---
title: "What Is a Dog Allergy?"
id: "199866"
type: "post"
slug: "what-is-a-dog-allergy"
published_at: "2022-07-04T12:00:00+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-02-27T19:02:54+00:00"
url: "https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/what-is-a-dog-allergy/"
markdown_url: "https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/what-is-a-dog-allergy.md"
excerpt: "Dogs with an allergy have an immune system that overreacts and produces antibodies to substances that it would normally tolerate. This over-response is known as an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Allergies can develop to any substance that a dog is..."
taxonomy_category:
  - "Tips & Tricks"
---

[Home](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/)
 / [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/blog/)
 / [Community](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/petland/)
 / **What Is a Dog Allergy?**

[Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/)

# What Is a Dog Allergy?

July 4, 2022 ·  Carley Kuehner

[Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandchillicothe.com)

Dogs with an allergy have an immune system that overreacts and produces antibodies to substances that it would normally tolerate. This over-response is known as an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Allergies can develop to any substance that a dog is frequently exposed to, such as food, fleas and seasonal environmental allergens such as grass or pollen.

## What Are the Symptoms of Dog Allergies?

Although there are many symptoms, the most common symptom associated with dog allergies is itching of the skin and ears. In certain cases, the symptoms also involve the respiratory system which causes coughing, sneezing, and or wheezing. Some pups will also experience runny discharge from the nose and mouth. In more serious cases, allergies are known to affect the digestive system, resulting in anal gland issues, vomiting and diarrhea.

## Do Most Dogs Suffer from Allergies?

Unfortunately, allergies are very common in dogs. They affect dog breeds of all shapes and sizes. In most cases, allergies appear around the pup’s first birthday, however, can appear as early as six months in age.

## Food Allergies in Dogs.

Food allergies make up between ten and fifteen percent of dog reported allergy cases. Known symptoms of food allergies in dogs include chronically soft stool, chronic anal gland inflammation, compulsive itching, vomiting, and chronic ear infections. There is a difference between your fur-legged friend reacting to something that didn’t agree with his stomach versus an actual allergic reaction. A onetime upset stomach after eating a certain food isn’t cause for great concern, however, if your pup gets “sick” or shows signs of an allergic reaction after eating the same type of food he may be allergic to what he is consuming. In an allergic reaction to food, special antibodies are produced against a part of the food’s protein or complex carbohydrate. Since the production of these antibodies is required for an allergy to develop, food allergies usually manifest after eating the same food for an extended period of time.

Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies.

Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now.

[Meet our puppies](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/)
## Best Way to Test My Dog For Food Allergies?

There are not many reliable allergy tests for food allergies. Blood and saliva tests that claim to detect food allergies have not yet proven to be completely accurate. Before going this route, the “food trial” method is what many dog owners use. This consists of a very basic and limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein that your pup has never ingested before. Feeding your dog a source of protein such as venison versus beef or chicken is an example of this. This “trial” will allow you to add one ingredient at a time until you see your dog react. It is at that point you can point out which ingredient caused the allergic reaction. This does take time though and a lot of patience.

## Flea Allergies Are No Fun.

There are a variety of anti-flea products on the market that will help combat these pesky creatures. A good indication that your dog has fleas is excessive scratching, normally in a generalized area. Your pup’s skin (under his fur) may be red and inflamed which is certainly painful. Should you suspect a flea allergy, it is always wise to contact your veterinarian for guidance and information.

## Treating Dog Allergies

Since each dog and each allergy is different, there are a wide variety of dog allergy treatments available. It is always suggested to keep in contact with your veterinarian who can recommend and adjust treatments. Generally, the levels of treatment are based on what your dog is suffering from. Keeping a journal of your dog’s symptoms and what he did or ate before the symptoms arrived is also something that will allow for a better plan of action.

## The Most Common Types of Dog Allergy Treatments

**Anti-itch medication:** Daily oral or monthly injectable medications that block itch pathways inside your dog.

Still reading? Our puppies are waiting.

Healthy, happy pups ready to meet their families — see who's available today.

[Meet our puppies](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/)
**Medicated liquid shampoos:** This will allow you to keep your pup’s skin barrier healthy by keeping allergens from forming on your dog.

**Antihistamines:** These are used for breathing symptoms such as sneezing and also help to stop a runny eye or nose.

**Hypo sensitization:** A very fancy word for an allergy shot which can be administered by your veterinarian.

It’s A Part of Being a Dog Owner Although dog allergies can be frustrating, at times, it is a part of owning a dog. After all, our pups are living creatures who experience the same physical ailments that we do. By taking a proactive approach some allergies can be prevented. Allergies that cant are able to be controlled

[Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandchillicothe.com)

Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies*

Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below.

[Browse all puppies](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/)

- Coming Soon 111 views Very Popular ## [Daryl - Male #19600](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/cavapoo/cavapoo-19600/) ### [Cavapoo](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/cavapoo/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982)
- Coming Soon 89 views Very Popular ## [Darlene - Female #19599](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-goldendoodle-2nd-gen/mini-goldendoodle-2nd-gen-19599/) ### [Mini Goldendoodle 2nd Gen](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-goldendoodle-2nd-gen/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982)
- Coming Soon 101 views Very Popular ## [Zoey - Female #19597](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/hippo-mini/hippo-mini-19597/) ### [Hippo Mini](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/hippo-mini/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982)
- Coming Soon 110 views Very Popular ## [Luke - Male #19596](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/frenchton/frenchton-19596/) ### [Frenchton](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/frenchton/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982)
- 
- Coming Soon 101 views Very Popular ## [Kini - Female #19594](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/olde-english-bulldog/olde-english-bulldog-19594/) ### [Olde English Bulldog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/olde-english-bulldog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982)
- Coming Soon 98 views Very Popular ## [Romeo - Male #19593](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/yochon/yochon-19593/) ### [Yochon](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/yochon/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982)
- 273 views Very Popular ## [Winston - Male #19583](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/french-bulldog-19583/) ### [French Bulldog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982)
- 270 views Very Popular ## [Lilly - Female #19590](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/beagle/beagle-19590/) ### [Beagle](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/beagle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982)
- 
- 251 views Very Popular ## [Belle - Female #19588](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-19588/) ### [Cavalier King Charles Spaniel](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982)
- 267 views Very Popular ## [Honey - Female #19585](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/rat-terrier-chihuahua/rat-terrier-chihuahua-19585/) ### [Rat Terrier/Chihuahua](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/rat-terrier-chihuahua/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982)
- 224 views Very Popular ## [Freddy - Male #19578](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-19578/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982)
- 409 views Very Popular ## [Toby - Male #19577](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-pinscher/miniature-pinscher-19577/) ### [Miniature Pinscher](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-pinscher/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982)

Loading more pets…

You've reached the end.

Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet.

Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation.

[Start a Special Order](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/special-orders/)

#### **Related** Articles

[View All Articles](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/blog/)

- [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Living with a puppy can feel like discovering… October 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s… September 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is exciting. It also… August 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Summer is officially here. The grills are grilling.… June 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Pet Store](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Sometimes, the biggest decision isn’t which puppy steals… May 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. New puppy parents quickly encounter many unfamiliar terms.… April 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is often a heart… February 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understand-dog-love-languages/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understand-dog-love-languages/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understand-dog-love-languages/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Fact: your dog is absolutely saying “I love… February 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy…… January 7, 2026
- [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional… January 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there’s… November 30, 2025