Does your dog constantly scratch at his face?  Does he have a skin infection that is itchy
and flaky?  Does he have several bowel movements in day?  If so, your dog may be
suffering from a dog food allergy.  A dog food allergy can affect dogs in several different
ways from itchy skin infections to digestion issues.  Either way a dog food allergy can be
controlled.

What are the symptoms of a dog food allergy?  Common symptoms your dog can
experience when they have a dog food allergy include:  itchy skin, hair loss, excessive
scratching, ear infections, and hot spots.  These symptoms are common in many other
dog allergies besides a dog food allergy.  Therefore, it is crucial that you make sure that
your dog has a dog food allergy as opposed to an allergy to something else that has
similar symptoms.

What other allergic conditions cause these symptoms?  Your dog could be experiencing
an allergic reaction to a flea bite, mange, intestinal parasites, yeast and bacterial
infections can cause similar symptoms.  Therefore, it is imperative that you make an
appointment with your veterinarian to find the root of your dog?s symptoms.
 
If your veterinarian suspects a dog food allergy then they will conduct a food trial.  The
food trial consists of controlling exactly what your dog eats.  Your dog will need to
consume a prescription dog food that will test to see if he is suffering from a dog food
allergy.  A typical dog food trial normally lasts three months.  If your dog?s skin and
other allergic symptoms clear up then a removal of the old dog food is necessary.

It is useful to note that a dog food allergy can occur at any age.  Your young puppy can
show immediate signs of a dog food allergy.  Or your senior dog may suddenly develop
and allergy to the dog food they have eaten for years.  A dog food allergy can pop up at
anytime.  Both male and female dogs are susceptible to a dog food allergy.

Identifying a dog food allergy is best handled by a veterinarian.  A veterinarian can
properly diagnose the cause of your dog?s allergies and arm you with the appropriate
tools to help alleviate your dog?s allergies.

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