Just like for humans, allergies in dogs can be difficult to determine. However, recognizing the signs and identifying the most common pup allergies will help you narrow down the list so you can start giving your pooch some relief. 

The three most common dog allergies are fleas, food, and environmental. You’ll know something’s up with your pup if they are itching their ears and skin or licking their paws more than usual.

The good news is that once an allergy is spotted, you can ease symptoms by trying some easy home remedies.

1. Start and maintain a monthly flea and tick prevention routine. This is one of the most common causes of allergies in dogs. Dogs are often allergic to flea saliva so even one bite from a flea can cause a cascade of allergies. 
2. Food allergies are often caused by an adverse reaction to proteins and carbohydrates in their diet. If you started a new diet and your pup is now itchy please discontinue the diet and contact your local veterinarian in regards to eliminating the allergen from the food. We recommend keeping proteins consistent at home so we can determine what protein your pup is allergic to.
3. Allergies are often seasonal and dogs will often get allergies in the warmer months just like humans, so please be aware of this and bring your pup to the veterinarian if your dog is having a flare up. Common environmental allergies include pollen, mold and dust mites. 
4. Give your pooch a bath to lessen symptoms. Using a hypoallergenic dog shampoo and incorporating weekly baths into your routine will help remove allergens and sooth itchy skin. 
5. Wipe their paws when they come in from outside to wipe off any allergens from outside. You can use a damp towel or buy allergy wipes from your local pet store. 
6. Administer over-the-counter Benadryl, which is considered safe and commonly used in veterinary practices. You can give your pup their body weight in milligrams of Benadryl twice daily. For example, a 20-pound dog can have 20 mg of Benadryl. Remember to provide lots of fresh water, as giving them Benadryl will make them thirsty.
7. Give your pup Omega-3 and fish oil supplements. Not only will they help relieve allergies by promoting a silky coat, but they can also help with joint pain and reduce inflammation. 
8. If you purchased a new bed for your pup, or bought new furniture in the household and now your pup is itchy and losing hair, consider this as a contact dermatitis (allergy) and get rid of it. 

Keep in mind that these at home remedies are not a substitute for veterinary care and as always, if symptoms persist, see your veterinarian so that they can provide a proper diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan.