A food allergy can cause various symptoms in dogs. Some symptoms are immediately noticeable, while others develop gradually. Because these signs can also occur with other conditions, it is not always easy to recognize a food allergy right away.
Recognizing the symptoms is often the first step toward finding a suitable dietary approach for your dog.
What is a food allergy?
With a food allergy, the immune system reacts to a particular ingredient in the diet. The body sees this ingredient as a threat and causes a reaction that can lead to a range of symptoms.
Although many people think that grains are the most common cause, animal proteins are more often involved in food allergies.
Itching in dogs
Itching is one of the most common symptoms of a food allergy. As a result, dogs may constantly scratch, bite, or rub themselves against furniture and other surfaces.
Itching often occurs on:
- The paws.
- The abdomen.
- The armpits.
- The groin.
- The face.
- The ears.
Persistent itching can eventually lead to skin damage.
Excessive licking of the paws
Many dogs with a food allergy regularly lick or bite their paws. Constant licking can irritate the paw pads and the skin between the toes.
In some cases, the fur around the paws may become discolored due to saliva.
Red or irritated skin
A food allergy can lead to skin irritation. The skin may become red, feel warm, or be more sensitive than usual.
This irritation often occurs in areas with little fur, such as:
- The abdomen.
- The armpits.
- The groin.
- The inside of the ears.
Recurring ear problems
Ear infections or irritated ears are regularly seen in dogs with food allergies. Some dogs experience the same symptoms several times a year.
Possible signs include:
- Shaking the head.
- Scratching the ears.
- Redness.
- An unpleasant odor from the ear.
- Excessive earwax production.
When ear problems keep recurring, diet may be one of the factors investigated.
Hot spots and skin inflammation
Scratching, licking, and biting can damage the skin. This can cause hot spots: painful, moist areas that often grow quickly.
Hot spots usually require extra attention because damaged skin is more susceptible to infections.
Diarrhea and soft stools
Not all food allergies manifest through the skin. Some dogs mainly develop digestive symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea.
- Soft stools.
- Changes in bowel habits.
- Passing stool more frequently.
When these symptoms persist for a long time, it may be useful to take a closer look at the diet.
Vomiting and nausea
In some dogs, a food allergy or food sensitivity may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. This does not have to occur every day and may come and go.
Because vomiting has many possible causes, it is important to assess the complete set of symptoms.
Flatulence and digestive problems
Excessive gas may be a sign that certain ingredients are not being tolerated optimally. When this occurs regularly in combination with other symptoms, diet may play a role.
A rumbling stomach or sensitive digestion is also sometimes reported in dogs with food-related symptoms.
Can symptoms be present all year round?
Yes. An important difference between food allergies and some environmental allergies is that food allergies often cause symptoms throughout the year.
When symptoms are constantly present and do not clearly coincide with a season, diet is regularly considered when investigating the cause.
When is further investigation advisable?
When symptoms recur regularly or persist for a long time, it may be advisable to investigate the cause together with a veterinarian.
Because the symptoms of a food allergy can strongly resemble those of other conditions, several possible causes are often considered before a diagnosis is made.
In some cases, an elimination diet may be used to investigate whether diet is contributing to the symptoms.
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