Cat and Dog Food Allergies?

dog food allergies in holmdel, nj

Is your pet itching, scratching, and losing fur? While this may happen all year round, winter is the perfect time to evaluate the cause. In the winter months, with the absence of seasonal allergies, the cause of flare-ups that your pet is experiencing are probably not related to pollens or molds like they may be in the spring, summer, or fall months. If your pet is experiencing allergies in the winter it’s probably caused by cat or dog food allergies.

Symptoms of Allergies in Pets

Both dogs and cats suffer from food allergies. The symptoms you may observe include:

  • Chronic ear infections
  • Diarrhea
  • Hives
  • Hot spots
  • Itchiness
  • Vomiting
  • …and more

Possible Causes of Pet Allergies

While there’s no clear understanding of what causes some pets to develop a food allergy, we do know that the allergic reactions are most often  triggered by  the following ingredients often found in commercial dog food:

  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Dairy
  • Egg
  • Fish
  • Lamb
  • Pork
  • Rabbit
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • …and more

Diagnosing Food Allergies

Diagnosis begins with a complete physical exam including a comprehensive dermatologic examination to rule out non-food causes. Bloodwork and a urinalysis will also be performed to make certain there are no underlying causes. A detailed history of the onset of symptoms including any changes in diet, even for a brief period of time, will be critical to forming a full understanding of potential triggers.

There are proven methods for identifying the causes of food allergies, and advances in pet food targeting those animals suffering from food allergies are making it much easier to accomplish necessary dietary changes that restore your pet to a healthy, happy life while still giving them food that they’ll enjoy eating!

If your pet is exhibiting any of the signs of allergies, please call us immediately at (732) 671-3110. After all, prompt diagnosis and treatment is the key to making your pet feel their best!