Food allergy is one of the most common forms of allergy in dogs and cats which contrary to environmental allergy is non-seasonal and could affect the pet anytime of the year. The term “ Ear and rear disease” describes some of the common signs of food allergy that includes Otitis externa or inflammation of the external ear canal and anal sacs impaction. The sign of otitis externa includes: head shaking, scratching the ears and sometimes bad odor coming from the ears. The anal sacs impaction can reveal itself by scooting behavior in which affected pet might scoot or drag the bum on the floor. In some cases they would lick the anal area for extended period of time. In some cases defecation might be harder than usual because the discomfort experienced by the pet. The other common signs of food allergy include stool or fecal material softer than normal, pruritus or itching and scratching and licking of the body and skin. Food allergy mostly affects pets older than one year. The most accurate way to diagnose food allergy is food trial. Unfortunately this method needs complete restriction of the suspected elements for at least 1.5 to 2 months to see improvements otherwise it would not provide the clear answer. Many clients have limited control over the food given to the pet for multiple reasons.

Contrary to environmental allergy, Food allergy is non-seasonal and could affect the pet anytime of the year. The term“ Ear and rear disease” describes some of the common signs of food allergy that includes Otitis externa or inflammation of the external ear canal and anal sacs impaction. The sign of otitis externa includes: head shaking, scratching the ears and sometimes bad odor coming from the ears. The anal sacs impaction can reveal itself by scooting behavior in which affected pet might scoot or drag the bum on the floor. In some cases they would lick the anal area for extended period of time. In some cases defecation might be harder than usual because the discomfort experienced by the pet. The other common signs of food allergy include stool or fecal material softer than normal, pruritus or itching and scratching and licking of the body and skin. Food allergy mostly affects pets older than one year. The most accurate way to diagnose food allergy is food trial. Unfortunately this method needs complete restriction of the suspected elements for at least 2 months to see improvements otherwise it would not provide the clear answer. Many clients have limited control over the food given to the pet for multiple reasons. Kids might not follow the instructions and sometimes they might expose pets to restricted item by leaving leftovers on the floor.

I had a client who was giving only vegetable diet to his dog which was showing all the signs of food allergy. When I suggested the test for food allergy, he thought it was impossible and waited for few months. Finally he agreed with the test and when we got the results it was so unexpected . His dog was allergic to many of the vegetables and beans he was giving and not to any kind of meat ! you have to remember vegetables have proteins too. The prevention and treatment of food allergy is based on avoidance of the items in the food that the pet is allergic to. In cases where inflammation of the ear canal, and scratching of the body has damaged the skin, medications including antibiotics might be necessary before treating the allergy . Most clients love their pets and want the best for them. They see their pet as a family member and treat them as one. It should be remembered that the more different kinds of diet you give to your pet, the risk for food allergy might increase and it might be harder to detect it.

Good Luck, Dr.Amir Khosravani