When on the lookout for a dog that is possibly suffering an allergic reaction, it is important to know what the signs and symptoms of such a reaction might be. Since dogs are unable to communicate with us verbally, it can be hard to know whether or not your dog might need gluten free dog food or some other unique solution. Food allergies in dogs can be especially difficult to diagnose if a given pup is already prone to medical issues, or spends a lot of time outside.

It may be tempting to chalk up an allergic reaction to encountering something outside the home rather than to ingesting food the dog is not accustomed to. Here are the most common symptoms of food allergies in dogs:

1. Itching
Taking the time necessary to engage with your pup if wanting to determine whether or not there is an allergy problem is observing their symptoms, especially when it comes things such as itching. The most common areas that will be itching on your pup include the paws, ears, backside, and stomach. If your dog is constantly gnawing on parts of their body relentlessly, then there is a good chance that they are going to be constantly itching.

2. Hives
A rash is a dead giveaway that your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction to something, although there is no guarantee that the reaction necessarily has to do what they are ingesting as opposed to physically encountering something in the yard or close by. Being able to spot hives on dogs with a lot of hair might require you to part your pup’s hair with your hands in order to get a good look at their skin. While getting this look might be a bit difficult, it is important to know whether or not there is a visible rash.

3. Digestion issues
Dogs that are having trouble going to the bathroom can be a very clear indicator that a dog is experiencing some serious challenges in terms of digestion. Digestion problems can be the result of having ingested something that the dog is allergic to, making this determination is largely a matter of taking note of what your dog has eaten and when. If you recently fed your dog something new, this could be a good indication that they were allergic to it.

4. Swelling
Swelling of a dog’s face, stomach, legs, or other areas may be the result of having ingested something they are allergic to, and could be a cause for concern. If the swelling is in an area where the dog has not recently been physically active especially, then it is unlikely the swelling is due to a physical injury. Taking note of when the swelling began and keeping an eye on the pup’s diet makes a huge difference in making this determination.

5. Paw and ear infections
One of the less-known ways in which a food allergy can impact a dog are cases of paw and ear infections, which are often the result of a compromised immune system. When eating something that is bad for the dog, it can inhibit the animal’s ability to stave off infection, and thus the infection can take hold.

Some common foods to avoid feeding your dog are chicken, beef, pork, and other meats which have not been processed for the dog’s diet. Avoiding cheap dog food is also important in some cases due to the ingredients not always being natural.