Food allergies are difficult to recognize for those who are unfamiliar with the symptoms of the allergy. Just like humans, dogs too are prone to allergies. Common allergic symptoms in a dog include skin infections, facial itching, belly itching, frequent ear infections and facial itching.
Generally, most dogs are fed with commercial dog food to get the required nutrition for healthy living. However, since most of these packaged foods contain various harmful ingredients, namely fillers, coloring, and proteins, consuming such food can cause a dog to develop allergies. When a dog develops an allergy the GI tract and the skin is most commonly affected.
To know whether a dog is suffering from an allergy, it is important that dog owners observe their pets and take clues whenever they see unusual behavior in their dogs. So, if a dog is seen scratching himself continuously after consuming food, it most likely that the food is the possible cause for the allergy. However, it should be noted that fungal infections can also cause allergic reactions in dogs.
Most dogs are usually allergic to corn and wheat. However, the levels of reaction can differ in each dog. While some dogs exhibit minimal effect, there are others who suffer numerous problems after consuming such food. When buying pet food, always check the labels to know what your pet is consuming. Ensure that the pet food you are buying does not have excessive coloring and high-fat preservatives as it will help reduce the risk of an allergy in your pet.
A common symptom that allergic dogs exhibit is hyperactivity. This kind of behavior in dogs is usually linked with food allergy. Dogs when suffering from hyperactivity often feel uncomfortable and become restless and behave in odd ways.
Allergies in dogs can also be caused due to illness and digestive issues. It is, therefore, important that you observe your pet closely before, during and after feeding to ensure the real cause of the problem. Taking necessary precautions to prevent an allergic reaction can play a vital role in helping your pet lead a happy and healthy life.
