Dog food allergies, the basics!

Food allergies in dogs may be difficult to identify at times due to its symptoms being similar to other common ailments. The main symptoms of food allergies in dogs include general frequent itching (face, belly, etc), limb chewing, recurrent ear and skin infections, and signs of general discomfort like gastrointestinal distress.

Since dogs generally consume the type of prepared that is loaded with various kinds of proteins, fillers, coloring agents, and preservatives, it is no surprise that some dogs experience sudden and significant allergic reactions. There are many recorded incidences of allergies of dogs to corn or to wheat. However, the food allergies vary from dog to dog. Read the labels clearly before feeding your dogs with pet food materials, in such occasions. Too much colored food materials may be avoided since they may cause allergies to your dog. Although allergic reactions are seldom life threatening, they can be very uncomfortable for the dog. Food allergies in dogs and other animals are often linked to hyperactive behavior or other abnormal behavior. If you come across your dog itching or suffering from one of the symptoms discussed earlier after he/she consumes food products, then consider that an allergic reaction to the food may be occurring. There are many occasions where food allergies have been diagnosed in a dog, but the dog may have other significant health issues instead. It’s never a bad idea to consult a veterinarian when in doubt, but one can go a long way toward excluding other health issue concerns by closely observing your dog as part of your daily routine and particularly when you feed him. Look for any reactions and reasons to link the symptoms, if any, to the dog food or other activity, and consult a professional if required.

It’s important to also consider what else may be affecting the dog, but if there are no fleas, ticks or other parasites present, and the dog is otherwise healthy, a change in diet may be in order. With a change in diet, added colors, preservatives, and high fat content might additional allergies in the dogs, so be careful in providing new kind of food and closely monitor the dog for any additional signs of allergy.