If you feel like your dog's allergies are worse than ever, you aren't imagining things. Seasonal allergies in dogs have jumped by 30% over the last decade.
To figure out what's causing these itchy flare-ups and how to stop them, we spoke with Dr. Ambika Vaid-Sidhu, DVM, an integrative veterinarian and advisor to Badlands Ranch, a premium dog nutrition brand founded by Katherine Heigl.
Here's her expert breakdown on how to spot the difference between seasonal and food allergies, and what you can do to get your dog's system back on track.
Why are allergies getting worse?
Dr. Vaid points to two primary factors driving the increase in dog allergies: climate change and breed popularity.
Warmer global temperatures mean spring is lasting longer than it used to, and environmental triggers like pollen, grass, mold, and mildew are lingering in the air, causing more severe reactions.
"Breeding is also a large contribution to increased allergies," says Dr. Vaid. "The most popular dogs in recent years are French bulldogs, Labrador retrievers, and bulldogs, which all have genetic predispositions to atopic dermatitis (allergies)," she continues. "Because these breeds are more prevalent than they have been in the past, we're seeing an increase in allergies as well."
Hidden signs of an allergic reaction
Most pet parents know to look for classic symptoms like hot spots, red skin, hair loss, and general scratchiness. However, Dr. Vaid says there are several easily missed signs of irritation:
- Chronic ear infections that won't seem to clear up
- Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as diarrhea
- Red eyes or visible ocular discharge
- "Lick dermatitis," which happens when the color of a dog's fur turns a reddish hue due to excessive licking
Is it a seasonal allergy or a food allergy?
It's tricky to figure out if your dog is reacting to the pollen outside or the kibble in their bowl. Here's a quick guide to help you tell them apart:
| Feature | Environmental Allergies | Diet-Based Allergies |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Flare-ups are expected seasonally and do not last year-round. | Symptoms typically manifest year-round and are not tied to a specific season. |
| Primary Locations | Symptoms mostly appear on the paws, the legs, and around the base of the tail. | Watch for painful hot spots located on the sides of the body. |
| Other Symptoms | Can cause excessive sneezing or ocular discharge. | Frequently linked to chronic ear infections and GI issues like vomiting or diarrhea. |
A quick note on yeast: Many owners assume a yeast infection is caused directly by a dog's diet, but Dr. Vaid clarifies that yeast is usually a secondary issue. "Yeast infections occur when the skin barrier is broken down due to excessive scratching and/or licking," she says. That constant moisture combined with damaged skin creates the perfect environment for yeast and bacterial infections to grow.
How to treat a food allergy
If you suspect your dog's everyday food is the problem, the protein source is usually the culprit. In fact, common proteins like chicken and beef are the most frequent triggers for food allergies. To get their system back on track, Dr. Vaid recommends a strict 6- to 8-week diet trial.
- Switch the protein: Transition your dog to a "novel" protein they've never eaten before, such as lamb, venison, or fish.
- Cut the treats: During this 6- to 8-week window, you'll need to resist those puppy eyes. Do not feed them any additional treats or snacks so you can see if the new food is helping.
- Upgrade the quality: Battling a food allergy can weaken a dog's gut microbiome, and standard kibble doesn't always provide the nutrients needed for recovery. Dr. Vaid suggests fresh or air-dried foods (like Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete) because they preserve the nutritional value of fruits, vegetables, and supplements, helping the gut heal.
A holistic approach to severe allergies
Traditional veterinary clinics often treat severe allergies with medications like Apoquel, steroids, and antihistamines. "While these medications work great, they often have lifelong side effects and are used mainly to treat the symptoms, not the underlying cause," says Dr. Vaid.
Since 70% of a dog's immune cells live in their gut microbiome, Dr. Vaid focuses on healing them from the inside out. Standard kibble and highly processed treats pull down their gut health, which she notes causes "an increase in inflammation and immune dysregulation."
To strengthen the immune system naturally, Dr. Vaid transitions patients to a nutritious, whole-food diet and introduces supplements like omega fatty acids and mushroom complexes. When it comes to alternative therapies, she relies on acupuncture and herbal tinctures (like licorice, nettle, and chamomile) to support the skin and lower inflammation without pharmaceutical side effects.
Keep in mind that treating true environmental allergies is a multi-step process. Even with a pristine diet and strong gut, your dog will likely still need a combination of topical treatments and environmental modifications around the house to keep them comfortable when pollen counts peak.
"Environmental allergies are frustrating to treat because it needs a cocktail of different treatment options instead of a single fix," says Dr. Vaid.
Related reading: Check out our guides on how hot is too hot for a dog and what a tick looks like on a dog to keep your pup safe outdoors!