Dog Allergy Symptoms & Treatments: Food vs Environmental Causes Explained

Itchy skin, ear infections, and constant licking — if this sounds like your pup, allergies might be to blame. For many New Zealand pet parents, understanding the root of our dogs’ discomfort can be confusing, especially when the signs of food and environmental allergies overlap. The good news? With expert knowledge and a few simple tools, you can uncover what’s bothering your best friend and help them feel comfortable again. At Petdirect, we get pet, and we're here to help you explore the difference between dog food allergies and environmental allergies, and how to manage them with confidence.

Common Signs Of Allergies In Dogs

Whether it's their kibble or something outdoors causing trouble, dogs with allergies often show similar signs:

• Itchy skin (especially paws, face, belly, or ears)
• Frequent licking or chewing affected areas
• Ear infections or head shaking
• Red, inflamed skin or rashes
• Upset stomach or diarrhoea (more common with food allergies)
• Hair loss or hot spots

If you notice these symptoms, it’s worth chatting to your vet to help pinpoint the cause. 

Understanding Food Allergies

Food allergies in dogs are an immune reaction to a specific ingredient, most often a protein like beef, dairy, or chicken. These reactions can build up over time, even to something your dog has eaten for years.

Common culprits include:

• Beef
• Dairy
• Chicken
• Wheat or grains
• Eggs or lamb (less commonly)

If your vet suspects a food allergy, they might recommend an elimination diet or a specialised diet like a veterinary hypoallergenic food, available through brands like Royal Canin Vet or Hill’s Prescription Diet. These diets are designed to reduce allergens while ensuring your dog receives complete nutrition.

You can also explore NZ-made pet food options like ZIWI or K9 Natural that use single protein sources with limited ingredients to help identify trigger foods.

What Are Environmental Allergies?

Environmental allergies, also called atopic dermatitis, are allergic responses to airborne irritants like pollen, mould, dust mites, or even grass. These are seasonal or year-round reactions and often show up as persistent skin issues.

Feel like the scratching gets worse during spring or summer? That’s a clue. Dogs can also be allergic to things indoors like cleaning sprays or fabrics. Managing environmental allergies usually means a multi-step approach, often including:

• Frequent bathing with specialist dog shampoos for sensitive skin
• Using skin and coat health supplements to support skin barrier function
• Natural treats with anti-inflammatory ingredients like fish or hemp seed oil

Talk to your vet about ruling out fleas, as flea saliva can also trigger allergic dermatitis. Preventatives from trusted brands like NexGard or Bravecto can help.

Food or Environment? How to Tell

This is where things can get a bit tricky — many symptoms overlap. Your vet may suggest an elimination diet or a food trial to help identify or rule out food as the cause. If there’s no improvement after 8–12 weeks, it’s possible environmental allergens are the problem.

Quick clues it might be food-related:

• Symptoms started after changing food
• Stomach troubles are part of the picture

Likely environmental triggers if:

• Itching flares up in warmer months
• Your dog has no digestive symptoms, just skin related ones

Knowing the difference helps you tailor the right mix of treatments, from food changes to environmental support. At Petdirect, we’ve got targeted options for both — including dog allergy care essentials formulated for a happier, less itchy life.

Support Your Dog’s Allergies Naturally

Helping a dog with allergies often means long-term management — but many pet parents find great success blending natural care options with guidance from their vet. Some feel-good, fur-friendly support options include:

• Supplements with omega-3, zinc or probiotics
• Calming products for anxiety-linked skin licking
• Regular grooming with brushing tools to remove allergens from coats

And because we know life is easier with reliable options, our Autodeliver service makes it simple to keep the essentials arriving right on schedule. Don't forget, you can also earn Airpoints with every purchase or unlock even more with our Pet Perks loyalty programme.

Itchy Dog? We’re Here To Help

If your dog’s been biting, scratching, or just not themself, allergies might be behind it. Knowing the difference between food vs environmental allergies gives you the power to help them feel better. At Petdirect, we’re obsessed with creating wag-worthy wellness — and we've got the right tools, nutritious foods, and grooming care to support your best friend every step of the way.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our full range of dog allergy care, or chat with one of our friendly experts, because we get pet — and we get you.