As a dog owner, it is your duty to know about the alarming signs of food allergies in dogs, in order to keep them healthy and protected. Dogs are prone to allergies of different kinds, such as flea, food, and environmental allergies. While food allergies may not be too common in dogs, they are important for us to know. Food allergies typically lead to immune responses that may be in the form of skin conditions, such as itchiness, hives, swelling, and gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting.

Your furry companion cannot understand if they are allergic to certain foods. Hence, it is best to work with a vet to pinpoint the ingredient that is causing the allergy, and manage your pet’s symptoms and prevent allergic reactions in the future. These are some of the warning signs to watch out for:

• Constant kicking and scratching
  This is one of the biggest alarming signs of food allergies in dogs. While dogs are known to scratch or lick themselves in order to stay clean, the behavior becomes worrisome when they do so at all times. As a result, certain areas on their bodies may become inflamed, red, and irritated, and this indicates a possible allergic reaction to something.
• Respiratory problems
  This is one indicator that you should never ignore. When your dog starts to sneeze a lot, it tells you that something may be wrong with them, and can be an indication of an allergy. When they cough a lot and you cannot understand why, it could hint at a respiratory reaction. The dog may have trouble taking breaths and start to wheeze.
• Constant rubbing
  If your pup is continuously rubbing their head or ears (against surfaces too) then it may indicate an allergic reaction. Sore spots may develop on their face. At times, their ears may produce a red discharge, which is also a sign of an allergic reaction.
• Loss of appetite
  Losing the will to eat is an obvious indication that your pup is not well. They may be allergic to a food and may even experience diarrhea. While a dog will typically pass stool a couple of times in a day, more frequent bowel movements, especially liquid stool, indicates a problem.
• Change in behavior
  When you find your pet behaving abnormally, it may be a sign of a physical ailment. A well-behaved pooch will not become irritable or lethargic all of a sudden, unless it is not well. This should be taken as a warning sign of a food allergy, and they should immediately taken to a vet.
• Gastrointestinal problems
  Many dogs suffer from wheat and corn allergies, which may lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and vomiting. To understand which grain is causing this, you have to try a diet of elimination. Take your pet to the vet as soon as you start noticing symptoms.
• Skin issues
  If your pup is allergic to grains, then they can get symptoms that start to affect the skin. The best way to resolve this is to isolate the problem food after identifying what it is. But to do this properly, you must put your pet on food trials. The process can be tedious, but it will help you get to the root of the allergy.