Paw-ly pets & sneezy snuffles: How to help dog allergies

Updated 24/04/2024

Understanding how to help dog allergies is an im-paw-tant part of pet care. Like us humans, pups are also susceptible to sniffles, sneezes, and scratching from different allergies. Dog allergic reactions come in a variety of forms with many different symptoms. So, how what can you do to protect our precious pooches or make things more comfortable for them? 

To learn how to help dogs with allergies, it’s important to understand where pet allergies come from and what different allergic reactions look like in dogs. Once you and your vet know what’s going on, you can then understand how to give dog allergies relief and care. So, let’s start our journey on treating dog allergies with a few tips on the types of allergies in dogs and how to spot them.

Types of allergic reactions in dogs

Just like with humans, dog allergies come in all sorts of shapes and forms. If a dog has allergies this is often something it is born with and has it inherited from their pup's dad or pup's mom. However, some pooches can develop allergies after a serious illness when their immune system is more susceptible to infections and reactions.

Here are some of the most common doggo allergies most often seen by vets:

Seasonal allergies to pollens, molds, and hayfever

Yep, dogs can have hay fever! Seasonal allergies are the most commonly seen allergy in dogs (and humans). The start of spring or a freshly mowed lawn could be all it takes to set your snuffle snuffling and sneezing. In some severe cases, you may notice their faces start to swell. Don’t worry, this often looks a lot more serious than it is. However, do take them straight to the vet if this happens, they’ll be able to administer an anti-allergy shot which will make the swelling disappear almost immediately. You might also see swellings with stings and bites from insects.

Allergies to dust mites, fleas, and other pests

Sadly, some snuffle bears are allergic to things we can’t even see, such as pests that live alongside us in our own homes. Dust mites and fleas want to be around your furry friend as much as you do. Unfortunately, rather than cuddling and treating them, these little pests have a habit of biting and causing irritating reactions. Dust and flea allergies are often displayed through itchy skin and constant scratching in one place. The skin can become red and damaged which can lead to fungal or bacterial infections. 

Vets will often recommend topical shampoo to soothe their skin and deter any tiny beasties from making a home on your hound. Others may have flea collars designed for sensitive skin alongside monthly flea and pest treatments.

Other skin or contact allergies

Speaking of flea collars, even the most gentle of tonics can still be too much for some bark babies. We all know someone who just seems to be allergic to everything they touch, sadly the same can be found in some pooches. If you’ve recently changed your detergent, perfume, or even body wash, and notice a change in your pup’s behavior or health, this could be a clear sign they’re suffering from a contact allergic reaction.

Food allergies

Now, although we know dogs can have a strong stomach for certain things (trash, dirt, poop), they do have rather sensitive tummies. Some may even be allergic to some foods. Food reactions often come in the form of vomiting or diarrhea, but they can be seen as irritated skin or even convulsions. Some dog food brands boast offering a hypoallergenic formula in their dinners, be sure to check this with your vet first. Similarly, never suddenly change your dog’s diet without first slowly introducing a new food.

Symptoms of allergic reactions in dogs

Every dog is different, meaning each pup will present a different list of symptoms of an allergic reaction. However, there are some common and key signs of allergies in dogs that are a big red flag to look out for: 

• Itch skin or irritated skin
• Runny nose
• Persistent sneezing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Itchy, swollen, and/or itchy eyes
• Swelling around the head
• Itchy ears
• Constantly licking one particular area

If your pup suddenly starts displaying any of the above symptoms, or you notice any change in their behavior or mood, take them straight to their vet. Whilst these symptoms are the most common in dogs with allergies, some allergies may appear differently in snuffles.

Preventing and treating dog allergies

We think the American Kennel Club has answered this the best:

“The best way to treat an allergy is avoidance of the cause and allergen, which may not always be possible. The type of treatment depends on the type of allergy your dog has. For example, the best way to treat flea allergy dermatitis is to kill the fleas, whereas the best way to treat a food allergy or food intolerance is a change in diet.”

Some vets may prescribe fatty acid supplements to help boost your pup’s immune system. Others may be able to provide allergy shots or medications as a long-term solution for relief, especially if it’s an allergy they experience all year round. Each treatment will be unique to your pupper and their lifestyle, so chat with their vet and create a healthy helping plan together.

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

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