# Dog Allergies and Itching — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-allergies-and-itching): Dog Allergies and Itching — Quick answer. Dog allergies cause itchy skin, paw licking, ear infections, and hair loss through three main triggers: flea allergy, environmental allergens, and food proteins. Effective management combines year-round flea prevention, identifying triggers with your vet, and prescription anti-itch medications when needed — not just bathing or random diet changes.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-allergies-and-itching): Dog Allergies and Itching — Types of allergies in dogs. Canine allergic disease falls into three main categories, and dogs can have more than one at the same time. ### Flea allergy dermatitis Even a single flea bite can trigger intense itching in sensitised dogs. Year-round flea prevention is essential — skipping months allows fleas to reinfest and restart the itch cycle. ### Environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis) Pollen, dust mites, mould, and grasses cause seasonal or year-round itch. Signs often appear between one and three years of age and worsen over time without management. ### Food allergies True food allergies involve an immune response to a specific protein — commonly beef, chicken, dairy, or wheat, though any ingredient can trigger a reaction. Chronic ear and skin problems plus occasional gastrointestinal signs may suggest a food component.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-allergies-and-itching): Dog Allergies and Itching — Symptoms of allergic itch. Common signs include: - Scratching, chewing, or rubbing the face, ears, paws, belly, or armpits - Recurrent ear infections with head shaking - Red, inflamed, or thickened skin - Hair loss and hot spots from self-trauma - Stained fur on paws from constant licking - Secondary bacterial or yeast skin infections Itch severity does not always match how the skin looks — some dogs with minimal redness scratch constantly.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-allergies-and-itching): Dog Allergies and Itching — How vets diagnose allergies. Diagnosis is a process of exclusion: 1. Rule out fleas and mites with examination and appropriate prevention or treatment 2. Treat secondary infections — antibiotics or antifungals as needed 3. Food elimination trial — eight to twelve weeks on a strict veterinary diet 4. Environmental allergy testing — intradermal or serology may guide immunotherapy There is no single blood test that diagnoses all allergy types reliably.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-allergies-and-itching