15 Types of Allergies in Dogs

1. Lamb Allergy

Lamb allergy is an allergy to proteins found in lamb meat. Dogs skin allergies due to lamb are uncommon because lamb is not readily used in commercially available dog food formulas. 

The signs of allergies in dogs caused by lamb are skin problems, frequent ear infections, or stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. 

The treatment involves removing lamb from the dog’s diet. Do not feed the sensitive dogs lamb-based foods or treats to prevent lamb allergies. 

2. Soy Allergy 

Soy allergy in dogs is an allergy to soy. Soy allergies in dogs are very common because soy is a cheap protein source, and soy is a prevalent ingredient in commercial dog food. 

Soy causes dogs skin allergies manifesting with itchiness and recurring ear infections. The signs of allergies in dogs caused by soy include stomach upsets in some cases. 

The treatment involves removing soy from the dog’s diet. Read the dog food and treat labels carefully to ensure no soy or soy derivatives are in the feeding formula. 

3. Wheat Allergy 

Wheat allergy is an allergy to wheat or gluten, the main protein found in grains. Wheat allergies in dogs are common because grain-free dog food brands advertise the food as grain-free. 

Wheat causes dogs skin allergies in sensitive pets, manifesting with itchiness, skin lesions, and hair loss. Other signs of allergies in dogs due to wheat are vomiting, flatulence, and diarrhea, 

The treatment involves removing wheat from the dog’s diet. Do not feed sensitive dogs wheat-inclusive foods or treats to prevent wheat allergies.

4. Flea Allergies 

Flea allergies in dogs are allergies caused by flea saliva. Fleas inject saliva into the dog’s skin while feeding. The saliva contains antigens that cause allergic reactions known as flea allergy dermatitis. 

Dogs skin allergies caused by fleas are widespread among dogs. The signs of allergies in dogs include severe itchiness, licking of the paws, skin lesions, hair loss, and secondary bacterial infections of the skin. 

The treatment for flea allergy dermatitis involves eliminating the fleas. Prevent flea infestations by using anti-flea collars, spot-ons, or chewables to prevent flea allergies.

5. Food Allergies 

Food allergies in dogs are caused by food proteins. Meat, eggs, and dairy products are the most frequent food allergies in dogs. 

Common signs of allergies in dogs caused by food include dog vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal pain. Food causes dogs skin allergies in some cases, manifesting with itchy skin, inflamed ears, and hair loss. 

Treating food allergies in dogs means removing the offending protein source from the dog’s diet regimen. 

6. Environmental Allergens 

Environmental allergies are allergic reactions caused by allergens in the environment. Dogs skin allergies are caused by pollen, dust, dust mites, mold spores, and mildew. 

The signs of allergies in dogs caused by environmental allergens are skin irritation, excessive scratching, frequent ear infections, skin lesions, hair loss, paw licking or chewing, and secondary bacterial infections. 

Environmental allergies in dogs are treated with medications, oral or injectable. Dog owners must focus on minimizing allergen exposure to prevent environmental allergies.

7. Contact Allergy 

Contact allergy is a type of allergy caused by direct contact with allergens. Contact dogs skin allergies are different from contact dermatitis, a type of skin irritation. 

Signs of allergies in dogs caused by contact include skin irritation, rashes, and redness. Dogs licking paws is a typical sign of contact allergy. 

Contact allergy is treated with local anti-inflammatory ointments and soothing creams or baths. 

8. Atopy (Atopic Allergy)

Atopy is a specific type of allergy in which allergens enter the dog’s skin through faulty pores. Atopic dogs skin allergies are believed to have a genetic component and are more common among certain breeds. 

Skin itchiness, secondary bacterial infections, and dog hair loss are signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs. Other signs of allergies in dogs include itchy paws and recurring otitis or ear inflammations. 

The treatment for atopy is multimodal and includes medications, frequent bathing, and using omega-rich supplements like fish oil. 

9. Chicken Allergy 

Chicken allergy is an allergy to proteins found in chicken meat. Dogs skin allergies due to chicken are widespread because chicken is a primary ingredient in many commercially available dog food formulas. 

The signs of allergies in dogs caused by chicken meat include skin issues, such as itchiness and irritation or stomach upset, manifesting with vomiting and diarrhea. 

The treatment involves removing chicken from the dog’s feeding regime. Do not feed sensitive dogs chicken-based diets or treats to prevent chicken allergies. 

