
As a dog owner, you want nothing but the best for your loyal companion. However, just like us, dogs can also suffer from allergies that can affect their well-being. From itchy skin to digestive issues, recognizing the signs of canine allergies is crucial in providing proper care for your furry friend. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of canine allergies, exploring common triggers, symptoms to watch out for, and steps you can take to help your dog lead a happy, allergy-free life. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether your dog might have an allergy, keep reading to become a more informed and proactive pet parent.
The most common dog allergy is itching of the skin. Their respiratory tract can also be affected causing them to wheeze, sneeze, and/or cough. You may even notice a discharge from their eyes and nose. In some cases, the digestive system can be affected which will cause them to vomit or have diarrhea.
In the United States around 20 percent of the dogs suffer from some type of allergy. Some of the allergies might be allergic to fleas, atopic dermatitis, allergies to food, allergies to some thing in the air, allergies to some thing they come in contact with or a bacterial allergy.
Canine Allergies

This canine allergy is caused by the dog’s immune system hypersensitivity to common substance around them, such as dust mites or mold. Atopic Dermatitis is an allergic skin disease that usually appears within the first two years of a dog’s life.
Watch your dog for grooming excessively, by licking or chewing his back legs, paws, and abdomen, these are signs that he may suffer from atopic dermatitis. Another way to check is to see if his ears are reddened and hot to the touch.
There are signs that are not as noticeable like in the armpits, groin, and between the toes of his paws. Saliva staining is another sign of atopic dermatitis. It appears as a reddish brown stain. If the case becomes severe, the skin may change color, especially the abdomen, from a pink to a dark red to a very dark black.
It can be difficult to diagnose because flea allergy, food allergy and parasitic infections have some of the same signs. After you have ruled out the three above allergies from you list you may then need to have your dogs skin tested for allergies such as dust mites, pollens, and mold. After your vet has determined the cause of the atopic dermatitis he can recommend treatment.
Flea Allergy
No the flea is not the real allergy here, it is the fleas saliva. Your vet can perform a skin allergy test to determine if your dog is allergic to flea saliva. If he is then a regular strict flea control regimen is required to reduce your dog’s symptoms. But, be sure to use the chemicals with caution, as some can harm your dog.
Inhalant Allergy (allergies to some thing in the air)
These Canine Allergies are caused by the same things that cause allergies in humans, tree, grass, weed, dust mites, molds, and chemicals.
Any dog is susceptible to inhalant allergies, but the most common dogs affected are terriers, golden retrievers, poodles, dalmations, German shepherds, Chinese Shar-peis, shih tzus, lhasa apsos, pugs, Irish setters, and minature schnauzers.
If you notice your dog chewing at his feet and constantly licking then he may have inhalant allergies. Other common symptoms include biting, and scratching. The worst itching will be on his feet, hind legs, groin and armpits.
Inhalant allergies are often associated with recurring ear infections in you dog.
Food Allergy
Food that your dog may have eaten for years may become a food allergy. So, this type of allergy is often overlooked.
Dogs usually cannot tolerate fish, eggs, whey, milk, chicken, pork, beef, corn, wheat, soy products, chemical preservatives, and artificial sugars in their meal.
It may take a long while to determine the food allergen. A way to find the allergen is to put your dog on a diet that consists of protein and starch that your dog has not eaten before.
Start adding back the ingredients of the dog food you have been feeding him, spreading this out over a week. If the symptoms return then you should be able to determine the food allergen.
Then look for a dog food that does not contain the allergen. Symptoms of food allergies in your dog may be scratching at ears, shaking of the head, itchy skin, licking and biting their back legs, rubbing their face on carpet, inflammation in their ears, coughing and in rare cases vomiting, sneezing, and diarrhea.
Contact Allergy (allergies to some thing they come in contact with)
This is the least common type of allergies in dogs. Some of the common items that may cause a reaction are wood bedding, grass, plants, and flea collars.
Bacterial Allergy
There are several different types of Staphylococcus (Staph) living on your dog’s skin. That is normal! Most dogs do not develop an allergy to them, but some dogs might.
Bacterial allergies will cause hair loss that looks similar to ring worm. The areas that are infected need to be treated with antibiotics.
If you suspect that your beloved furry companion may be suffering from allergies, it’s essential to pay close attention to their symptoms and behavior. Canine allergies can manifest in various forms, from skin irritations to gastrointestinal issues. By staying observant and seeking advice from a veterinarian, you can help alleviate your dog’s discomfort and improve their quality of life. Remember, your pup’s well-being is paramount, so if you have any concerns or insights to share about canine allergies, feel free to let us know in the comments below. Sharing your experiences could help other pet owners navigate this common yet challenging issue with their own four-legged friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common canine allergens?
Grass, dust mites, mold, and pollen are frequently responsible. Although indoor allergens can cause problems all year round, dogs with environmental allergies often have seasonal symptoms. Food Allergies: Although less frequent than environmental allergies in dogs, food allergies can nevertheless have serious side effects.
What are canines allergic to?
meal allergies in dogs most often occur in reaction to the protein in the meal; frequent triggers include beef, chicken, lamb, eggs, dairy products, and soy. It’s possible for a food allergy to manifest at any age. Itching, stomach issues, and respiratory distress are typical clinical indications.
What is the cause of dog allergies?
You are not allergic to the hair, fur, or feathers of your pet when you have an allergy to them. You have an allergy to the protein present in your pet’s urine, saliva, and dander—dead skin cells. The dander is collected by the hair, fur, or feathers. In addition, it may transport mold, pollen, and dust mites, among other allergies.