Food is more than just fuel for our pets—it can directly affect their health and comfort. At 108 Avenue Animal Hospital, we often see dogs and cats with unexplained itching, vomiting, diarrhea, or chronic ear infections, and food sensitivities are sometimes the hidden culprit. Understanding how these sensitivities manifest and what to do about them can make a huge difference in your pet’s quality of life.
What Are Food Sensitivities?
Food sensitivities occur when a pet’s immune system reacts negatively to specific ingredients in their diet. Unlike food allergies, which can trigger severe immune responses, sensitivities tend to cause chronic, low-grade issues. Common ingredients that may cause reactions include:
- Beef, chicken, or dairy
- Wheat, corn, or soy
- Artificial additives, preservatives, or coloring
Food sensitivities can develop at any age, even if your pet has tolerated the same food for years.
Signs That Food Sensitivities May Be Affecting Your Pet
Pets with sensitivities often show symptoms that seem unrelated to food, making them tricky to identify. Common signs include:
Skin-Related Symptoms
- Itching, scratching, or licking paws excessively
- Red, inflamed, or flaky skin
- Chronic ear infections or odor
- Hair loss or thinning coat
Digestive Symptoms
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Diarrhea or soft stools
- Gas or bloating
- Sudden changes in appetite
Some pets may exhibit a combination of skin and digestive symptoms, which can make pinpointing the cause challenging without veterinary guidance.
How Veterinarians Identify Food Sensitivities
At 108 Avenue Animal Hospital, we take a step-by-step approach to identify food sensitivities:
- Medical history and diet review: Understanding what your pet eats and when symptoms occur
- Rule out other causes: Parasites, infections, or other diseases can mimic food sensitivities
- Elimination diet trial: Feeding a limited-ingredient or novel protein diet for several weeks to see if symptoms improve
- Reintroduction test: Gradually reintroducing ingredients to confirm which foods trigger reactions
This structured approach allows us to accurately identify sensitivities while minimizing unnecessary dietary restrictions.
Managing Food Sensitivities
Once a food sensitivity is identified, managing it often includes:
- Switching to a novel protein or hypoallergenic diet
- Avoiding treats or table scraps that contain trigger ingredients
- Using supplements like omega-3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health
- Regular monitoring to track improvements in symptoms
Consistency is key—even small amounts of a trigger food can cause symptoms to return.
When to Call the Vet
Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows:
- Persistent itching or scratching
- Chronic ear infections
- Ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, or digestive upset
- Hair loss or skin lesions
Early intervention helps prevent secondary infections and ensures your pet stays comfortable and healthy.
How 108 Avenue Animal Hospital Can Help
Our team works with pet owners to identify food sensitivities, recommend the right diets, and provide guidance on long-term management. We tailor solutions to each pet’s unique needs and monitor progress to ensure lasting improvements.
Call 108 Avenue Animal Hospital at +1 (604) 581-1108 to schedule a consultation and start your pet on the path to a healthier, more comfortable life.