By Dr. Patricia Kyle, DVM
If your dog is constantly scratching, licking their paws, chewing at their skin, or dealing with recurring ear or skin infections, allergies may be the cause. Allergies are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the veterinarian, especially in Florida where environmental allergens and fleas are present year-round.
Types of Allergies in Dogs
- Flea Allergy: Dogs with flea allergies react to proteins in flea saliva. Even a few flea bites can trigger intense itching and skin irritation. Because fleas thrive year-round in Florida, prescription flea and tick prevention is recommended year-round for reliable protection.
- Food Allergies: Food allergies occur when a dog’s immune system reacts to ingredients in their diet. Common food allergens include beef, chicken, lamb, and occasionally wheat. Food allergies often cause skin symptoms that look similar to environmental allergies.
- Environmental Allergies (Atopy): Environmental allergies are caused by substances such as:
- Tree, grass, and weed pollens
- Dust mites
- Mold and mildew
These allergens can be difficult to avoid, particularly in Florida’s climate.
Many Dogs Have More Than One Allergy
It is common for dogs to suffer from multiple allergies simultaneously, making diagnosis and treatment more complex. Your veterinarian will work with you to create the best management plan for your dog.
Common Signs of Allergies:
- Itchy ears or recurrent ear infections
- Head shaking
- Licking and chewing at the feet
- Scratching, licking, or chewing the body
- Red, inflamed skin
- Hair loss or bald spots
- Skin thickening or darkening
Without treatment, chronic itching can lead to skin infections and ongoing discomfort.
How Are Allergies Diagnosed?
Medical History: Your veterinarian will review your dog’s diet, treats, flea prevention, timing of symptoms, and any seasonal patterns to help identify potential allergy triggers.
Allergy Testing: Allergy testing is most useful for identifying environmental allergies and planning allergy immunotherapy. Testing may include blood testing or intradermal skin testing, which is often performed by a veterinary dermatologist.
It’s important to note that allergy testing does not accurately diagnose food allergies.
Cytology testing: Your veterinarian will do testing of the skin and possibly ears to determine if there is active infection. Active infections need to be cleared in order for allergy treatments to be the most successful. Infected skin and ears can cause your dog to continue to itch though the allergy control options. Some infections can take weeks to months to clear depending on severity and location.
Treatment Options
Antihistamines: Common antihistamines include Benadryl®, Hydroxyzine, and Zyrtec®. While they help block histamine, they are most effective when started before symptoms become severe and help fewer than 15% of allergic dogs as a sole treatment.
Injectable Itch Relief: Injectable options such as Cytopoint® and Befrena™ can provide 4 to 8 weeks of itch control through IL-31 (inflammatory cytokine) control and are excellent choices for dogs that do not take oral medications well. They are administered by the veterinary team at your visit.
Daily Oral Medications: Apoquel®, Numelvi™, and Zenrelia™are daily oral medications that help control itch through Janus Kinase inhibition
Allergy Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy (allergy desensitization shots or oral allergy drops) gradually exposes the immune system to allergens, helping reduce its reaction over time. Immunotherapy helps to target the underlying allergy and up to 80% of dogs have improvement in allergy symptoms. The process is slow, generally requiring 6 to 12 months, and often dogs will still require some allergy control medications.
Atopica® (Cyclosporine): Atopica works by modifying the immune response responsible for allergy symptoms. It can be very effective for long-term allergy management but may take 6–8 weeks to reach full effect and can have side effects.
Food Trials for Suspected Food Allergies: The gold standard for diagnosing food allergies is a strict food trial using a prescription hypoallergenic diet for 6–12 weeks.
During the diet trial:
- No treats unless approved by your veterinarian
- No table food or human food
- No flavored medications or preventatives unless approved by your veterinarian
Even small amounts of other foods can affect results. A true food trial also involves reintroducing the original diet to see if allergy symptoms return.
Prescription diets are preferred because they are produced under strict manufacturing standards that minimize cross-contamination with other proteins.
Additional Ways to Reduce Allergies
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 supplements can reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and help decrease reliance on other medications.
Medicated Shampoos: Medicated shampoos help reduce bacterial and yeast overgrowth that commonly occurs in allergic dogs, and your veterinarian will be able to guide the most appropriate selection for your dog.
Wiping the Coat: Using pet-safe wipes after outdoor activities can remove pollen and other allergens from the coat.
Environmental Control: Simple measures can help reduce allergen exposure:
- Vacuum regularly
- Wash pet bedding frequently
- Reduce dust mite accumulation in the home
The Bottom Line
While allergies are often a lifelong condition, most dogs can be kept comfortable with a combination of prevention, medications, dietary management, and environmental control. Because many dogs have multiple allergies, working with your veterinarian to develop an individualized treatment plan is the best way to achieve long-term relief.
If your dog is experiencing itching, recurrent ear infections, excessive licking, or skin irritation, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss the best options for diagnosis and treatment.