May 4, 2022
Why is my pet so itchy…is it allergies?
Reviewed by Dr. Erin Miller, DVM on September 3, 2026
Spring is a common time of year for allergies to flare up in pets. Just like people, dogs and cats can develop environmental allergies to different types of pollen and grasses. When these particles are floating in the air, allergy symptoms can start up even without direct contact. If your pet has environmental allergies, inflammation is caused by microscopic particles they inhale, not something they need to touch. Pets can also have food allergies, so it’s worth discussing both possibilities with your veterinarian before assuming a particular diet or medication is the answer.
Symptoms of Pet Environmental Allergies
The most common signs include itchy skin, ear infections, and licking or chewing at the paws. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often worsen as a pet gets older. Some pets show multiple symptoms, while others show just one. Allergies can also lead to secondary infections, since constant scratching or chewing irritates the skin further. These skin or ear infections are usually bacterial, yeast, or a combination of both.
How Allergies Are Diagnosed
Allergies can sometimes be tricky to diagnose. Blood or skin testing can help identify environmental allergies, and symptoms that repeat every year around the same time can sometimes support a presumptive diagnosis of a seasonal or environmental allergy.
How Allergies Are Treated
There are several approaches to treating allergies. Since the allergen usually can’t be removed from a pet’s environment entirely, treatment typically focuses on managing the resulting symptoms.
The first step is treating any infections that have developed because of the allergy. A skin or ear infection will keep a pet itching until it clears, regardless of any other allergy treatment. From there, the goal shifts to reducing the itching and inflammation caused by the allergy itself. Options range from antihistamines to allergy serum desensitization shots to oral or injectable medications that block inflammation.
Antihistamines only work for an estimated 20% of pets with mild symptoms. Serum desensitization injections can be formulated after allergy testing, but may take 9 to 12 months before they become effective. Because of this, medications that block the inflammation pathway are often the more immediate option for reducing itching. Other supportive treatments, such as medicated shampoos, wipes, ear flushing, and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, can also help.
If you’re worried about your pet’s skin, ears, or feet, let us know. We’re happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Allergies
How can I tell if my pet has food allergies instead of environmental allergies?
Food allergies and environmental allergies can look similar, which is why it’s best to discuss your pet’s specific symptoms with a veterinarian rather than assuming a particular cause or switching foods on your own.
Do antihistamines work well for pet allergies?
Antihistamines are estimated to help only about 20% of pets with mild symptoms, so many pets need a different or additional treatment approach for meaningful relief.
How long do allergy desensitization shots take to work?
Serum desensitization injections, formulated after allergy testing, can take 9 to 12 months before becoming fully effective, which is why many pets use other treatments in the meantime.
Why does my pet keep getting ear infections?
Recurring ear infections are a common sign of underlying allergies. Treating the allergy itself, alongside the infection, is usually necessary to prevent the cycle from repeating.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Erin Miller, DVM & Dr. Lauren Stayer, DVM
Owners & Veterinarians, Pawtown Veterinary Care — Bend, Oregon