Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Is your dog having an allergic reaction? Watch out for these warning signs

Pollen, chemical fumes, insect bites, and certain types of food are all common allergens in humans. Symptoms range from mild annoyances, such as itchy, watery eyes, to life-threatening anaphylaxis. For the most part, it’s easy to tell when a fellow human is suffering from an allergic reaction. But what about a dog’s allergic reaction? They might not be as immediately recognizable as your seasonal allergies, but there are signs to keep an eye out for if you suspect your dog has allergies. We’ll tell you what to look for, what you can do to help, and give you a general idea of how long your precious pooch will have to deal with the symptoms of an allergic reaction. 

A Fila Brasileiro sneezing in the woods.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How can I tell if my dog is having an allergic reaction? 

Just like you, it’s possible for your dog to suffer from unique allergies. For brevity’s sake, we’ll cover the four most common causes of allergic reactions in dogs. 

Acute allergic reactions

Unlike a chronic allergic condition, an acute allergy is a sudden response to an irritant, such as a sting or bite from an insect. There are other causes of acute allergies in dogs, but stings and bites are the most common. Swelling, itching, and vomiting are common, but dogs suffering from anaphylactic shock could experience difficulty breathing, show signs of cyanosis – a bluish tint to the lips and gums caused by the lack of proper blood oxygenation – and might even lose consciousness. 

Food allergies

Yet another common allergy dogs suffer from, a food allergy often causes stomach upset like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. That being said, some dogs might develop skin conditions, begin to show signs of brittle fur, or might even suffer from the loss of fur. If your pup begins scratching at himself while suffering from gastrointestinal issues, it’s very possible he’s allergic to something in his kibble. To determine the allergen, your dog’s vet might recommend an elimination diet, or he may prescribe a formula developed for dogs with food sensitivities, such as this one from Hill’s Prescription Diet.

Seasonal allergies

Some people are overjoyed when spring rolls around each year. Others dread the sudden flare-up of seasonal allergies. And your dog might concur! Just like people, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies with similar symptoms, such as puffy, watery eyes, itchy skin, ear infections, a running nose, and sneezing fits. While you should speak with your vet to make sure your dog’s condition is related to seasonal allergies, if you notice him sneezing at the same time every year, that’s likely the case. 

Skin allergies

Just like some people have sensitive skin, so do some dogs. Whether your pooch has been exposed to an irritant from fleas, ticks, plants, chemicals, or even the detergent you use to wash your linens, skin allergies are miserable. Look for symptoms like hives, dry and flaky skin, redness of the skin, and itching. Make sure your precious pooch is on a flea and tick preventative, take precautions when growing certain types of plants and flowers, and use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent to wash any fabrics your dog comes into contact with. 

A Jack Russell Terrier biting an itch on his hind leg.
Yuliya Evstratenko/Shutterstock

What can I give my dog for an allergic reaction? 

When it comes to treating your dog’s allergies, look no further than your own medicine cabinet. Benadryl, a common antihistamine used to treat allergies, works as effectively in dogs as it does in humans. Thanks to the main ingredient, diphenhydramine HCI, Benadryl combats the symptoms of allergies with minimal side effects. Unfortunately, the FDA has yet to approve Benadryl for veterinary use, but vets frequently recommend the use of Benadryl in treating dogs and cats with allergies. Make sure to administer the correct dosage for your dog’s weight, and speak to your vet before giving Benadryl if your pup is pregnant or suffers from hypertension, seizures, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, or allergic lung disease. 

How long will my dog’s allergic reaction last?

As much as we want to give you a cut-and-dried answer, the truth is… well, it depends on the allergen and the severity of your dog’s reaction. If your dog is suffering from a skin allergy, you can look for the redness and irritation to last somewhere between two and three weeks. If your pup has seasonal allergies, you can expect to see symptoms for as long as the allergen is in bloom. Allergic hives generally appear within minutes of exposure to an allergen, and they can fade just as quickly. However, hives can also last up to 48 hours, so don’t be overly concerned if they don’t clear up right away. 

