Surprising signs that your dog may have a food allergy

Food allergies in dogs may be accompanied by a strange array of symptoms, like hair loss, ear infections, stomach upset and itchy feet. The wide disparity between food allergy symptoms may cause an easily rectified allergy to be overlooked. If your dog displays some of these symptoms, consider searching for the source of sickness in your pooch's diet.

Food allergies may trigger a wide array of symptoms, such as itchiness on the feet or anus. Dogs with food allergies may shed continuously and all over their bodies. Gas,diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems, as well as chronic yeast ear infections, are often an indicator that your dog has an overlooked allergy.

Itchy eyes and skin, sneezing, licking and snoring can also indicate that your dog has an allergy. However, these symptoms are less common in dogs with food allergies.

Food allergies in dogs are often caused by foods like beef, egg, soy, dairy, chicken or wheat. Unfortunately, these ingredients are found in most dog foods. Also, many veterinarians believe there may be genetic and environmental components. Certain breeds of dogs, or dogs that have relatives with food allergies, are more likely to display food allergies.

In order to isolate and identify food allergies, veterinarians recommend switching your dog's diet to a new dry food. When choosing a food, you should pick a high-quality kibble that includes a single source of protein and a single source of carbohydrate. Your dog should have never eaten this type of protein or carbohydrate previously. Unusual proteins, like duck or venison, are recommended. Uncommon carbohydrates, like potato or oatmeal, are also a good choice. All treats and other foods should be eliminated during the food switch.

After two to three months, your veterinarian may recommend that you add old foods back into your dog's diet. Then you should monitor the dog for any food allergy symptoms. These foods should be added one at a time, and it may take months to identify the allergen.

Just because your dog has some food allergy symptoms doesn't mean that he actually has a food allergy. Environmental causes, such as pollen, dust or grass allergies can lead to symptoms that mimic food allergies. Other underlying health problems can also cause some food allergy symptoms. Therefore, if your dog doesn't respond to changes in diet, your vet may recommend that you try other forms of testing.

While food allergy symptoms may seem minor, it's worth identifying as soon as you notice a problem. Food allergies often progress and can cause more health issues if your dog is continuously exposed to an allergen. If you notice your dog suddenly has hair loss and itchy feet, a visit to the vet may be in order.