Allergy help for your dog, without the hassle
Talk to a licensed vet anytime day or night and manage common allergy symptoms like itching, licking, and irritated skin all from the comfort of home.
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How pet parents use Vetster to stay on top of their dog’s allergies
Common signs of allergies in dogs
Occasional scratching is normal for dogs. Repeated scratching, pawing at the face or ears, rubbing parts of the body against surfaces, or biting and chewing at one area is more likely to be a sign of an underlying skin condition, such as allergies. With allergies, itching is most common at the lower back and base of the tail, the face, eyes, and chin, the ears, front feet, flanks, and armpits. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common cause of itchy skin in dogs, and not seeing fleas doesn’t rule it out.
All dogs lick and chew, but obsessive licking and chewing that causes skin sores or gets in the way of normal daily activities isn’t typical. Environmental and food allergies are among the most common causes of obsessive licking and chewing at the body, along with skin infections, anxiety, boredom, and joint pain. Excessive licking can also lead to other problems, such as hair loss and open sores.
Allergies and bug bites are the most frequent causes of rashes in dogs. A rash can look like reddened skin, scabs, bumps, raw patches, sores, scales, or thickened, crusty skin. Hair loss is also common with allergies, often because the hair has been scratched, chewed, or licked away. Without proper management, scratching can lead to secondary bacterial or fungal skin infections, which may cause a foul smell or pus. If a rash gets worse or doesn’t go away after a week, see a vet.
Ear infections are common in dogs, and environmental and food allergies are among the most common underlying causes. Signs include head shaking, scratching or flicking the ear, red skin inside the ear, discharge, a foul smell, holding one ear lower than the other, and discomfort when the ears are touched. Ear infections generally don’t clear up on their own, and they often come back unless the underlying allergy is managed.
Scooting, when a dog drags their rear end across the floor, is common and doesn’t always mean there’s a medical problem. Allergies, including flea allergy dermatitis, can cause itching that leads to scooting, but anal gland problems and parasites are also common causes. Frequent scooting, or scooting along with other signs such as excessive licking, itching, or hair loss, is more likely to need a vet’s attention.
Food allergies most commonly cause itchy skin, but some dogs also have digestive symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. True food allergies are relatively uncommon, and many other conditions cause similar signs. Less commonly, dogs with seasonal allergies may develop sneezing, a runny nose, or red, watery eyes, similar to hay fever in people. Some tearing is expected after exposure to dust or pollen, but eyes that keep watering or look red or painful should be checked by a vet.
How dog allergy care works on Vetster
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1Book a virtual vet visit
Pick a time that works for you and connect with a licensed veterinarian online.
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2Get a personalized allergy treatment plan
Your veterinarian will provide the most effective allergy treatment options, tailored to your pet.
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3Get your pet’s medication delivered
Easily order medication online with fast, convenient delivery through VetsterRx.
Convenient dog allergy care from the comfort of home
24/7 access to trusted vets
Connect with a trusted vet any time with Vetster. Vetster Plus members also get unlimited access to live messaging for quick answers to pet health questions.
Learn more about Vetster Plus
Book an appointment within minutes
Skip the wait. Choose a time that works for you and your dog and easily schedule a virtual visit in just a few clicks.
Easy online prescriptions with transparent pricing
If medication is prescribed for your dog, we’ll process it through VetsterRx and take care of all the details for you.* You’ll see full pricing before checkout.
Fast, reliable home delivery
VetsterRx ships your pet’s medication quickly — usually within two days.
Guiding you through effective dog allergy treatments
Our veterinarians will work with you to find the best solutions for your pet’s age, lifestyle, and symptoms. Treatment costs vary depending on your dog’s specific needs, but you’ll always see full pricing up front.