10. Cleaning Products Allergy 

Cleaning product allergy is an allergic reaction to cleaning products. Cleaning products contain harsh chemicals which are offensive and result in dogs skin allergies on contact. 

Local irritation and skin rashes are signs of allergies in dogs triggered by cleaning products. The face, paws, armpits, stomach, and groins are the most frequently affected areas. 

Local anti-inflammatory and soothing ointments treat cleaning product allergies in dogs, and oatmeal-based shampoos help relieve their symptoms. 

11. Dairy Product Allergy 

Dairy product allergy is an allergy to dairy proteins. Lactose intolerance in dogs is mistaken for genuine allergies to dairy proteins. 

Dairy allergy causes dogs skin allergies manifesting with itchy skin and frequent ear infections or vomiting and diarrhea. The signs of allergies in dogs caused by dairy are non-specific, making allergy diagnosis challenging.  

The treatment involves removing dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and other products, from the dog’s diet. 

12. Egg Allergy 

Egg allergy is an allergy to proteins found in egg whites or egg yolks. Dogs skin allergies caused by eggs are relatively common. Dogs sensitive to chicken eggs are not necessarily allergic to other types of eggs, like quail or duck eggs.  

The signs of allergies in dogs caused by eggs include skin irritation and itchiness or stomach upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. 

The treatment involves removing eggs from the dog’s diet. Do not feed sensitive dogs egg-based foods and treats to prevent egg allergy. 

13. Inhalant Allergies 

Inhalant allergies in dogs are allergic reactions caused by inhaled allergens. Pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers is the major cause of dogs skin allergies.

Allergen inhalation causes runny noses, runny and inflamed eyes, and excessive sneezing are the main signs of inhalant allergies in dogs. 

Inhalant allergies are treated with medications, either oral or injectable. Minimizing the dog’s exposure to allergens helps reduce the severity of symptoms or prevent allergies. 

14. Drug Allergy 

Drug allergy is an allergic reaction caused by certain drugs. Dogs skin allergies are common but underdiagnosed because owners rarely link medication with their dogs’ symptoms. 

The signs of allergies in dogs caused by medications include hives, itchiness, hair loss, head shaking, and paw chewing or licking. 

The treatment of drug allergies in dogs is discontinuing the offending medications. Owners must inform the vet about established drug allergies to prevent unwanted reactions.  

15. Dust Allergy 

Dust allergy in dogs is an allergic reaction to dust or dust mites and are common causes of dogs skin allergies.

The signs of allergies in dogs due to dust or dust mites include skin itchiness, hair loss, recurring ear inflammation, paw licking, and secondary bacterial skin infections. 

The best treatment for dust allergies in dogs is minimizing exposure. Maintain a high level of hygiene to prevent dust buildup and allergies in sensitive dogs.  

Why do Dogs have Allergies?

Dogs have allergies because their immune systems overreact to certain substances. Allergic reactions develop when the dog’s immune system misidentifies a harmless substance as a threat and triggers a chain of events against it. 

Allergies in dogs are seasonal and mild in some cases or present year-round and severe in others. Human allergies affect dogs in many cases. Dogs and humans have many mutual allergens. 

Dogs often have more than one allergy at the same time, and allergies reduce the dog’s quality of life quality. 

How Common are Allergies in Dogs?

Allergies in dogs are very common regardless of breed, sex, and background. Dog allergies are more frequent today than they were in the past. 

The incidence of environmental allergies in dogs spiked by 30.7% in just one decade, and flea allergies increased by 12.5% within the same period, reports the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). 

Common allergies in dogs include flea allergy dermatitis, environmental allergies, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, and contact allergies. 

What are Common Causes of Allergies in Dogs?

The common causes of allergies in dogs are listed below. 

• Flea Saliva: Flea saliva contains antigen that provokes the dog’s immune system. The antigens found in a single flea bite saliva are enough to cause a reaction. 
• Environmental Allergens: Pollen (from trees, flowers, and grasses), dust, and cigarette smoke are common causes of environmental allergies in dogs. 
• Dander and Feathers: Dander from other pets and humans, as well as bird feathers, carry specific proteins that trigger the immune system of sensitive dogs. 
• Insects, Spiders, and Mites: Insects and spiders cause allergies in dogs when they sting or bite dogs, while mites enter the skin through faulty pores or are inhaled. 
• Food Proteins: Proteins found in meat (chicken, beef, lamb), fish, eggs, certain grains, and dairy have allergenic potential causing reactions in sensitive dogs. 

