Can Dogs Outgrow Allergies?

Usually, no. Most environmental allergies are lifelong conditions. However, with the right treatment plan, many dogs become dramatically more comfortable and experience far fewer flare-ups over time.

Can Dogs Suddenly Develop Allergies?

Yes. Most environmental allergies develop between 1 and 3 years of age, but dogs can develop allergies later in life too. A dog that has never had skin problems before can absolutely become allergic as they age. If an older dog suddenly develops significant itching for the first time, your veterinarian may also recommend looking for other underlying medical conditions rather than automatically assuming allergies are the cause.

Can Allergies Cause Diarrhea?

Environmental allergies usually do not cause diarrhea. Food allergies sometimes can. If your dog has itching and chronic digestive problems, a food allergy may be worth discussing with your veterinarian.

Can Allergies Make Dogs Smell Bad?

Yes. The allergy itself doesn't create the odor. Secondary yeast and bacterial infections often do. Many owners notice a musty, corn chip, or sour smell before they ever notice redness.

Why Are My Dog's Allergies Worse at Night?

Several reasons may contribute. At night: dogs are resting instead of staying distracted; owners notice the scratching more; allergens have accumulated on the skin throughout the day; warm indoor temperatures may make itching feel more noticeable.

Can My Dog Be Allergic to Chicken?

Yes. Chicken is one of the proteins that can cause food allergies. However, it isn't the most common cause of itchy dogs overall. Most itchy dogs have environmental allergies, not food allergies.

Is Grain Causing My Dog's Allergies?

Usually not. The vast majority of food-allergic dogs react to proteins, not grains. Simply switching to a grain-free diet rarely solves chronic itching.

Why Is My Dog Still Itchy on Apoquel®?

Several possibilities: flea allergy, skin infection, food allergy, seasonal flare, the medication isn't the right fit, another disease is present. Apoquel controls itch, but it doesn't treat every cause of itching.

Can Dogs Take Benadryl Every Day?

Some dogs can safely take Benadryl under veterinary guidance. However, only about 7–30% of allergic dogs experience meaningful improvement with antihistamines. It's rarely my first choice for chronic environmental allergies.

Are Allergy Shots Worth It?

For the right dog, absolutely. Immunotherapy is currently the only treatment designed to modify the allergic immune response rather than simply controlling symptoms. It requires patience, but many dogs experience significant long-term improvement.

Will Changing Foods Cure My Dog's Allergies?

Only if food is actually the problem. Changing foods won't improve environmental allergies. That's why veterinarians often recommend an elimination diet trial rather than simply trying random diets.

Why Does My Dog Improve on Antibiotics—Then Start Itching Again?

Because the antibiotics treated the secondary skin infection, not the underlying allergy. Until the allergy is controlled, infections often return.

Is Cytopoint® Safer Than Steroids?

They work very differently. Steroids affect many body systems. Cytopoint specifically targets IL-31, one of the major itch messengers. For many dogs, Cytopoint avoids many of the side effects associated with long-term steroid use.

Can Cats Get Allergies?

Absolutely. Cats commonly develop environmental allergies, food allergies, and flea allergy dermatitis. They often show different signs than dogs, including excessive grooming, hair loss, scabs around the neck, and overgrooming of the belly or legs.

Why Does My Dog Only Chew One Foot?

Several possibilities include foreign body, local injury, arthritis, contact irritation, and early allergy disease. Persistent chewing of one foot deserves a veterinary examination.

Can Stress Make Allergies Worse?

Stress doesn't cause allergies. However, stress can make itching more noticeable and increase licking or chewing behaviors, creating a cycle that's difficult to break.

Why Is My Dog Only Itchy During the Summer?

Seasonal allergies often follow the pollination patterns of grasses, trees, and weeds. Many dogs are comfortable during the winter but develop significant itching during warmer months.

Is Allergy Testing Worth It?

Sometimes. The biggest misconception is that allergy testing diagnoses allergies. It doesn't. Allergy testing is primarily used to develop allergen-specific immunotherapy after environmental allergies have already been diagnosed.

Is It Normal for Allergies to Get Worse Every Year?

Allergies can change over time, and some dogs develop more frequent or more severe flare-ups as they age. That doesn't necessarily mean you've done something wrong or that the treatment has failed. Good long-term management can help reduce the frequency and severity of those flares.

Why Do My Dog's Allergies Keep Coming Back?

Because allergies are a chronic disease. Treatments often control symptoms. They don't eliminate the underlying tendency to develop allergic reactions. That's why long-term management is usually necessary.

Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Ear Infections?

For many dogs, recurrent ear infections are actually an allergy problem. The infection is the result. The allergy is the underlying cause. Until the allergy is managed, ear infections often continue to recur.

Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Their Feet?

Foot licking is one of the classic signs of allergic skin disease. However, it's not the only cause. Dogs may also lick their feet because of yeast infections, arthritis, foreign bodies, contact irritation, or pain.

Why Does My Dog Smell Like Corn Chips?

A mild corn chip smell from the feet can be normal. A strong odor combined with redness, itching, or licking may indicate a yeast overgrowth or skin infection that should be evaluated.

