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Keep your pet active and happy with expert advice from the UK's no.1 vet-recommended joint supplement brand* - your go-to source for mobility, health and wellbeing tips.
This guide explores dog food allergies, what can cause them, and how to support your dog if you're concerned about their diet.
We all want our dogs to stay healthy, but even with the best care, common dog illnesses can sometimes crop up. Some issues are easy to spot, while others appear with subtle signs. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference. This guide covers some of the common dog ailments, their causes, and how to prevent them. Understanding the facts is key, whether you have a playful puppy or a senior dog. It helps keep them happy and healthy. Most common dog health issues and illnesses As dog owners, keeping our pets healthy is a top priority. Dogs bring us joy, but they can face health challenges. Here are the top 10 health issues affecting dogs today, based on a recent study: Gum disease (12.5%) Plaque build-up causes pain, tooth loss, and bad breath Ear infections (7.3%) Bacteria or allergies can lead to head shaking and discharge Obesity (7.1%) Excess weight stresses joints and raises disease risk Overgrown nails (5.5%) Long nails cause discomfort and mobility issues Anal sac impaction (4.8%) Scooting and licking signal blocked anal sacs Diarrhoea (3.8%) Often from diet changes, scavenging or infections; watch for dehydration Vomiting (3.1%) Can be mild or a sign of illness needing vet care Lameness (2.7%) Limping or stiffness may signal injury or arthritis Arthritis (2.3%) Joint pain and reduced movement, increasingly prevalent in older dogs. Skin issues and allergies Redness, itching, or flaky skin from allergies or parasites Health topic Common issues Possible causes Treatment & support Jump to Find out more Dental Gum disease. Tooth decay and fractures. Tartar build-up. Plaque build-up. Regular cleaning and brushing at home. Dental vet check-ups. Dental issues in dogs Silent signs of dental discomfort in dogs Is your dog prone to poor dental health? How healthy are your dog’s teeth? Skin issues and allergies Parasitic infections (including flea allergies and mange)Environmentalallergies.Foodsensitivities. Flea bites. Pollen, grass, mould or cleaning products. Certain proteins or carbohydrate sources, wheat grain and soy. Additives. Mite bites. Flea treatment. Paw wipes. Sensitive shampoo. Dietary changes – speak to your vet. Supplement support. Medication. Skin issues & allergies in dogs Dog Food Allergies Dog skin allergies Can dogs get hayfever? Digestion Diarrhoea and vomiting. Food intolerance. Pancreatitis. Sudden food changes. Infections - bacteria and viruses. Eating something that disagrees with them or something they shouldn’t. Intolerance to certain foods. Fatty foods. Dietary changes. Medication. Supplement support. Vet-approved diet. Stomach, digestion and diet issues in dogs How to help your dog’s sensitive stomach Stomach problems in dogs: Symptoms, causes and treatments How to support your dog’s digestion Joints Arthritis. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Stiffness and slowing down. Muscle loss. Ageing. Illness. Medication. Exercise and weight control. Physiotherapy. Supplement support. Surgery. Joint & musculoskeletal issues in dogs Stiff joints in dogs: why your dog's joints hurt & caring for them How to help a dog with arthritis at home Muscle atrophy in dogs Eyes, ears and nails Infections. Sight loss. Cataracts. Conjunctivitis. Dry eyes. Long nails. Ingrown nails. Infections caused by bacteria, yeast, or allergies. Ageing. Irregular cutting. Medication. Supplement support. Regular trimming. Other common physical issues in dogs When and how to clean your dog's ears How to take care of your dog’s eyes How to cut dog nails About dog health issues Now that we've covered the top 10 dog diseases, let’s dive deeper. Each section covers causes, symptoms and treatments. We’ll start with dog dental health. Dental issues in dogs Dog oral health plays a big role in overall wellbeing. Yet many owners don’t realise there's a problem until it becomes painful or advanced. Here are the most common dental issues in dogs and how to manage them. Gum disease Also called Gingival Disease, this is one of the most common dog illnesses. Plaque builds up first. It can lead to sore gums, tooth loss, and infections that spread beyond the mouth. Signs include bad breath, red gums, and trouble eating.Regular brushing and dental check-ups help prevent it. Tooth decay and fractures Dogs can crack teeth by chewing hard toys, stones, or bones. Decay may also set in if plaque isn’t removed. Watch for signs like drooling, chewing on one side, or avoiding food. Treatment may mean tooth removal or repair by a vet. Tartar build-up If plaque isn’t cleaned away, it hardens into tartar. This sits on the teeth and under the gums causing irritation and infection. A vet may need to carry out a professional clean under anaesthetic. Retained baby teeth In some breeds, baby teeth don’t fall out as they should. This can lead to crowding, decay and discomfort. Common in small breeds, extraction under general anesthetic may be needed. For more on healthy dog teeth, visit our guide: How healthy are your dog’s teeth. You can also read our article on Do dogs get tooth pain? for signs to watch for and how to help. [pet-profile-banner-wellness] Skin issues & allergies in dogs Dogs often have skin allergies, but the signs aren’t always clear. Pests, diet and more can cause skin issues. The good news? Many problems can be managed or prevented once you know the cause.
