Allergies are one of the most frustrating and expensive health conditions affecting dogs in the UK. They cause chronic itching, recurrent infections, and significant distress for both dogs and their owners — and unlike many conditions, they are rarely “cured.” They are managed, often for life. This guide covers the three main types of canine allergy, how they are diagnosed, and the treatment options including the newer medications Apoquel and Cytopoint that have transformed allergy management.
The Three Types of Dog Allergy
1. Atopic Dermatitis (Environmental Allergies)
- Reaction to environmental allergens: pollens, dust mites, mould spores
- Can be seasonal (grass pollen in summer) or year-round (dust mites)
- Typically appears between 6 months and 3 years of age
- Most affected areas: paws (constant licking), ears, belly, armpits, face
2. Food Allergies
- True immune reaction to a specific protein in the diet
- Common triggers: beef, chicken, wheat, dairy, egg — but any ingredient is possible
- Symptoms: itching (especially paws, ears), but also vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss
- Food allergy cannot be diagnosed by blood test — only by elimination diet
3. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
- Hypersensitivity to proteins in flea saliva
- A single flea bite can cause intense itching for days in an allergic dog
- Most affected areas: base of tail, lower back, inner thighs
- Treatment: rigorous, year-round flea prevention for all pets in the household
Diagnosis
- Rule out parasites first — fleas, mites (skin scrapes and trial treatments)
- Elimination diet for food allergy: 8–12 weeks on a novel protein + carbohydrate diet with absolutely no other food, treats, or supplements. If symptoms improve, reintroduce original foods one by one to identify the trigger
- Intradermal skin testing for environmental allergies: performed by a veterinary dermatologist, small amounts of allergens injected into the skin (~£520)
- Blood tests for environmental allergens (IgE antibody levels) — less accurate than skin testing but more widely available
Treatment Options
Apoquel (Oclacitinib)
- Oral tablet — JAK inhibitor that blocks itch signals
- Relief within 4 hours — very fast-acting
- Not a steroid — more targeted with fewer broad side effects
- Not suitable for dogs under 12 months or under 3 kg
- Long-term use may slightly increase infection susceptibility
- Cost: ~£1–2 per tablet (dose-dependent)
Cytopoint (Lokivetmab)
- Injection given by your vet — targets IL-31, the protein that triggers itching
- Lasts 4–8 weeks per injection
- Generally very well tolerated — safe for dogs of any age and with other conditions
- Excellent for dogs that are difficult to medicate orally
- Not a drug — it’s a monoclonal antibody, so it doesn’t burden the liver
Immunotherapy (Allergy Vaccines)
- Regular injections or sublingual drops of identified allergens to desensitise the immune system
- Takes 6–12 months to show full effect
- ~70% of dogs respond favourably — the only treatment that addresses the underlying cause
- Cost: £150–£960 depending on the protocol
FAQs
Apoquel or Cytopoint — which is better?
Neither is universally “better” — they work differently and suit different dogs. Apoquel is an oral daily tablet that owners can administer at home; Cytopoint is a vet-administered injection lasting weeks. Some dogs respond better to one than the other. Many dermatologists start with Cytopoint (because it’s well-tolerated and avoids daily medication) and switch to Apoquel if the response is insufficient, or use them in combination for severe cases. Your vet or veterinary dermatologist can help determine the best approach for your dog.
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, MRCVS
Dr. Jenkins is a fully practicing veterinary surgeon in the UK with over 15 years of clinical experience in small animal medicine and canine behaviour. She reviews and verifies our health content to ensure medical accuracy.
