What are the signs of food allergy?
The signs of a food allergy range from gastrointestinal (GI) signs such as vomiting and diarrhea to dermatologic (skin) reactions such as itching (pruritus), bumps (papules) and redness (erythema). In dogs, adverse food reactions typically occur as nonseasonal pruritic dermatitis, occasionally accompanied by GI signs. The pruritus varies in severity, and the lesions are often indistinguishable from those seen with atopy. One-fourth of dogs with adverse food reactions have lesions only around their ears. In cats, head and neck pruritus is a particularly common manifestation of food allergy. Every part of the GI tract can be damaged by food allergies. The signs usually are the result of stomach and small bowel dysfunction, but inflammation of the large intestine (colitis) can occur. Vomiting and diarrhea are prominent features. Gastrointestinal disturbances occur as well in 10% to 15% of dogs and cats with cutaneous manifestations of food sensitivity. Can other allergies occur simultaneo