From mild irritation to more persistent signs, dog skin allergies are surprisingly common – and something many owners find themselves trying to manage at some point. Whether your dog has started scratching more than usual or you’re just curious to learn more, we’re here to help you understand the causes of skin allergies in dogs, how to spot the signs, and simple steps that can help support their comfort. Dog skin allergy signs Every dog is different – and so are the signs of a skin allergy. For some, the signs might be subtle. For others, they can impact day-to-day life. Here's what to look for: Itching or excessive licking Red, sore or inflamed skin Rashes or bumps on the skin Hair loss or thinning fur Ear scratching or frequent head shaking Restlessness, lower energy or seeming unsettled In some cases, you may notice signs that look like an allergic reaction on dogs’ skin – especially after contact with a particular material, or an insect or flea bite. If your dog has swelling around the face or mouth, or seems to be struggling with breathing or walking, it’s important to contact your vet straight away. Causes of skin allergies in dogs Just like humans, dog skin allergies can be caused by a wide range of environmental or dietary factors. These are often referred to as allergens for dogs, and can include everyday things like pollen, fleas or even the material in your dog’s bed. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common triggers. Flea allergies in dogs Fleas bites can be irritating for our dogs and can cause itching and inflammation, but did you know some dogs can also be allergic to fleas? If your dog with itchy skin is licking, scratching or showing red patches, it’s worth checking for fleas. You may not always spot the fleas themselves, but signs like flea dirt (tiny dark specks) in their coat can be a useful clue. To learn more, take a look at why does my dog keep itching. For support at home, regular, appropriate flea control for all pets – and treating your home environment – can help manage ongoing concerns. Pollen allergies in dogs Just like us, dogs can also react to pollen. These reactions can happen all year round but tend to spike in spring and summer. If your dog seems itchier after a walk, or frequently rolls in grass, pollen could be playing a part. Washing or wiping down paws and coats after walks can help limit exposure. During high pollen days, try walking in the early morning or evening when levels are lower. Food allergies in dogs Food sensitivities are another possible cause of allergic reaction in dogs – particularly when signs are ongoing or seem to appear unpredictably. In many cases, dogs can react to ingredients they’ve been eating for a long time rather than something new. Common allergens for dogs can include animal proteins and also some carbohydrates. If you’re noticing changes in your dog’s digestion or behaviour after meals, it might be time to consider a new approach. Keeping a food diary and speaking to your vet about a diet trial can be a helpful step in understanding what’s going on. For more on digestive signs, take a look at our guide to upset stomach in dogs. Atopy in dogs Atopic dermatitis is a skin concern that can be very uncomfortable for dogs, often making them feel extremely itchy. It usually becomes noticeable in young dogs between around six months and three years old, but can sometimes develop later in life. Although not yet fully understood, atopy is thought to have a genetic link, as certain breeds may be more prone to developing it. Dogs with atopy often show signs like head shaking, paw licking, face rubbing, or reacting to allergens such as dust or grass. It may take time for these signs to show a pattern, and vets often recommend ruling out other potential causes such as fleas or food before settling on atopy. Controlling other potential allergens can also help control the atopy. There’s no single test for atopy, but by keeping a close eye on your dog and making a few simple adjustments, you can help find the right support for them. How to help dog allergies Wondering how to help dog allergies? Every dog is different, but here are a few helpful approaches that could support their comfort: Try gentle dog skin supplements with Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids Use specially formulated shampoos for sensitive skin Keep their coat and paws clean after walks Speak to your vet about hypoallergenic diets Ensure regular, year-round flea control Create a calm, clean living space with fewer triggers If your dog’s scratching, licking or skin irritation isn’t improving, a chat with your vet is always a helpful next step. Read our tips on how to support your dog with dry skin this summer. Small changes can have a big impact Dog skin allergies can affect dogs of all ages and breeds – but with the right understanding and support, you can help them feel more comfortable day to day. Often, it’s a combination of small changes that work together to make the biggest difference, helping to manage allergies more effectively. From spotting early signs to reducing exposure to allergens for dogs, even small adjustments can have a positive impact on your dog’s wellbeing.
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