Is your dog constantly scratching? Do they have recurring ear infections? These may be signs that your dog has a food allergy. Canine food allergies can present in different ways, but it is certain that they can make your pup uncomfortable. If your dog does have a food allergy, it’s important to identify it and eliminate the source as soon as you can. It’ll take some patience, and you’ll have to be committed to the process. But it will be worth it when you improve the quality of life of your furry family member. 

Dogs Have Food Allergies?

Yes! A food allergy is your dog’s immune system reacting to a specific protein in their foods. Their immune systems mistakenly identify the protein as something that is harmful. In response, it releases a chemical called histamine. This can cause different symptoms like digestive issues, skin irritations, and ear infections. According to the experts, most dog allergies are discovered by the time the dog is 3 years of age. But sometimes, allergies are not developed until after dogs are 4 years of age.

Once your pup develops allergies, they will most likely deal with it all their lives. However, some allergies diminish or resolve entirely as the dog ages. However, the likelihood of your pup outgrowing the allergy is less if they are diagnosed after they turn 2.

Food Allergies Vs. Food Intolerances

It’s important to not confuse food allergies with food intolerances or sensitivities. Food sensitivities are not as severe as an allergy. They are non-immune reactions that occur in the dog’s digestive tract. Food sensitivities usually mean the dog has trouble digesting specific ingredients. They can cause symptoms like diarrhea, gas, or vomiting.

To distinguish the two, food allergies are a response of the immune system and food sensitivities are localized in the digestive tract.

Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs

Since food allergies affect the entire body signs can vary significantly. They can cause gastrointestinal issues or skin rashes, for example. Here are a few of the most common food allergy symptoms you may see in your dog.

• Itchy skin
• Recuring ear infections
• Crusting or scabbing on the skin
• Skin sores (with or without an odor)
• Gas
• Recurrent anal gland infections
• Chronic diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Inflamed, red skin specifically around the face, belly, paws, and anal glands

What Causes Food Allergies in Dogs?

There isn’t just a single cause linked to food allergies in dogs. Vets tend to believe that allergies are developed because of issues with the canine’s immune system or their overall health. But there hasn’t been enough research to determine yet. However, there are some well-known contributing factors, including:

• Genetics
• Immune status
• Previous diet
• Health history

Additionally, food allergies in dogs usually develop after they are exposed repeatedly to a specific protein or ingredient. They are not born with allergies. Instead, they are developed over time as the immune system becomes sensitized to a specific protein. For example, if your dog eats the same dog food for several years, they may suddenly develop an allergy to one of the proteins it contains. The “why” is still quite a mystery.

How Does a Vet Diagnose Dog Food Allergies?

There aren’t any blood tests used to diagnose food allergies in dogs. An elimination diet is usually the easiest way to identify an allergen. Your dog may be placed on a hypoallergenic diet for several weeks to see if their symptoms improve. If they do improve, then the suspected allergens are slowly reintroduced one at a time. This makes it easier to identify which ingredient is the one triggering the reaction. Once the trigger is identified, the vet will diagnose the food allergy in your dog.

How are Dog Food Allergies Treated?

Dog food allergies aren’t something that can be cured. They require long-term management, which just means avoiding the triggering allergen totally. That just means you’ll want to provide your dog with food that doesn’t contain any of the particular ingredients. There are some medications your vet may prescribe to help control symptoms; these include corticosteroids or antihistamines.

At BrilliantK9 we care about your dog’s health and well-being. That’s one reason we developed the custom-fit BrilliantK9 harness. They fit comfortably for your dog and help you keep your dog safe on walks and  other amazing journeys.