Introduction
Food allergies in dogs are responsible for only 5-10 percent of all allergies in dogs, but food allergies can be some of the most frustrating types of allergies. Food allergies are not easy to diagnose, and the diagnosis procedure for food allergies requires a lot of time and patience. Many different types of foods can cause a food allergy in dogs, and the symptoms for food allergies can occur at any age.
Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs
Food allergy symptoms affect dogs in one of three ways: on the skin, in the digestive tract, or on both the skin and the digestive tract. When a food allergy causes symptoms on the skin to appear the dog will often develop itching and inflammation on the paws, groin, under the arms, and on the ears. In severe cases red bumps or liquid filled pustules will occur in the areas as well. If a food allergy affects the digestive tract, the dog will experience unexplained vomiting and diarrhea. In some instances a food allergy will affect the skin and the digestive tract, and a combination of these symptoms appear.
Determining the Cause of a Food Allergy in Dogs
If a food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet is prescribed to try to pinpoint what is causing the allergy. Any ingredient in dog foods have been known to cause allergies including: corn, wheat, gluten, beef, pork, lamb, dairy products, and soy. It can take months to find the allergy causing culprit, or to determine if a food allergy is in fact occurring, and during that time it is important for pet owners to feed their dog only the food or diet that is prescribed by a veterinarian.
Once a food allergy has been successfully diagnosed, a specific diet plan will need to be followed for the remainder of the dog’s life. If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from a food allergy, talk with your veterinarian as soon as possible about your dog’s symptoms.