Signs & Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can sometimes develop food allergies. No studies confirm the reasoning behind food allergies in dogs. It is known that they can develop at any point in a dog's life and account for 20 percent of all dog allergies. Another 20 percent of dog allergies are caused by food allergies in conjunction with inhalant allergies (atopy), according to PetEducation.com. Dog owners should be aware of the signs and symptoms of allergies, and consult with a veterinarian to determine the proper course of treatment.

  1. Skin Irritation

    • A common sign of a food allergy in a dog is skin irritation. This can manifest as simple itching. It can be more extreme, where the dog is excessively scratching, biting, and chewing at himself to relieve the itch. Common locations include the ears, eyes, muzzle, paws, underarms, groin, and anus. The chronic itching and chewing can often result in hair loss, hot spots, and skin infection. Yeast infections are also a good indicator of a food allergy, with similar symptoms.

    Gastrointestinal Signs

    • Vomiting is a common sign of a food allergy in a dog. He may also experience diarrhea or an increase in daily bowel movements. Painful gas can cause him to stretch a lot for relief and to help it pass. These symptoms often result in a diagnosis of a food intolerance, instead of a food allergy.

    Timing of Food Allergies

    • Food allergies can occur at any point in a dog's life. He may develop them while still a puppy, or symptoms may not appear until he is of advanced age. Typically food allergies appear between the ages of two and six. A dog can eat one particular kind of food for years, then suddenly have the allergies appear. There is no difference in frequency of food allergies between neutered and intact dogs.

    Triggers of Food Allergies

    • Certain foods seem to trigger food allergies in dogs. Chicken, dairy, beef, lamb, fish, chicken eggs, and soy are protein-heavy and can suddenly become a problem. Grains such as wheat and corn can also trigger an allergy, even after years of them being in the dog's diet.

    Veterinary Consultation

    • Consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a food allergy. He can administer tests to discern a food allergy from another medical issue, such as atopy, flea-bite allergies, yeast infection, bacterial infection, sarcoptal mange, or intestinal parasites. Then he can prescribe an appropriate treatment. Some treatments include antibiotics; others use supplements. Often a special diet is recommended, after an elimination diet is used to determine allergens.