How to Tell if Your Dog Has Allergies: 6 Symptoms to Watch For

Do you think there’s a chance your dog could have allergies? If so, it’s a good idea to brush up on the symptoms you might notice in your dog when she’s dealing with an allergic reaction to something.

In this article, we’ll explore six of the most common symptoms associated with allergies in dogs. This list can give you a good starting point but remember that you should always speak to your veterinarian for more specific information about your individual dog, as well as for accurate recommendations for how to help your pet feel better sooner.

1. Sneezing and Runny Nose

Just like humans, dogs may be prone to developing sneezing or a runny nose due to allergies. These symptoms are most associated with seasonal or pollen allergies than other types, although dogs may start sneezing when they encounter other allergens in the air too.

If your dog’s sneezing and runny nose seem to come and go, allergies are the likely cause. However, if they are nearly permanent, there could be something else going on, so you should take your pet to the vet to check.

2. Itchy, Watery Eyes

Itchy and watery eyes are very similar to sneezing and a runny nose in terms of allergic response. Many dogs suffer from these symptoms because of pollen allergies, seasonal allergies, and allergies to fleas. They may also show these symptoms when they’ve been in contact with mold or mildew.

Itchy and watery eyes may be a sign of other health conditions too, however, especially if the eyes are also red at the same time. Take your pet to the veterinarian if you have any cause for concern about her eye health.

3. Itchy Skin

Many types of allergies present themselves in the form of itchy skin in dogs. Your dog may have a skin allergy, a food allergy, or seasonal allergies, and any of these can contribute to itchy skin. Of course, allergies to fleas, ticks, and other insect bites or stings are some of the most common causes of skin itching, too.

Check your pet’s skin thoroughly, especially at any areas where your dog is scratching, licking, or chewing too much. There may be something else wrong, such as a cut or a more serious bite from an insect or snake.

4. Poor Coat Health

Poor coat health is usually associated with food allergies in dogs. If your pet is allergic to a specific style of food or ingredient found in her kibble or wet food, then she is likely to develop poor coat health as a result. This condition can appear as a drab or dull coat, thinning hair or bald patches, or dandruff.

Although there are some other underlying conditions that affect your dog’s coat health, food allergy is the most common. Try changing your dog to a different type of food with better quality ingredients to see if this makes a difference in her coat condition.

5. Hives

Your dog may break out in hives when she is exposed to something she is allergic to. Any type of allergy can cause hives, including food allergy, pollen allergies, allergies to fleas, and more. However, anything that encounters your dog’s skin is even more likely to cause hives, so dogs who are allergic to detergent sometimes have this symptom.

Take your pet to the vet if you think there’s any chance the hives could be caused by a snake bite or an insect bite. Hives can sometimes be a sign that your pet is going to have a severe allergic reaction to a bite, so your dog might need to be treated sooner rather than later.

6. Frequent Stomach Upset

Finally, dogs who are allergic to specific kinds of food may have frequent stomach upset. This is because they are unable to digest or tolerate the food they eat, which in turn causes digestive problems. Stomach upset may have a wide variety of other causes, however, so get your dog to the vet if this symptom is new or has worsened lately.

If your dog is having a lot of diarrhea or vomiting frequently, you should also take her to the vet, as she may become dehydrated and need fluids.

The Boston Veterinary Clinic Team Can Help

There are a lot of different types of allergies in dogs, and some dogs may have completely different symptoms than others as well. It’s important to take the time to work with your vet to figure out the underlying cause of your dog’s allergies and what you can do to help.

Be sure to keep track of your dog’s symptoms, preferably in writing, so you can tell your vet more information at your pet’s visit. This way, the vet can help you determine which triggers might be contributing to the allergic response in your dog and narrow down the underlying issues too. Use the online form to book an appointment with your Boston Veterinary Clinic vet today!