Could My Pet Be Allergic To Certain Food?

Just like people, cats and dogs can have food allergies, too.Food allergies in pets can begin at any age. They can start even if your cat or dog has been eating the same food for months or years.

Symptoms in Cats and Dogs: If your pet has a food allergy, you may notice:

Itchy skin: This is the most common type of allergy in pets. Irritated, itchy skin can happen anywhere on your pet’s body. In cats, it often happens on the head and neck. In dogs, it often happens near the:
Ears
Paws
Rear end
Stomach

Skin issues: Hives, also known as urticaria, may pop up after your dog eats the food they are allergic to. If your dog has short hair, these itchy red bumps are easier to see. Otherwise, you may have to feel for them.
In cats, skin irritation may take longer to see. Small lumps filled with fluid may develop over a few months, but they usually don’t pop up overnight.
With itchy skin and hives, there are two side effects of the irritation:
Your pet likely will scratch, bite, and lick the affected areas, which can lead to broken skin. If the skin is open, there’s a chance your pet could get an infection
All that scratching can lead to hair loss.
Tummy trouble: Allergies may cause gastrointestinal issues, such as gas, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Swollen face: You may see swelling in your dog’s lips, eyelids, or ear flaps.
Chronic ear or paw infections: Repeated infections in your dog’s ear or paws may be a sign of a food sensitivity, not a food allergy.
There is a difference between a food allergy and food sensitivity. For example, an allergy triggers an immediate immune system response. Food sensitivity doesn’t. Your dog may have food sensitivity if they are having a gradual reaction to an ingredient in their food.

Diagnosis
If your vet thinks your dog or cat might have a food allergy, your pet may get:
Allergy testing: Just like in humans, figuring out a pet’s food allergy can take time. First, your vet may try to rule out other things that could lead to a dog or cat’s symptoms.
Elimination diet: The best way to figure out a food allergy is with one of these, which should only be done under the care of a vet or nutritionist, who may prescribe special food for your pet during the trial. You need help from a professional with this. That’s the only way to make sure you both find the cause of the allergy.

Treatment
Most of the time, you can manage food allergies in cats and dogs by making changes to what they eat, so that they avoid their trigger food. Your vet may prescribe medication or a skin cream to help ease symptoms while they figure out a long-term plan.
It’s rare, but a life-threatening allergic reaction can happen and your pet may not be able to breath. If that happens, call an emergency animal hospital right away.