Do you know someone who’s allergic to nuts? What if we told you that dogs can also have allergies to food? It’s true—just like humans occasionally can have an immune reaction to certain foods or food groups, many dogs also struggle with food allergies. Show
If you notice your dog having a consistent negative reaction to their food, or you try out a new brand of treats and notice concerning symptoms in your dog, it may be a food allergy. This post covers everything you need to know about dog food allergy symptoms, treatment options, and more. Here’s what you’ll find: What are the symptoms of food allergies in dogs? Let’s cover the basics. Signs And Symptoms Of Food Allergies In DogsLike allergies in humans, there are many different signs and dog food allergy symptoms to watch out for. Signs and symptoms of food allergies in dogs might include:
Like all allergies, the only real solution is avoidance of the known allergen. Your vet can help you diagnose food allergies and come up with a treatment plan to prevent reactions from occurring in the future. If your dog is having a severe or life-threatening reaction, it is important to seek immediate veterinary care. Dutch’s network of affiliated vets are experts in diagnosing and treating allergies in dogs. You can start by making an appointment today and get your dog seen quickly with state-of-the-art veterinary telemedicine. Causes Of Canine Food AllergiesThe most common source of allergic reactions in dogs is food. In fact, many dogs are allergic to one or more proteins found in different food groups, usually beef or dairy products. In a study published through BMC Veterinary Research, scientists found that these food groups were the most common causes of allergic reactions in dogs1:
Many dog foods contain beef and chicken, so it’s no wonder why so many dogs struggle with dog food allergy symptoms. Dogs may also have allergic reactions to their environments, such as allergies to pollen, dust, mites, fleas, ticks, parasites, bees, wasps, or other things they encounter while out and about. Figuring out exactly what is causing their allergic reaction can be tricky, so taking a systematic approach to diagnose what they are allergic to is important. How To Treat Dog Food AllergiesUnfortunately, there’s no cure for allergies—the best treatment is simply avoiding the causes of allergic reactions. If your dog is currently having an allergic reaction, however, there are medicines that can be used to stop symptoms and help your dog feel more comfortable. Discovering what food your dog is allergic to may be difficult, especially because most dog food contains a blend of many different proteins. Unfortunately, there is not an accurate test to diagnose a food allergy. While there are several on the market, they are not recommended due to their lack of validity. The only way to “test” is to go through an elimination diet trial. There are two major styles of an elimination diet trial to determine the causes of your dog’s allergy symptoms:
Note: If your dog responds positively to the elimination diet trial and their signs of allergies have resolved, the way to determine what they are allergic to is to perform a “challenge”. The best way to do this is to reintroduce 1 ingredient for a period of up to 2 weeks and see if they respond negatively to that ingredient. For example, if you reintroduce chicken and they get itchy or have diarrhea, stop the chicken and put them back on the hypoallergenic diet. You have just diagnosed that your pet is allergic to chicken. Once they are back on the hypoallergenic diet and no longer displaying the signs of allergies for at least a week, then try the next ingredient, and so on. This is the only way to truly figure out what foods your pet is allergic to. Preventative Care TipsThe best preventative care for allergic reactions is to avoid the source of the allergy. Once you determine what causes the reactions, be sure that you only purchase food and treats that do not include the ingredients that your dog is allergic to. Dog Food Allergies: Frequently Asked QuestionsDealing with dog allergies can be a difficult thing to navigate. To help you get the answers you need, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions below. How long does it take for a dog to react to a food allergy?The time it takes for your dog to react to an allergen can vary depending on the type of allergy as well as its severity. In more severe cases, your dog may have an immediate reaction, breaking out in hives, swelling, and vomiting shortly after ingesting the allergen. In many cases, however, it can take several minutes or hours, or as many as 14 days for your dog to start presenting symptoms. This is often the case for dogs with milder food sensitivities as well4. Can a dog suddenly become allergic to his food?Just like humans, it’s possible for dogs to develop new allergies later in life. As bodies age and hormones change, it’s possible for your dog to develop a new intolerance or sensitivity to food they may have been eating for years. Dog food allergy symptoms can appear similar to some illnesses and infections, however, so it’s critical that you get your dog seen by a vet as soon as you can if you notice that they have suddenly become allergic to their food. How do you treat food allergies in dogs?The only surefire way to treat a food allergy in dogs is to avoid the cause of reactions. Once you have found a diet that does not cause a reaction for your dog, the most important part will be to continue this food and resist the temptation to offer new food items and treats. Any new treat can potentially cause your dog to react, so if you do want to add a new food item, be systematic in your approach and monitor for a reaction before adding any new variables into the mix.
Final NotesIt can be stressful to see your dog having skin or ear infections and itching as a result of a food allergy and not know what to do. However, with the right attention to your dog’s diet, and consultation with a vet, you can rest assured that you are doing what you can to avoid flare ups and keep your dog healthy and happy. Dutch makes getting a diagnosis and prescription for your dog simple. Our network of veterinary professionals is happy to consult with you, talk through your dog’s symptoms, review photos, perform a telehealth visit, and prescribe the appropriate medication for your pup. Our service is fast, simple, and affordable. We believe that dogs should live their best lives, free from chronic pain and allergy symptoms. Sign up today to help your dog feel healthier tomorrow. |