Why Your Dog’s Allergies Keep Coming Back

And How to Support Them Naturally — With Your Vet

Dog allergies are… drama.

If you’re living with an itchy dog, you know exactly what I mean. Paw licking. Inflamed ears. Red skin. Scratching that seems to come out of nowhere — and never quite disappears.

And if you’ve ever felt stuck between medication and “just managing it forever,” this article is for you.

This is not about replacing your vet.
This is about adding more support.

First, A Little Backstory (Because This Matters)

Before Ciccio, there was Bucky.

I did what most loving dog owners do. I fed her a decent-quality dog food and trusted that everything she needed was covered.

Then she was diagnosed with cancer.

That diagnosis changed everything for me. The California girl in me went into research mode. I started asking questions. I started looking at food differently. Not as a replacement for veterinary care — but as something powerful that could support her body while we worked alongside our vet.

I learned a lot.

But I learned it too late for my sweet Bucky.

Today, I share what I’ve learned so other dog owners don’t have to discover these things in crisis. Small changes can make a big difference — especially when it comes to immune health.

 

Dog Allergies: It’s Not Just Pollen

When my current dog, Ciccio, started scratching his chin until it bled and having sudden ear flare-ups, we did what you’re supposed to do: we went to the vet.

He was prescribed Apoquel, which is considered the gold standard medication for managing chronic allergies in dogs.

And it worked.

But here’s what I noticed: the symptoms improved, yet the underlying sensitivity seemed to remain. And like many owners, I didn’t love the idea of long-term medication if there was something more I could do to support his system.

(Also, let’s be honest — Apoquel is not cheap.)

The turning point came when I stopped looking at allergies as a skin problem and started seeing them as an immune system issue.

 

Why Dog Allergies Are Often Immune-Driven

Allergies don’t exist in isolation.

Your dog’s:

• Gut
• Immune system
• Skin

…are constantly communicating.

When the immune system is overly reactive, it releases histamines in response to triggers (pollen, certain proteins, environmental irritants). That reaction shows up as itching, redness, ear infections, and chronic inflammation.

Medication like Apoquel helps reduce the inflammatory response. And that can be incredibly helpful — even necessary.

But medication manages the reaction.

It doesn’t necessarily strengthen the immune system’s ability to respond calmly over time.

That’s where nutrition comes in.

The Gut–Immune Connection in Dogs

Roughly 70% of the immune system is connected to the gut.

If gut health is compromised — whether from highly processed diets, lack of diversity in nutrients, stress, or repeated inflammation — the immune system can become dysregulated.

This doesn’t mean commercial dog food is “bad.” It provides balanced nutrition, which is no small thing.

But adding supportive nutrients can make a significant difference, especially for dogs dealing with chronic allergy symptoms.

Spirulina for Dogs: Immune Support, Not a Quick Fix

One of the most helpful additions for Ciccio was spirulina.

Spirulina is a nutrient-dense blue-green algae rich in:

• Antioxidants
• Phycocyanin
• Chlorophyll
• Essential amino acids

Importantly, spirulina has been studied for its ability to support immune modulation and help balance histamine responses.

It supports the immune system so it doesn’t overreact as dramatically in the first place.

And over time, that distinction matters.

What Happened With Ciccio

When I started supporting Ciccio’s gut and immune system consistently — including adding spirulina — things shifted.

His scratching stopped.
His chin healed.
His ears settled.

And today?

He no longer needs Apoquel at all. No flare-ups. No recurring inflammation.

Would I use medication again if he needed it? Absolutely. Without hesitation.

Medication is a tool.

But right now, he doesn’t need it — and that tells me his system is more balanced than it used to be.

Spirulina Dosage for Dogs

If you’re considering spirulina for your dog, here are general guidelines:

A typical range is 10–25 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.

For example:

• 5 kg dog → 50–125 mg daily
• 10–15 kg dog → 100–375 mg daily

Always start at the lower end and increase gradually. And speak to your vet before introducing supplements, especially if your dog is on medication.

Consistency is key. Spirulina works best as part of a daily routine, not as a short-term fix.

When Natural Support Makes Sense

Natural immune support can be especially helpful for dogs who:

• Have recurring seasonal allergies
• Experience chronic ear inflammation
• Lick their paws regularly
• Improve on medication but relapse when stopping

This isn’t about choosing between “medical” and “natural.”

It’s about layering support.

You are allowed to bring ideas to your vet. You are allowed to explore options that strengthen your dog’s system long-term.

How I Make It Easy

I created Fresh Breath Spirulina Treats as an easy, daily way to support immune and skin health.

Yes, they improve breath — but the real work happens inside.

If your dog struggles with allergies, you can learn more here:
👉 https://www.thebarkery.ch/products/fresh-breath-spirulina-dog-treats

If you’d like to read more about immune health and spirulina, these articles go deeper:

5 Signs Your Dog’s Immune System Needs Support
https://www.thebarkery.ch/blogs/blog/5-signs-your-dog-s-immune-system-needs-support

Improve Your Dog’s Health with Spirulina
https://www.thebarkery.ch/blogs/blog/improve-your-dogs-health-with-spirulina

Final Thoughts

Losing Bucky taught me that waiting until something is wrong is often too late.

Ciccio taught me that small, consistent support can change the trajectory of a dog’s health.

Dog allergies are frustrating. Emotional. Expensive. Exhausting.

But with the right combination of veterinary care and nutritional support, they don’t have to define your dog’s life.

And that’s why our treats don’t just taste amazing… they work harder for your dog’s health.