Itchy Skin, Allergies & That One Biscuit: Decoding Your Dog’s Discomfort

If your dog is constantly scratching, licking their paws, or suddenly reacting to food they used to love, you're not imagining it. Canine allergies are on the rise, and for many pet parents, it can feel like a frustrating guessing game.

What's Really Causing the Itch?

Most people assume allergies are always about food. But in truth, environmental allergies (like pollen, dust mites, mold, and grass) are more common than food allergies. The tricky part? The symptoms look exactly the same: itchy skin, red paws, ear infections, face rubbing, hot spots.

Then there are food intolerances. These aren’t true allergies but can still cause digestive issues, itching, and inflammation. Many dogs react to over-processed ingredients, synthetic additives, or common allergens like wheat, chicken, or beef (especially when it’s low quality).

The Role of Gut Health

Here’s where it gets deeper. Over 70% of your dog’s immune system lives in the gut. If the gut is imbalanced (dysbiosis), even harmless foods can trigger an immune overreaction. Supporting gut health is crucial for managing allergies long-term.

What Can You Do?

• Switch to a fresh, anti-inflammatory diet with real meat, veggies, and no fillers
• Avoid kibble, which often contains hidden triggers and preservatives
• Try an elimination diet under guidance to find root causes
• Introduce fermented foods and gut-supporting supplements (like probiotics)
• Soothe topically with paw soaks, chamomile compresses, or coconut oil (if tolerated)

When in doubt, always work with a qualified canine nutritionist to ensure your dog's diet is not only safe but healing.