28/08/2025
Skin allergies and food sensitivity:
Dogs, like humans, can suffer from allergies and food sensitivities that can significantly impact their quality of life. Allergies occur when a dog's immune system overreacts to a specific substance, such as pollen and dust mites, or certain ingredients in their food. Food sensitivities, on the other hand, are adverse reactions to food that do not involve the immune system. In this report, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for dog allergies and food sensitivities.
Causes of Dog Allergies and Food Sensitivities:
1. Environmental Allergies: Atopy (allergies to pollen, dust mites, mould), contact dermatitis (allergies to substances like flea collars or shampoo), and flea allergy dermatitis are common environmental allergies in dogs.
2. Food Allergies: Common food allergens include chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, and soy. Food allergies can cause skin issues and ear infections as well as digestive problems.
3. Food Sensitivities: Food sensitivities can be caused by ingredients like gluten, lactose, or certain preservatives. These reactions can lead to digestive issues, skin problems, and behavioural changes.
Symptoms of Dog Allergies and Food Sensitivities:
1. Skin Issues: Itching, scratching, licking paws, rubbing the muzzle, redness, and skin lesions are common symptoms of allergies and food sensitivities.
2. Ear Infections: Allergies and food sensitivities cause inflammation in the ear canal which can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria and/or yeast, especially in dogs with floppy ears.
3. Digestive Problems: Diarrhoea, vomiting, gas, and bloating can occur due to food allergies or sensitivities.
4. Behavioural Changes: Some dogs may exhibit behavioural changes, such as anxiety and restlessness or lethargy, due to food sensitivities.
Diagnosis:
1. Physical Examination: A veterinarian will perform a physical examination and obtain a thorough history in order to identify symptoms and rule out other causes and conditions.
2. Dietary Trials: A food trial, where a dog is fed either a novel protein source (e.g., duck, venison, fish) and a unique carbohydrate source (e.g., sweet potatoes) or a hydrolysed protein diet exclusively for up to 8 - 12 weeks, can help diagnose food allergies or sensitivities.
3. Skin Biopsies: These can only confirm allergic skin disease but not differentiate the cause.
Treatment Options:
1. Avoidance: Avoid exposure to identified allergens or ingredients causing sensitivities.
2. Medications: Steroids, anti-histamines and immunomodulatory medications can manage pruritis (itchiness) and other symptoms of allergies as well as prevent secondary infections.
3. Dietary Changes: Feeding a hypoallergenic diet or a diet specifically formulated for food sensitivities.
4. Allergy Shots: Immunotherapy involving custom-mixed allergen injections may desensitize dogs to specific allergens over time.
Conclusion:
Dog allergies and food sensitivities can significantly impact a dog's quality of life. Identifying the causes and symptoms is crucial for effective management. By working with a veterinarian, dog owners can develop a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and improve their dog's health.
Recommendations:
1. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your dog.
2. Keep a food and symptom diary to track your dog's reactions.
3. Consider a dietary trial to diagnose food allergies or sensitivities.
4. Work with a veterinarian to develop a treatment plan tailored to your dog's needs.
By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dog allergies and food sensitivities, dog owners can take steps to improve their dog's health and well-being.
