Allergies in Dogs: Helping Your Dog Stay Comfortable All Year Round

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Itchy skin, constant scratching, licking paws and recurring ear infections are all common signs that your dog may be suffering from allergies. Unfortunately, allergies are very common in dogs and, in most cases, they're something we manage rather than cure. The good news is that with the right combination of treatment and home care, most dogs can live happy, comfortable lives.

Can We Test for Allergies?

Tests are available to investigate the cause of your dog's allergies, although the results can sometimes be inconclusive or identify broad triggers such as grass pollen, which can be difficult to avoid completely.

Testing is often more helpful when we suspect a food allergy, as identifying a specific dietary trigger may allow it to be removed from your dog's diet. If you're interested in allergy testing, please speak to the team at Tribe Vets. We'll be happy to discuss whether it's likely to be beneficial for your pet.

When Medication Is Needed

If we can't identify or eliminate the cause of the allergy, many dogs benefit from medication to keep their symptoms under control. Depending on your dog's condition, this may involve tablets, injections or a combination of treatments during certain times of the year, or sometimes throughout the year.

Medication is just one part of managing allergies. Supporting your dog's skin barrier and reducing exposure to allergens can make a significant difference and may help reduce the number and severity of flare-ups.

Top Tips for Managing Allergies at Home

Avoid High-Pollen Areas

During the spring and summer, try to avoid walking through long grass where pollen levels are highest. Instead, choose shorter grass, woodland paths, beaches or pavements where possible.

Wipe Your Dog Down After Walks

Using a damp cloth, gently wipe your dog's paws, legs, belly, armpits and ears after every walk. This helps remove pollen and other allergens before they have a chance to irritate the skin.

Think About Your Home Environment

Strong fragrances can sometimes worsen skin irritation. We recommend avoiding plug-in air fresheners and heavily scented household products where possible.

Wash your dog's bedding regularly using a non-biological washing powder to reduce irritation from detergents.

Support the Skin Barrier

A healthy skin barrier means less frequent or severe flare ups. .

We often recommend products such as Douxo S3 Calm Shampoo and Douxo S3 Calm Mousse, which are designed to soothe irritated skin and support its natural protective barrier. The mousse is particularly useful between baths to keep the skin moisturised and comfortable.

Add Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acid supplements can have a significant positive effect on skin health by reducing inflammation and improving the skin's natural barrier. There are many good-quality products available from pet shops and online retailers.

Don't Forget Flea Control

Even a single flea bite can trigger a severe allergic reaction in dogs with sensitive skin. Keeping flea prevention up to date all year round is one of the simplest ways to prevent unnecessary flare-ups.

Could Food Be the Problem?

If we suspect a food allergy, we may recommend a dietary trial.

This involves feeding one food only for 4–6 weeks, with absolutely no treats, table scraps, chews or flavoured medications unless advised by your vet. Even small amounts of another food can interfere with the trial and make the results unreliable.

There are two common approaches:

Feeding a novel protein diet, using a protein your dog has never eaten before, such as venison.
Feeding a hydrolysed diet, where the protein molecules have been broken down so they're too small to trigger an allergic reaction. One example is Purina HA Hypoallergenic, which is widely available online and through larger pet retailers.

We'll be happy to advise which option is most appropriate for your dog.