Is Dog Hay Fever Cause by Allergies?

Yes, dog hay fever is caused by allergies. Hay fever is a type of allergy in dogs caused by pollen from grasses, trees, and plants. 

Pollen irritates the lining of the dog’s eyes and nose, causing symptoms like repeated sneezing, runny nose, red and runny eyes, and itchy skin.  

Hay fever is more prevalent in dogs that have not been exposed to grasses, trees, and plants during puppyhood and more common in spring and summer. 

Dalmatians, Irish Setters, Poodles, Schnauzers, and West Highland Terriers are at high risk of developing hay fever. 

What are the Treatments for Dogs Allergies?

The treatments for dogs allergies are listed below. 

• Medication: Drugs for managing allergies in dogs include oral and injectable drugs. Popular oral medications are steroids, antihistamines, and immune-suppressing drugs. Allergy shots are an injectable option that is effective but takes time to start working. 
• Dietary Adjustment: Dietary adjustments are the dog allergy treatment for food allergies. The adjusted diet must be free from the offending allergen. Commercial diets for dogs with allergies are readily available. Alternatively, pet owners cook homemade meals using safe and non-allergenic ingredients. 
• Environmental Modifications: Environmental modification involves reducing the dog’s exposure to allergens. The approach is safe and natural but not always effective, especially in pets with non-seasonal allergies. Keeping the windows closed and using air purification systems helps minimize allergen exposure. 

What Type of Dog Breeds have the most Allergies?

The type of dog breeds that have the most allergies are listed below. 

• Chinese Shar-Peis: The Chinese Shar-Pei has sensitive skin, and breed members are at higher-than-average risk of developing allergies. Contact allergies and food allergies are widespread in the breed. 
• Wirehaired Fox Terriers: Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, and molds are common causes of allergies in Wirehaired Fox Terriers. Breed members are sensitive to flea saliva and food ingredients, too. 
• Golden Retrievers: Golden Retrievers are susceptible to flea saliva, food, inhalants, and contact allergies. Atopic dermatitis is common in Golden Retrievers and causes severe itchiness. 
• Dalmatians: Fleas and contact with cleaning products are common causes of allergies in Dalmatians. The dogs develop intense skin itchiness, recurring ear infections, and hair loss when allergic. 
• Boxers: Environmental allergens like weeds, pollen, trees, dust, and mites frequently provoke allergic reactions in Boxers. Breed members are sensitive to food formulas with grains, like corn and wheat, too. 
• Boston Terriers: Boston Terriers have sensitive skin and are at risk of various types of allergies in dogs, including contact, inhalant, food, and flea saliva. Beef, chicken, eggs, and dairy are allergy triggers in the breed. 
• Labrador Retrievers: Certain foods, fleas, and inhalant allergens from the environment are common culprits for Labrador allergies, which manifest with itchy skin and inflamed ears. 
• Lhasa Apsos: Lhasa Apsos have sensitive skin, and environmental allergens and flea saliva are common culprits for allergic reactions in the breed. 
• Scottish Terriers: Scottish Terriers are allergic to certain food proteins, flea saliva, and environmental allergens, including pollens, dust, dust mites, mildew, and mold spores. 
• Shih Tzus: Shih Tzus are prone to food allergies triggered by meat and fish proteins. Shih Tzu dogs are at a higher-than-average risk of contact allergies caused by plastic and fabric. 
• West Highland White Terriers: Breed members are prone to food, flea, environmental, and flea allergies. Skin problems and stomach upsets are signs of allergies in West Highland White Terriers. 

How can you Determine which Type of Allergies your Dogs have?

You can determine which type of allergies your dogs have through allergy tests. Blood, hair, saliva, and intradermal tests diagnose environmental allergies and atopic dermatitis. 

The veterinarian recommends the best test type based on the suspected allergy type. Intradermal tests are an invasive method of diagnosing allergies in dogs but are accurate and fast. 

The golden standard for determining food allergies is food trials. Typical allergy tests using hair, blood, saliva, or intradermal injections are unreliable in detecting food allergies, according to a study titled “Adverse Food Reactions: Pathogenesis, Clinical Signs, Diagnosis and Alternatives to Elimination Diets” published in the Veterinary Journal in 2018. 

What Diet can you give to your Dogs with Allergies?

You can give your dogs with allergies a novel diet or a hydrolyzed protein diet. A novel diet is made of ingredients the dog has never eaten before. 

