Does Your Dog Have A Food Allergy? How To Tell And Deal With It
While you may not immediately think of your pets when you think of food allergies, the fact is that your dog can be just as susceptible to food allergies as you are. If your dog does have food allergies, repeated exposure to those allergens can cause lasting health problems. While sometimes the allergy is a severe reaction to a specific ingredient or additive, sometimes it's more subtle like an intolerance or a moderate reaction. In either case, it's important for you to understand the signs of food allergies in your pup so that you can identify when you might need your veterinarian's assistance.
What Causes Food Allergies in Dogs?
While dogs may be born with a specific food allergy, they can also develop an allergy or reaction to a food after years of exposure to it. Sometimes, an intolerance can occur as a result of changes from a medication, surgery, or infection that your dog developed. Once the dog has developed a reaction like that, it's usually there to stay. Some of the most common things that your dog may develop an allergy or intolerance to include things like dairy products, beef, and wheat ingredients.
What Are Some of the Indications of Food Allergies in Dogs?
Diagnosing food allergies can be just as challenging with your pup as it can be for you. Two common symptoms to watch for include digestive issues and skin irritations. Your dog might start vomiting more frequently after eating or could potentially start scratching more frequently. You might also notice increased flatulence or respiratory issues. If you're seeing any combination of these symptoms, it's important to talk with your veterinarian about the possibility that your dog has an allergy or intolerance.
How Can You Treat Your Dog's Food Allergies?
Once your dog has been diagnosed with a food allergy or intolerance, you need to make sure that you alter your pup's diet to avoid the problematic ingredient. Your veterinarian will do some testing to identify exactly what your dog is allergic to, and you'll have to start choosing foods that are as balanced as possible but free of problematic additives.
If you believe that your dog has a food allergy, you need to react quickly. The sooner you have the dog tested and develop a treatment plan, the better your chances are of avoiding long-term complications. Talk with your vet today to see if the symptoms you're seeing might be connected to an allergy so you can address it right away. Make sure you're giving proper dog care so that your pup is not always experiencing discomfort.
