Does your dog constantly scratch, lick their paws, or shake their head? Do they often have red, irritated skin and seem restless or uncomfortable?
You are not imagining it! These are some of the most common reasons pet owners visit us here at Mayne Vets, rest assured you are not alone. Just like people, animals can suffer from environmental allergies that make daily life miserable.

At Mayne Vets, we are here to help you understand what is happening — and how to bring your pet real, lasting relief.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies occur when your pet’s immune system overreacts to every day substances that would normally be harmless. These triggers are called allergens, and they can include:

  • 🌳 Environmental Allergens: Tree, grass, and weed pollens, mould spores, or dust mites.
  • 🍗 Food Allergens: Common proteins such as chicken, beef, or dairy.
  • 🐜 Flea Allergies: Even one flea bite can trigger a severe allergic reaction in sensitive pets.
  • 🧴 Contact Allergens: Shampoos, cleaning products, or even some fabrics.

Sensitivities can be hereditary affecting your dog’s immune system or it can develop over time from repeated exposure to certain allergens.

Common Symptoms of Pet Allergies

Allergies don’t always look like sneezing or watery eyes — in pets, they usually show up through the skin and ears. It is relatively common too, 1 in 5 pets may be suffering with some form of allergy or sensitivity.
Watch for some of these tell-tale signs:

  • Persistent itching, licking, or chewing (especially paws and belly)
  • Red, inflamed skin or hot spots
  • Hair loss or thinning coat
  • Frequent ear infections or head shaking
  • Scooting or licking around the tail base
  • A musty or yeasty skin odour

If your pet is scratching enough to wake you up at night — or if you notice recurring ear problems — it’s time to talk to your vet about allergies, or better yet don’t miss out on are exclusive allergy avoidance evening on June 10th at Orpen Hall, West Bergholt to learn more about how to manage your pets allergies.

 

Treatment and Management Options

While there is no “cure” for allergies, there’s good news most pets can live comfortably with the right treatment plan. There are even things you can do as your dog’s caregiver at home to help reduce your dog’s exposure and ease their symptoms – this is called allergy avoidance. We will be exploring this more over subsequent newsletters.

Your vet may recommend a combination of:

  • Prescription Medications: Anti-itch tablets, injections, or topical treatments to relieve symptoms.
  • Blood Testing: to find out what your pet is allergic to in order to avoid and manage their exposure.
  • Allergy Avoidance: this could range to how you store your dog’s food to adapting when and where you walk them
  • Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots or Drops): Gradually desensitises your pet to allergens over time — the most natural and long-term solution.
  • Medicated Baths and Sprays: Soothe inflamed skin and remove allergens from the coat.
  • Dietary Support: Hypoallergenic diets or omega-3 supplements to support healthy skin.
  • Regular Ear Care: To prevent infections caused by allergy-related inflammation.