Milly Gaines
Dogs can have allergic reactions to their food, which can cause itching and scratching. Food allergies are a hypersensitivity reaction in the immune system that occurs when exposed to a certain food. The most common symptom of food allergies in dogs is itching, especially on the paws, face, ears, belly, and under the tail. Dogs can also develop a condition similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder, which manifests as scratching, licking, or chewing behaviours that can cause self-harm. Food intolerances are different from allergies and tend to be limited to digestive problems and less severe symptoms. Dogs with underlying nutritional deficiencies or immune system dysfunction will be more alluring to fleas and will often develop flea bite allergies. A veterinarian may recommend a special diet or fatty acid supplements to address dry skin issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for scratching | Food allergies, food intolerance, or environmental allergies |
| Food allergy symptoms | Itching, ear infections, red belly, hives, hair loss, chewing or licking paws, runny eyes, secondary infections, gastrointestinal symptoms |
| Food intolerance symptoms | Digestive problems |
| Food allergy diagnosis | Reintroduce original food and observe flare of itching, infection, or tummy upset |
| Food allergy treatment | Anti-itch treatments, Cytopoint, Apoquel, Glucocorticoids, Antihistamines, Antibiotics |
| Food intolerance treatment | Elimination diet trial, Limited Ingredient Diets (LIDs), Raw diet, Whole food diets, Hydrolyzed diets |
| Environmental allergy treatment | Colloidal oatmeal baths, Coconut oil, Fatty acid supplements, Antibiotics, Steroids, Anti-itch products |
| Other causes of scratching | Boredom, anxiety, dry skin, hormonal imbalances, pain, fleas, ticks, mites |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs with food allergies may be allergic to animal proteins
Dogs can develop allergies to specific proteins in their diets over time. The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, lamb, soy, or wheat gluten. These are the most commonly reported allergens because they are among the most common ingredients in commercially sold dog food.
Dogs need the amino acids in protein to thrive, but too much protein is not the cause of allergies. Instead, a dog may develop allergies because of genetics or because of eating the same foods all the time. A dog's exposure to the same ingredients day after day can create food sensitivities, which is why experts advise rotating between foods with different meat and carbohydrate sources.
If your dog exhibits signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, a rash, sneezing, or digestive disturbances, the cause could be a food protein. To determine this, your veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet trial, which typically lasts 8 to 12 weeks. During this time, your dog's diet must not contain any ingredients that they have eaten in the past, and no other foods, treats, or supplements are fed. If your dog's allergy symptoms resolve during the trial and return within a week of reintroducing their old food, your dog has been diagnosed with a food allergy.
Once the offending food substance has been identified, a diet that does not contain it should be chosen. There are several hypoallergenic diets available, including veterinary hydrolyzed protein diets, in which the protein molecules are broken down to a size too small to be recognized by your dog's immune system.
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Food intolerances are distinct from food allergies
A dog's scratching could be due to its diet. Skin problems will affect about one in three dogs at some point in their lives, and while there are many root causes, nutrition plays a key role.
Food intolerances, on the other hand, occur without immune system involvement. Food intolerance covers a large category of adverse food reactions that do not involve the immune system. Food intolerances can occur at any time, whether it's the first exposure or over time. In these cases, the offending ingredient may be a protein or another ingredient that is causing problems. For example, lactose intolerance is a recognized carbohydrate intolerance in dogs. The signs include diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort after ingesting cow's or goat's milk. Dogs can also experience gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and flatulence, due to food intolerances because they cannot digest an ingredient properly.
While the underlying causes of food allergies and intolerances differ, the clinical signs and diagnoses are often similar. Both are typically treated similarly, with a change in diet, such as switching to a hydrolyzed protein diet.
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A raw diet may reduce itching
Some dogs may develop sensitivities to ingredients in their food, setting up an inflammatory response that results in intense itching. Other dogs may be missing important fats or other nutrients in their diet that keep skin healthy. A raw food diet may help with this as it will rebalance the hormones and may even act as a natural hormone replacement. In addition, raw meat contains traces of hormones that dogs would be used to ingesting.
