Is your dog scratching and itching like hell? Is your dog shaking head constantly? Don’t know what it really means? Just like a human, dogs can also develop allergies to some type of foods. It might be the case that your dog is allergic to the food you are feeding to him or her. Today, food allergies have become a major concern for dog owners. As dog food allergies are the most searched topic on Google. So, it means many dogs are suffering from food allergies.
Thus, if your dog is also behaving different or you don’t why he is like this then it can be the reason that your dog has eaten something which did not suit him.
Therefore, our today article is to aware dog owners about symptoms of dog food allergies so that they can protect their dog from suffering or diseases.
Table of Contents
What is Food Allergy?
Before knowing its symptoms, first, you need to understand what dog food allergy is. Many people consider food allergy as food intolerance. However, these two terms are different.
Dog food allergy is over-response of dog’s immune system to a food protein. Generally, most dog food contains proteins. Many dog owners believe that meat is the only dog food which has proteins. However, other vegetables or grains include proteins. A protein present in other foods can also disturb the dog’s immune system adversely, and it can cause food allergy to dogs.
On the other hand, food intolerance is due to poor digestion, not immune system response. For instance, lactose intolerance and it generally occurs when dogs digestive system process low level of lactose in milk which further results in gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea.
What are Symptoms of Dog Food Allergies?
Thus, you know what dog food allergy is, and now, it’s time to understand its symptoms. Most of the symptoms are from skin reactions to behavioral problems to gastrointestinal problems. Studies have found that there are some common and rare food allergies symptoms.
Most Common Signs of Dog Food Allergies:
- Sneezing
- Hot spots
- Itching
- Itchy paws
- Skin Rashes
- Red eyes
- Ear infections
- Hair loss
Rarer Signs of Dog Food Allergies:
These are symptoms that are not common and however, may happen in some of the dog’s breeds.
- Breathing issues
- Weight loss
- Nasal discharge
Gastrointestinal Food Allergy Signs:
Some studies have proved that food allergy in dogs can have gastrointestinal symptoms. Dog food allergies can cause chronic symptoms that every dog’s owners should be aware of it:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Behavioral Signs that Indicates Dog Food Allergies:
Yes, there are also many behavioral symptoms that also signify your dog got allergic to some food. You need to aware of it positively.
- Restlessness or impatience.
- Scratching of your legs or their won or things like furniture.
- Avoid eating food or no interest in playing.
- Biting at tail, or paws.
These are all found food allergies in dogs. Therefore, if you feel or see these signs in your dog, then you need to visit your dog veterinary.
What is the Treatment for Dog Food Allergy?
Is your dog got allergic to food? The best treatment is to find out the food to which your dog is allergic and then, avoid offering that food. To identify allergic food, you need to put your dog in a food trail period as it is the only way.
However, there are also other ways to treat dog food allergy such as medications and offering homemade food to eat.
Antihistamine Medications:
Dog’s itching and scratching can be treated well with Antihistamine such as Benadryl. If you are wondering is it safe to use. Then, yes, you can use it, and it is also vet-approved that dog’s owners can use without any fear of further complications. Moreover, there are also anti-itch products or shampoos that can consider as a dog food allergy treatment. You can consult your dog veterinary for this.
Provide Healthy Diet:
You can give your homemade dog diet. However, it is an alternative to dog food trail. Before providing the homemade food, it is better to get advice from the veterinary nutritionist as they know better than us for a dog food diet.
Which Food Dog can Cause Food Allergy?
You might be wondering what food that can cause food allergy is. However, this can’t be predicted, but yes, food which contains protein such as meat, eggs, and dairy can be the reason for dog food allergy.
Now, you will be wondering these all are everyday food diet for a dog and how they can be allergic to the dog. Studies have found that the more common food, the more will be the possibility of allergy. Here is the list of common dog food which can result to dog food allergy.
- Dairy Products
- Wheat
- Egg
- Meat
- Beef
- Fish
- Rice
- Chicken
- Pork
What are the Effects of Food Dog Allergy?
If a dog food allergy is not treated at the right time, then your dog can develop more severe health diseases which can turn make your dog live miserably. Yes, it is true that dog food allergies can’t cause your dog to die, but if not treated well then it will develop more health problems in your dog.
Therefore, it’s your responsibility to take care of your dog well in his difficult time, and you need to visit his veterinary for having diagnosis or allergy test and treatment.
Which Dog Breeds are More Allergic to Food?
As there are many dog breeds and not only all breeds of dog get allergic to food. There are some breeds which are more susceptible to dog food allergy.
- Boston Terrier
- Golden Retriever
- Shih Tzu
- Boxer
- Labrador Retriever
- Chinese Shar-Pel
Conclusion
That’s all about the symptoms and treatment of dog food allergies and whenever you suspect your dog is allergic to some food, consult your veterinarian immediately. Don’t delay the treatment and make your dog suffer unnecessary suffering.
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