8 common signs your pet might have allergies

You know your pet better than anyone. You can tell when they’re hungry, moody, or plotting to knock your favorite plant off the shelf (again).

But what about when something’s off—like constant scratching, weird sneezing fits, or sudden ear issues?

Chances are, your furry friend might be dealing with something more than just a “bad fur day.” Yes, we’re talking about allergies.

And no, allergies aren’t just a human thing. Pets—dogs, cats, even bunnies—can have allergic reactions to all sorts of things, from pollen and dust to food and even your fancy new detergent.

If your dog is scratching like they’ve just watched a horror movie, or your cat has turned into a full-time paw-licker, that’s your first red flag.

While occasional scratching is normal, excessive itching, biting, or licking—especially in the same spots—can mean trouble. Common itchy zones include ears, paws, belly, base of the tail, and face (yes, those adorable eyes and nose!). This kind of itchiness can point to environmental allergies (like pollen or mold), flea allergies, or even food sensitivities. And unlike fleas, allergies don’t go away with one bath—they’re persistent.

Dogs (and some cats) with allergies often develop ear infections—especially if they’re floppy-eared breeds. Watch for signs like frequent head shaking, scratching at the ears, redness or swelling, a funky, yeasty smell and dark, waxy discharge. If your pet’s ears look like a science experiment gone wrong, don’t ignore it—ear infections caused by allergies can get real nasty, real fast.

If your pup is turning their paws into a chew toy or your cat is constantly licking one spot raw, it’s a classic allergy giveaway. Many pets with allergies have itchy, inflamed paws, and they try to self-soothe by licking or chewing. Over time, you might even notice redness or swelling between the toes, hair loss, and brown staining from saliva (especially in light-colored pets). This could be due to grass allergies, mold, dust mites, or even something in their food. Spoiler alert: licking the problem doesn’t solve it.

Pets can get eye allergies too. If your fur baby’s eyes are constantly tearing up, bloodshot, or have a sticky discharge, don’t brush it off. Look out for squinting or rubbing the face, puffy eyelids, crusty buildup near the corners, and sensitivity to light. Some pets are allergic to seasonal allergens like ragweed or trees. Others might react to cigarette smoke, perfume, or cleaning products. So yes, even your lavender-scented candle could be the villain here.

Dogs (especially small breeds) are prone to sneezing and loud snorting sounds that look and sound dramatic but aren’t always dangerous. However, if your pet is doing it often, or also coughing or wheezing, allergies could be the culprit. Respiratory signs to watch repeated sneezing, coughing (dry or hacking), congestion or wheezing, and shortness of breath. Airborne allergens like pollen, dust, mold, or even cigarette smoke can trigger these symptoms—especially in pets with preexisting breathing issues.

If your pet’s skin starts to resemble a bumpy road map or they’ve got weird bald patches, allergies may be at play. Allergic skin reactions (also known as atopic dermatitis) can look like red, inflamed skin, scaly patches or flaky dandruff, oozing sores or scabs and thickened, elephant-like skin (in chronic cases). These can be triggered by anything from food allergies to flea bites (even one single flea can cause major drama in some pets!). So if your dog’s skin feels more like sandpaper than fur, don’t wait it out—get it checked.

Food allergies aren’t just about itchy skin. Some pets show digestive issues instead—especially with proteins like chicken, dairy, or grains. Warning signs are chronic vomiting or diarrhea, frequent gas or bloating, gurgly tummy noises, scooting or excessive butt-licking. An elimination diet (with your vet’s help) can often uncover the offending ingredient, but don’t try to Google this one on your own.

Here’s the wild card: not all allergy symptoms are physical. Some pets just act… weird when they’re uncomfortable. You might notice restlessness or pacing, withdrawal or hiding, snapping when touched (especially near itchy spots), constant whining or meowing, and lethargy or lack of interest in play. Basically, your normally happy furball suddenly becomes grumpy or clingy. Trust your gut—behavioral changes often signal something’s not right under the fur.

First things first: talk to your vet. They’ll help you figure out whether it’s a seasonal issue, a food sensitivity, or something environmental—and create a treatment plan that actually works. Here are a few tools in the vet’s allergy-fighting toolkit:

And of course, keeping your home allergy-friendly helps too: vacuum often, wash your pet’s bedding, use pet-safe cleaning products, and wipe down paws after walks. Your pet might not be able to say “Hey, I’m itchy and miserable,” but their body speaks volumes. Whether it’s endless scratching, watery eyes, or tummy troubles, allergies are sneaky—but manageable with the right care. So if something seems off, don’t chalk it up to just “pet quirks.” Listen to your instincts (and your pet’s not-so-subtle clues), and take action.