Dog Allergies: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Allergies are one of the primary issues we see in our canine patients, and they are becoming more and more prevalent. Patients present with various symptoms, but allergies are the underlying cause in many cases.

Dr. Griffin here at Whittington Veterinary Clinic shares what to look for if you suspect your dog has allergies—and how we can help.

Common Types of Dog Allergies

Dogs can develop allergies to a variety of substances, just like people. Some of the most common include:

  • Flea Allergy Dermatitis – A reaction to flea saliva that causes intense itching, redness, and skin irritation—even from just one bite.
  • Food Allergies – Often triggered by proteins like beef, chicken, or dairy, leading to itching, ear infections, or digestive upset.
  • Environmental Allergies (Pollen, Grass, Dust Mites, Mold) – These can cause seasonal or year-round symptoms like sneezing, licking paws, or red, itchy skin.
  • Mold Allergies – Mold spores in the environment can trigger respiratory issues, skin inflammation, or chronic ear infections.
  • Contact Allergies – Caused by direct contact with substances like shampoos, cleaning products, or certain fabrics, often resulting in skin irritation where contact occurred.

Signs of Allergies in Dogs

Even mild allergies can cause discomfort and impact your dog’s health. Watch for:

  • Constant itching, scratching, or chewing
  • Recurrent ear or skin infections
    • Important: Ear infections are common and often cause head shaking, scratching, redness, odor, or discharge—proper treatment is key to preventing recurring issues.
  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Hair loss
  • Runny eyes
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Frequent bowel movements

If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to schedule a veterinary visit.

How can I find out what my dog is allergic to?

Figuring out exactly what your dog is allergic to can be tricky. Based on your dog’s symptoms and history, we may need to do a full exam, run blood tests, or check skin samples to help identify the cause.

What about food allergies? How are they diagnosed?

To diagnose a food allergy, we usually recommend a special elimination diet for 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, your dog eats only a prescribed food to help us see if their symptoms improve.

How do allergies affect my dog’s health?

Allergies can make your dog miserable—just like they do in people. Constant itching can lead to hot spots, skin infections, or hair loss, and recurring ear infections can cause pain and discomfort. Even mild allergies can impact your dog’s health, mood, and overall quality of life.

Can I diagnose my dog’s allergies at home?

While it’s easy to suspect allergies, a proper diagnosis can’t be made at home. Identifying the exact cause often requires a veterinary exam, blood or skin tests, and sometimes a food elimination trial. Even for veterinarians, it can take time to pinpoint the specific allergen.

How will my dog’s allergies be diagnosed?

Diagnosing allergies takes a bit of detective work. We start with a full physical exam and look for other possible causes like fleas, ticks, bacteria, or yeast. We also consider recent changes—like the seasons, your dog’s diet, or environment—that could trigger a reaction. In some cases, we’ll run tests or use a process of elimination to rule things out and find the cause. Our goal is to put the pieces together and create a treatment plan that helps your dog feel better.

Common Treatments for Dog Allergies

  • Anti-inflammatory therapy
    • Medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint help control itching and inflammation with fewer side effects than traditional steroids.
  • Shampoo therapy
    • Regular bathing removes allergens like dust, pollen, and grass from your dog’s coat.
    • Hypoallergenic shampoos may contain antibacterial, antifungal, colloidal oatmeal, or hydrocortisone to soothe the skin and treat infections.
  • Hyposensitization (Allergy Injection)
    • Gradually exposes your dog to small amounts of allergens via injection or drops under the tongue.
    • Helps the immune system build tolerance, reducing allergic reactions over time.
    • Best for long-term symptom management when other treatments aren’t enough.

Helping Your Dog Live Comfortably With Allergies

While allergies can’t always be cured, they can be managed—and your dog doesn’t have to suffer. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, we can reduce symptoms and improve your pet’s quality of life. If you suspect your dog may have allergies, we’re here to help with answers, support, and compassionate care every step of the way.

Call us at (337) 893-8522 to schedule your dog’s appointment today.