Dog Allergies: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Allergies are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet.

Types of Allergies

• Environmental (Atopy): pollen, dust mites, mould, grass
• Food allergy: most common triggers are beef, chicken, dairy, wheat
• Flea allergy dermatitis: reaction to flea saliva — a single bite causes intense itching

Signs

• Chronic itching of paws, face, armpits, groin
• Recurrent ear infections
• Skin redness, rashes, or hot spots
• Vomiting or diarrhoea (food allergy)

Treatment Options

• Apoquel: fast-acting anti-itch medication
• Cytopoint: monthly injection targeting the itch pathway
• Allergen-specific immunotherapy
• Strict flea prevention: essential for all dogs