How to Tell if Your Dog has Allergies

Key Takeaways

• Occasional itching, sneezing, ear shaking, and skin changes can be early signs of allergies in dogs and are often overlooked until symptoms worsen.
• Common allergy triggers in dogs include flea bites, food ingredients, environmental allergens like pollen or dust mites, and contact with household or lawn chemicals.
• Fleas are the most frequent cause of allergic itch in dogs, and even a single bite can trigger significant discomfort in sensitive pets.
• Veterinarians can diagnose allergies and may recommend prescription treatments such as Apoquel or Atopica, which target the underlying cause of itch rather than masking symptoms.
• Supportive care like oatmeal baths and specialized prescription diets can help manage symptoms and improve comfort alongside medical treatment.

Could your dog’s occasional itching and sneezing be a tell-tell sign of allergies? Continue reading to learn how to spot signs of occasional or seasonal allergies in dogs, with the help of your veterinarian.

No. 1: Watch for common signs of allergies in dogs.

There are many everyday signs your dog has allergies that can easily go unnoticed. The next time your pup starts shaking his adorable, floppy ears from side-to-side, you may begin to wonder if it could be something more. Key signs to watch for include chewing, biting, excessive licking, or scratching; foot chewing; hair loss; body odor; frequent rolling; changes in the skin (sores or darkened color); and recurrent ear problems (head shaking, scratching at ears, ear discharge). Visit with your veterinarian if your dog shows these signs. It’s possible your veterinarian may prescribe your dog prescription allergy treatment.

No 2: Beware the many types of allergies in dogs.

How many people do you know who have a peanut allergy (food allergy) or have a tough time with seasonal allergies when the pollen counts begin to rise (environmental allergy)? There is a reason sneeze guards are placed over salad bars. Okay, many reasons, but we digress... So, just like in humans, there are a number of allergens that can cause similar reactions in dogs, including:

• • Flea allergies
  • Food allergies
  • Environmental indoor and outdoor allergens (seasonal pollen, dust mites, mold)
  • Contact allergies (carpet shampoo, lawn chemicals, insecticides)

Fleas are the most common cause of allergies and dog itch. If your dog is sensitive to flea bites, it takes only one bite to set off the itch cycle, so before anything, check your pet to make sure you are not dealing with a flea problem. Learn more about flea and tick control.

No. 3: Know there are allergy meds for dogs available to help.

Prescription allergy medicine for dogs uniquely targets the sources of their allergies. Should your dog be diagnosed with allergies from your veterinarian, you can offer them relief through effective allergy prescription medications.

Prescription dog allergy medicine is available to help, including trusted medications like Apoquel, which can relieve your pet’s itch within as few as four hours, and Atopica, which is also available as generic Cyclosporine Capsules. Learn how to order prescription pet medicine online.

In addition to allergy medications, your pet will also appreciate a soothing bath with oatmeal shampoo for extra relief. From the inside and out, you can help your dog with allergies. There are even prescription dog food formulas tailored to reduce adverse food reaction, such as Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed canine formula, available in chicken or vegetarian.

Continue learning with this extensive FAQ article about allergies in dogs and cats. Also, learn how allergies can even affect your dog’s behavior.

Whether for horse, livestock, or pet, Valley Vet Supply is your one-stop shop for trusted care. Explore more of our dog category at ValleyVet.com