Puppy Guide
Cavoodle Allergies: Signs, Causes & Treatment
Feb
Cavoodles are often marketed as “hypoallergenic”—great for people with allergies. But what about when the Cavoodle is the one with allergies?
🎯 Quick Answer
Cavoodles are prone to allergies—both from Cavalier and Poodle genetics. Common signs: itching, ear infections, paw licking, and skin irritation. Environmental and food allergies are most common. See your vet for diagnosis; treatment includes medication, diet changes, and regular grooming to remove allergens.
Cavoodle allergies are surprisingly common. They can inherit sensitivity from either parent breed, and the signs aren’t always obvious. Many owners spend months treating symptoms without realising an allergy is the root cause.
Are Cavoodles Prone to Allergies?
Yes, more than some breeds. Both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles have genetic tendencies toward allergies, and these can pass to their Cavoodle offspring.
The most common types:
- Skin allergies (atopic dermatitis)
- Food allergies
- Environmental allergies
Signs Your Cavoodle May Have Allergies
| Area | Signs | Common Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | Itching, red skin, hot spots, hair loss, bumps | Environmental or food allergies |
| Ears | Recurring infections, excessive wax, redness | Often allergy-related |
| Paws | Constant licking, red pads, brown staining | Environmental allergens |
| Digestive | Loose stools, vomiting, gas | Food allergies/sensitivities |
| Face | Eye discharge, facial rubbing, tear staining | Environmental or contact |
💡 Marine’s Pro Tip
In the salon, I see a lot of dogs who’ve been struggling with “skin problems” for months before anyone thinks to check for allergies. If your Cavoodle is constantly itchy, has recurring ear infections, or licks their paws obsessively, don’t just treat the symptoms—ask your vet about allergies.
Types of Cavoodle Allergies
Environmental Allergies (Atopy)
Common triggers: Dust mites, pollen (grass, trees, weeds), mould spores, cleaning products, fabric softeners.
Characteristics: Often seasonal (worse in spring/summer), may start around 1-3 years of age, affects skin primarily, usually lifelong.
Food Allergies
Common triggers: Chicken (most common in Australia), beef, dairy, wheat/grains, eggs, soy.
Characteristics: Year-round symptoms, may cause both skin and digestive issues, can develop at any age.
Contact Allergies
Common triggers: Certain plants, carpet chemicals, plastic bowls, cleaning products on floors, grass treatments.
Characteristics: Affects contact areas (belly, paws, chin), often localised redness, may improve when contact is removed.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Allergic reaction to flea saliva. Intense itching from even one flea bite, often around tail base and back legs.
Getting a Diagnosis
Don’t self-diagnose. Allergy symptoms overlap with many other conditions. Start with your vet.
What the Vet Will Do
- Physical examination — Assessing skin, ears, overall condition
- History — When symptoms started, patterns, diet history
- Rule out parasites — Skin scraping, flea check
- Rule out infections — May need skin cultures
- Discuss testing options — Blood tests or elimination diets
Allergy Testing Options
| Test Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blood tests | Environmental allergies | Less reliable for food allergies |
| Intradermal skin testing | Environmental allergies | Most accurate; done by dermatologist |
| Food elimination trial | Food allergies | ✅ Gold standard for food allergies |
Treating Environmental Cavoodle Allergies
Environmental allergies are typically managed, not cured.
Reduce Exposure
- Regular bathing (removes allergens from coat)
- Wipe paws after walks
- HEPA air filters indoors
- Wash bedding frequently
- Avoid walking during high pollen times
Medication Options
- Antihistamines: Over-the-counter options work for some dogs
- Apoquel: Prescription medication that blocks itch signals—very effective
- Cytopoint: Injectable antibody treatment lasting 4-8 weeks
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots): Custom injections to reduce sensitivity over time
💡 Marine’s Pro Tip
Regular bathing really does help allergic dogs—it washes the allergens off their skin. I’ve had clients whose dogs improved significantly just by switching to weekly baths with a gentle, medicated shampoo. It’s not a cure, but it makes a difference.
Treating Food Allergies
Elimination Diet
The only reliable way to identify food allergies.
- Feed a “novel protein” diet—a protein your dog has never eaten (kangaroo, rabbit, venison)
- OR feed a hydrolysed protein diet
- Nothing else—no treats, no scraps—for 8-12 weeks
- If symptoms improve, reintroduce old foods one at a time
- Watch for reactions to identify the trigger
Why it takes so long: Allergic inflammation takes weeks to settle.
Cost Expectations
Allergy management can be expensive. Rough Australian costs:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Vet consultation | $70-150 |
| Allergy testing | $300-800 |
| Apoquel (monthly) | $80-150 |
| Cytopoint injection | $100-200 per injection |
| Elimination diet food | $100-150/month |
Living with an Allergic Cavoodle
Most dogs with allergies live happy, comfortable lives with proper management. It takes some adjustment, but becomes routine.
Track patterns: Keep a symptom diary noting what they ate, where they walked, weather/season, and symptom severity.
Regular grooming helps: Clean coat = fewer allergens sitting on skin.
Patience required: Finding the right treatment takes time. Stick with it.
Written by Marine Ponchaut
Marine is the founder of WoofSpark, a professional dog grooming salon in Cessnock, NSW. Since founding WoofSpark in 2019, she has groomed thousands of dogs and often notices skin and coat changes that may indicate allergies.
Related Guides
- Cavoodle Ear Infections — Often allergy-related
- Cavoodle Grooming Schedule — Bathing for allergen removal
- Cavoodle Puppy Checklist — Starting healthy
Regular Grooming Supports Skin Health
If your Cavoodle has allergies, regular baths help remove allergens from their coat. Book an appointment or contact us to discuss your dog’s needs.