Dog Food Allergies: Signs and Symptoms

When a loved companion develops dog food allergies, the experience can be taxing for the entire family. Our furry companions have no way to alert us that their food or favorite snacks are making them ill. As demonstrated by the countless canine deaths each year due to accidental poisoning, dogs are perfectly content with eating something that is not good for them as long as it smells tasty.

The only way to know for certain whether a dog’s symptoms are caused by allergies, illness, or food intolerance an owner must embark on the enlightening journey of “trial and error”.  Many common signs of dog food allergies are also applicable to a great variety of diseases and simple environmental disturbances.

Nobody wants a sick or unhappy puppy – but these poor sensitive pooches still have to eat! Diagnosing a pet’s allergy triggers can be stressful and potentially emotional but vital for good dog care. Immediate veterinary assistance is suggested for serious symptoms since it can take months to figure out the offending ingredient.

The most common sign of a dog food allergy is a rash or itchy skin, sometimes accompanied by dandruff or hair loss. Look out for excessive itching, but be sure that the problem is not simply a lack of humidity in the home – some breeds are especially sensitive to dry air. Skin and ear infections that recur after treatment can be symptoms that are often skipped over or wrongly attributed to other causes. Frequent bowel movements, on the other hand, are impossible to ignore – and a very strong sign of allergies.

Your canine does not have to suffer with dog food allergies forever. Soothe your puppy’s pain with thorough research and taking positive action. Allergies are not as uncommon as some would believe – you may be surprised to find out that your canine’s strange quirk is actually a symptom!