Picture this: It’s 2 AM, and your dog is scratching so loudly it sounds like they’re trying to dig an escape tunnel through their own skin. Or maybe you’ve noticed your usually playful pup has become obsessed with licking their paws, and we mean obsessed, like they’re trying to solve the world’s most important puzzle with their tongue.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not losing your mind.

At Big Hearted Breeders, these midnight scratching sessions and paw-licking marathons are some of the most common concerns we hear about. After more than a decade of breeding Mini Golden Retrievers, we’ve learned that dog allergies are way more common than most people realize, and the signs aren’t always what we’d expect.

How to Spot Allergies in Your Dog

Dogs don’t show allergies the way we do. Forget the sneezing and watery eyes (though some dogs do that too). Instead, watch for these signs:

• Excessive scratching or biting at their skin – This is the big one. If your dog is scratching like they’re trying to dig to China, dog allergies are probably the culprit.
• Constant paw licking – I’ve had families tell me their dog licks their paws for hours. It’s not normal grooming behavior when it goes on that long.
• Ear problems – Red, itchy ears or recurring ear infections often point to allergies. This one surprises a lot of people because they don’t connect ears to dog allergies.
• Hot spots – These are those angry, inflamed patches of skin that dogs create by scratching or licking the same spot over and over.
• Seasonal sneezing – Some dogs do sneeze when pollen counts are high, just like people do.

We had one family whose dog would scratch herself raw every evening. Turns out it was seasonal allergies, and once we figured out a management routine, she went back to her usual, happy self.

What Causes Dog Allergies?

The triggers are pretty similar to what bothers people, actually:

• Environmental allergens – Pollen is probably the biggest troublemaker we see. Mold, dust mites, and even grass can set some dogs off too.
• Flea allergies – Even one flea bite can make a sensitive dog miserable for days. We’ve seen dogs with flea allergies scratch themselves raw from just a couple of bites.
• Food sensitivities – Less common than environmental allergies, but some dogs react to certain proteins, grains, or additives in their food.
• Household products – Cleaning supplies, fabric softeners, air fresheners, basically anything with strong chemicals can irritate sensitive dogs.

In our experience with Mini Golden Retrievers, they are generally pretty hardy dogs, but like any breed, some are more sensitive than others. The key is figuring out what’s triggering the reaction.

Managing Dog Allergies: What Actually Works

Over the years, we’ve developed some go-to strategies that really help. These aren’t complicated solutions – just consistent habits that make a big difference:

• Clean paws and bellies after outdoor time. We recommend keeping pet wipes by the door for easy cleanup. A quick wipe-down removes pollen and grass before it can cause problems.
• Regular baths with the right shampoo are recommended once a week during allergy season, using a gentle, dog-safe shampoo. Don’t overdo it; too much bathing dries out their skin.
• Keep the house clean. Vacuum regularly, especially carpets where allergens love to hang out. We’ve seen dramatic improvements just from better housekeeping.
• Watch those ears. Allergies and ear infections often occur together. Keep ears clean and dry, and check them weekly.

One of our puppy families started doing the paw-wipe routine after their dog’s sneezing fits during spring walks. Within two weeks, the sneezing stopped almost completely. Sometimes the simplest changes have the most significant impact.

Supporting Your Dog From the Inside Out

Good nutrition plays a huge role in managing dog allergies. A strong immune system handles allergens much better than a weak one. That’s why we feed pawTree’s balanced recipes to all our dogs here at Big Hearted Breeders.

We’ve also had great success with targeted supplements. PawTree’s Allergy Support Plus is something we recommend: It’s veterinarian-developed and helps support the body’s natural response to allergens. The dogs love it because it tastes like a treat, and we love it because it actually works.

These supplements aren’t magic bullets, but when combined with good food and consistent care routines, they can make a real difference in your dog’s comfort level.

When to Call the Vet

Most mild allergy symptoms can be handled at home with the right routine. But there are times when you need professional help:

• Open sores or skin infections from excessive scratching
• Symptoms that don’t improve after 2-3 weeks of management efforts
• Recurring ear infections
• Your dog seems genuinely miserable: not eating, sleeping poorly, and can’t enjoy normal activities

Veterinarians can run allergy tests, prescribe medications if needed, or recommend specialized treatments. Don’t feel like you have to figure everything out on your own.

Our Philosophy on Dog Allergies

At Big Hearted Breeders, we believe allergies are just part of life for some dogs, not a character flaw or something to be ashamed of. The goal is to catch symptoms early and build sustainable routines that keep your dog comfortable.

Common Questions About Dog Allergies

Are pollen allergies real in dogs?
Absolutely. Many dogs react to seasonal pollen just like people do.

What about food allergies?
They happen, but they’re less common than environmental allergies. Food-allergic dogs often have chronic ear issues and digestive problems along with the itching.

Do puppies get allergies?
Some do, but allergies more commonly develop as dogs get older, usually after their first birthday.

How can you tell if it’s fleas or environmental allergies?
Flea allergies usually cause intense itching around the tail and lower back. Environmental allergies typically show up as paw licking, ear problems, and belly/face itching.

Do allergy supplements actually work?
When used consistently as part of an overall management plan, yes. We’ve seen good results with quality supplements like Allergy Support Plus.

When should we call our vet?
If symptoms are severe, getting worse, or causing secondary infections, it’s time for professional guidance.

Keeping Your Pup Comfortable

Dog allergies are frustrating, but they don’t have to control your life or your dog’s happiness. With some patience, consistent routines, and the right support, most dogs with allergies live completely normal, comfortable lives.

At Big Hearted Breeders, we’re always here to help our families navigate these challenges. Allergies might be common, but every dog deserves to feel their best, even with itchy skin. With the right approach, those scratching fits and paw-licking sessions become a thing of the past.