Skin Disease/Food Sensitivities
Dogs can develop food sensitivities as a result of a reaction to certain kinds of proteins in their food. Your veterinarian can determine if your dog has any food allergies, and recommend a dog food that is formulated to ease problems for dogs with food sensitivities.
Dogs with food sensitivities, just like humans can develop skin disease (itchy ears, infected anal sacs, rashes/pustules on the body) AND gastrointestinal issues (such as vomiting and diarrhea). The skin is the largest organ in the body and if you didn't know, the gastrointestinal system is essentially an extension of the external skin we are so familiar with--it is the "skin-barrier" from what we ingest which then makes its way into our bloodstream. So it then should come as no surprise that dogs with external skin issues will often have intestinal issues too.
If you notice your dog scratching, itching, licking or rubbing more than normal, having vomiting and diarrhea spells, then he/she might have a food sensitivity. Here are some of the most common signs of dogs with a food sensitivity:
- Skin Irritation: red patches, pimples, scabs, flaky skin
- Hair Loss
- Bad Skin Odour
- Decreased Appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating and Flatulence
If you notice any of these signs then you should speak to your veterinarian. The diets in this section are hypoallergenic diets that will help ease the uncomfortable signs of having a food sensitivity and skin eruptions.
