Clearing Up Common Myths About Pet Allergies
Every spring in Oregon, many dogs begin licking their paws, rubbing their faces on the carpet, chewing at their skin, or developing another ear infection. One of the first questions I hear from owners is, “Is it the food?” While food allergies are certainly possible, they are often overdiagnosed. In reality, environmental allergies are far more common in dogs.
Food allergies versus environmental allergies
Environmental allergies, also known as atopy, are reactions to things like pollens, grasses, trees, molds, and dust mites. These allergens are widespread in Oregon and often cause seasonal flare-ups, though many dogs eventually itch year-round. Food allergies can look almost identical, which is why it can be difficult to tell them apart without a structured plan.
Unfortunately, there is no simple blood test that can reliably diagnose a food allergy. The most accurate way to determine whether food is playing a role is through a properly performed food trial.
The grain-free misconception
One of the most common myths surrounding allergies is that grains are usually to blame. In reality, most true food allergies in dogs are reactions to protein sources, not grains. Beef, chicken, dairy, and eggs are far more common triggers. Grain allergies do exist, but they are much less common than many people believe.
What a food allergy trial actually involves
A food trial sounds simple but requires commitment. For a minimum of eight weeks, your pet eats one veterinarian-recommended diet and nothing else. This means no flavored treats, no table scraps, no chewables with flavoring, and no sharing food with other pets. Even small exposures can interfere with results.
During a trial, we typically use either a novel protein diet, which contains a protein your dog has never eaten before, or a hydrolyzed protein diet, where proteins are broken down to reduce immune recognition. If symptoms improve during the trial and then return when the original diet is reintroduced, this strongly supports a food allergy diagnosis. When food allergies are present, dietary management can be close to curative, which is why food trials are often worth pursuing when symptoms are difficult to control.
When food is not the problem
If a food trial is done correctly and itching continues, environmental allergies move to the top of the list. At that point, management focuses on reducing allergen exposure and controlling inflammation. Regular bathing helps remove pollen from the coat, and paw wipes after walks can reduce irritation. Medications such as Apoquel, Cytopoint, and Zenrelia have significantly improved our ability to manage allergies safely and effectively. Steroids still have a role, particularly for short-term relief or when cost is a concern, but they are used more cautiously due to potential side effects with long-term use.
If your pet is itchy, uncomfortable, or dealing with recurring ear or skin infections, a thoughtful step-by-step approach can make a meaningful difference in their comfort and quality of life.
