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Image by Jamie Street

Allergies

Learn about common dog allergies and how to identify and manage them effectively.

🐶 Dog Allergies

Dogs can develop allergies to several things. The major categories are:

 

1. Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)

Common triggers:

  • Pollen

  • Dust mites

  • Mold

  • Grass

  • Human dander

Symptoms:

  • Itchy skin (face, paws, belly, ears)

  • Excessive licking or chewing

  • Recurrent ear infections

  • Red, inflamed skin

 

2. Food Allergies

Common culprits:

  • Chicken

  • Beef

  • Dairy

  • Eggs

  • Wheat

  • Soy

Symptoms:

  • Chronic itching

  • Ear infections

  • Digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea)

  • Anal gland problems

Food allergies are diagnosed with an 8–12 week elimination diet (there’s no reliable blood test).

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3. Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Even one flea bite can cause severe itching in allergic dogs.

Symptoms:

  • Intense scratching

  • Hair loss on lower back and tail base

  • Red bumps or scabs

 

4. Contact Allergies

Less common. Caused by:

  • Cleaning products

  • Carpets

  • Plastics

  • Certain shampoos

🧪 Diagnosis

A vet may use:

  • Skin scraping

  • Cytology (checking for secondary infections)

  • Allergy testing (blood or intradermal)

  • Food elimination trials

 

💊 Treatment

Depends on the allergy type, but may include:

  • Cytopoint injections (for itch relief)

  • Apoquel (oral anti-itch medication)

  • Antihistamines (Benadryl sometimes helps)

  • Steroids (short-term only)

  • Allergy shots (immunotherapy)

  • Medicated baths

  • Changing diet

  • Strict flea prevention

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