Most people who either have never had a pet or just got their first pet, do not realize that just like humans, animals can become allergic to certain foods. Their food allergies do not always start when they are puppies either. Just like in humans, pets can become allergic to any foods that they eat at any time in their lives. They may be fine eating a certain food one day, then wake up another day and be allergic or overly sensitive to the same food that never bothered them before.

If your pet is exhibiting signs of food allergies, it is important to change out their food as quickly as possible so that they can get back to living a healthy, active, life. Below are some symptoms of food allergies in dogs to be on the lookout for that may indicate your pet experiencing some intolerance to the foods they are eating:

1. Gastrointestinal (GI) upset

Gastrointestinal disorders are not just uncomfortable for humans, they also cause our pets extreme discomfort and illness if they experience them. If your pet is developing a food allergy to the food or treats they are eating they may start to exhibit some gastrointestinal issues such as severe constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, fistulas and fissures on the anus, perianal infections, polyps in the colon, and more. Not only will you need to change out your pet’s food if an allergy is causing these symptoms, but you will need to get the symptoms treated by a veterinarian as quickly as possible as well.

2. Gas and diarrhea

Just like humans, your pet may experience normal gas and diarrhea from time to time. What is not normal is if they have excessive gas for several days or weeks in a row or if they have severe diarrhea for days without cause. Excessive gas can cause your pet to be in extreme discomfort while persistent diarrhea will eventually lead to severe dehydration along with a myriad of other problems.

3. Chronic ear infections

One thing people may not realize correlates directly back to a food allergy is your pet getting ear infections on a regular basis. Ear infections that happen from time to time in pets and is completely normal, but if your pet is getting ear infections on a consistent basis, it may be a sign that they are allergic to the food you are feeding them.

4. Intense itching or skin irritation

A food allergy can cause the skin to start to break out and lead to skin rashes or dry skin that causes your pet to itch uncontrollably. If you notice your pet itching and scratching all the time, they may have a bad food allergy that is exhibiting itself on the surface of the skin.

5. See a vet for a diagnosis

Food allergies in pets usually emerge when they are between one and three years old, but it is not always the case. All breeds and types of pets can develop food allergies at any time, and it is important to notice the symptoms and get them medical treatment so a doctor can help them find food that allows them to thrive and live their best lives ones again!