Food and contact allergies in dogs

Food and contact allergies can make life really uncomfortable for your dog, often causing ongoing itching, skin irritation and sometimes digestive upset. While these conditions can be managed, diagnosis can take time and usually involves veterinary support, dietary trials and careful monitoring.

If your dog develops a long-term allergic condition, having pet insurance in place can help with eligible veterinary costs, ensuring your dog gets the care they need.

What is food and contact allergy in dogs

An allergy happens when a dog’s immune system reacts to a normally harmless substance.

A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to an ingredient in the diet, most often a protein source. These reactions can affect their skin, ears or digestive system.

A contact allergy happens when a dog’s skin reacts after touching a specific substance. This tends to affect the areas of skin that come into direct contact with the trigger.

Causes of food and contact allergies in dogs

The exact reason why some dogs develop allergies isn’t fully understood, but genetics and repeated exposure are thought to play a role.

Common food allergens in dogs

Some of the most commonly reported food allergens include:

• Beef
• Dairy products
• Chicken
• Wheat

Other ingredients such as eggs, soya, lamb, fish and pork are also occasionally reported as triggers.

Common contact allergy triggers

Contact allergies are usually caused by direct skin exposure to a substance such as:

• Certain plastics or rubber materials
• Cleaning products
• Grooming shampoos or topical products
• Metals such as nickel
• Bedding, carpets or fabrics
• Plants, grasses or outdoor chemicals

Commonly affected breeds

Food and contact allergies can affect any dog, regardless of their breed.

However, some breeds are more commonly affected by allergic skin disease in general (including atopic dermatitis), such as:

• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Cocker Spaniel
• French Bulldog
• West Highland White Terrier
• Boxer

However, it’s important to note that any dog breed can develop a food or contact allergy.

Types of food and contact allergies in dogs

Allergies in dogs are usually grouped by what causes them and how the reaction shows up in the skin, for example food ingredients or something they’ve come into contact with.

Symptoms of food and contact allergies vary depending on the dog and the type of allergy, but commonly include things like:

• Persistent itching or scratching
• Red or inflamed skin
• Recurrent ear infections
• Excessive licking or chewing of paws
• Hair loss or thinning coat
• Skin infections
• Rashes or raised bumps
• Digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhoea
• Swelling of the face or muzzle
• Hives

Food allergies often affect the paws, ears, face, armpits, groin and around the bottom.

What to do if your dog shows signs of food or contact allergies

If your dog has ongoing itching, skin problems or digestive issues, book a veterinary appointment.

Your vet will examine your dog and will usually rule out other causes first, such as parasites, infections or environmental allergies.

Food allergies typically can’t be reliably diagnosed using a single blood or saliva test. Instead, diagnosis is usually based on a strict elimination diet trial under veterinary supervision, followed by carefully reintroducing ingredients to identify the trigger.

Seek urgent veterinary care if your dog develops swelling of the face, breathing difficulties or signs of a severe allergic reaction.
What age could you expect food or contact allergies in your dog
Food allergies can develop at almost any age. Some dogs show signs when they’re young, while others develop allergies after eating the same diet for several years.

Contact allergies can also develop at any stage of life, depending on when a dog becomes sensitised to a particular substance.

How to manage food and contact allergies

Managing allergies usually involves identifying the trigger and avoiding it where possible.

For suspected food allergies, your vet may recommend an elimination diet using either a novel protein or hydrolysed diet (a special allergy diet). This diet must be fed exclusively for several weeks, with no other foods, treats or flavoured products unless approved by your vet.

If symptoms improve, ingredients are gradually reintroduced to confirm the allergen.

• For contact allergies, management may include:
• Removing or avoiding the triggering substance
• Switching food and water bowls (for example, avoiding certain plastics or metals)
• Changing bedding materials
• Using veterinary-recommended shampoos or skin products
• Regular bathing to reduce skin irritation

Does pet insurance cover food and contact allergies

Pet insurance may help cover eligible veterinary fees for diagnosing and treating allergies, as long as the condition isn’t pre-existing and your policy includes cover for ongoing conditions.

Allergies can require long-term management, including consultations, diagnostic tests, medication and treatment for secondary infections. Lifetime dog policies are often the most suitable for ongoing conditions, as they may provide continued support for chronic illnesses over time.

Always check your policy documents for full details, limits and exclusions.

Food and contact allergy treatment options

Treatment really depends on what’s causing the allergy and how severe your dog’s symptoms are. In many cases, your vet may suggest an elimination diet trial or a special hydrolysed or prescription diet to help identify and remove the trigger.

Some dogs also need medication to help control itching or inflammation, especially during flare-ups, and treatment for any secondary skin or ear infections that develop. 

Medicated shampoos and topical treatments can also help soothe irritated skin. For some dogs, allergies need ongoing management, with a long-term plan put together by your vet. Ultimately, the most effective approach is usually to identify the trigger and avoid it where possible, although this can take time and patience.

When to speak to a vet

If you think your dog may have an allergy, there are certain signs that mean it’s time to speak to your vet.

• Has persistent or worsening itching
• Develops recurring ear infections
• Shows ongoing skin irritation or hair loss
• Has digestive issues alongside skin symptoms
• Develops hives or facial swelling
• Seems uncomfortable or distressed

Always seek emergency veterinary care if your dog has difficulty breathing, severe swelling or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

As an Agria dog insurance customer, 24/7 access to a veterinary expert via video call is free using the Agria app.