Itchy skin? Constant scratching? Many dogs suffer from skin allergies — and it can make them feel miserable.
With the right care, skin allergies can be well managed. Here’s what to look out for and how to help your dog feel more comfortable.
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What are skin allergies
Skin allergies happen when your dog’s immune system overreacts to something they touch, eat or inhale. Their body releases histamines, causing inflammation, redness and itching.
Symptoms of canine skin allergies
Common signs include:
- Itchy skin and scratching
- Overgrooming
- Redness or rash
- Ear infections
- Weepy eyes
- Hot spots
- Thickened or dark skin
- Hair loss
The pattern is often seen as: “ears and rears, feet and face”.
If your dog shows any of these signs, see your vet. Don’t wait — skin allergies can quickly lead to secondary infections.
Common causes of skin allergies in dogs
Airborne allergens
Pollen, dust mites, mould — these airborne allergens are hard to avoid. Certain breeds (Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Boxers) are more prone to these allergies.
Flea allergy dermatitis
Fleas are a major cause of skin reactions. Dogs can develop an allergy to flea saliva, causing intense itching. Good flea control is essential — especially in summer.
Contact dermatitis
This occurs when a dog’s skin reacts to something they touch, such as:
- Shampoos
- Flea collars
- Cleaning products
- Grass or plants
Food allergies
Some dogs develop immune responses to ingredients in their food. Common triggers include:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Wheat
- Soya
- Eggs
- Milk
- Corn
Breeds like Labradors and Westies may be more prone to food allergies.
Treatments for dog skin allergies
Your vet will help identify the trigger and recommend the best treatment for your dog’s allergy type:
Airborne allergens
- Allergy testing to identify triggers
- Avoidance (where possible)
- Medicated shampoos to soothe itching
- Immunotherapy (custom-made allergy vaccines)
Flea allergy dermatitis
- Regular flea prevention for your dog and home
- Relief for irritated skin (as advised by your vet)
Contact dermatitis
- Identifying and avoiding the trigger
- Medicated shampoos
- Anti-itch medications
- Immunotherapy in some cases
Food allergies
- Limited-ingredient or novel protein diets
- Prescription diets with hydrolysed proteins
- Diet trial under your vet’s guidance
Final thought
Skin allergies can make dogs very uncomfortable, but most can be well managed once diagnosed. The key is to act early, work with your vet, and keep your dog as comfortable as possible.
And remember — a happy tummy supports healthy skin. That’s why many owners find switching to a fresh, natural diet such as RAW POWER or MIGHTY MINCE helps dogs feel their best from the inside out.
Healthy skin, happy dog!
