How To Identify If Your Pet Has A Food Allergy?

| 31 Jan 2022

How To Identify If Your Pet Has A Food Allergy?

Like us, pets also suffer from food allergies. And, their allergic responses can also range from itching to skin irritation and severe problems. However, food allergies in dogs can be dangerous and not only cause skin problems but may lead to behavioural and digestive issues.

Renowned vets assert that some pet parents tend to overlook allergic reactions because of a lack of knowledge and awareness. Hence, if you have bought a new cat or dog and want to learn how to identify if your pet is having a food allergy or not, this article might be of great help.

We have covered everything you need to know about food allergies in pets to treat them properly without fail. As they are also a part of your families now. So why wait? Let's start with the possible symptoms of allergic reactions from foods in your lovely cat or dog.


Is your pet having a food allergy? 

A food allergy in your pet is generally caused by their immune system. The immune system is responsible for fighting off germs and other things that can cause diseases. When it mistakes food for something harmful or dangerous, your pet encounters an immunity attack. As a result, food allergy reactions are witnessed.


Common symptoms of food allergy in cats and dogs

Here are the symptoms to know if your pet is allergic to specific foods or not.


  • Skin issues- one of the most observed symptoms of allergic reactions in pets is itchy skin. It can happen anywhere in their body. When talking about cats, their head and neck area are likely to experience irritated and itchy skin the most. Whereas in dogs, it usually occurs in the ear, paws, and stomach.
  • Tummy trouble- Allergies can directly impact the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, your pet may suffer from diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, straining to pass stools and gas.

Along with these, swollen faces, repetitive ear and paw infections are other signs of food allergies you may notice in your pets.

Moreover, these symptoms can be cured by reaching out to a vet or attending online pet consultations. But before that, don’t you want to know the potential allergens that could trigger your pet’s immune system? To have a better understanding of this, we have just got a list for you.


Potential allergens for cats and dogs

Listed below are some common foods that can be the culprits of your pet’s discomfort. 

  • Chicken
  • Egg
  • Beef
  • Fish (for cats)
  • Dairy products.

Proteins are the most common ingredients that can result in allergic reactions. Let’s check out less common ones too.

  • Wheat
  • Barley
  • Corn
  • Rice
  • Oats

Grains, while less common, can also cause food allergies to your pets. So, keep tabs on their eating habits and plan their diet accordingly.


Consult a vet

Talk to your vet if you notice the above-mentioned symptoms. Try to share as much information you can about your pet’s diet and eating habits to get a more effective solution. Note down all your queries and points you want to ask, which may include:

  • To know about the behavioural changes, symptoms in your pet.
  • Which food to consider and in what quantity?
  • Drugs and supplements, if your pet is on any medications.
  • Can there be any other allergy triggers? Dust, grasses, fleas, pollen, etc.

This will help you gain a better understanding of your pets problems and on the other hand, your vet can also get proper insights into your pet’s condition. Hence, talk to a vet for the right treatment and precautionary measures.

Now, various online vet consultations are flooding the market due to the tech-savvy world. So, you can even opt for it to know about everything, from top to bottom of your pet in just a few clicks. Keeping this thing in mind, Supertails also offer such privileges to serve you the best. Just explore the website to discover the one-stop solution for all your pet’s needs and essentials.


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