Can Puppies Have Allergies?

True environmental allergies are uncommon in very young puppies. When a puppy is extremely itchy, veterinarians often first consider fleas, mange, ringworm, skin infections, and parasites. Environmental allergies usually develop later.

Can My Dog Be Allergic to People?

Rarely, dogs can be sensitized to allergens associated with human dander. But when a dog seems allergic to people, much more common household allergens—such as dust mites, molds, and other environmental triggers—are usually more relevant.

Should I Bathe My Dog More During Allergy Season?

Often, yes. Regular bathing can help remove pollen, dust, and other allergens from the skin and coat. Some allergy dogs benefit from weekly bathing, while the ideal frequency and shampoo depend on the individual dog's skin and treatment plan.

Will My Dog Need Allergy Medication Forever?

Not necessarily. Some dogs need treatment only during allergy seasons. Others benefit from long-term medications or allergy immunotherapy. Every treatment plan is individualized.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Allergies

Quick Answers to the Questions I Hear Every Week

These are the questions owners ask me every day in the exam room. Some have simple answers, while others link to more in-depth articles throughout the Allergy Learning Center.

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Showing 27 of 27 questions

Ask Dr. Rene'

Dr. Rene's Final Thought

One thing I hope you've learned throughout this Allergy Learning Center is that there isn't a single answer that works for every itchy dog.

The right treatment isn't about choosing the newest medication, the most expensive food, or the strongest shampoo.

It's about understanding why your dog is itchy in the first place.

When we identify the underlying causes, treat infections, control fleas, support the skin barrier, manage the environment, and choose medications thoughtfully, most dogs can live comfortable, happy lives—even if they never completely outgrow their allergies.

My goal isn't just to stop the scratching.

It's to help you understand what's happening beneath the surface so you can become an informed partner in your dog's care.

Explore the complete Allergy Learning Center Start again from Part 1

References & Further Reading

Miller J, Simpson A, Bloom P, et al. 2023 AAHA Management of Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats Guidelines. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2023;59(6):255–284. doi:10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7396
Hensel P, Santoro D, Favrot C, Hill P, Griffin C. Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for diagnosis and allergen identification. BMC Vet Res. 2015;11:196. PMID: 26260508
Olivry T, DeBoer DJ, Favrot C, Jackson HA, Mueller RS, Nuttall T, Prélaud P; International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals. Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2015 updated guidelines from the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA). BMC Vet Res. 2015;11:210. PMID: 26276051
Olivry T, Mueller RS, Prélaud P. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (1): duration of elimination diets. BMC Vet Res. 2015;11:225. PMID: 26310322
Mueller RS. A systematic review of allergen immunotherapy, a successful therapy for canine atopic dermatitis and feline atopic skin syndrome. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2023;261(S1):S30–S35. PMID: 36940185
Lam A, Yu A. Overview of flea allergy dermatitis. Compend Contin Educ Vet. 2009;31(5):E1–E10. PMID: 19517416
Cosgrove SB, Wren JA, Cleaver DM, et al. A blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of the Janus kinase inhibitor oclacitinib (Apoquel) in client-owned dogs with atopic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol. 2013;24(6):587–597, e141–e142. PMID: 24581322
Michels GM, Ramsey DS, Walsh KF, et al. A blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose determination trial of lokivetmab, a caninized anti-canine IL-31 monoclonal antibody in client-owned dogs with atopic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol. 2016;27(6):478-e129. PMID: 27647569

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Canine Allergy Learning Center · Part 23 of 23

That's the final part of this series. Head back to the series hub to revisit any chapter.

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Can Dogs Outgrow Allergies?Open

Can Dogs Suddenly Develop Allergies?Open

Can Allergies Cause Diarrhea?Open

Can Allergies Make Dogs Smell Bad?Open

Why Are My Dog's Allergies Worse at Night?Open

Can My Dog Be Allergic to Chicken?Open

Is Grain Causing My Dog's Allergies?Open

Why Is My Dog Still Itchy on Apoquel®?Open

Can Dogs Take Benadryl Every Day?Open

Are Allergy Shots Worth It?Open

Will Changing Foods Cure My Dog's Allergies?Open

Why Does My Dog Improve on Antibiotics—Then Start Itching Again?Open

Is Cytopoint® Safer Than Steroids?Open

Can Cats Get Allergies?Open

Why Does My Dog Only Chew One Foot?Open

Can Stress Make Allergies Worse?Open

Why Is My Dog Only Itchy During the Summer?Open

Is Allergy Testing Worth It?Open

Is It Normal for Allergies to Get Worse Every Year?Open

Why Do My Dog's Allergies Keep Coming Back?Open

Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Ear Infections?Open

Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Their Feet?Open

Why Does My Dog Smell Like Corn Chips?Open

Can Puppies Have Allergies?Open

Can My Dog Be Allergic to People?Open

Should I Bathe My Dog More During Allergy Season?Open

Will My Dog Need Allergy Medication Forever?Open

Dr. Rene's Final Thought

References & Further Reading