Food Allergies in Dogs

Unfortunately, specific food allergies can cause dogs to suffer from chronic disorders or skin infections. Chronic conditions may include ear infections, indigestion, and respiratory issues. Did you know that poultry is one of our four-legged friends’ most common food allergies?

You may be wondering what triggers the allergic reaction. Allergies occur because of a high-defense response to protein. The immune system perceives this as an intrusive substance.

A dog’s immune system reacts to the food allergy as it is an unwelcome protein in a particular ingredient of their diet. Typically, food allergies occur in adult dogs over the age of three. However, there are certain exceptions that you should be aware of. The symptoms of food allergies in dogs include:

Coughing

Diarrhea

Skin infections

Wheezing

Paw biting

Chronic ear infections

Vomiting

Obsessive licking

You should consult your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog is experiencing a food allergy. These symptoms often prompt the vet to perform various tests to diagnose the issue. Ultimately, your vet may suggest an “elimination” diet to help pinpoint the problem. Once the allergen has been identified, the initial course of action is removing the ingredient in the dog’s diet.