5 Signs Your Dog Might Have Allergies and What to Do
Is your pet constantly scratching, biting, or dealing with red, irritated skin? If so, allergies may be the cause. Pet allergies are more common than you might think. Three of the biggest culprits are fleas, food, and environmental allergies. These allergic reactions often lead to disruptions in their well-being and health, create ongoing discomfort, chronic itching or stomach issues, and even serious skin infections if left untreated. Here we break down the signs of pet allergies, explore how food, the environment and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) affect both dogs and cats, and offer practical tips for diagnosis, prevention, and relief. Whether you're a dog lover or a cat parent, understanding these common allergy triggers is the first step toward helping your pet live a healthier, itch-free life.
What are allergies
An allergy is a hypersensitivity of the immune system. It means your pet has developed a negative immune response to a particular substance known, hereafter, as the allergen. Once your pet is exposed to the irritating allergen, a string of complex reactions occurs within your pet’s body, producing one or more visible signs and issues. Allergens may be categorized by the allergen type (such as food) or the route (ingested or inhaled). Genetics are also key in allergies, making certain breeds more prone. Most pets fall into either food, environmental or parasitic (flea) allergies.
Food allergies
Certain foods cause your pet’s immune system to mistake the protein part of the food as a threat. The body, therefore, initiates defensive antibodies to rid the body of this protein that it believes (wrongly) is harmful. In turn, this produces a bunch of unpleasant problems that your pet begins to experience and exhibit. When this causes skin signs, this is called cutaneous adverse food reaction (CAFR). These will continue for as long as the irritant ingredient is part of their daily food intake. Most commonly, it is the protein (chicken, beef, etc.) that is the culprit, although other possibilities exist also.
Environmental allergies
Environmental and seasonal allergies can stem from both indoor and outdoor sources and may happen following inhalation or direct contact. Environmental allergens include substances like grasses, trees, pollen, mould and dust mites, with allergic reactions seen year-round. Seasonal allergies only cause problems during a particular season, spring or autumn, for example. The chain of events is much the same as with food allergies once the dog or cat has come into contact with the allergen.
Flea allergies
Fleas are one of the most common external parasites affecting both dogs and cats. While all pets can suffer from the irritation fleas cause, some are especially sensitive and develop an allergic reaction known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). This condition is one of the leading causes of itching and skin issues in pets. Interestingly, it's not the flea itself that triggers the allergy; it's the flea’s saliva, which gets zapped into your pet’s skin and system when the flea bites to feed. Even a single flea bite can cause intense itching, inflammation, and discomfort in allergic pets.
5 signs of allergies in pets
Getting to the bottom of allergies and pinpointing the culprit can be a bit of a journey, but here are five common signs your pet is experiencing an allergy problem and requires attention.
Itchy, inflamed (red) skin: usually accompanied by scratching, head shaking, rubbing of their heads or bodies on the floor and an uncomfortable dog or cat. The belly, groin and armpits are commonly affected areas.
Licking and nibbling their paws and nails. Dogs often exhibit this behavior, and their saliva can also turn pale-coloured fur red/brown.
Ear infections or chronic ear problems: your pet may paw, scratch or rub their head along the floor or objects. Pain may cause changes in behavior, sleep or appetite.
Gastrointestinal issues: chronic vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, gas and abdominal discomfort are all associated with food allergies.
Loss of fur, hair thinning and a general loss of overall coat condition. Scabby bumps may be seen or felt on the skin. Bristly fur. Skin infections may also be present.
Are certain breeds more prone to allergies?
Genetics play an important role in allergies; therefore, unfortunately, certain breeds are prone to problems. These include but are not limited to: –
British Bulldogs
Labrador Retrievers
Golden Retrievers
Shar-Peis
Dalmatians
Basset Hounds
Pit Bull Terrier
German Shepherds
Purebred cats tend to be more prone than domestic short or long hair cats
Siamese cats
What to do if you suspect your pet has allergies
Don’t ignore signs or gut feelings, particularly those which repeat. Awareness is key! Keeping a diary can be useful and foretelling. Often, a pattern will emerge, revealing many clues. Be mindful when you first acquire your pet, especially if it is a pet known to suffer from allergies… feed an appropriate diet and take out pet insurance, if possible, to cover costs and to give you peace of mind.
If you suspect allergies might be plaguing your pet, an examination by a vet is required to rule out any other conditions and investigate for underlying causes. Your vet may advise a range of tests, ideas and solutions; they will discuss all the options with you to find the best combination for you, your pet and your lifestyle. Depending on the root cause of the allergy these can include blood tests, skin tests, elimination diets, ensuring your pet is on appropriate flea prevention, and possibly referral to a dermatologist.
Treatments for pet allergies depend on the cause and are on a case-by-case basis, but can include one or more of the following:
Flea and other parasitic treatments
Medications
Hypoallergic diet trial
Removal of any irritant products and plants from your house and garden
Increased bathing and grooming
A change in coat and skin care products
Supplements such as Omega-3s
Vaccines produced specifically for your dog’s allergies (immunotherapy)
Regular check-up’s
Allergies have unfortunately become a part of modern times for pets. The signs and conditions they cause in response to the allergen can be distressing and will vary in their severity. Fortunately, help is at hand and diagnosing allergies has improved over the years, as have treatment options, diet ranges and choices. It is important to seek this out, and once a plan is in place, you will find life for your pet, and you becomes easier and more comfortable.
Annaliese Morgan
Annaliese qualified as a veterinary nurse from Edinburgh and went on to attain a diploma in advanced veterinary nursing in surgery from London. Throughout this time, she worked in both small and mixed veterinary practices and gained head nurse status. Responsible for training other veterinary nurses she also ran the nursing department, nurse clinics, and patient care protocols.
She has looked after 1,000s of patients and owners and created new higher standard nursing regimes, whilst specializing in surgery and anesthesia. After being asked to co-author multiple veterinary nursing textbooks, Annaliese continued to write for further mainstream publications in the UK and USA and after twenty-plus years in both the veterinary and pet care professions, she hung up her scrub suit and now writes full-time.
