If your dog has been scratching, licking, rubbing, or shaking their head more than usual, you may be wondering whether food allergies or seasonal allergies are the cause. Both types of allergic reaction can make our canine companions uncomfortable, and the symptoms often overlap — but understanding the differences is key to helping your dog feel better.

Allergies in dogs are one of the most common reasons pet owners visit the veterinarian. Some dogs react to things in their environment, like pollen or dust mites, while others are sensitive to ingredients in their food. Although the outward symptoms can look similar, the causes, patterns, and treatment strategies can be very different.

What Allergy Symptoms Look Like in Dogs

Regardless of the cause, allergy symptoms often involve the skin and ears. Common signs include:

Constant scratching or licking

Red, irritated or flaky skin

Recurrent ear infections

Hair loss or coat thinning

Paw chewing or licking

Rubbing the face on furniture or the floor

Head shaking or sneezing

These symptoms result from the immune system reacting to something it mistakenly identifies as harmful — whether it’s a protein from food or an environmental trigger like plant pollen or dust.

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Seasonal (Environmental) Allergies: What to Know

Seasonal allergies, also called environmental or atopic allergies, happen when a dog’s immune system reacts to allergens in their surroundings. These substances can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Common triggers include:

Tree, grass, or weed pollen

Mold spores

Dust mites

Plant fibers

What makes seasonal allergies different is the timing and pattern. Symptoms tend to appear or worsen at certain times of year — typically in spring and fall, when plants pollinate and mold levels rise. Some dogs may show symptoms only during those peak pollen periods, while others with year‑round environmental triggers, like dust mites, may itch all year long.

Seasonal allergies often focus on areas that have direct contact with the environment — the paws, face, belly, and ears. A dog might lick its paws relentlessly or rub its muzzle on the carpet because allergens cling to fur after being outside.

Managing seasonal allergies often involves medications to control itching and inflammation, such as antihistamines or veterinary allergy drugs like Apoquel or Cytopoint. In some cases, veterinarians may recommend immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops) tailored to the specific allergens affecting the dog.

Because seasonal allergies are tied to environmental exposure, changes like wiping your dog’s paws after walks, bathing more frequently to wash away allergens, and using HEPA air filters at home can also help reduce symptoms.

Food Allergies: What Sets Them Apart

Food allergies occur when a dog’s immune system reacts to something in their diet — most often a specific protein, like chicken or beef. Unlike environmental allergens, food allergies tend to persist year‑round, regardless of the season.

Food allergies are actually less common than environmental allergies, roughly affecting only a small percentage of dogs. These allergies typically develop over time, meaning the dog might eat the same diet for months before symptoms begin to show.

Interestingly, the outward signs of food allergies can be quite similar to environmental allergies — itchiness, redness, ear infections, paw licking — but food allergies may also include gastrointestinal symptoms, such as:

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Gas

Weight changes

Because symptoms overlap so much, it’s not usually possible to diagnose a food allergy based purely on outward signs.

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How Vets Diagnose and Treat Each Allergy

One of the most reliable ways to diagnose a food allergy is through a food trial. This involves feeding your dog a strict diet with a novel protein (one they haven’t eaten before) or a hydrolyzed protein diet for 8–12 weeks, with no other treats or foods. If symptoms improve, it suggests that the previous diet was triggering a reaction.

For seasonal and environmental allergies, veterinarians may use skin testing or blood tests to identify specific triggers and build a targeted immunotherapy plan. These results can help tailor treatments that reduce sensitivity to those allergens over time.

With both types of allergies, veterinarians often recommend symptom relief while longer‑term strategies are being pursued. Anti‑itch medications, topical therapies, ear cleaners, and supplements like omega‑3 fatty acids can help maintain skin health and reduce irritation.

Seasonal vs. Food Allergy Patterns: A Simple Distinction

If your dog’s symptoms flare only during specific times of the year — or get worse after being outdoors — environmental or seasonal allergies are more likely. If symptoms persist year‑round, are accompanied by digestive issues, or improve when the diet changes, a food allergy may be the root cause.

However, these distinctions aren’t foolproof. Some dogs have both food and environmental allergies, making diagnosis more complex.

That’s why working closely with your veterinarian is essential — particularly since allergy tests and food trials require careful planning and monitoring.

Final Thoughts

Whether your dog is reacting to pollen or kibble, allergies can be frustrating for both pet and owner. Observation, patience, and a thoughtful plan developed with your veterinarian are the best tools for distinguishing between seasonal and food allergies.

With the right diagnosis and treatment, many dogs find lasting relief — and you’ll have happier, more comfortable days together.