Does your dog have excessively itchy skin? It could be a symptom of allergies in dogs. In fact, persistent itching and scratching are the most common symptoms of allergies in dogs, whether the allergy is triggered by food, environmental particles, or insect bites.
In this Sploot Vets guide, we discuss the most common allergies in dogs, their symptoms, and treatment options for each.
Overview:
- There are three main categories of common allergies in dogs. These include food allergies, insect allergies, and environmental or seasonal allergies.
- Allergy symptoms in dogs can vary depending on what is causing them. However, itchy skin is a common symptom associated with most cases of canine allergies.
- Only a licensed veterinarian can accurately diagnose allergies in dogs.
What Is The Most Common Allergy In Dogs?
Though there are many cases of seasonal and food allergies, flea allergy dermatitis in dogs is extremely common. This can be attributed to the prevalence of fleas, as well as the severity of the allergic reaction, which typically requires a trip to the veterinarian.
One bite can lead to severe allergic reactions, characterized by symptoms such as intense itching, hair loss due to scratching, and secondary skin infections. Given that fleas lurk in both indoor and outdoor environments, the risk of exposure to this allergen is also high for dogs.
A. Insect Allergies in Dogs
Dogs can be allergic to certain insects (e.g., fleas, ticks, bees). These insect allergies in dogs can lead to symptoms that vary slightly depending on the specific insect that triggered the reaction. However, itching and inflammation are common to most allergic reactions to ticks, fleas, bees, and wasps alike.
1. Tick Allergies & Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs
Tick allergies and flea allergy dermatitis in dogs occur when the dog’s immune system has an adverse reaction to tick or flea saliva. Therefore, after getting bitten by these insects, dogs with tick or flea allergies can develop the following symptoms:
- Itching and inflammation – This occurs when the immune system overreacts to the tick/flea saliva. Flea and tick allergies are known to be more intensely itchy than other allergies.
- Hair loss or thinning – Often the result of persistent scratching, licking, or chewing due to irritation.
- Scabs and sores – These are typically caused by repeated trauma to the skin from scratching or biting.
- Miliary dermatitis (flea allergy dermatitis) – These are small, crusty lesions commonly triggered by a flea allergy in dogs. However, this can also result from tick allergies.
- Anaphylaxis – Although rare, tick and flea allergies in dogs can lead to this severe allergic reaction, producing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
How Do You Treat Tick or Flea Allergies in Dogs?
Is your dog showing signs of a tick or flea allergy? If so, we recommend bringing them to an
urgent care vet. The veterinarian will confirm the allergy by observing the dog’s symptoms and evaluating for fleas or ticks. They may also prescribe anti-allergy medications like antihistamines, steroids, or other allergy medications to alleviate the allergy symptoms.
Since flea and tick allergies in dogs are most likely to produce scabs and sores from constant scratching, the veterinarian may also prescribe topical or oral antibiotics if there are any secondary skin infections.
In addition, the vet will discuss options for flea and tick treatments and preventatives to address the current infestation and reduce the chances of recurrence.
Note: In cases where the vet cannot diagnose on symptoms alone (i.e., when there’s an equal risk of environmental allergies), they may recommend visiting a veterinary dermatologist and discussing intradermal skin testing.
2. Wasp & Bee Sting Allergies in Dogs
Dogs can have an adverse allergic reaction to the venom of bees and/or wasps. These allergies tend to produce particularly severe symptoms, compared to those of allergies to other insects. These symptoms include:
- Itching and inflammation – Triggered by the immune system's heightened response to allergens.
- Swelling and pain at the sting site – Caused by the body’s immune reaction to insect venom.
- Hives (urticaria) – Red, raised welts on the skin that result from an allergic response.
- Facial swelling – Commonly occurs around the muzzle and eyes as part of the allergic reaction.
- Anaphylaxis – A life-threatening allergic reaction marked by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing; this requires emergency care.
What To Do If My Dog Is Allergic To Bees Or Wasps?
If your dog shows signs of allergies after being stung by a bee or wasp, we recommend bringing them to an urgent care veterinarian, since the symptoms for these types of allergies can be severe. In addition, if the dog is showing signs of anaphylaxis, particularly breathing difficulties, we recommend going to an emergency vet.
Because of their distinct symptoms, lab tests to rule out the bee or wasp allergy may not be required. Instead, lab tests may be requested to assess your dog’s health status.
Treating these kinds of allergies in dogs starts with stabilizing their current symptoms. In less severe cases (i.e., not anaphylactic), the veterinarian may prescribe medications to manage the allergy, inflammation, and pain, and advise you to take your dog home that same day. However, if your dog is suffering from anaphylaxis, the vet may recommend hospitalization for continued monitoring.
B. Food Allergies in Dogs
Certain ingredients can cause food allergies in dogs. These allergies can appear at any age; however, not all dogs will develop food allergies during their lifetime. Canine food allergies are commonly triggered by certain proteins in meat or dairy.
The symptoms of food allergies in dogs tend to be similar, regardless of the trigger. These symptoms can include the following:
- Itching – This is caused by an excessive response from the immune system.
- Hair loss or thinning – This is secondary to excessive scratching and gnawing due to itching.
- Gastrointestinal upset – This leads to diarrhea and vomiting.
- Ear infections – Food allergies in dogs increase sebum production, leading to earwax buildup. This increases the risk of recurrent dog ear infections.
- Atopic dermatitis –This is characterized by skin inflammation and increased itchiness. While uncommon, this can occur as a symptom of food allergies in dogs.
Note: Food allergies in dogs are different from food intolerance. Firstly, unlike food intolerance, food allergies involve an excessive immune response. In addition, while both cause gastrointestinal symptoms, certain symptoms (e.g., itchy skin, hair loss, and ear infections) are associated with food allergies.
