1: Corticosteroids: a powerful treatment but can come with long-term side effects.

Corticosteroids effectively reduce allergy symptoms, but they require a prescription and carry significant long-term side effects. Safe for short-term, overuse can cause UTIs, obesity, and other health issues.

• Safety: 2/10

• Effectiveness: 9/10

• Convenience: 4/10

• Total: 15/30

2: Apple Cider Vinegar: safe & easy to use, but benefits are short-lived.

A common "natural" remedy that can be ingested or used topically to relieve dog allergies. Our test with 50/50 ACV-water spray showed limited short-term benefits. However, it's safe and convenient, and could work better for some dogs.

• Safety: 8/10

• Effectiveness: 2/10

• Convenience: 6/10

• Total: 16/30

3: Hypoallergenic Shampoo: a mild treatment for dogs with moderate skin allergies.

Much like how pet dander affects humans, external allergens like pollen can cause skin irritation in dogs. Regular baths using hypoallergenic shampoo can help wash these off, providing some relief. While it's safe and moderately effective, it only works for surface allergens and can be time-consuming.

• Safety: 10/10

• Effectiveness: 5/10

• Convenience: 3/10

• Total: 18/30

4: Antihistamines: for temporary relief of acute symptoms but not the best long-term solution.

Antihistamines like Benadryl provide quick relief for allergy symptoms and can be safely given to dogs as directed. However, potential side effects and the short-lasting effect (about 6 hours) make it less ideal for long-term use.

• Safety: 4/10

• Effectiveness: 8/10

• Convenience: 7/10

• Total: 19/30

5: Immunotherapy: helps your dog built up a tolerance but it can be expensive and takes time.

Immunotherapy treats allergies by injecting small, increasing amounts of allergens to build your dog's tolerance. While highly effective, it's inconvenient, costly, and slow to show results - typically taking 6-9 months.

• Safety: 8/10

• Effectiveness: 10/10

• Convenience: 2/10

• Total: 20/30

6: Blood Plasma Injections: one of the lesser-known treatments for dog allergies.

Blood plasma injections, a game-changer in animal health, help reduce inflammation, a major contributor to allergies. While highly effective and safe, finding a vet offering this treatment can be challenging. Yet, a new, convenient way to leverage blood proteins is emerging, taking our top spot.

• Safety: 10/10

• Effectiveness: 8/10

• Convenience: 3/10

• Total: 21/30