The more exotic the ingredients sound, the more they are novel. Common examples of novel proteins include rabbit, venison, kangaroo, or even alligator. 

A hydrolyzed protein diet contains protein from common foods like chicken, but the proteins are hydrolyzed or molecularly altered to tiny particles. The tiny protein particles are small enough to escape the immune system and undetected. 

Many pet food brands offer formulas with novel or hydrolyzed proteins to manage dogs’ allergies. Homemade meals are an option; however, pet owners must be careful about the ingredients in the preparation. 

How can CBD Oil Help Treat Allergies in Dogs?

CBD oil can help treat allergies in dogs through its immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pruritic properties. 

CBD oil modifies the immune system, vital for allergic reactions since immunity triggers allergies. The CBD’s immune-modulating potential was shown in a study, “Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Canine Inflammatory Response: An Ex Vivo Study on LPS Stimulated Whole Blood,” published in Veterinary Sciences, 2021. 

CBD decreases inflammation in dogs. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to the presence of allergens. The anti-inflammatory effect of CBD is explained in the study “Cannabidiol (CBD) and its Analogs: A Review of their Effects on Inflammation” by Sumner Burstein. 

CBD relieves itchiness. Itchiness is the main allergy symptom and has harmful effects ranging from disruptive to destructive. CBD’s effect on itchiness was demonstrated in 2022 in a study, “The Effect of a Mixed Cannabidiol and Cannabidiolic Acid-Based Oil on Client-Owned Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis,” published in Veterinary Dermatology. 

CBD helps treat allergies in dogs on several levels. The CBD oil treatment capability, is limited. Dogs with severe allergies benefit from a multimodal approach and combining CBD oil with mainstream treatments. 

Can CBD Oil be Administered to Dogs with Allergies?

Yes, CBD oil can be administered to dogs with allergies. CBD for dogs works naturally and through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is closely related to immunity, which is how CBD helps with allergies. 

Pet CBD is sourced from the hemp version of the Cannabis sativa plant and is safe for dogs of all ages and sizes. CBD for dogs is THC-free, non-psychoactive, non-addictive, and fit for daily use. 

How Much CBD Oil can you Give to your Dog with Allergies?

You can give your dog with allergies between 1 and 5 mg of CBD oil per ten pounds of body weight. Start with a lower dose of around 0.1 to 0.2 mg per pound and gradually increase. 

Gradual CBD introduction gives the dog’s body time to adjust to the supplement and reduces the risk of side effects. CBD side effects are associated with sudden CBD use and high doses; however, overdosing on pet CBD products is not possible in dogs. 

Use a CBD dosage calculator or read the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine the best CBD starting dose for the dog’s body weight and the severity of the allergy symptoms. 

What are the Best CBD Oils for Dog Allergies?

The best CBD Oils for dog allergies are listed below. 

• Honest Paws CBD Oil: Honest Paws CBD Oil is an organic, human-grade, vegan formula made with a full-spectrum hemp-sourced extract and MCT oil for a carrier. The oil is anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating, helping with allergies and allergy symptoms in dogs. Honest Paws CBD Oil is safe for dogs of all ages. 
• Penelope’s Bloom CBD Oil: Penelope’s Bloom CBD oil is a fast-acting, full-spectrum formula available in four potency options for dogs of different sizes. The oil relieves the symptoms of allergies in dogs in 15 to 20 minutes and comes in a user-friendly bottle. 
• Batch CBD Oil: Batch CBD Oil is a vegan formula with three different cannabinoids available in two dog-friendly flavors. It is excellent for dogs with environmental allergies and reasonably priced. 
• Four Leaf Rover CBD Oil: Four Leaf Rover offers one of the best CBD oils for dog’s allergies. The oil is full-spectrum and sourced using the industry’s golden standard, CO2 extraction. The Four Leaf Rover CBD Oil is great for allergy relief in dogs. 

Can Allergies in Dogs Lower their Lifespan?

No, allergies in dogs do not lower their lifespan. Dog allergies are not life-threatening in most cases and do not affect longevity. Allergies, however, have a significant impact on life quality. 

The quality of life of dogs with allergies is disturbed by “behavioral changes, disturbed activities, sleep, and treatment effort,” according to a study titled “Quality of Life of Dogs with Skin Disease and of their Owners. Part 2: Administration of a Questionnaire in Various Skin Diseases and Correlation to Efficacy of Therapy” Veterinary Dermatology, 2011.