1. Beef Allergy in Dogs
Beef allergy in dogs is one of the most common types of food allergies in dogs. When dogs have a beef allergy, their immune system has a strong reaction to beef proteins. One of the reasons why this food allergy commonly manifests is the popularity of beef as a dog food ingredient.
2. Chicken & Turkey Allergy in Dogs
Chicken allergy in dogs is also highly common. This happens when a dog’s immune system mistakenly perceives chicken proteins as harmful. Dogs can also be allergic to turkey protein, though less commonly than chicken.
An allergy to one poultry does not automatically mean the dog is also allergic to the other. However, since chicken and turkey share similarities in their protein structure, some dogs can be allergic to both.
3. Egg Allergy in Dogs
Egg allergies are more common in dogs than in cats. Dogs can be allergic to proteins found in the egg white, egg yolk, or both. However, since there are more allergens found in the egg white than in the egg yolk, dogs are more commonly allergic to this part of the egg.
4. Dairy Allergy in Dogs
Dairy allergy in dogs is an immune sensitivity to proteins found in milk, butter, cheese, cream, and other dairy products. Dairy allergies in dogs can also coincide with lactose intolerance, even though the two are separate conditions.
Both dairy allergies and lactose intolerance lead to gastrointestinal issues in dogs. However, since dairy allergies involve the immune system, it comes with persistent itching and scratching allergic symptoms, which are absent in lactose intolerance.
5. Uncommon Food Allergies in Dogs: Pork, Fish, Novel Proteins, & Grain
Some food allergies in dogs are less common but still possible. These include allergies to pork, fish, novel proteins (e.g., duck, venison, rabbit), and grains (e.g., wheat, corn, or rice). From this list, grain allergies in dogs are the rarest, since it’s more likely for dogs to be allergic to proteins from meat.
Since dogs rarely have allergies to pork, fish, novel proteins, and grains, some of these ingredients may be used in limited-ingredient or specialty diets for dogs with allergies.
How Do You Treat A Dog With Food Allergies?
If you suspect that your dog has a food allergy, consult a veterinarian for the next steps. The vet may recommend a strict elimination diet trial or food trial to determine what foods your dog is allergic to. Your dog may be prescribed dog food with a novel protein (e.g., duck or rabbit) or a hydrolyzed protein diet for 8–12 weeks.
If symptoms improve, the original diet is gradually reintroduced to confirm the allergy. Based on the results, the veterinarian will recommend appropriate dog food tailored to your pet’s needs.
C. Seasonal Allergies in Dogs
In some cases, a dog’s immune system overreacts to particles in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. These are referred to as environmental and seasonal allergies in dogs. Such allergies lead to the following symptoms:
- Itching and paw licking – This is caused by the immune system’s overreaction.
- Hair loss or thinning – This is due to persistent scratching or biting on the skin.
- Dog ear infections – Environmental and seasonal allergies in dogs can trigger an increased rate of sebum production, which increases the risk of earwax buildup and infections.
- Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing – Since pollen, mold spores, and dust mites can be inhaled, allergic reactions can lead to these respiratory issues.
- Atopic dermatitis – A condition marked by skin inflammation and persistent itchiness; this is most commonly linked to environmental or seasonal allergens.
1. Pollen Allergy in Dogs
Pollen allergy in dogs is the most well-known type of seasonal allergy in dogs. This results from a dog’s sensitivity to pollen, especially from trees, grass, and weeds. These kinds of pollen thrive during certain seasons, which can create a seasonal pattern of allergic reactions in certain dogs.
Here is a summary of when each type of pollen is the most prevalent:
- Tree pollen – prevalent during spring (March to May)
- Grass pollen – prevalent during late spring to early summer (May to July)
- Weed pollen (especially Ragweed pollen) – prevalent during midsummer to midfall (July to October)
2. Mold Allergy in Dogs
Mold allergy in dogs happens when a dog’s immune system has an adverse reaction to mold spores. This can be caused by both indoor and outdoor mold spores. While indoor mold spores can thrive year-round (especially in damp, dark places), outdoor mold spores are prevalent during spring and fall, possibly contributing to seasonal allergies in dogs.
It is important to note that mold allergy in dogs differs from mold poisoning in dogs. One is not a prerequisite for the other. While these two conditions have overlapping symptoms, mold poisoning in dogs can have additional systemic reactions (e.g., fever, seizures).
3. Dust Mite Allergy in Dogs
Some dogs are allergic to dust mite proteins, which are found in dust mite bodies, urine, and feces. This is known as dust mite allergy in dogs. Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like creatures that can proliferate in dust, carpets, beddings, mattresses, and HVAC systems.
Although dust mites can thrive year-round, their increase can be linked to seasonal activities. They can lurk in stagnant seasonal decorations, or they can be released during spring cleaning.
What Can I Do For My Dog With Seasonal Allergies?
If your dog has seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, dust mites, or mold, a veterinarian may prescribe anti-allergy medications like antihistamines and cyclosporine to treat the symptoms.
The veterinarian can also recommend lifestyle or hygiene tips to help reduce the dog’s exposure to environmental allergens. In some cases, vets may recommend a consult with a veterinary dermatologist to discuss intradermal skin testing and hyposensitization therapy, which is a gradual and controlled exposure to the allergen that can help reduce allergic symptoms.
Final Thoughts on Allergies in Dogs
That wraps up our vet-approved guide to allergies in dogs. If you’re unsure whether your dog is experiencing allergies or needs help managing symptoms, consult a trusted veterinarian for personalized advice and care.
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