Did you know dogs can have allergic reactions to their food? Pet parents are often caught off guard when they realize the chronic symptoms their dog is experiencing are due to the food they eat every day.
If you are one of these dog owners, don’t feel bad because you aren’t alone. Of course, all dog owners want to care for their furry family members to the highest degree, but not being able to pinpoint symptoms and link them to food is easy to do, so don’t beat yourself up about it. The good news is there’s something you can do about it! Continue reading to learn more about food allergies in dogs and how you can help your pup.
Symptoms of food allergies in dogs
- Excessive itching
- Skin allergies
- Ear infections
- Odor in the ears
- Chewing on paws
- Screeching in pain and attempting to chew at their tail or bum area
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Swelling of the lips, ears, face, earflaps or eyelids
- Inflamed red skin
- Sneezing
Common allergens in dog food
- Beef
- Chicken
- Dairy products
- Oats
- Barley
- Rice
- Corn
- Wheat
Skin and coat allergies
Let’s take a closer look at skin allergies in dogs. Food allergies can cause allergic dermatitis which is known to be the most common type of allergic reaction in dogs. The three main causes of skin allergies are food allergies, environmental allergens, and flea allergy dermatitis.
All skin allergies are at risk of developing a secondary infection because dogs usually scratch and chew at the skin irritation causing bleeding and open sores. Bacterial infections need to be treated professionally and allowed time to heal
Treatment options for dogs with food allergies
The good news is, once you receive confirmation from the veterinarian that food allergies are the cause of your dog’s allergic reactions you can spring into action to help them heal and prevent future outbreaks. The veterinarian will provide topical treatment to help the skin ailments heal but they will also recommend changing your dog’s diet immediately to eliminate the allergen.
Providing a healthy, complete, and well-balanced diet for your dog is essential to their overall well being. Adding an all-natural supplement that supports a healthy digestive system is highly recommended. Bernie’s Perfect Poop contains premium dietary fibers such as flaxseed, pumpkin, miscanthus grass, prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes that supercharge your dog’s digestion!
