My rescue dog has skin allergies. How to relieve itching cheaply?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Maltipoo | Female | spayed | 2 years old | 15 lbs
Just adopted a rescue and she’s Scratching and biting constantly. She on flea prevention meds but must have a skin allergy. Do you know a COST EFFECTIVE way to help relieve her itching?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 23rd, 2018
Hi there. In terms of over-the-counter options, you could try bathing her a hydrocortisone "anti-itch" dog shampoo to help relieve the itching. The effects of this are usually pretty temporary, but it's inexpensive and generally safe. If you want something more effective, I would recommend taking her in for a vet visit to find out what's causing the itching and get her started on prescription medication to treat it. If she does have an allergy, there are often simple options like prednisone tablets and/or antibiotics that can be very effective at treating the symptoms. This shouldn't need to be an expensive visit, especially if you let the vet know that you have cost concerns. Costs will vary depending on where you live - but to give you a general idea, in my area, an exam and short course of meds to make her feel better would typically cost less than $100 total.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 25th, 2019
Hello. This very well could be some kind of sensitivity or allergy to something & this is the time of year that allergies are rampant. You can try bathing her in cool water using an oatmeal based shampoo, or using one with 1% hydrocortisone or Pramoxine. The key is to let her sit in the lather for 10 minutes before rinsing. Bathing can be done 2-3 times a week to keep her comfortable. These all have mild itch control. If the skin irritations persist, please see your vet to make sure Kona is not developing any type of skin problem & if some of the newer allergy medications like Apoquel & Cytopoint might be beneficial to her. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 11th, 2020
I hate to hear Lucy is uncomfortable. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You can give an antihistamine though these tend to not be as effective for food allergies. You can wash any lesions once a day (not her whole body, just the lesions). Also protect the area from trauma by having your pup wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Have erm examined by the veterinarian when they can get her in for better treatment. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 17th, 2017
I am so sorry that Rosie is so itchy. You may also want to try to give her some Benadryl. If she is 18 pounds then she can have 25mg (one adult tablet) of benadryl twice a day to help with itching. You can also try duoxo calming shampoo. This will sometimes give a little more relief. If the itching continues, I would talk to your vet about a stronger allergy medicine like apoquel and to ensure she doesn't need any antibiotics. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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