You can’t just feed anything to your pet, as it could lead to food allergies. Some dog breeds, like the Boxer and Cocker Spaniel, are more prone to developing such issues. To find out if your dog has a food allergy, be on the lookout for the following signs.
1. Intense Itching
According to The Good Vet & Pet Guide, the main symptoms show up on the skin. Intense itching is one of the primary signs that your dog has a food allergy. Due to the discomfort, your pet will scratch frequently. This can lead to skin irritation and inflammation. Your dog may even start biting the affected areas, causing hair loss in those spots.
2. Recurring and Persistent Ear Infections
Surprisingly, recurring and persistent ear infections are also a sign of allergies in dogs. If your pet is constantly shaking its head and scratching its ear, pay attention. You can inspect your dog’s ear for mites, fungi, or water, but if none of these are present, there’s a good chance that your dog has a food allergy.
3. Changes in Your Dog’s Nail Color
Normally, your dog’s nails should be white with a pinkish tint. However, if they turn reddish, brown, or even blood-colored, it is usually an indication of an inflammatory response.
4. Bronze Discoloration Around the Lips
If you have a dog with naturally white fur, detecting bronze discoloration around the lips, paw pads, and chin is quite easy. This often signals yeast colonization, one of the most reliable signs that your dog has a food allergy. Fungal species thrive when the immune system is compromised.
5. Watery Eyes
This is most often caused by the spread of pro-inflammatory substances, such as histamine, to the dog’s tear ducts. It’s quite similar to what you experience when you have allergic rhinitis or contact dermatitis. Nasal congestion blocks the normal flow of tear fluid, resulting in watery eyes.
Illustration: Petepop / Condutta. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
