Understanding Allergies in Dogs: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

Just like people, dogs can suffer from allergies — and they’re far more common than many pet parents realize. Allergies can affect a dog’s skin, ears, digestion, and overall comfort, and if left unmanaged, they can lead to chronic infections or ongoing discomfort.

Understanding the signs, causes, and management of allergies is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and happy.

What Are Dog Allergies?

Allergies occur when a dog’s immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless. These substances, known as allergens, can come from food, the environment, or even fleas.

When exposed, the dog’s body releases inflammatory chemicals that cause itching, redness, swelling, or irritation.

Common Types of Allergies in Dogs

1. Environmental Allergies (Atopy)

These are some of the most common allergies and may be seasonal or year-round. Common triggers include:

• Pollen

• Grass

• Mold

• Dust mites

Dogs with environmental allergies often show symptoms in their:

• Paws (licking or chewing)

• Ears

• Face

• Belly or armpits

2. Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Food allergies are typically reactions to specific proteins, such as:

• Chicken

• Beef

• Dairy

• Eggs

Symptoms may include:

• Chronic ear infections

• Itchy skin

• Gastrointestinal issues (vomiting or diarrhea)

Food allergies often require a veterinarian-guided elimination diet to diagnose properly.

3. Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Some dogs are extremely sensitive to flea saliva. In these cases, even one flea bite can cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin inflammation — especially near the tail base and lower back.

Signs Your Dog May Have Allergies

Every dog is different, but common allergy symptoms include:

• Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing

• Red or inflamed skin

• Hot spots

• Recurrent ear infections

• Hair loss

• Paw swelling or discoloration

If you notice persistent symptoms, it’s important to consult your veterinarian.

Why Allergies Matter in Grooming and Daily Care

From a grooming and care standpoint, allergies play a major role in a dog’s comfort and safety:

• Allergic skin is more sensitive and prone to irritation

• Matted fur can trap allergens and moisture

• Inflamed ears are more vulnerable during cleaning

Knowing your dog’s allergy history helps groomers and caregivers adjust products, handling, and techniques to reduce discomfort and prevent flare-ups.

Managing Allergies: A Team Effort

While allergies often can’t be “cured,” they can be effectively managed with the right plan. Management may include:

• Veterinary-recommended diets

• Allergy medications or immunotherapy

• Regular bathing with appropriate products

• Consistent flea prevention

• Environmental control (washing bedding, wiping paws after outdoor exposure)

Early intervention and consistency are key to keeping symptoms under control.

Our Commitment to Allergy-Aware Care

At All Pets Sitting, your dog’s comfort and health are always our priority. That’s why we ask detailed questions about allergies, skin sensitivities, and medical history for our grooming, boarding, and training services. This allows us to:

• Use appropriate products

• Adjust handling and grooming techniques

• Monitor for signs of irritation or flare-ups

We believe informed pet parents and attentive care providers make the best team.

If your dog has known allergies or sensitivities, please let us know — and if you’re unsure, we’re always happy to help you spot potential concerns and guide you toward the right next steps.

At All Pets Sitting, we understand that pets with allergies require extra awareness and timely support. That’s why we keep commonly used comfort items on hand, including cones in multiple sizes, Benadryl, hot spot spray, paw wipes, probiotics, and other allergy-supportive essentials.

These items allow us to quickly help manage itching, licking, or mild skin irritation that can occur during allergy flare-ups, while keeping pets comfortable and preventing further aggravation. We always follow owner instructions and defer to veterinary guidance for medical care, but being prepared allows us to respond promptly, monitor changes, and communicate concerns to pet parents right away.