How to spot the difference between food and environmental allergies in your pup
With spring, hopefully, springing into bloom soon we know that seasonal allergies will follow. Dogs, like humans, can have seasonal allergies that come and go with spring and fall, but what if it’s something else?
If your dog is a little extra sneezy or itchy in the coming weeks it is likely just seasonal, but just in case a new allergy is making itself known now that is not environmental, we are breaking down the differences between the different kinds of allergies your dog can have and how to spot the differences between them.
Food Allergies
The most common food allergies for dogs are proteins. Dogs may have a sensitivity to beef, chicken, soy, or even eggs. Lamb is considered to be a hypo-allergenic protein for dogs and it is low on the glycemic index so it is easier on sensitive tummies, but if your dog is having a lot of protein allergies be sure to start with just a small amount of lamb to begin.
The other most common allergens are dairy and gluten–much like humans! Dairy isn’t a super common product in dog food, but there are a lot of treats that may have milk or cheese in them. Gluten, either through wheat or grains, can be easily avoided as many dog foods have grain free options. (P.S. All of PetPlate’s recipes are gluten-free, even if they contain grains!)
The largest allergen for dogs comes from fillers and artificial additives in kibble. Corn and wheat are often used to bulk up kibble, though they have low nutritional value and are common causes of allergens. The additives like artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives cause allergies because they are not naturally derived and more likely to upset stomachs. Human-grade food like PetPlate avoids ingredients like these to ensure that pups have the healthiest food at their paws.
Environmental Allergens
As the seasons change dogs may get a case of “hay fever” like their human companions, usually caused by extra pollen from flowers and trees, and grass in the air. The change in weather creates the perfect conditions for excess mold and dust mites as it gets hotter and the air becomes more humid.
While not specifically allergens, fleas and pesticides run a higher risk for dogs in the spring and summer months. Stay on top of your flea and tick medicine and keep your dog away from treated grass or weeds so they don’t ingest any of the toxic chemicals.
Signs and Symptoms
Both food and environmental allergies can cause itchy skin, red eyes, runny nose, ear infections, as well as other respiratory problems. If your dog has a case of seasonal allergies they will likely have very itchy skin that can lead to hair loss and red inflammation on their skin–especially if they come into contact with any allergen or toxin.
If their allergen is food borne they will, in all likelihood, have some gastro-intestinal problems. The first sign that they may be allergic to something in their food is an upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. In both cases, these symptoms can lead to behavioral changes, loss of appetite, or increased irritabilities.
While the differences between the signs of different allergens are slim, there are tons of different avenues we can take to help our dogs stay away from foods and environments that may cause them discomfort. Starting a human-grade diet like, PetPlate, is a great first step to help your pup avoid common food allergens. You can get started here.
If any of these symptoms come up, please reach out to your vet immediately so that you can discuss the best course of action for you and your pup!
