Seeing your beloved pet suddenly choking and gasping for air and having no idea why is such a terrifying feeling. Food allergies are very common in both dogs and cats and trying out new food or your pet finding their way into your kitchen and gobbling down food meant for humans are two common reasons for such allergies. Knowing that your pet is showing signs of allergies is the first stage of treatment. Here are the symptoms and triggers for food allergies in pets. Watch for these symptoms every time you introduce a new food to your dog or cat.

• Itching
  One of the symptoms and triggers for food allergies in pets is itching caused by proteins in the food given to them. This protein triggers an immune response in the pet, which causes the body cells to release a compound called histamine. This compound causes the itchiness. If there is a food allergy, your dog or cat will constantly itch or lick their body or keep rubbing against rough surfaces for some relief. Itching occurs about 80% of the time in the ears.
• Skin rash
  Another common symptom of a food allergy is skin rash. Even human beings suffer from skin rashes if they consume food they are allergic to. This is again, the body’s response to the proteins in the food source. The body of your pet responds to allergies with rashes and skin infections as well and these should not be ignored.
• Infections
  If your dog or cat develops an infection in some part of the body, that could also be associated with food allergies. The most common places for infections are the ears and the skin. Yeast or bacterial infections are also related to food allergies. Some cats may even develop infections in the rectum because of their body’s reaction to allergic food.
• Gastrointestinal issues
  Another common issue on the list of the symptoms and triggers for food allergies in pets is different kinds of gastrointestinal issues. These can include diarrhea, vomiting, and difficulty while defecating. Visible discomfort because of abdominal pain caused by food allergies also needs to be monitored.
• Genetics
  On the list of the symptoms and triggers for food allergies in pets, the top trigger identified by vets is genetics. Your dog or cat could be genetically predisposed to developing an allergic reaction to certain kinds of foods. When it comes to dogs, the most common allergens are chicken, lamb, fish, and pork. For cats, the common allergens are fish, dairy products, and beef. Be aware when you give any of these above foods to your pet for the first time.

If you notice any of the symptoms and triggers for food allergies in pets, do not hesitate to contact your vet. Food allergies, when left untreated, can cause your pet to be in pain, lose weight and be fatigued. Always offer new foods in moderation to check for allergic reactions.