At Impawsible Pups in Richmond, Virginia, our team works hands-on with dogs every single day. From playful puppies to senior dogs, and from tiny companions to large breeds, professional grooming, including doggy daycare, dog training, pet boarding, and professional grooming, give us regular, up-close time with the dogs in our care.

Because we see many of our four-legged clients consistently, we’re often able to notice subtle changes in appearance or mood that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

For example, a professional Groomer regularly checks areas that don’t always get close attention at home, such as under the neck, between the toes, around the ears, under the tail, and along the belly. That familiarity means we’re sometimes one of the first to notice when something doesn’t seem quite right.

When that happens, it’s important to share those observations so pet parents can decide whether to reach out to their veterinarian or explore next steps. While our team is not made up of veterinary professionals and can’t diagnose medical conditions, years of professional and personal experience working with dogs have helped us recognize common warning signs.

Here are five signs that can suggest a dog may be dealing with more than a dirty coat and could be experiencing skin allergies.

1. Chronic Ear Infections

Recurring ear infections are one of the most common signs of allergies in dogs. Certain breeds like spaniels, doodles, and dogs with long, floppy ears are naturally more prone to ear issues. Frequent swimming can also play a role. When ear infections continue to return even after regular cleaning and limited water exposure, allergies may be worth considering as the cause.

Seasonal allergies caused by grass, mold, or pollen are also common triggers. In other cases, food sensitivities may be causing the allergies.

Ear infections are uncomfortable, which is why knowing what to look for matters. Our team at Impawsible Pups encourages pet parents to use their senses:

  • Look: Healthy ears should be light pink. Redness, dark buildup, inflammation, or discharge are all red flags.
  • Smell: Ear infections often have a strong, unpleasant odor.
  • Touch: Warmth or sensitivity to touch may signal pain or irritation.

While taste and hearing are technically senses too (please don’t taste your dog’s ears), it’s worth noting that severe ear infections can affect hearing. If your dog seems less responsive than usual, it’s something to pay attention to!

2. Itchy Skin

Itchy skin can be tricky to catch early. It normally starts as mild scratching or flaking and gradually becomes more noticeable. As irritation increases, your dog’s skin may appear red, bumpy, or inflamed. But in colder months, this can be mistaken for something as simple as seasonal dry skin. 

If your dog continues to scratch even with regular grooming, moisturizing shampoos, or coat conditioners, allergies may be a factor. Allergic skin reactions can also show up as greasy or waxy skin, or even a lingering odor.

In many cases, these symptoms are the result of allergies combined with a secondary bacterial or yeast infection, which would require veterinary care to properly treat.

3. Chronic Licking or Chewing

Another determining factor of allergies can be dogs that constantly lick or chew their paws, legs, or undercarriage. Over time, this behavior causes pink or brown discoloration on the paws, sometimes referred to as “pink toes.”

If the paws also have an odor similar to burnt popcorn or corn chips, yeast is likely involved. This type of reaction is usually environmental and is especially common during spring and fall, when pollen and grass levels are higher.

Environmental allergies typically don’t require dietary changes, but they can be challenging to manage since dogs can’t realistically stay indoors all the time. A consistent routine that includes wiping your dog’s paws once or twice daily or using medicated soaks can make a noticeable difference.

For dogs that deal with this seasonally, we recommend soothing paw soaks, like Paw Bomb, to help calm irritation and clean hard-to-reach areas. These soaks are a staple for many allergy-prone dogs!

4. Hair Loss or a Thinning Coat

Hair loss in dogs can happen for many reasons. Seasonal shedding is normal, and stress or excitement can also cause temporary changes in coat condition.

However, excessive shedding, thinning patches, or noticeable changes in coat texture can sometimes point to allergies or underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or Addison’s disease. That’s why it’s helpful to stay familiar with what’s normal for your dog.

Ask yourself:

  • Does your dog’s coat feel different from how it used to?
  • Is it rougher or more brittle?
  • Are you vacuuming up enough fur to build a second dog every day?

If the answer is yes, it’s time to consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues.

5. Sores & Hot Spots

When itching, licking, and thinning coats go untreated, they often lead to sores or hot spots. These areas are commonly found on the tops of paws or between the back legs and are usually caused by repeated licking because of discomfort.

Also known as lick granulomas, these sores are common in dogs with allergies. They can also be linked to other issues, such as nerve pain or neuropathy. Allergies are typically the easiest place to start when identifying the cause, but a veterinary exam is essential to determine appropriate treatment.

When to Call the Vet (and When to Talk to Your Groomer)

Many dog allergies are seasonal and can be managed with the right approach. Pollen is a common trigger and may sometimes be addressed with veterinarian-approved over-the-counter medications. Other situations may call for dietary changes, which are often more manageable with professional guidance.

If your dog appears uncomfortable, contacting your veterinarian is always the best first step. If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, your dog groomer can also be a helpful resource. Groomers regularly assess a dog’s skin and coat and often notice subtle changes over time that pet parents may miss.

Professional Dog Grooming in Richmond, Virginia

At Impawsible Pups, our goal is to support both dogs and their people! The team at Impawsible Pups is here to support you through services like grooming, doggy daycare, training, and boarding throughout the greater Richmond area. With experienced staff and a relationship-focused approach, we’re here to help every member of your furry family feel supported.

Contact us to learn more about our professional dog training services in Richmond, Virginia. Best of luck in all your doggy endeavors!