Your dog is special to you, and you want him to live a long and happy life. But what do you do if your dog is acting lethargic, losing hair, or experiencing skin irritation? What could be causing these symptoms? Dogs Can Have Food Allergies Too!
For a dog, symptoms of common allergies might not be apparent or easy to recognize at first. Dogs can have different allergic reactions than humans but share the same symptoms.
Dogs' food allergies are caused by an immune response to the proteins in the protein-rich food ingested by the dog. When a dog ingests these foods, the body responds with inflammation and symptoms of sickness such as runny poop, drowsiness, diarrhea, and vomiting. In the case of a food allergy, your dog will have an adverse reaction no matter what type of allergy it is.
Wheat is one of the most common dog food allergies, which may result from the growing popularity of the gluten-free diet. Similar to its reaction in humans, wheat can cause diarrhea and flatulence. Symptoms generally worsen over time and can become dangerous if not treated. Small amounts of wheat can cause symptoms, so reading the ingredients carefully in your dog's food is important.
Corn is another common food allergen for dogs. It is found in many commercial dog foods and treats and some medications. Additionally, some corn products are used to manufacture other dog foods and treats. The main protein found in corn can cause an allergic reaction in dogs. Symptoms include skin irritation, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and redness around the mouth.
Most dogs are very particular about their food, and they might refuse food if they dislike the smell. Unfortunately, this could be a hint that the food contains peanuts. Peanut allergies can cause diarrhea as well as skin rashes and itchiness. If your dog is allergic to peanuts, you may need to switch its diet and even go with a hypoallergenic diet.
Symptoms of a pork allergy can include skin inflammation, diarrhea, vomiting, and hives. Pork is another common allergen in dog foods and treats, so be careful when looking at their ingredients list. Small amounts of pork can cause severe symptoms, so it is important to know what your dog is allergic to.
Another protein often found in pet food and treats; is dairy is another one of the more problematic ingredients for dogs. Similar to the symptoms a human would get in response to consuming dairy, it can lead to an inflamed stomach, diarrhea, gastrointestinal inflammation, and vomiting.
Chickens are a common source of egg protein in pet foods, so dogs tend to develop an allergy to it. If you find that your dog has a serious reaction to eggs, try checking the ingredients in its food. If they contain eggs, then they should be avoiding them altogether. Symptoms of allergies include skin rashes and digestive problems.
Like humans, dogs can also have allergies to shellfish and fish products. Dogs that are allergic to shellfish will experience gastrointestinal issues, whereas those with allergies to fish will have skin and ear infections.
Fish and shellfish contain a lot of protein which means one can easily get a reaction to it. You'll want to make sure your dog is eating a diet that doesn't have this ingredient as the source of protein.
If you suspect your dog has food allergies, try these remedies to see if it helps.
If you're not sure where the allergy is coming from, you'll need to consider getting allergy shots for your dog. A veterinarian administers these shots to help a dog build immunity against the allergen.
Immunotherapy uses shots and similar methods like oral medications and pills to eliminate allergic reactions inside the body and keep it from reacting every time the substance comes into contact with your dog.
If your dog has food allergies, it is essential to choose a dog food that allows you to avoid the specific ingredients that trigger your dog's reaction. There are many reputable dog food brands on the market that keep pet's allergies in mind in their production process.
We all love feeding our dogs treats. They can be a great way to add variety and nutrition to your dog's diet. Some human foods could make a great addition to your dog's diet while you can control the cooking & preparation process to make sure they are free of allergens. Make sure to only feed human foods that are safe to feed to your pet.
For many dogs, eating the right diet is beneficial. When you feed your dog a diet that has a balance of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, it can help with some allergies. However, if you do suspect your dog has certain allergies, be sure to talk to your vet first and come up with a proper treatment plan to address the issue.
Author: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice regarding health or finances. It is not intended to endorse any individual or company. This article is AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should consult a qualified professional for personal advice.
