The Most Common Allergies in Dogs & How to Tackle Them

If you're here, chances are you’ve noticed something a little “off” with your furry best friend. Maybe their tummy’s been upset, their poop’s a bit soft, they’ve been scratching more than usual, or their coat just isn’t as shiny and soft as it used to be. As fellow dog lovers and proud pup parents ourselves, we know how stressful it can be when your dog isn’t feeling their best and we’re here to help.

Sensitivities and food allergies in dogs are more common than you might think and thankfully, once you know what to look for, they’re totally manageable. One of the first steps in helping your dog feel better is taking a closer look at what’s in their bowl. Because just like us, what they eat can make a huge difference to how they feel and behave.

So today, we’re going to be sniffing out the most common dog allergies, share our top tips for tackling them and even give some suggestions on the best treats for dogs with allergies. That way, you can get your pup back to being their happy, slobbery, over-excited selves. 

Just like us, dogs can have allergic reactions to certain foods, ingredients, or even environmental triggers. But since they can’t exactly tell us what’s going on (which is super annoying, we know), it’s up to us to spot the signs. Here are some common symptoms that might suggest your dog has an allergy.

Itchy Skin & Excessive Scratching

One of the most obvious signs is relentless itching. You might see your pup scratching, licking, or chewing at certain spots like their paws, ears, belly, or tail base. This could be a reaction to something in their food or even environmental allergens like dust mites or pollen.

Recurring Ear Infections

If your dog keeps getting ear infections, it might be more than just bad luck. Frequent head shaking, ear scratching, or a funky smell can all point to an allergic response, whether that’s to food, pollen or dust.

Tummy Troubles

Loose stools, gas, vomiting, or a generally sensitive stomach is one of the biggest tell-all signs of a food intolerance or allergy in dogs. If mealtime is regularly followed by digestive drama, something in their diet might not be agreeing with them.

Red or Inflamed Skin

Rashes, hot spots, scabs or red, inflamed patches can all indicate an allergic reaction. These skin issues might flare up occasionally or stick around, depending on the trigger.

Watery Eyes or Sneezing

Yup, even dogs can get the sniffles. And while it might be cute at first, it could actually be cause for concern. If your pup seems sneezy or has watery eyes, especially during certain times of the year, they could be reacting to something in the environment. Yes, dogs can get hay fever too!

Allergies can range from mild to more serious, and they don’t usually go away on their own. If you’re seeing any of these signs or even just have a hunch that something’s not quite right, it’s always best to check in with your vet. Catching things early can make a huge difference in your dog’s comfort and health and those smarty-pants vets will likely know exactly what kind of allergy your dog has, just by assessing their eyes, ears and skin!

Just like humans, dogs can be sensitive to a whole bunch of things, from what’s in their dinner bowl to what’s floating around in the air. Allergies in dogs are surprisingly common, and they can be frustrating for both you and your pup to figure out. But, knowing what the most common allergies in dogs are will help you narrow them down, figure out the signs to look out for and ultimately, how to manage them.

Red Meat

Common allergens: Beef and lamb

Red meat, especially beef, is one of the most common protein allergens in dogs. While it’s often used in dog foods because it's rich in protein, some pups just don’t tolerate it well.

What to look for: Itchy skin, recurring ear infections, paw licking, or digestive upset like vomiting or soft stools.

What to do: If you suspect red meat is the issue, try switching to a different protein like fish, venison, or duck that your dog hasn’t had before. Just always be sure to keep an eye on ingredients lists because sometimes even “chicken-flavoured” food will sneak in small amounts of beef fat or broth.

White Meat

Common allergens: Chicken, turkey

Yes, just like red meat, your dog could be allergic to white meat too. It’s actually another super common allergen and annoyingly, equally common in commercial dog food. Again, try and swap your pup’s food out for something with duck, venison, fish or red meat.

What to look for: Itching of the ears and feet, hotspots, ear infections, or tummy troubles.

