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Allergies in dogs
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.
Key takeaways
- Itchy skin — especially paws, belly, ears, and face — recurrent ear infections, licking paws, hair loss, and red or inflamed skin are typical. Some dogs also have digestive signs with food allergies.
- Antihistamines help some dogs mildly but rarely control moderate to severe allergic itch alone. Always confirm dose and suitability with your vet before giving any medication.
- An elimination diet trial — feeding a novel or hydrolysed protein for eight to twelve weeks with no other food or treats — is the most reliable method. Blood allergy tests for food are not considered accurate.
The full guide
Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the most common signs of allergies in dogs?
- Itchy skin — especially paws, belly, ears, and face — recurrent ear infections, licking paws, hair loss, and red or inflamed skin are typical. Some dogs also have digestive signs with food allergies.
- Can I give my dog Benadryl for itching?
- Antihistamines help some dogs mildly but rarely control moderate to severe allergic itch alone. Always confirm dose and suitability with your vet before giving any medication.
- How do vets diagnose food allergies in dogs?
- An elimination diet trial — feeding a novel or hydrolysed protein for eight to twelve weeks with no other food or treats — is the most reliable method. Blood allergy tests for food are not considered accurate.