Common Food Allergies in Pets

The caring veterinarian at Trumbull Animal Hospital in Trumbull, CT, understands that food allergies can be irritating and unpleasant for pets. Some signs your cat or dog may have a food allergy include itchy skin, chronic ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues. We are here to tell you about common food allergies in pets and how we can help manage your pet’s symptoms.

Understanding Food Allergy Triggers

Food allergies occur when a pet's immune system overreacts to a specific ingredient. While any food protein can cause an allergic reaction in your pet, these are some of the most frequent food allergens that our vet sees:

• beef, chicken, turkey, and eggs - common meats and eggs used in many commercial pet foods
• dairy - found in specific recipes or treats
• fish - increasingly used as a novel or "hypoallergenic" protein
• wheat, corn, and soy - standard grain sources that are often fillers or binders
• yeast - used to culture some pet foods during processing

Pinpointing the exact allergen through methodical diet trials allows our veterinarian to recommend alternative protein and grain options to alleviate symptoms.

Recognizing Signs of Food Allergies

Animals cannot verbally communicate discomfort from food allergies, so pet owners need to watch for signals like:

• itchy skin, licking their paws, or rubbing their face
• chronic ear issues or secondary skin infections
• vomiting, flatulence, and loose stool
• paw chewing between toes due to itchiness

Catching symptoms early on helps your vet create a treatment plan to manage your pet’s symptoms before they lead to significant health concerns. Severe food allergy cases may require antibiotics or steroids to treat symptoms.

Exploring Food Allergy Management

Our vet may recommend the following approaches for tackling troublesome food allergies in pets:

• novel or hydrolyzed protein diet trial to help identify triggers
• immunotherapy or custom-formulated allergy shots
• antihistamines or supplements to reduce inflammatory response
• symptom-specific medications to address secondary issues
• allergen avoidance to prevent exposure

Most pets can get complete symptom relief with an individualized plan to pinpoint and control food allergies.

See Your Veterinarian Near You for Food Allergy Treatment at Trumbull Animal Hospital

Protecting your pet from food allergy symptoms is vital for maintaining its health and well-being, so contact Trumbull Animal Hospital in Trumbull, CT, to get the veterinary care your pet needs to manage its allergies today. Our puppy care and kitten care can keep your pet healthy and happy for years to come, so call us and schedule an appointment today at (203) 268-6231.