Whether it’s short-term relief or long-term management, virtual care on Vetster gives you access to a wide range of options — no hidden fees, just professional, transparent care. Here are examples of dog allergy treatments:
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Prescription oral allergy medications may start at approximately $2 per tablet, depending on the medication, strength, and retailer
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Generic steroid tablets can cost less than $10 for 30 tablets, with the total treatment cost depending on the prescribed dose and duration
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Medicated sprays may cost around $10–$45 per bottle, depending on the product, bottle size, and retailer
Explore allergy products for dogs
There are many products that may be used to help manage dog allergy symptoms. The right approach depends on your pet’s specific condition, medical history, and environment.
Zenrelia
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Dogs -
Multiple options
Simparica
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Dogs -
Multiple options
Douxo S3 Calm Shampoo
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Dogs and puppies -
200ml
Hill’s® Prescription Diet®
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Dogs and puppies -
Choose from 6.5lb, 14.3lb or 24lb
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before starting any medication, as treatment plans should always be tailored to your individual pet's needs. Product availability, appropriateness, and legal access to prescription medications may vary based on your location and the nature of your pet’s health issue. In some locations, a valid VCPR must be established in person before prescription medications can be provided. The examples you may see here are not intended as medical advice or endorsements, and they may not be suitable for your pet.
Zenrelia™ (ilunocitinib tablets) Important Safety Information: Read the package insert, including the Boxed Warning, before using this drug. For full prescribing information speak with your veterinarian, call 1 888 545 5973 or visit www.elancolabels.com/us/zenrelia. WARNING: INADEQUATE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO VACCINES. Based on results of the vaccine response study, dogs receiving Zenrelia are at risk of an inadequate immune response to vaccines. Discontinue Zenrelia for at least 28 days to 3 months prior to vaccination and withhold Zenrelia for at least 28 days after vaccination. Dogs should be up to date on vaccinations prior to starting Zenrelia. Do not use in dogs less than 12 months old or dogs with a serious infection. Dogs should be monitored for infections because Zenrelia may increase the chances of developing an infection. Neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed during clinical studies. The most common side effects were vomiting, diarrhea and tiredness. Zenrelia has not been tested in dogs used for breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs and has not been evaluated in combination with glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, or other immune suppressive drugs.
FAQ
Vetster is an online veterinary platform that connects pet parents with licensed veterinarians from the comfort of home. Through virtual appointments, you can discuss your dog's allergy symptoms, receive professional guidance, and, when appropriate, obtain prescriptions or treatment recommendations.
Vetster veterinarians are licensed veterinary professionals who meet the requirements to practice in their jurisdictions. You can review a veterinarian's credentials, licensing information, and professional background directly on their profile before booking an appointment.
An online vet visit for your dog's allergy concerns allows a veterinarian to review your dog's symptoms, medical history, photos, and video observations to help determine the most appropriate next steps. Virtual care can help with allergy management, treatment planning, and identifying when an in-person examination may be needed. Depending on your location and your pet’s situation, a veterinarian may be able to prescribe medications or recommend other next steps. Some allergy treatments, such as Apoquel or Cytopoint, may be part of the plan when appropriate. All prescriptions are at the veterinarian’s discretion and sometimes an in-person exam is required by law or based on the vet’s medical judgment. Virtual care is often a good starting point for guidance, triage, and ongoing management, while recognizing that some pets will still need hands-on veterinary care as part of their allergy workup or treatment.
A prescription for allergy medication may be available through a Vetster appointment if the veterinarian determines it is medically appropriate and permitted in your location. Prescription decisions are always based on the veterinarian's clinical judgment, applicable regulations, and your pet's specific circumstances.
Ordering allergy medications through Vetster begins after a veterinarian issues a prescription. Where available, medications can be purchased through VetsterRx for home delivery, or you may be able to fill the prescription through a pharmacy of your choice.
The cost of dog allergy treatments varies depending on the type of medication and your pet's individual needs. Oral allergy medications may cost about $1-$3 per tablet, injectable treatments typically range from $70-$275 per injection, steroid medications may cost $20-$60 per course, custom allergy therapy often costs $40-$60 per month, and medicated sprays generally range from $15-$45 per month.