5 signs that show your dog may have a food allergy. Watch out!

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Just like humans, dogs can also develop food allergies, which are adverse reactions to certain ingredients in food. These allergies can cause discomfort, damage health and even affect your pet's behavior. Identifying the signs early is essential to providing relief and well-being for your four-legged friend. Here are the 5 main signs that your dog may be suffering from a food allergy:

1. Excessive itching and skin irritation

If your dog is constantly scratching himself, biting his paws or rubbing his body against furniture and the floor, this could be an indication of a food allergy. These symptoms usually appear in areas such as the ears, paws, belly and armpits. The irritation can develop into redness, inflammation or even sores due to excessive itching.

What to do: Consult a vet to check the cause. They may recommend an elimination diet to identify the problem food.

2. Gastrointestinal problems

Diarrhea, vomiting and frequent gas are other common signs of food allergies in dogs. Although these symptoms can also be caused by other health problems, their persistence or recurrence after certain meals can indicate intolerance or allergy to some component of the food offered.

What to do: Monitor your dog's eating habits and note the symptoms. Avoid offering human food or new treats until you have spoken to your vet.

3. Recurrent ear infections

Ear infections, especially those that reappear even after treatment, can be associated with food allergies. You may notice discharge, an unpleasant odor, intense itching or frequent head shaking.

What to do: Tell the vet about the recurring infections and ask if there is a possibility of a food allergy. Changing the diet can be part of the treatment.

4. Excessive paw licking

One of the most typical signs of food allergies in dogs is continuous licking of the paws. This is because the allergic reaction can cause inflammation and discomfort in these areas, leading the dog to try to relieve the discomfort by licking.

What to do: Inspect your dog's paws for redness, swelling or lesions. Changing their food to a hypoallergenic formula can help, but always under veterinary supervision.

5. Changes in hair and skin

Food allergies can manifest as hair loss, or dry, flaky skin. In some cases, you may see areas of crusting or flaking.

What to do: Try mild shampoos to temporarily relieve the symptoms and take your dog to the vet for a more complete diagnosis.

What causes food allergies in dogs?

The foods most associated with allergies in dogs include:

Common proteins: chicken, beef, lamb and eggs.
Dairy products: cheese and yogurt can trigger reactions in some dogs.
Grains: wheat, corn or soy (although these are more related to intolerance than allergy).

How to diagnose and treat food allergies?

The best way to identify the cause is to carry out an elimination diet, which involves replacing the current diet with a hypoallergenic diet prescribed by the vet. This may take a few weeks, but it is essential to find out which foods should be avoided.

Also, remember never to medicate your dog without veterinary advice. Improper treatment can worsen the symptoms or mask the problem.

Conclusion

Food allergies can be uncomfortable for your dog, but with attention to the signs and veterinary care, it is possible to identify the problem and offer relief. If you notice any of the signs mentioned, seek professional help and be willing to adjust your pet's diet. After all, ensuring your best friend's health and well-being is always a priority!

8 foods you definitely shouldn't give your dog!

Caring for a dog goes beyond providing shelter, affection and walks; it also involves proper nutrition. Many owners may not know it, but certain foods that are common in our diets can be extremely harmful to dogs' health. In this article, we'll look at the main foods you should avoid giving your four-legged friend.