The food allergy symptoms in dogs include stomach upset and skin symptoms. Allergies in dogs are becoming more common as dogs that would previously have died are now surviving due to improved veterinary care. These allergy genes are passed on to future generations resulting in the need to investigate and manage diets carefully.
Diet can cause and worsen allergy symptoms in dogs; common symptoms include recurring ear infections, incessant scratching, red or raw skin, particularly in the armpits, a rash, and hair loss. The dog may have flatulence, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, and urinary incontinence.
Dealing with allergies in a dog is a complex process. Identifying the symptoms allows the veterinarian to diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan.
How Does Diet Affect A Dog’s Allergies?
Dogs that have allergies have an overactive immune system. Their bodies identify non-harmful substances as dangerous and mount a defence against these perceived threats. The products identified as problematic by the immune system include ingredients found in dog foods.
One of the results of immune system activation is the increase in histamine release in the body. Usually, histamine facilitates the immune system’s fight against toxins or disease.
In allergies, there is no site of injury or pathogen to target. The body becomes flooded with histamines resulting in itchiness in the skin, swelling, inflammation, and increased gastric acid production. All of these processes cause allergy symptoms that can vary between individuals.
Some dogs have food intolerance which is a sensitivity to an ingredient in the food. In these cases, antibodies are produced against the component resulting in allergy symptoms. The symptoms appear gradually and are not as severe as a true allergy.
This article will refer to both a true food allergy and food intolerance under the banner of food allergies.
Common Symptoms Seen In Dogs With Dietary Allergies
The symptoms of food allergies in dogs can vary widely and include some unusual and unexpected signs.
Dog Food Allergies – Skin Symptoms
Skin symptoms are among the most typical symptoms seen in dogs with food allergies. The dog itches and scratches himself almost incessantly. The constant scratching can result in raw, bleeding patches where the dog’s nails traumatize the skin; these wounds can become infected with bacteria, resulting in pus formation.
Licking is a typical response to skin inflammation. It worsens the situation as the skin becomes moist, exacerbating the irritation and allowing infections to occur.
Evidence of scratching and licking can be seen in the dog’s coat. The hair will often be broken, and the fur will look dull. In some spots, hair loss may occur. A rash may or may not be evident.
Hives are large bumps that occur on the animal’s skin in response to an allergen. Hives are extremely painful and uncomfortable. The dog’s temperature may rise when hives are present. They are an acute reaction to a true food allergy and may be accompanied by facial swelling and breathing difficulties.
Dogs may chew their feet, especially between the toes. The hair between the toes often becomes discoloured. When the dog has white feet, it is evident as the fur becomes reddish-brown. The area between the toes retains moisture secreted from the irritated skin, making an ideal environment for fungal infections.
Another common site where food allergies make their presence known in dogs is under the front legs or the ‘armpits.’ The skin here is delicate. Because of the heat generated in that spot, skin inflammation can quickly lead to open sores and fungal or bacterial infections.
Dogs with food allergies are prone to hotspots or moist dermatitis; this is a painful area of weeping dermatitis that can occur anywhere on the body.
Recurrent Ear Infections
Recurrent ear infections are frequent in dogs that suffer from food allergies. Infection results because the membranes in the ears become inflamed due to allergies. Suppuration, which is the leakage of fluid from the membranes, occurs.
The moist ear environment with limited airflow is perfect for bacterial and fungal growth. It is worse in dogs with long hair and drooping ears but can also be seen in short-haired dogs.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms Of Food Allergy In Dogs
Disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal system are another primary symptom seen in canines with food allergies.
Flatulence is a common complaint of owners. When a dog has a dietary allergy, the offending ingredient is not digested appropriately in the gut. The result is the production of gas which must escape somewhere.
Bouts of diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and vomiting are also seen in dogs allergic to some component of their diet. In some dogs, gastric reflux may be seen.
Vomiting is generally a violent regurgitation of the stomach contents and is accompanied by retching. When an animal refluxes, a portion of the stomach contents is expelled without retching.
Constant diarrhoea and vomiting lead to weight loss and poor body condition.
Less Common Symptoms Of Dietary Allergies In Dogs
Some dogs can present with unusual symptoms that may initially appear unrelated to their diet.
- Urinary tract inflammation leads to urinary incontinence.
- Seizures
- Hyperactivity
- Irregular bowel function causes the dog to defecate suddenly. These dogs may struggle with house training and be prone to ‘accidents’ until the allergy is resolved.
- Lack of energy or listlessness.
- Aggression
What Are The Most Common Food Allergies In Dogs?
The most common food allergies in dogs are often protein-based foods. Beef, dairy products, chicken, and wheat are prevalent allergies in dogs.
Soy and corn are also allergens in dog food. Some dogs may have a general grain allergy, which means that rice should also be excluded from the diet. Allergic dogs seem to have trouble digesting the fibres contained in grains. The grains move through the gut as a mass of semi-digested material that ferments and causes gas and discomfort.
Canines can be allergic to almost any ingredient in the food. Some dogs may not tolerate preservatives and require fresh food daily. It takes a skilled veterinarian and a diligent owner to identify the culprit causing the allergy.
How Long Before A Dog Shows Symptoms Of A Food Allergy?
A dog that has a true food allergy could react within thirty minutes – this is rare, and generally, symptoms will only be seen after several weeks. The dog’s body first produces the antibodies that identify and target the allergen – the time taken to develop the antibodies delays the onset of symptoms.
In an older dog with a history of dietary allergies, the symptoms may show quicker. For example, let’s take a dog allergic to chicken. He now eats a diet that excludes chicken. If the dog manages to get hold of the roast chicken left on the kitchen counter, he may react within a few hours.
In this instance, the antibodies to chicken are already manufactured. They immediately identify the chicken as harmful and begin an allergic reaction.
Can A Dog Suddenly Become Allergic To His Food?
A dog may suddenly become allergic to food after eating it for years. Dogs with dietary allergies were born with genes that predisposed them to develop allergies. These genes are dormant until they become triggered or switched on. The allergy activation can occur at any age and explains why a dog may suddenly develop allergies. Triggers can include a virus, vaccinations, a bee sting, or some event that will never be pinpointed.
Conclusion
Dietary allergies are complex conditions to manage. It is critical to identify the offending ingredient to provide the dog with the most appropriate diet. Keeping a note of symptoms can help the veterinarian make a diagnosis.
References
http://www.riverlandingsanimalclinic.com/news/2021/3/9/food-allergies-in-dogs-symptoms-and-treatment