Food allergy in dogs is not very common, and it is sometimes confused with food intolerance or food sensitivity. Food intolerance, which happens more often, is a cumulative response to a particular food that triggers it. In contrast, the allergic reaction is an immune response with severe or moderate symptoms, and there could be rapid reactions. Watch out for abnormal signs, even if mild, and record the diet and symptoms so that you can arrive at an early solution. It is often the manifestation of many signs that leads the vet to suspect food allergy and prescribe an elimination diet to diagnose the allergen.
Telltale signs of food allergy
- A classic example of food allergy is an anaphylactic shock which happens as soon as your dog comes into contact with the allergen. This is a severe reaction, as the antigen triggers an immediate response, and life-threatening symptoms are seen. The airways could get constricted, and you will see breathing difficulties. It can affect multiple organs. Fortunately, this emergency response of the immune system is rare. Other signs of the shock are vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, cold limbs, seizures, and coma.
- Less severe but still serious signs of food allergy are gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss.
- Dermatological signs include facial swelling, hives, and itching. There is excessive scratching on the face, and your dog keeps rubbing his face on any surface. Eyes, muzzle, and chin look red or bronzed.
Signs on the skin and nails can be seen. The skin gets reddened, crusty, or scaly. You can notice a lot of scratching and licking of elbows, sides, belly, and groin areas. Inflammation or redness can be seen in the feet. Licking or chewing the paws and pads and discoloration of nails are other signs. These signs are more visible in white dog breeds. - Your dog will have hair loss too, and you can notice bald spots.
- Signs of your dog scratching their ears and ear flaps could indicate an infection. Ear infection with redness and a waxy discharge is noticed. With a food allergy, your dog cannot fight the bacteria and yeast that infect and so ear infections persist. There is a rotten smell too.
- A musty odor can be felt as Inflammation of the skin makes it secrete excess oil from certain glands.
- Changes in behavior are other signs to watch out. You can notice that your dog is excessively aggressive or restless. Signs could also be lethargy and withdrawal symptoms like loss of interest in play or food.
- The immune response becomes stronger each time your dog eats the allergy-causing food. This creates hypersensitivity, which is seen as pronounced signs of the allergy. You may have tried different food for your dog, but they may continue to show symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or itchy skin.
Confirm with the vet to differentiate the signs of food intolerance from food allergy. Food sensitivity symptoms are mostly gastrointestinal, which are not severe. An example is lactose intolerance, where the milk digesting enzyme is dysfunctional, and diarrhea with or without vomiting are the main signs noticed.