Reviewed by Dr. Joseph Menicucci, DVM, MBA. Veterinary Health Specialist and Diagnostic Expert.
This content is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet shows any symptoms mentioned, promptly consult a veterinarian.
Understanding Your Dog’s Silent Cues: The First Step to Relief
If you are reading this, you likely know that something “just isn't right” with your pup. Whether it's constant scratching, digestive issues, or just a lack of energy, our dogs have a way of telling us when they are in distress, even if they can't speak.
Below, we cover the top symptoms of intolerance. But first, if you are tired of guessing what's wrong, there is a faster way to know.
The Quick Answer (For Busy Pet Parents)
If you recognize the symptoms in this article, it is often due to a specific food or environmental trigger (like chicken, wheat, or grass pollen).
Don't guess with expensive food trials. We recommend using an at-home intolerance test to pinpoint the exact trigger immediately.
Our #1 Recommended Test: UCARI Pet Intolerance Test (Results in 48 Hours)
The Top 8 Symptoms to Watch For
1. Ear Infections
Frequent ear infections can be a sign of underlying sensitivities, especially if they recur despite treatment. Dogs may shake their heads or scratch their ears excessively due to the discomfort.
2. Digestive Troubles
Sensitivities or intolerances to certain food ingredients can manifest as various digestive issues. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, and even changes in appetite. These signs can indicate that your dog’s body is reacting negatively to something in their diet.
3. Itchy Skin (Pruritus)
Dogs with food or environmental sensitivities often experience relentless itching. This discomfort can lead to excessive scratching, biting, or licking, particularly around the ears, paws, belly, and rear. Itchy skin can escalate to more severe conditions, such as infections or hot spots, if not addressed promptly.
🛑 Stop the Itch, Don't Just Mask It.
Did you know that 90% of scratching is caused by a specific trigger? Shampoos and creams only hide the problem temporarily. To stop the itching for good, you need to identify exactly what your dog is reacting to.
4. Hot Spots
Also known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are areas of swollen, infected skin that appear suddenly and grow rapidly. These painful spots result from your dog’s over-grooming areas that itch due to allergies.
5. Respiratory Symptoms
While less common, sensitivities can lead to respiratory symptoms in dogs, such as sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. These symptoms are more often associated with environmental allergens like pollen, dust, or mold.
6. Paw Licking and Chewing
Excessive licking or chewing of the paws is a common sign of discomfort in dogs with sensitivities. This behavior can lead to irritation, infection, and further skin damage.
💡 Is it the Food or the Environment?
Stomach issues are often caused by food, but did you know laundry detergent or pollen can also be the culprit? The UCARI Test scans for both food and environmental factors in one simple test.
7. Gastrointestinal Upset
Chronic gastrointestinal issues, such as frequent bowel movements, straining to defecate, or gurgly gut noises, can indicate food sensitivities or intolerances.
8. Dull Coat and Skin Flaking
A dull coat and flaky skin can be signs of nutritional deficiencies or reactions to certain foods. A healthy coat is often a reflection of overall health and proper nutrition.
The Hardest Part is Knowing What is Causing It
You’ve recognized the symptoms above, but now comes the difficult question: Is it the Chicken? The Wheat? Or maybe the pollen in the grass?
Traditionally, vets recommend an “Elimination Diet.” This involves weeks of changing foods, strictly monitoring every treat, and waiting to see if symptoms improve. It is expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating for a hungry dog.
There is a faster, easier way.
Modern at-home testing technology allows you to use a small hair sample to identify up to 1,000+ potential triggers. No needles, no vet visits, and no guessing.
We have compared the top options on the market to help you choose the right one.
Most Popular
- 1000+ Intolerances & Imbalances Tested
- Actionable Nutritional Insights
- Results in 2 Days From Sample Receive
- 10-15 Hair Samples
- 1,100-item Pet Food Sensitivity Test
- 100% Money-back Guarantee Offered
- Results in 3-5 Days From Test Arrival
- 5-10 Hair Samples
The “Peace of Mind” Pick: UCARI Pet Intolerance Test
If you want answers fast, UCARI is the industry leader. It bridges the gap between your pet’s discomfort and a clear plan of action without breaking the bank.
Why We Love It:
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Fastest Turnaround: You get your results digitally just 2 business days after the lab receives your sample.
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Actionable “Reboot”: They don't just give you a confusing list of data. You get a color-coded “Nutritional Reboot” guide that tells you exactly what to eliminate.
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User-Friendly: The digital dashboard is incredibly easy to read on your phone.
For pet parents who want to leave no stone unturned. This is one of the most comprehensive tests on the market, ideal if your dog has complex symptoms.
Why We Love It:
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Maximum Coverage: Tests for 1,100 items, including metals, minerals, and nutritional imbalances.
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Vet Support Included: This is a huge bonus—it includes exclusive access to a 24/7 Vetline to discuss your results if you are confused.
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Simple System: Uses a clear Red/Amber/Green system to tell you what to avoid immediately.
Allergies vs. Sensitivities and Intolerances
FAQs
How accurate are sensitivity and intolerance test kits?
These test kits can be very accurate in identifying specific triggers affecting your dog’s health, helping you to tailor their environment and diet accordingly.
How does a dog allergy test work?
These tests typically use bioresonance technology or other methods to analyze a sample (hair or saliva) from your dog. The sample is compared against a database of various substances to identify potential intolerances or sensitivities.
What can a dog allergy test detect?
Dog allergy tests can detect sensitivities and intolerances to a wide range of substances, including various types of food ingredients, environmental factors, and potentially harmful materials in skincare products.
Why should I consider an allergy test for my dog?
An allergy test can be helpful if your dog is experiencing symptoms like hot spots, itchy skin, digestive disturbances, vomiting, or flatulence, and you are unable to determine the cause. It can also be used proactively to understand potential intolerances your dog might have.
Is the test suitable for all dogs?
Yes, these tests are generally suitable for all breeds and sizes of dogs. Some tests are also suitable for cats.
A Loving Reminder
The information provided at ThePetPicks.com is based on research and expertise, aiming to enhance the bond between you and your dog. However, it’s esse