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It's heartbreaking for any dog owner to see their pet struggle with skin issues. The scratching, itching, and visible soreness can be difficult to watch – and you just want to help them feel better.
Skin issues in dogs are often caused by parasites, infections, and environmental allergies. But what about food allergies? Though relatively uncommon, they can also cause chronic itching and skin problems for your pup. So, if your dog has persistent skin issues, it's worth considering food allergies as a potential cause.
Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to certain food ingredients. Common allergens include beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, and lamb. If your pet ingests something they're allergic to, their bodies will react with immune system responses. This reaction can cause itchy skin and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Food allergies in dogs can cause a wide range of symptoms, but skin issues are especially common. Here are a few signs to look out for:
Other signs of food allergies in dogs may include digestive issues, such as vomiting and diarrhoea but not always.
Although allergies are one of the main causes of itchy skin in dogs, food allergies are less common, making up approximately 20% of all allergies, which equates to 1-2% of the global dog population1.
Taking your dog for a check-up is the best way to get to the bottom of their skin problems. Your vet will be able to determine if they have food allergies but it is important to keep in mind that this can be a long process, because of needing to rule out other possible causes of your dog's allergy or another underlying issue.
At a veterinary appointment, your vet will likely take a few different steps to determine if your dog has food allergies. First, they'll ask about your pup's diet and other relevant information – such as their age, environment, and symptom history.
Next, your vet will physically examine your dog to rule out other issues like parasites and infections. They may also run tests like blood work, skin scrapings, and cytology tests across multiple appointments while they are trying to identify the underlying cause.
In certain cases, your vet may want to run a food elimination trial to check for food allergies. This is the only reliable way to confirm a food allergy and identify which specific ingredient(s) are involved. Food elimination trials involve following a scientifically proven protocol over several weeks which your vet will help you understand and explain to you in more detail. It's essential to follow your vet's instructions and work closely with them to ensure the trial goes smoothly.
Once your vet has confirmed that your pup is suffering from food allergies, it's time for a treatment plan. Skin issues caused by food allergies can be managed in several ways, but the aim is to keep your pup comfortable and itch-free.
Here are a few of the most common treatments for skin issues in dogs with food allergies:
Your vet may suggest a specific diet for your dog to minimise their exposure to allergens. This could be a vet-prescribed commercial food or homemade meals that exclude certain ingredients.
Omega fatty acids and other supplements can help your pup's skin health from the inside out.
Many medications can help reduce itching. Your vet may also recommend topical creams, shampoos, and other products to soothe your dog's skin.
Vet-prescribed medications can help reduce your pup's itching and related symptoms.
Your vet may also recommend topical creams, shampoos, and other products to soothe your dog's skin.
If your dog is experiencing skin issues, it's crucial to identify the underlying problem – our symptom checker is a good place to start to get more information. Avoid attempting to diagnose food allergies on your own, as it's easy to overlook other common causes of allergic or itchy skin conditions. Instead, consult your vet to determine the causes and develop an effective treatment plan.
