Dog Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
- Beth K.
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
Allergies are one of the top reasons for canine vet visits, especially during the spring and summer months. They can begin at any age, most commonly between 1 and 3—but may appear as early as 6 months.
What Is an Allergy?
An allergy is a state of overreactivity or hypersensitivity to an allergen. An allergen can be anything that triggers an allergic reaction, and the list is endless. Allergies are most commonly categorized as either environmental or food-related.
Environmental Allergies (Atopy)
In dogs, environmental allergies often appear as Atopic Dermatitis or Atopy, a condition where the body overreacts to airborne allergens.
These may include:
Tree and plant pollen
Grasses and weeds
Insect bites
Dust mites
Mold and fungi
Dander from other pets
Symptoms may include:
Moderate to severe itching
Scratching
Red, inflamed skin
Licking feet
Head shaking
Ear infections
Skin lesions or hot spots
Hair loss from scratching
Atopy is a lifelong condition, but many treatment options are available to help manage symptoms effectively.
Treatment options may include:
Antihistamines or steroids
Apoquel, a medication that quickly stops the itch response
Cytopoint, an injection that targets itching and lasts 4–6 weeks
Medicated shampoos and wipes to remove allergens and soothe skin
Allergy testing followed by a customized immunotherapy plan with injections or drops
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
FAD is one of the leading causes of allergic reactions in dogs. It’s triggered by flea saliva, and in a sensitive dog, even one flea bite can start a severe reaction.
Symptoms often appear in the “flea triangle”:
Lower back
Base of the tail
Upper thighs and lower legs
FAD causes itching, scratching, biting at the skin, hair loss, and red, irritated areas. Oral medications can help relieve discomfort, but monthly flea prevention is the key to avoiding flare-ups.
Food Allergies in Dogs
Food allergies are caused by hypersensitivity to a particular protein or carbohydrate. Common culprits include:
Chicken
Beef
Dairy
Wheat
Soy
Eggs
Symptoms may include:
Digestive issues (chronic diarrhea, gas, vomiting)
Itching and scratching
Hives and inflamed skin
Recurrent ear infections
Face rubbing, hair loss, and skin infections
Your veterinarian may recommend a food trial or elimination diet to determine the cause. This involves feeding a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet for 8–12 weeks to eliminate all other food sources.
After the trial, your vet will help determine the best long-term diet—whether prescription or a specific over-the-counter option.
Take Action Early
Allergies in dogs are uncomfortable and can lead to painful skin issues. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments to help your dog feel better.
Symptoms can escalate quickly, so don’t wait. If you suspect allergies, schedule a visit.Your veterinarian is here to help!
Is Your Dog Showing Signs of Allergies?
Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Our team is here to help you find answers and relief for your pet.Schedule an appointment today to talk through your concerns and explore personalized treatment options.
📞 Call us at (734) 761-7523
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