How to Identify and Remove the Root Cause of Your Dog's Allergies

If your dog is constantly itching, licking their paws, or dealing with chronic ear infections, you’re likely searching for answers. Allergies in dogs can be frustrating to manage, especially when conventional treatments only mask the symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. Instead of relying on endless cycles of medications, the key to lasting relief is identifying what’s truly triggering your dog’s allergies—and removing it from their environment or diet.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to uncover the underlying cause of your dog’s allergies and highlight a powerful tool—the Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan—to help pinpoint sensitivities and intolerances so you can take action.

Common Signs of Allergies in Dogs

Dogs can develop allergies to food, environmental factors, or chemicals, and the symptoms often overlap. Some of the most common signs of allergies include:

• Chronic itching or scratching

• Excessive paw licking or chewing

• Recurrent ear infections

• Red, irritated skin or hot spots

• Digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, gas)

• Watery eyes or nasal discharge

• Frequent anal gland issues

• Hair loss, dull coat, or excessive shedding

• Frequent paw chewing or rubbing face on furniture

• Behavioral changes such as anxiety, restlessness, or irritability

If your dog has been struggling with any of these symptoms, the first step is figuring out what’s triggering the reaction—which brings us to the importance of testing.

How to Identify the Root Cause of Your Dog’s Allergies

Instead of guessing what might be causing your dog’s allergies, using a holistic allergy and sensitivity scan can provide clear insights.

The Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan

This non-invasive biofeedback test uses a simple saliva and hair sample to analyze your dog’s sensitivities to:

• Food ingredients (common proteins, grains, and additives)

• Environmental allergens (pollens, molds, dust mites, and household toxins)

• Chemical and synthetic exposures (shampoos, cleaning products, flea treatments, vaccines, and medications)

• Nutritional imbalances (vitamin and mineral deficiencies that impact immune health)

• Mold, fungus, and yeast sensitivities (which are often overlooked but can be a major contributor to chronic issues)

Unlike traditional allergy tests that only check for true allergies (IgE reactions), this scan detects intolerances and sensitivities that may not show up in conventional testing but still cause chronic inflammation and discomfort. This makes it an excellent tool for early intervention before full-blown allergic reactions develop.

You can order the Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan here and get detailed insights into what’s affecting your dog’s well-being.

How to Remove the Root Cause of Your Dog’s Allergies

Once you’ve identified the underlying triggers, the next step is eliminating them from your dog’s life. Here’s how:

1. Adjust Their Diet Based on Test Results

• If the test reveals food sensitivities, transition to a diet free of problem ingredients. This may mean switching to a fresh, raw, or limited-ingredient diet.

• Remove common allergens like chicken, beef, wheat, soy, and corn, which are frequent culprits.

• Introduce novel proteins (such as rabbit, venison, or duck) to reduce immune reactions.

• Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3-rich fish, turmeric, and bone broth to support gut and immune health.

• Consider fermented foods and probiotics to restore gut balance and prevent further allergic responses.

2. Detox Your Dog’s Environment

• Switch to chemical-free shampoos, flea preventatives, and cleaning products.

• Use hypoallergenic bedding and wash it regularly.

• Avoid synthetic fragrances in the home (air fresheners, candles, laundry detergents).

• Use a HEPA air purifier to remove dust, dander, and airborne allergens.

• Remove household toxins such as pesticides, lawn chemicals, and flame retardants in dog beds and furniture.

3. Support Gut Health to Reduce Immune Overreactions

Many allergies stem from an imbalanced gut microbiome and leaky gut syndrome. Strengthening gut health can help the immune system tolerate allergens more effectively.

• Add a high-quality probiotic to rebalance gut bacteria.

• Feed digestive enzymes to support nutrient absorption and reduce inflammatory responses.

• Use gut-healing supplements like L-glutamine, colostrum, and bone broth.

• Avoid overuse of antibiotics and steroids, which can destroy beneficial gut bacteria.

4. Strengthen the Immune System

Chronic allergies are often a sign of an overactive or weakened immune system. Supporting immune function naturally can reduce reactivity over time.

• Feed a fresh, species-appropriate diet to nourish the immune system.

• Incorporate quercetin (“nature’s Benadryl”), which has natural antihistamine properties.

• Use reishi or turkey tail mushrooms for immune modulation.

• Provide omega-3 fatty acids to lower systemic inflammation.

• Consider adding antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and spirulina to combat oxidative stress.

5. Track Progress and Make Adjustments

Healing allergies is a process, and every dog is different. Once you’ve eliminated triggers, it’s essential to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.

• Keep a journal of your dog’s symptoms and reactions.

• Slowly reintroduce foods one at a time after several weeks to see if symptoms return.

• Work with a holistic veterinarian or pet nutritionist for personalized guidance.

• Consider seasonal detoxes to help the body eliminate allergens and prevent buildup.

Final Thoughts

Allergies in dogs aren’t just something to be managed—they’re something that can be resolved by identifying and eliminating the root cause. Instead of endlessly treating symptoms with medications, taking a root-cause approach by testing, eliminating triggers, and supporting gut health can lead to lasting relief and better overall health.

The Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan is an invaluable tool in uncovering hidden sensitivities and giving you a roadmap to healing. If your dog has been struggling with chronic allergies, this simple test could be the first step toward a healthier, itch-free life.

Order your test today at The Organic Dog Shop and start your dog’s journey to wellness!