Are You Allergic To That? How To Tell If Your Dog Has Food Allergies

Did you know that dogs can suffer from food allergies too? If you don't, you're not alone. Many people don't realize that. Unfortunately, canine food allergies are easy to miss, especially since dogs can't verbally tell you when they're suffering from food allergies. However, they do have other ways of letting you know. One way to identify canine food allergies is to watch for the signs listed below. If your dog is exhibiting any of the signs listed below, you should have them checked out by their veterinarian. The vet will be able to identify and treat your dog's allergies.

Recurring Ear Infections

You might not realize this, but recurring ear infections can be a sign of canine food allergies. If your dog is constantly requiring medical attention for ear infections, you should have it tested for food allergies. This is particularly true if your pet doesn't have underlying health issues that could cause ear infections. If you're not sure whether your dog suffers from ear infections, or not, you'll need to learn to identify the signs of ear infections in dogs. Those signs include a foul-smelling discharge from the ears, red or inflamed ear canals, and a constant scratching at the ears. If you notice any of those issues, it's time to go to the animal hospital. 

Skin Irritations and Rashes

Canine food allergies can also cause skin irritations and rashes. These symptoms usually present themselves shortly after dogs consume foods they're allergic to. If your dog has short hair, skin irritations and rashes should be easy to see. However, if your dog has long hair, you may need to look closely to identify those symptoms. If your dog is scratching, or appears to be uncomfortable being touched on certain areas of its body, carefully pull the hair back and inspect the skin. If you find areas on the skin that are red and raw or oozing, you should consult with your veterinarian.

Frequent Bouts of Vomiting

When dogs eat foods that they're allergic to, they often vomit as a means to get rid of the offending food. If your dog seems to vomit after eating specific foods, or has been vomiting more frequently since you changed its diet, it may have food allergies. Make a list of the foods your dog eats whenever it vomits. This should allow you to isolate the foods your dog is allergic to.

Difficulty Breathing After Eating

Like with humans, severe food allergies can constrict the air passages, and make it difficult for dogs to breathe. If your dog experiences difficulty breathing, and there are no other medical issues, it may have a severe allergy to one of the foods it's been eating. Get your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will need to identify the allergen and begin treatment.

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