A black Schnauzer puppy scratching an itch.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Final thoughts on allergies

Allergies are as uncomfortable for dogs as they are for us. Whether your pup is suffering from an insect sting, a skin reaction, seasonal allergies, or a food allergy, we recommend taking your pup to the vet for a thorough checkup. Antihistamines can help manage symptoms, but your vet might also prescribe oral, injectable, or topical steroids to help control your dog’s allergic reaction. Lastly, if your dog experiences difficulty breathing, you should take him to the emergency vet right away. 

Editors' Recommendations

Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
How long can an old dog live with a heart murmur?
Does your old dog have a heart murmur? This guide will help you and your pet
Man in a plaid shirt hugging his dog

Learning that your senior dog has a heart condition can feel devastating. It forces you to contemplate the idea that your best friend won’t be around forever. But while the diagnosis of a heart murmur can be scary, there is no reason to jump to the worst-case scenario. Murmurs range in severity; while some are serious, others are less so. Before you start frantically Googling “old dog heart murmur life expectancy,” keep reading to learn more about the different types of heart murmurs, the prognosis, and how you can help your pup live a long and content life.

What is a heart murmur?
Like us, dogs’ hearts pump blood throughout their bodies, creating a steady beat that can be heard through a stethoscope. If there is a disturbance in the blood flow, it makes a noise distinct from a regular heartbeat called a murmur. There are a few different ways vets classify heart murmurs: type, grade, and configuration.

Read more
Video: Dog snoring isn’t that unusual, but this pup sounds just like a cartoon character
Dogs snore for a few different reasons
A small puppy sleeps in their owner's arms

Sometimes real life seems fake, and this dog certainly fits into that category. If you've never seen a dog snoring before, you're in for a surprise. This particular pup looks so silly while sleeping that you might imagine you're actually watching Pluto the cartoon dog. That's why the viral TikTok video posted by yowritten has the internet in stitches while watching the hilarious beastie.

We all know dogs love to sleep, but this one might be the king of it. The video opens to show a large pooch lying down in his favorite sleeping position, deep in slumber. On-screen text says, "Bro sleeps like he's in a cartoon." As the camera zooms in we get to watch his jowls move every time he breathes out. In addition, you can hear the distinct sound of a snoring dog, almost as if he were in a movie.

Read more
How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? 4 warning signs they’re not getting enough
Signs that your German shepherd needs more daily exercise
German shepherd puppy stands next to an adult German Shepherd with a stick in their mouth

Smart, loyal, and incredibly athletic: These are the defining traits of German shepherds -- America's fourth-most-popular dog breed in 2022. These large dogs are energetic from puppyhood, so it's no secret that they need a lot of activity to stay satisfied. Exercising your German shepherd might seem straightforward at first glance, but many owners struggle to meet this loyal breed’s high demand for activity. It’s not always clear when a pup needs some extra exercise, but keeping an eye out for the right behaviors will give you a better idea of whether you need to make any changes.
What kind of exercise is best for a German shepherd? How much exercise does a German shepherd need? These are the kinds of questions we’ll answer, so keep reading to find out how to keep your buddy happy and healthy.

How much exercise does a German shepherd need every day, on average?
Although exercise needs vary from dog to dog, German shepherds are an athletic, high-energy breed that requires several hours of daily activity. Generally speaking, your dog will want to play and run off energy multiple times a day, so you can’t count on one long walk being enough.
Remember that your German shepherd needs physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Their breed history makes them perfect for herding or working on the farm — hence the name "shepherd" — but not so perfect for lounging around. They’ll need a task for at least part of the day to satisfy their driven minds, or they'll make one for themselves. If their plan includes your sofa or a favorite pair of shoes, you won't be so happy.
The American Kennel Club lists problem-solving, decision-making, and focused attention as great ways to keep your dog’s mind active. Puzzle toys can be a helpful tool, though more energetic pups may prefer something like agility challenges. The idea is to give him a task that helps him feel satisfied and accomplished when he finally achieves it -- sometimes, just a good run together can do the trick.

Read more