Food allergies in dogs: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in Dubai

What are food allergies in dogs?

Food allergies are caused by an abnormal reaction of your dog’s immune system defences to one or more ingredients in their diet. Unlike food intolerance (which doesn’t involve the immune system), food allergies will trigger inflammation in the skin or gut.

Key points:

• Any ingredient can cause a reaction, but proteins such as chicken, beef, dairy, or lamb are the most common triggers.
• Dogs can be allergic to more than one ingredient in their diet.
• Symptoms can develop at any age, regardless of how long your dog has been eating the same food.
• Once a food allergy develops, it can’t be cured.
• Symptoms can usually be controlled with the correct diet.

Allergies can severely impact your dog’s quality of life with severe itching and/or gastrointestinal problems. Talk to a vet for reliable expert advice as soon as you suspect a problem.

Symptoms of food allergies in dogs

Food allergies can show up in different ways in different dogs. The signs can overlap with environmental allergies (atopy) or flea bite reactions, so diagnosis can be difficult.

Common symptoms include:

• Itchy skin, especially paws and abdomen (tummy)
• Red skin, rashes, or hair loss
• Itchy ears and ear infections that keep coming back, despite treatment
• Vomiting, soft stools, or diarrhoea
• Weight loss or poor condition, despite continuing to eat well
• Lack of energy (lethargy), excessive tiredness
• Flatulence (excessive gas) or a noisy, gurgly stomach

In Dubai, heat stress and high humidity can make skin irritation worse and may mask the underlying food allergy. That’s why any persistent itching or digestive upset should be checked by your vet.

Dogs at greater risk of food allergies

Food allergies can affect any dog, but certain factors may increase the risk:

• Certain breeds: Labradors, West Highland White Terriers, French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Irish Setters are more commonly affected.
• Young age: Most cases appear between 6 months and 3 years of age.
• Living conditions: Dogs in multi-pet households or those fed varied commercial treats will likely be exposed to more potential allergens.
• Environmental stressors: In Dubai, hot summers and frequent use of imported foods may contribute to flare-ups or complicate diagnosis.

Can humans or other pets catch food allergies?

No. Food allergies are not contagious. They don’t spread between dogs or from dogs to humans.

How are food allergies diagnosed in dogs?

Diagnosing food allergies requires careful testing, as many other conditions have similar symptoms. Tests include:

• A thorough physical examination: checking for other potential causes of symptoms
• Skin tests: skin scrapes, biopsies, or hair plucks
• Blood and urine tests: general health and organ function
• Imaging: X-rays or ultrasound of the abdomen if digestive symptoms are severe
• Stool tests to check for parasites
• The ideal test is an elimination diet trial

What’s involved in an elimination diet trial:

• Feeding a hydrolysed (allergen-free) or novel protein diet exclusively for at least 6–8 weeks.
• Avoiding all other food sources, including treats, chews, or flavoured medications.
• Improved symptoms suggest a food allergy.
• Reintroducing the original diet to see if symptoms return confirms the diagnosis.

Veterinary treatment for food allergies in dogs

Food allergies often require a multimodal treatment approach. This may include:

• Anti-itch medication: such as steroids, antihistamines, Apoquel tablets, or Cytopoint injection (for severe flare-ups).
• Antibiotics: where indicated, for secondary skin or ear infections.
• Strict parasite control: fleas or mites can worsen symptoms.
• Pain relief if the skin is very sore.

Once the allergy is identified, most dogs can be managed purely by a controlled diet. For complicated cases, your vet may refer you to a dermatologist (a skin specialist).

Home care for a dog with food allergies

Long-term management focuses on avoiding the allergens and supporting healthy skin and digestion.

• Hydrolysed protein diets: proteins broken down into tiny pieces so the immune system doesn’t react to them. Talk to a vet for advice on specialised prescription diets.
• Novel protein diets: foods made of proteins your dog hasn’t eaten before, such as venison, duck, egg or insect-based diets.
• Home-cooked diets: only advisable under veterinary guidance or supervision from a nutritionist (dietary expert).

Other supportive measures:

• Clean ears regularly with vet-approved cleaners: ideally every 7–10 days. Talk to your vet or vet nurse for advice on the most effective cleaning technique
• Use omega oil supplements to reduce itching and support skin health.
• Bathe with medicated or soothing shampoos as recommended by your vet.
• Offer probiotics to help with chronic diarrhoea or soft stools.
• Use medical body suits, boots, or buster collars if your dog is causing themselves trauma with scratching, chewing or biting.

Tips on how to prevent food allergies in dogs

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to completely prevent food allergies. However, you can reduce risks by:

• Feeding a consistent, balanced diet: ask your vet for recommendations.
• Introducing new diets and proteins slowly.
• Avoid unnecessary supplements, chews, or treats that contain multiple ingredients.
• Monitor your dog for early signs of itching or stomach upset.

When to worry about food allergies in dogs

Call your vet if you notice:

• Persistent itching, especially if your dog is damaging their skin.
• Ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea, especially if it contains any blood.
• Weight loss despite eating normally.

Schedule a veterinary check for mild but ongoing issues, such as ear infections, itchy skin, or soft stools. Food trials and supportive treatments can greatly improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

Worried about your dog’s skin symptoms and a possible food allergy? Book a consultation today at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Their experienced veterinary team can provide accurate diagnosis, allergy testing, and tailored diet plans to help manage your dog’s symptoms. From ongoing skin care to long-term nutritional support, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted partner in Dubai for compassionate and comprehensive allergy management.