Pets Can Have Food Allergies, Too!

Filed in archive Food Allergies on April 25, 2006

Can animals have food Allergies that cause skin problems?

Yes. apparently, not only can pets have spring allergies, they can also show skin problems as a result of certain proteins in their food. Veterinarian Dr. Tim Dietrick says,

Food sensitivities usually occur before 6 months or after 6 years of age and are nonseasonal. In contrast, flea and respiratory allergies occur seasonally, usually during the spring and fall. There are no breed or gender predispositions. There is suspicion that young pets with severe intestinal parasitism sustain damage that predisposes them to food allergies later in life.

Food reactions are similar to those of most skin allergies. Symptoms include severe itching, ear inflammation, pustules, crusts, scales, erythema (reddened skin) and patchy hair loss. Diagnosis is not easy and requires ruling out more common skin problems, such as flea and inhalant allergies.

To determine to which food or protein your pet is allergic to, a food elimination diet has to be done. Your pet will be give avery simple diet to which he is not allergic to for several weeks, after which suspect food or ingredients are inroduced one at a time, until the symptoms recur.

Read more from the Richmond Times Dispatch: VETERINARY Q&A: Food allergies can cause skin reactions in pets