--- 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: "2026-02-27T19:07:33+00:00" url: "https://www.petlanddayton.com/what-is-a-dog-allergy/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlanddayton.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.petlanddayton.com/) / [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/blog/) / [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) / **What Is a Dog Allergy?** [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) # What Is a Dog Allergy? July 4, 2022 · 4 min read · [COSMICK MEDIA](https://www.petlanddayton.com/author/cosmick-media/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlanddayton.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.petlanddayton.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.petlanddayton.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=petlanddayton.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.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/) - 88 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Patrick - Male #10677](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/labrador-retriever/labrador-retriever-10677/) ### [Labrador Retriever](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/labrador-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 86 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Sage - Female #10675](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/shetland-sheepdog/shetland-sheepdog-10675/) ### [Shetland Sheepdog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/shetland-sheepdog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 103 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Sidney - Female #10674](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/yorkshire-terrier-10674/) ### [Yorkshire Terrier](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 107 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Eve - Female #10673](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pomsky-2nd-gen/pomsky-2nd-gen-10673/) ### [Pomsky 2nd Gen](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pomsky-2nd-gen/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - - 107 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [James - Male #10670](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles/cavalier-king-charles-10670/) ### [Cavalier King Charles](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 115 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Twix - Male #10669](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pembroke-welsh-corgi/pembroke-welsh-corgi-10669/) ### [Pembroke Welsh Corgi](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pembroke-welsh-corgi/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 83 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Snickers - Female #10668](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pembroke-welsh-corgi/pembroke-welsh-corgi-10668/) ### [Pembroke Welsh Corgi](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pembroke-welsh-corgi/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 123 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Clover - Female #10666](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/shih-tzu-10666/) ### [Shih Tzu](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - - 138 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Basil - Male #10665](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-10665/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 170 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Spectra - Female #10664](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/siberian-husky/siberian-husky-10664/) ### [Siberian Husky](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/siberian-husky/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 271 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Dolly - Female #10658](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-american-shepherd/miniature-american-shepherd-10658/) ### [Miniature American Shepherd](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-american-shepherd/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 491 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Fawn - Female #10654](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/rottweiler/rottweiler-10654/) ### [Rottweiler](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/rottweiler/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) 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.petlanddayton.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://www.petlanddayton.com/blog/) - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/dachshund-puppy-care/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dachshund-puppy-care/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [What Should You Know Before Bringing Home a Dachshund?](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dachshund-puppy-care/) In this articleQuick Answer / SummaryIntroductionWhat Makes Dachshunds Such Special Companions?How Much Exercise and Training Does a Dachshund Need?What Health Considerations Should… November 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) In this articleHow can you tell when your puppy is relaxed?What does a puppy’s playful body language look like?How can you recognize… October 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://www.petlanddayton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s happiest moments. The toys are ready. The bed is set up. The photos have… September 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) In this articleStart with Your Lifestyle, Not Just LooksMeet Five Popular Breeds and Their Best MatchPetland Helps Beyond Puppy DayYour Perfect Match… August 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) In this articleDifferent Breeds, Different Summer CareersWhy Understanding Personality MattersThe Best Summer Job of All? Being Your DogSummer is officially here. The… June 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Pet Store](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://www.petlanddayton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) In this articleWhy Where Your Puppy Comes From Truly MattersLet’s Talk About the Concerns You May Have HeardWhat Makes Petland a Trusted… May 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://www.petlanddayton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) In this articleWhat Is AKC Registration?What Is Health Testing?How AKC Registration and Health Testing Work TogetherHow Petland Supports Responsible BreedingHelping Families Find… April 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://www.petlanddayton.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Bringing home a puppy is often a heart decision long before it’s a calendar one. You imagine the cuddles, the routines, the… February 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://www.petlanddayton.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy… and yes, a few resolutions we actually want to keep! And if your dog… January 7, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://www.petlanddayton.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional decision. And if you’ve ever paused and thought, “Am I making the right ethical… January 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there’s a puppy in the house. They tumble into the season with wide-eyed wonder, tiny… November 30, 2025 ``` Petland Dayton 1447 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Mercedez Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My man and I came by Monday, just looking around and ended up leaving with ALL three ferrets they had. We planned to get just two but the other one jumped up to us like she wanted to come too. Petland threw in a free ferret kit if we got the third one. I liked their financing plans they had as well it’s an easy way to bump my credit. So far Matcha, Mocha, and Lottie are loving their home. They love playing with the dogs and I love their silly personalities. I only wish they came potty trained, they didn’t have a specific area for them to pee or poop In so potty training has been a little difficult for the two older girls, only reason why I’m doing 4 stars instead of 5. But we are very happy with our girls and the free ferret kit ended up helping us a lot more than we expected 🫶🏻 thank you to whoever said it was okay to throw it in. It’s also a very specious pet land compared to the one next to my job, we will probably be back. Posted on Google Daniel a Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I got some tiger barbs from there, and they looked great. Good color, good shape. Morgan helped me out with them and she was fantastic! Excellent customer service. I'll be back! Posted on Google Kim P Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice and helpful Posted on Google Mike z Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have the dog food we use. We moved from another state and had to find a store that had our dog food we've been using. Posted on Google ONE C Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nice layout very cute puppies customer service is spectacular they go above and beyond Posted on Google Edward L Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Place was kept very clean but the person who took care of me didn't have knowledge of the Birds that I bought Posted on Google Margaret B Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I loved spending time with the puppies, and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. ```