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Food allergies can be frustrating and challenging for pets and their owners. They often cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can affect a pet’s overall well-being and quality of life. At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, we specialize in diagnosing and managing allergies and other dermatological conditions in pets, helping your four-legged friends feel their best. In this article, we’ll explore food allergies in pets, how they’re diagnosed, and how our team can help you manage any skin symptoms effectively.

What Are Food Allergies in Pets?

Food allergies in cats and dogs happen when their immune system overreacts to a specific ingredient in their food. The allergens most commonly responsible are proteins like beef, chicken, dairy, or soy, though other ingredients can also trigger reactions. Unlike food intolerances, which affect digestion, food allergies cause immune-mediated responses that typically manifest as skin or ear issues for pets.

Common Dermatological Symptoms of Food Allergies in Pets

• Skin Issues: 

• Itching and Scratching: This is one of the most noticeable signs. Pets may scratch, chew, or lick their paws, ears, and other affected areas.

• Redness & Rashes: Allergic reactions often cause areas of redness or rashes for cats and dogs, especially in regions where they lick or scratch excessively.

• Hot spots: These areas are intensely itchy, red, and moist. They can develop quickly and spread easily.

• Chronic ear infections: Food allergies can lead to recurrent ear infections, causing itching, discharge, and discomfort.

• Hair Loss and Dry Skin: Pets may experience hair thinning or loss in areas where they have been scratching, alongside dry, flaky skin.

• Licking, chewing, or biting at the skin: This is a common response to itchy skin. Pets may focus on their paws, tail, or other areas that are particularly bothersome.

• Gastrointestinal Changes: 

• 30% of dogs with food allergies also have concurrent gastrointestinal upset. Owners may notice soft or loose stool, more than normal frequency of bowel movements, vomiting, etc.

It's important to note that many of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as flea allergies, environmental allergies, or skin infections. If you notice your cat or dog experiencing any of these issues, it's important to consult with your primary vet or veterinary dermatologist, such as Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

How Are Food Allergies Diagnosed?

Diagnosing food allergies, particularly those that affect the skin, requires a thorough process to rule out other potential causes. Here’s how we diagnose and manage these conditions:

1. Elimination Diet Trials

The gold standard for diagnosing food allergies is an elimination diet. During this process, we transition your pet to a diet that contains either novel proteins or hydrolyzed proteins—ingredients they have never been exposed to before. This diet is maintained for 6-8 weeks to monitor for symptom improvement. If the symptoms subside, we reintroduce the previous diet to confirm the allergy diagnosis. Over-the-counter diets (like those found at a pet supply store) are not recognized diagnostic diets. These foods have the potential for cross contamination of various proteins during the manufacturing process. This cross contamination would not be reflected on the food label. It is vital to go through your veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist for proper assistance with diet changes. 

2. Veterinary Dermatology  Exam and Testing

Our dermatologists take a thorough approach to diagnosing allergies in pets. We begin with a comprehensive physical exam, reviewing your pet’s skin and coat health, medical history, and diet. While we don’t rule out environmental allergies before conducting a diet trial, we use the trial’s results to determine if food is a contributing factor—if symptoms persist, environmental allergies are likely. The only exception is when a pet has a strong seasonal pattern to their symptoms, indicating environmental allergies rather than a food allergy. Additionally, we may perform tests such as skin scrapings or cytology to rule out other skin conditions like infections.

3. Collaboration with Pet Owners

Diagnosing food allergies often requires patience and consistency from pet owners. Our team at Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology will work closely with you, providing guidance and support to ensure the most effective treatment for your pet’s skin health.

How Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology Can Help

As specialists in pet dermatology, we offer advanced diagnostics and treatments to effectively manage food allergies and their impact on your pet’s skin. Our services include things like:

• Customized Diet Plans: We will recommend a specific hypoallergenic or novel protein diet tailored to your pet’s unique needs.

• Allergy Management: Beyond food allergies, we also test for and manage environmental allergies that can occur alongside food sensitivities.

• Comprehensive Skin Treatments: If food allergies have caused secondary skin infections, we provide treatment options  such as topical therapies or oral medications to resolve these issues and restore your pet’s skin health.

• Long-Term Monitoring: Allergies often require ongoing care. We’ll work with you to monitor your pet’s progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

For more information about our allergy-related dermatology services, visit our Allergy Management page.

The Role of Veterinary Dermatologists in Allergy Care

Veterinary dermatologists, like the team at Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, have advanced training and experience in managing complex skin and allergy cases. We provide:

• Expert Evaluations: We assess your pet's skin symptoms to determine whether food allergies or other factors are contributing to their discomfort.

• Education and Support: Helping pet owners understand and manage allergies is key to effective care. You’ll leave each appointment with clear instructions and ongoing support to help you manage your pet's skin health at home.

When to Seek Help

If your pet is showing signs of food allergies, don’t wait. Chronic itching, skin infections, or discomfort can significantly impact their quality of life. Early diagnosis and dermatological intervention can prevent more severe problems down the road. Contact Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our allergy and dermatology services. You can call or text us at 612.757.0160 or visit our Contact Page to request an appointment.

Additional Resources

For more information on pet allergies and their impact on your pet’s skin, check out these trusted resources:

• American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD)

• Veterinary Partner

At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, we are dedicated to providing expert care for pets with food allergies and other dermatological conditions. Let us help your pet feel comfortable in their skin again. Schedule an appointment with us today! Call or text 612-757-0160 or use our online contact form!