Allergies in Dogs Are More Common Than You Think: The Food and Environmental Triggers
Chronic itching, licking the same spot over and over and repeated ear infections may not be dry skin at all, but an allergy to food or the environment. Here is how the two differ, and why cutting out foods on your own is not the answer.
Short answer: Allergies in dogs can come from food, such as certain proteins, or from the environment, such as dust mites and pollen. The most common signs are itchy skin, frequent scratching and repeated ear infections. Finding the true cause requires diagnostic work by a veterinarian. Do not guess at the cause and eliminate foods on your own.
Allergy is one of the common causes of chronic skin problems in dogs, and there are several types worth understanding.
Food allergy
This happens when the immune system reacts abnormally to certain proteins in food. It can show up on the skin, and sometimes in the digestive system as well.
Environmental allergy
Triggers such as dust mites, pollen or mould typically cause seasonal itching, or year round itching depending on the type of allergen.
Common signs
Chronic itchy skin, scratching or licking the same area repeatedly, recurring ear infections, and inflamed skin in the folds of the body are all common in dogs with allergies.
Getting the diagnosis right
Finding the cause of an allergy requires a systematic diagnostic process carried out by a veterinarian, such as a supervised elimination diet trial. Owners are not advised to cut foods out on their own without consulting, because the dog may end up missing essential nutrients.
If your dog has chronic itching, bring them in for an examination so we can plan care that matches the actual cause.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How can I tell whether my dog has a food allergy or an environmental allergy?
A: It takes a veterinary diagnosis, because the outward signs can look similar while the cause and the management are quite different.
Q: Can I cut out certain foods myself if I suspect an allergy?
A: This is not recommended without consulting a veterinarian, because your dog may miss important nutrients and you still will not be able to identify the true cause.