat allergies in dogs.
Hydrocortisone Cream
1% hydrocortisone cream applied directly to a dog's skin several times a day won't necessarily help directly with getting rid of allergies, but it will help with alleviating allergy symptoms. Hydrocortisone is available over the counter, however it's best to consult with your dog's veterinarian before applying any type of cream. A dog can have a bad reaction to a cream that is not meant for it, so obtaining cream from your dog's veterinarian is the best possible way to go.
Tags: your veterinarian, Benadryl given, help with, watery eyes