A raw food diet is the easiest thing for your dog to digest and supports their immune system. However, it is important to note that some dogs may experience gut issues, itchy skin and paws, or gammy ears on a raw diet. Many vets do not recommend giving your dog a raw food diet as there are lots of recorded risks, but not as many clear benefits. Raw foods can carry parasites and bacteria that may be risky for your pet.
If your dog is itching, it is important to identify the cause of the allergy. The most common food allergens are traditional meat proteins such as chicken, beef and lamb, and dairy products such as eggs. It is also important to note that dogs can develop allergies at any age, and their allergies may change over time.
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Dogs can have physical responses to psychological upset
Stress is a term used to refer to feelings of emotional strain or pressure. Dogs can experience acute stress, which is a temporary situation that causes a momentary spike in stress reactions. They can also experience chronic stress, where they remain in a state of stress over days, months, or even years. Research on dogs has suggested that experiencing high stress is linked to both negative health and behavioural outcomes, including gastrointestinal issues, fearful, aggressive, and reactive behaviours, and chronic health conditions.
There are several signs that your dog is experiencing stress. These include changes in bodily functions, such as increased urgency to urinate or defecate, vomiting, diarrhoea, and refusing food. Dogs may also exhibit avoidance or displacement behaviour, such as sniffing or digging the ground, licking their genitals, or turning away from an unwelcome situation. They may also show signs of hiding or escape behaviour, such as moving behind a trusted person or object.
Other signs of stress in dogs include dilated pupils, sweaty paws, shaking, vocalising excessively, salivating, yawning, sneezing, lip licking, and intense displacement behaviour such as excessive grooming, spinning, or self-mutilation. Changes in body posture may also be observed, such as shifting their weight to the rear legs or cowering.
It is important to note that not all stress is bad, and occasional stress is a normal coping mechanism for dogs. However, too much stress or remaining in a stressed state for too long can have negative consequences for your dog's health and behaviour. If you notice any of these signs of stress in your dog, it is important to consult your veterinarian for advice and guidance.
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Fatty acids can help address dry skin issues
A dog's diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and addressing dry skin issues. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are key nutrients for promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are the most important EFAs, and they offer several benefits for dogs with dry skin issues.
Firstly, EFAs can help correct dry skin, flakiness, and excessive shedding. By providing the necessary moisture, these fatty acids alleviate dry skin and reduce the associated itchiness. This is particularly important as persistent scratching can lead to skin irritation and even infections.
Secondly, omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce the over-reactivity of a dog's immune system, thereby reducing the risk of developing other conditions related to excessive itching. They also help to lessen inflammation caused by allergies or other skin issues, reducing itching, redness, and irritation.
Additionally, EFAs support cell regeneration, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. They also promote the production of natural oils, helping to keep the skin and coat well-hydrated and healthy.
EFAs can be found in various natural sources, including fish oils, shellfish, whole wild-caught fish, eggs, and grass-fed meats. They are also available as dietary supplements, which can be added to your dog's daily regimen if natural food sources are insufficient.
In summary, essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6, play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and addressing dry skin issues in dogs. They provide moisture, reduce itching, support cell regeneration, and promote a healthy coat.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it could be. Dogs can have allergic reactions to their food, which can cause itching. Food allergies are a hypersensitivity reaction in the immune system that occurs when exposed to a certain food. The most common symptom of food allergies in dogs is itching, especially on the paws, face, ears, belly and under the tail. Dogs with underlying nutritional deficiencies will be more alluring to fleas and will often develop flea bite allergies.
Dogs with food allergies are typically allergic to proteins, which come from animal or plant-based ingredients in their diet. The most common ingredients that can trigger this sort of reaction include wheat, maize, corn, milk and other dairy products.
There are a few things you can try. You could try a hydrolyzed diet, where animal proteins are broken down into very small molecules that the immune system should not be able to recognise as allergens. You could also try a raw food diet, which has been shown to decrease allergy symptoms in dogs. You could also try adding fatty acid supplements to your dog's food to help with dry skin issues.
