Can dogs have allergies? What dog allergy symptoms should I look out for? Are dog allergies environmental, seasonal, or food-related? Slow down – we have all the answers to your questions about dog allergies. 

Can dogs have allergies?

Dogs can definitely have allergies, just like humans. Food allergies in dogs are mostly common in puppies and seniors (dogs older than seven years old). Dog allergy symptoms can also develop after exposure to environmental allergens like pollen, dust, and mold. 

If your sinuses suffer every spring, you most likely have seasonal allergies. But can dogs have allergies when the seasons change? Absolutely – although the symptoms are slightly different from what a human experiences. 

Identifying Dog Allergy Symptoms

Seasonal dog allergy symptoms mostly affect your dog’s skin and coat. If you notice your pup showing any of the following dog allergy symptoms, they may have seasonal allergies:

• Scratching or biting themselves
• Red, itchy skin 
• Excessive shedding
• Licking their paws 
• Scooting their bum on the ground 
• Licking their anal glands
• Red, waxy ears
• Difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing

While environmental dog allergies typically show during certain times of the year, food allergies in dogs aren’t seasonal. If your dog’s diet hasn’t changed and they are showing allergy symptoms despite seasonal changes, odds are they have a food allergy. 

Symptoms of food allergies in dogs can show in different ways, including: 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Itchy, red skin 
• Lethargy
• Licking their paws

What is my dog allergic to?

If your pup’s symptoms aren’t seasonal, they most likely have dog food allergies. This means their symptoms are caused by one (or multiple) ingredients in their daily diet. Don’t worry – there are plenty of diet options out there to alleviate food allergies in dogs. 

Curious “what is my dog allergic to”? Take the first step by visiting your vet’s office. Share your concerns that your pup may be allergic to something in their food. They’ll create a plan with you to test different types of limited-ingredient foods that limit exposure to common dog allergens. 

Your vet may start by eliminating specific proteins from your dog’s diet. Beef, chicken, and dairy-based protein are the most common food allergies for dogs, so it’s a good place to start. Your vet might suggest trying dog food made with novel proteins that dogs are rarely allergic to, like turkey or fish. 

Although rare, dogs can also be allergic to wheat, gluten, corn, or soy. These are common filler ingredients in the average bag of kibble. Dogs need healthy whole grains in their diet, so don’t feed them a grain-free diet unless your vet recommends doing so. 

When going through the food elimination process, pay attention to how your dog is feeling and acting on different diets. Your vet will suggest going with the diet that makes them feel their healthiest and happiest. 

How to Help Dog Allergies

Seasonal allergies in dogs are mostly caused by allergens in their environment. We don’t expect you to stop walking your dog if they’re allergic to the pollen in the air. However, there are a few tips on how to help dog allergies before they begin. 

Wash your pup’s paws every so often during peak allergy season. Your dog’s paws pick up allergens on their daily walks outside. Washing off the dirt and pollen that sticks to their paw pads will prevent them from licking and chewing their paws excessively. 

For dogs that suffer from itchy, irritated skin, try an oatmeal bath during allergy season. Oatmeal is a natural skin soother for humans and dogs alike. Fill up a bath with lukewarm water and ground up oats for your dog to lather in. Rub the oatmeal water on their fur for a few minutes to naturally soothe their skin and coat. 

Feeding your dog a high-quality food can alleviate seasonal dog allergies. If your dog is eating a well-balanced diet with natural vitamins and minerals, their immune system is getting a boost with every bite. Avoid cheaply manufactured dog foods that are packed with preservatives, artificial flavors, and synthetic ingredients. 

Adding a HEPA-filtered air purifier to your home can also reduce the amount of allergens your pup is exposed to inside the house. A weekly house cleaning can reduce dog allergy symptoms, as well. Try to use hypoallergenic products as much as possible to support your dog’s health. 

What is the best dog food for allergies?

No matter if your pup is suffering with environmental or food allergies, their diet plays a key role in managing symptoms. The best dog food for allergies is typically made with real meat, no fillers, and a limited amount of whole ingredients. 

Since proteins commonly cause food allergies in dogs, we suggest choosing a diet made with a novel protein. Pork, turkey, fish, and venison are novel proteins, meaning they are less likely to cause allergic reactions in your pup. 

The best dog food for allergies is free of filler ingredients like corn and soy. Both ingredients can cause digestive problems if dogs are allergic to them. Instead, opt for dog food that’s made with whole grains. Sundays for Dogs, for example, is made with healthy whole grains like quinoa, oats, and millet. 

Dog food recipes that contain real fruits and vegetables also support your dog’s immune system. Many fruits and veggies are rich in natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to combat dog allergy symptoms. 

We may be biased, but we believe the best dog food for allergies is Sundays for Dogs. The turkey recipe is made with 90% real turkey meat, a novel protein for dogs. This limited-ingredient diet is sure to pack a punch to your dog’s allergy symptoms with 10% superfoods and whole grains, too.