6 types of common allergies in dogs — and how to treat them

Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from allergies including fleas, food, pollen, grass, and even house dust mites.

Allergies are common in all dog breeds and backgrounds, with most appearing after six months of age.

Signs your pet has allergies include scratching and biting their coat or skin, compulsive paw licking, excessive shedding, and sneezing.

“If your dog has a skin allergy they may suffer from itchy skin – often licking or biting their paws, scratching their ears, face or belly – along with hair loss or rashes,” PDSA Vet, Nurse Shauna Walsh, tells Country Living.

“We know as humans how irritating a constant itch can be – and it can be frustrating and worrying to see our dogs feeling uncomfortable. However, the good news is there are lots of things we can do to help our four-legged family members.”

6 most common types of allergies in dogs:

1. Food allergies, including beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat gluten
2. Flea bites
3. Environmental allergies, including pollen, dust mites, and mould
4. Seasonal allergies, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens
5. Insect stings
6. Certain household products

How to care for your dog’s allergies

1. Get advice from your vet

There are several ways to care for your dog if they suffer from allergies, but it’s best to get advice from your vet as soon as possible.

“Most dogs will scratch every now and then and can lose a bit of fur during a seasonal moult. But if your dog seems to be scratching more than normal, you see bald spots or changes in their skin (such as redness or scabs), it’s best to contact your vet,” explains Shauna.

“Skin problems often get worse over time and can become more difficult to treat if left, especially if the skin becomes inflamed or infected. Skin allergies can also be very uncomfortable or even painful for your pet, so it’s best to get help sooner rather than later.”

2. Avoid any triggers

“Dogs will often have more than one trigger that kick starts an allergy response and this can make identifying the cause of a skin allergy very difficult,” says Shauna.

“They could be almost anything — fleas, food, pollens, grass, or mites to name just a few. Your vet might recommend allergy testing your dog to find out what your dog reacts to the most. Unfortunately, this doesn’t guarantee that every allergen is identified and you might not be able to completely avoid their triggers.

“But there are still lots of ways to help your dog even if you don’t know all of the allergens that set them off.”

3. Flea/mite treatments

According to the PDSA, dogs with skin allergies can be more prone to developing mites. Fleas make your dog more itchy, which can worsen their skin allergies. If your dog is suffering, talk to your vet about which flea and mite treatment is best. Read our guide on how to get rid of fleas for expert-approved advice.

4. Food trial

“Food can be a trigger for some skin allergies and also cause tummy problems. Carrying out a food trial is a good way to see if your dog’s diet might be causing their skin issues. Speak to your vet before making any drastic changes to your dog’s diet,” says Shauna.

5. Keep a diary

Keep a diary to help spot the triggers. “Write down what your dog eats and places you’ve been each day alongside a record of their skin flare-ups. This will help you look for patterns and try to avoid anything that could be causing issues.”

6. Be careful with what lotions you use

Using the wrong dog skin products can cause problems to worsen, as many products aren’t specifically designed for dogs with allergic skin diseases.

“Unless your vet has recommended certain products to help your dog’s skin, stick to plain tap water if you need to wash your dog. If your dog reacts to environmental allergens, a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after a walk can help remove pollen,” says Shauna.

7. Keep an eye open for changes

“Skin allergies often get better or worse and come and go over time — and sometimes this can seem completely random. Your dog might be fine for days, weeks, or even months. Then, they can have a sudden flare-up with no obvious cause,” explains Shauna.

“It’s tempting to wait and see if their skin will settle down as mysteriously as it flared up, but it’s always better to get your dog checked over.

“It’s also important not to stop your dog’s treatment or diet without your vet’s advice – even if they seem much better. Most of the time your dog’s symptoms will come back once the treatment wears off. In some cases, stopping their treatment suddenly can lead to problems and side effects so always follow your vet’s instructions carefully.”

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