A food allergy is an immune system reaction to a specific food ingredient. The condition can lead to a wide range of uncomfortable, painful, and potentially dangerous symptoms in pets.
Causes of Food Allergies
Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a certain substance. When this happens, the body produces antibodies to defend itself against the perceived threat. These antibodies are responsible for allergy symptoms in pets. Repeat exposure to a substance is needed to produce an allergic response. For this reason, pets will often develop an allergy to a food ingredient that’s part of their regular diet.
Food allergies are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the most common foods that trigger allergic reactions in pets include beef, chicken, soy, dairy, eggs, and wheat. Ingredients such as preservatives and additives are also known to cause food allergies.
Symptoms of Food Allergies
Symptoms of food allergies can vary between animals and are often similar to those of other illnesses. Please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet displays any of the following common signs of the condition.
- Itchiness
- Skin infections
- Ear infections
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal issues
Diagnosis of Food Allergies
Your veterinarian will ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of your pet’s symptoms. They will then perform a complete physical examination to check for clinical signs of food allergies such as skin or ear infections. Routine diagnostic tests including bloodwork and a urinalysis may be recommended to rule out other underlying causes of your pet’s symptoms.
An elimination diet is the most reliable way to diagnose food allergies in pets. This involves placing your pet on a specialized diet for a period of up to 3 months. The diet will be restricted to novel ingredients that your pet has not eaten in the past. Foods will then slowly be reintroduced to identify the allergen that is triggering a reaction. Please follow your veterinarian’s advice closely and avoiding feeding treats or supplements that may contain allergens if your pet is placed on an elimination diet.
Treatment of Food Allergies
While your pet is on an elimination diet, your veterinarian may prescribe medications such as antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms. Antibiotics may also be given to address secondary infections. If an allergen is identified by an elimination diet, it will be necessary to avoid the ingredient altogether. Your veterinarian will advise you on selecting hypoallergenic foods that are safe for your pet to eat.
Prevention of Food Allergies
It is often not possible to prevent food allergies in pets since genetic factors contribute to their development. However, feeding a high-quality, balanced diet will support your pet’s overall health and minimize the risk of them developing allergies. It is also important to schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s ongoing health.