What to do: Try switching to a different protein source like fish or duck. Watch out for chicken by-products or broth in ingredient lists because as mentioned before, even foods labelled as something else can sneak allergens in.

Wheat

Wheat and other gluten-containing grains are common ingredients in dog food, and for some pups, they’re a trigger.

What to look for: Itchy or red skin, ear infections, or gastrointestinal issues.

What to do: Look for gluten-free or grain-free dog food and treats. Oats and rice are often easier for sensitive stomachs, so you don’t always need to ditch all grains, just the ones causing problems. Thankfully, with so many pup owners opting for grain free dog treats and foods nowadays, there are plenty to choose from.

Soy

Soy is used in a lot of dog foods as a protein filler, but it can be hard on some dogs’ digestive systems. It’s also one of the top allergies for dogs.

What to look for: Ear infections, hair loss, poor coat quality, gas, or diarrhoea.

What to do: Choose a soy-free dog food and check treats and supplements too. It might not always be labelled as simply “soy” on the packets either so keep an eye out for other names like “soybean” or “soy protein isolate.”

Eggs

Eggs are a great protein source for many dogs, but some can develop allergies to the proteins in egg yolks or whites.

What to look for: Skin issues, ear infections, digestive discomfort like vomiting or loose stools.

What to do: Go egg-free and check ingredient labels carefully. Eggs can appear in dry food, treats, and even dental chews under various names such as dried egg product.

Pollen

Yup, seasonal allergies aren’t just for humans. Dogs can react to tree, grass, and weed pollens, especially during certain times of the year.

What to look for: Red, itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing, paw chewing, or licking after walks.

What to do: Wipe your dog’s paws and belly after outdoor play and consider a gentle dog-friendly shampoo to rinse off pollen. Air purifiers can help indoors, and in more intense cases, your vet might suggest antihistamines or allergy meds.

Dust Mites

These microscopic critters love cosy spots like bedding, carpets, and couches, and unfortunately, some dogs are allergic to them.

What to look for: Itching, especially year-round, often focused on the face, belly, or paws. Chronic skin infections or scratching at night can also be signs.

What to do: Wash your dog’s bedding weekly in hot water, hoover often and consider hypoallergenic bedding. In persistent cases, allergy testing and vet-prescribed treatments may be needed.

When it comes to allergies in dogs, we completely get it because many of our own pups are sensitive to certain foods too. My golden retriever, Milo, for example, gets dry, itchy skin if he has too much wheat in his diet. So, in our house, we only stock up on grain-free dog treats and foods so we know his skin will stay happy.

But when you’re just starting to figure out what your dog can and can’t tolerate, it can feel overwhelming. There are so many options out there, and not all hypoallergenic dog treats are created equal.

That’s why we’ve done the hard work and the tasty testing for you. Below are some of our team’s top-rated, pup-approved hypoallergenic dog treats, each one carefully picked to give your dog a delicious snack without the worry. Whether your dog is sensitive to grains, certain proteins, or other common triggers, these treats are a great place to start.

If you've noticed your pup scratching a little more than usual, or their tummy seems a bit off, you’ve done the right thing to look closer at allergies in dogs. Whether it’s food or environmental triggers, getting on top of allergies early can make a huge difference in your dog’s comfort and happiness. Just like us, dogs can have sensitivities, and recognising the signs is key to keeping them healthy and carefree.

And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t be shy about calling your vet. They’re experts at pinpointing allergies in dogs and can guide you toward the best solutions for your furry friend.

Here at WOOOF, we’ve got a whole range of hypoallergenic dog chews & treats that are perfect for dogs with allergies. From grain-free treats to single-protein snacks, we’ve handpicked the best dog treats to help keep your dog happy, healthy, and free from allergy flare-ups. Explore our full range today and spoil your pup to some healthy dog treats both their tastebuds and tummies will love.

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