German Shepherds can develop food allergies.
German Shepherds, just like other dog breeds, are susceptible to a number of health problems. If your shepherd is experiencing a food allergy, he will develop some symptoms. Knowing the possible symptoms of canine food allergies will help you determine if you need to speak to your vet about treatment options.
Skin Irritation
According to Long Beach Animal Hospital, the most common sign of a food allergy is excessive itching of the skin, also known as pruritis. Pruritis usually manifests itself as your dog biting, chewing and scratching himself nonstop. The areas of the skin that generally itch the most are the groin and anal regions, the paws and underarms, and around the face, including the ears, muzzle and eye. As the itching progresses, your dog can begin to develop hot spots, which are bald areas of skin which are inflamed and irritated. Infections can also occur, including skin yeast infections and ear infections. The skin may also take on a red appearance, begin to scale and flake, develop bumps or emit a foul odor.
Gastrointestinal
If your dog’s digestive system cannot tolerate a certain food, her digestive tract may develop symptoms. Since vomiting is not common in most dogs, if you notice your dog vomiting excessively, especially after eating, this could be a sign of an allergy. Other dogs may develop diarrhea if the digestive system cannot digest an allergen; however, according to PetPlace.com, diarrhea is not very common. Both vomit and diarrhea may have blood, which you would want to bring to your vet’s attention immediately. Constipation, or the struggling and straining to pass stool, may occur in some dogs. Still other dogs may have an increase in bowel movements.
Seizures
In extreme cases, according to the Center for Integrative Animal Health, some dogs become hypersensitive to food allergies and can suffer a seizure. Seizures are electrical disturbances in the brain, kind of like a lightning storm, that can cause a change in your dog’s behavior. You may notice a dog experiencing a seizure has varying degrees of symptoms. Common symptoms include the dog being unresponsive to you, lethargic, shaking, biting at himself and others and twitching limbs. According to Dr. Allen M. Schoen, the seizures may be caused by a natural ingredient, such as grains, or to the preservatives and flavorings in the food.
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