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As a pet owner, you no doubt want to know what is and isn’t normal behaviour in your dog. You’ll want to nip any kind of discomfort in the bud with a trip to the vets, but it’s always good to have an idea of what’s caused it.
One such cause could be a food allergy. To help you understand your canine companion better, we’ll have a look at some of the most common food allergy symptoms in dogs in this post.
When your dog has an allergic reaction, it’s essentially their immune system having an overreaction to a certain ingredient – most often a form of protein. The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction will vary by the individual pet, but below are some of the most common. Usually, your dog will experience at least one of these symptoms of food allergies, if that is indeed what’s causing their discomfort.
While food allergies aren’t the most common type of allergy in dogs, they’re certainly not rare, and can often be treated with a change in diet. The majority of pet owners will find, however, that the most common causes are the same few ingredients: beef, chicken, wheat, and dairy.
Our hypoallergenic dog food avoids these common food allergens, instead opting for novel protein sources such as duck and fish, and other ingredients like buckwheat to achieve the same full nutritional balance.
Itchiness is probably the most common food allergy symptom for dogs. It’s most common in dogs around the base of the tale, as well as the back and legs, and as your dog scratches, a whole host of secondary effects can be brought on. In a lot of cases, additional signs like alopecia (hair loss), eczema (atopic dermatitis), and cuts/scratches can be caused by further agitation.
Although it is a common indicator of a food allergy, skin irritation and itchiness can also be a sign of other allergies. If the itching is seasonal rather than persistent in all seasons and weather, it’s possible that it’s a result of environmental allergies instead.
Look out for hot spots on your dog if you’re worried about an allergy. Also known as moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, hot spots are areas of red, inflamed skin lesions that can appear rapidly. Put briefly, they’re like a localised infection.
These sore-like areas can appear wet wit discharge or pus, and are often brought on by licking, scratching, or biting at skin that you dog is already irritated by. The best way to nip hot spots in the bud is to start looking for a cause as soon as your dog is experiencing itchiness.
Allergies are one of the leading causes of ear infections and inflammation in dogs. When a dog has been exposed to something they’re allergic to, they’ll likely experience skin irritation, and this includes the skin in the ear.
An allergic reaction irritates the skin in the ear as well as upsetting the natural balance of yeast and bacteria, and this disruption is what causes the ear infection. Many pet parents will treat the infection on its own without realising that there’s a deeper issue, so pay attention to whether the infection comes back.
If the equilibrium of the inner ear isn’t being restored, the infection will be near impossible to keep at bay, which is why chronic ear infections are such a common reoccurring symptom of allergies in dogs. Make sure you’re treating the cause of the infection, and not just the infection itself!
Another tell-tale sign that something’s not right with your dog’s diet is that there’s something off with their digestion.
Food can have a huge impact on a dog’s digestive system, and therefore their bodily functions, just like in humans. If you notice your pet struggling to pass their stool, passing stool more often, experiencing diarrhoea, excessive gas, or vomiting, it’s worth considering their diet as the cause.
No-one knows your dog like you do, so you’ll be able to spot if they’ve recently had a change in behaviour. Whether it’s a reduced appetite, lack of energy, restlessness, or another difference, any sudden behavioural change could be a cause for concern. Humans often get lethargic, agitated, or fatigued when something’s wrong with our bodies, and dogs are just the same.
You should also always pick up on any self-grooming habits your pet develops. This isn’t typical behaviour for dogs, so it’s possible that something’s agitating the area they’re giving new attention to.
While they don’t fit into any of the above categories, you should also be aware that swelling, watery eyes, and oily skin and coats are also potential food allergy symptoms in dogs. Whether caused by an allergy or not, anything that’s out of the ordinary for your dog should be checked out by a vet as soon as possible to resolve their discomfort.
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of an allergic reaction in dogs. While these symptoms may well point to a food allergy in your pet, it’s also possible that they’re a result of something environmental, or seasonal.
If your pet is up-to-date on flea treatments, is regularly groomed, and has no other known allergies such as dust mites or pollen, it’s worth considering whether something they’ve been eating could be to blame.
Even if you haven’t changed their diet recently, allergies and intolerances in dogs can develop at any stage of life, just like in humans.
Some breeds, however, are more prone to food allergies. This primarily includes German Shepherds, West Highland White Terriers, Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, and Golden Retrievers.
An elimination diet trial may be one of the first things that your vet suggests as a treatment for food allergies. Common allergies like beef, wheat and dairy can often be identified this way, and your dog will still be able to enjoy a tasty alternative hypoallergenic diet that doesn’t make them itchy or unwell.
In the case that a food trial is unsuccessful or your pet’s allergy is to something else entirely, your vet might instead recommend an alternative treatment, such as allergy medications.
If you’re looking for a new diet for your canine companion to see if their current food is the cause behind the symptoms, try Burns’ hypoallergenic dog food.
Everything in this range is specially designed for dogs that are susceptible to known allergens such as wheat and dairy, and common meat proteins like beef and chicken. Your dog will still enjoy a delicious diet, and their stomach will thank them for it.
Dogs with food allergies deserve delicious food too. That's why at Burns, we create tasty hypoallergenic dog food to cater to those with more sensitive stomachs.
