An allergy is simply a natural response of the immune system. It can be a visible indicator or may develop as an internal discomfort. It is a known fact that dogs cannot eat and digest most of the foods that we consume on a daily basis. A lot of them have the potential of causing an intolerance that may develop into an allergy. As a responsible pet owner, you should also be aware of the following commonly known symptoms of food allergies in dogs.

Ear infections
Persistent and recurring ear infections are clear indicators of symptoms of food allergies in dogs. Note that these ear infections should not be confused with the ones that are a result of ear mites or yeast infection. If you do happen to see your furry little friend scratching the ear more often than usual, check for the visible signs of the infection. These mainly include a buildup of black or brown substances that can stink up the ear canal. Inflammation is also one of the few symptoms that can become a chronic discomfort if left unchecked. Certain proteins in foods consumed by dogs can trigger these infections and immediate medical attention is advisable at this point.

Nail color and texture
This symptom is fairly easy to notice when you clean your pet’s nails. A change in color and texture can indicate a developing food allergy. Dog’s nails normally have that recognizable pinkish tinge similar to our nails. However, if the color does change to red or brown and looks as if the blood is clotting under the base of the nail, get it checked without delay. These attributes are clear signs of an autoimmune response triggered due to the consumption of certain foods.

Changes in overall health
Diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, abdominal pain, poor body growth, flatulence, and excessive skin irritation can all indicate symptoms of food allergies. This may be due to the inability of your pet to digest food properly or can be a direct result of food intolerance triggered due to the additives, preservatives, and any food coloring in commercial foods. Note that allergies can also be triggered due to some of the main ingredients sourced from beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, fish, eggs, corn, or wheat used in wet and dry dog foods. Often, to identify the symptoms of food allergies in dogs, veterinarians recommend the elimination diet. Eliminating the foods being given one by one can help isolate the main trigger of the intolerance.

Skin infections and fur loss
Lesions on the skin that become worse due to the dog’s persistent licking and itching are referred to as hotspots. It is an allergic response that also causes the inflammation to flare up, leading to chronic discomforts. Often, with skin infections, dogs may also experience an unusual amount of fur loss, among other easily noticeable symptoms of food allergies in dogs.