Help, it itches! Does my dog have a food allergy? Veterinarian Klaus Fischl explains!
Are you wondering if your dog might have a food allergy? The symptoms can vary and are often traced back to a food intolerance. This is based on a congenital or developed disorder of the immune system directed against certain food components, especially certain proteins and carbohydrates. The classic symptoms include:
The classic symptoms of food intolerance in dogs include:
- Itching all over the dog's body
- Frequent scratching and/or licking of certain parts of the dog’s body
- swelling and redness
- Hair loss in certain areas or on the entire body of the dog
- Skin inflammation, which can occur in specific areas such as paws, armpits or head, or can spread over the entire skin of the dog
- Ear infection (chronic inflammation of the dog's ear canal)
- Gastrointestinal problems in dogs such as diarrhea and vomiting
- “Hot spots” – hot, red and weeping skin inflammations in dogs
- Changes in the dog's character and behavior, e.g.: aggressiveness, anxiety, nervousness and apathy
An untreated food intolerance in dogs can have serious consequences, as it can hinder the absorption of vital nutrients and weaken the dog's immune system.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, I strongly recommend consulting a trusted veterinarian. With a comprehensive clinical examination, including blood tests, allergy testing, and exclusion diagnostics, your veterinarian can accurately identify the problem and initiate appropriate treatment.
For many dogs with food intolerances, entoVITAL's hypoallergenic food has proven to be an effective solution for managing symptoms.
Yours, Mag.med.vet. Klaus Fischl