Dog Allergies Explained: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

If your dog is scratching like they just walked through a field of mosquitoes, licking their paws nonstop, or dealing with stubborn ear infections, allergies might be to blame. Just like humans, dogs can develop allergic reactions to everything from pollen to food to fleas. Knowing the signs, causes, and treatments can help you keep your pup comfortable and happy.

Koa’s Allergy Adventure

Meet Koa, my adventure-loving Rhodesian Ridgeback. For months, he struggled with itchy skin and persistent ear infections. After countless vet visits and endless rounds of trial-and-error treatments, we decided to go all in with allergy testing at Blue Pearl.

The results? Koa is allergic to house dust, dust mites, storage mites, grass, tree pollen, weeds, molds, flea saliva, black ants, wool, cat dander, and (get this) even a mild reaction to human dander! Basically, if it exists, Koa is probably allergic to it.

His allergies aren’t curable, but they can be managed. After discussing options with our vet, we decided to try immunotherapy—essentially allergy vaccines that help desensitize the immune system. We had two choices:

1. Allergy shots – effective, but require regular injections.
2. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) – allergy drops under the tongue, no needles involved.

Since I wasn’t too keen on giving Koa shots, we went with the sublingual drops.

The Immunotherapy Setback

For six months, everything seemed to be going well. Then, out of nowhere, Koa had a severe allergic reaction to the treatment itself. His face swelled up, and he broke out in a rash. Cue panic mode. We rushed to the emergency vet, where they stabilized him and advised us to stop the drops immediately.

This was a tough pill to swallow—immunotherapy works wonders for many dogs, but Koa just wasn’t one of them. It was a big lesson in trial and error when it comes to allergy management.

Understanding Canine Allergies

Before this, I had no idea how complex dog allergies could be. Turns out, a dog’s immune system can overreact to allergens, releasing histamine and causing those frustrating symptoms we see—itchiness, redness, ear infections, and digestive upset.

Most dogs develop allergies between 6 months and 3 years old. Koa’s symptoms started at 9 months. While any dog can have allergies, certain breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labs, Terriers, and Bulldogs are more prone. Could Koa’s allergies be genetic? Maybe—his great-grandmother had food sensitivities, though none of his littermates (that we keep in touch with) seem to be struggling like he is.

The Big Three: Types of Dog Allergies

1. Environmental Allergies (Atopy) – Caused by pollen, dust, mold, and other airborne allergens. These often lead to itchy skin, ear infections, and watery eyes. Koa’s worst enemy? Dust mites—they trigger year-round flare-ups.
2. Food Allergies – Proteins like chicken, beef, or dairy can trigger skin issues, tummy troubles, and chronic ear infections. Koa developed an allergy to chicken, which was a heartbreak because it used to be his absolute favorite food. Now, he gets excited for his (expensive) hydrolyzed protein diet. At least he can still enjoy a medium-rare steak!
3. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) – Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva, causing intense itching even from a single bite. Koa tested positive for this, which means even with rigorous flea prevention, one rogue flea can trigger a reaction.

Spotting Allergy Symptoms

Before Koa’s diagnosis, I didn’t realize how many of his behaviors were signs of allergies:

• Constant paw licking and chewing
• Red, irritated skin (especially belly, ears, and paws)
• Chronic ear infections
• Watery eyes during high pollen seasons
• Occasional vomiting or diarrhea

If your dog is dealing with any of these, allergies could be the culprit.

Our Treatment Journey

Since immunotherapy didn’t work out, we had to get creative. Here’s what has helped Koa:

• Dietary Changes – We switched to a hydrolyzed protein diet and carefully check treats and supplements for allergens
• Medications – Apoquel helps control flare-ups, while medicated shampoos and ear cleaners prevent infections
• Environmental Management – HEPA filters, frequent cleaning, and wiping his paws after walks help keep allergens at bay
• Strict Flea Prevention – One flea bite can spell disaster, so prevention is key

Despite our best efforts, flare-ups still happen. That’s just part of life with an allergic dog.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Living with an allergic dog isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s an emotional journey. It’s frustrating when flare-ups happen despite doing everything right. It’s heartbreaking to see your dog uncomfortable. And it’s exhausting trying to stay ahead of potential triggers.

But then, there are the good days. The days when Koa runs through the park without a care in the world. The days when he’s happy, itch-free, and full of energy. Those days remind me that all the effort is worth it.

Final Thoughts

Dog allergies are complicated, and every dog is different. What works for one pup might not work for another. But with patience, persistence, and the right vet team, it’s possible to find a management plan that helps your dog live a happy, relatively itch-free life.

If you’re dealing with a dog who has allergies, know that you’re not alone. It’s a journey of trial and error, but your pup is counting on you to be their advocate. Keep learning, keep adapting, and most importantly—keep giving them all the love they deserve.

Do you have an allergic dog? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!