Last but not least, your pet may be allergic to certain foods and ingredients. This problem is usually due to the protein or carbs in food products, explains the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. Food allergies account for about 10% of all allergic reactions in dogs, causing itching, gas, diarrhea, chronic ear inflammation, and other symptoms. However, as mentioned earlier, some pets may not experience digestive problems.
Even if your pet has been eating the same food for years, he can still become allergic to it. The primary symptom is itching, according to Davies Veterinary Specialists. Most pets develop allergies to specific proteins in meat, fish, eggs, or dairy as well as the sugars in wheat and other plant-based foods. Unlike their human parents, they don’t experience wheezing, chest pain, and other symptoms affecting the lower respiratory tract, notes a 2018 review published in Scientific Reports.
Note that dietary supplements may contain ingredients derived from fish, beef, soy, and other allergens. If your pet is allergic to fish, avoid giving him omega-3s, cod liver oil, and other similar products. The same goes for retail pet food, which may be subject to cross-contamination.
Your vet will likely recommend a hypoallergenic diet of hydrolyzed protein or grain-free ingredients to prevent flare-ups. Elimination diets, on the other hand, can help you identify potential allergens and food intolerances.
