Discoloration on tummy and ear infection: Sign of food allergies?

[Samantha & Charlie]

Me again.

So I took Charlie to the groomer today and they mentioned he had discoloration on his tummy. I didn't think much of it but they said that it was a sign of food allergies. Is this true? He is also getting over a recent ear infection.

I made a post recently how we just moved from Charleston to Greenville (about 3.5 hours apart) and he was being a picky eater because of the recent changes in his life. Well, I also put him on a new food (Wellness Simple) about 1 week ago because his previous food kept giving him diarrhea. He was doing great other than being picky until this ear infection and what the groomer said about his tummy.

Should I be concerned? I also know this can all be environmental too.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Ignore the groomer's information. It is not true. And the groomer is not the person from whom to take advice on anything related to health at all. 

I don't think there is any topic more misunderstood or more discussed than food allergies in dogs. Any and every issue remotely related to health is blamed on a food allergy. In truth, they are rare, and at any rate, none of these things points to a food allergy. Dogs get ear infections, especially poodle mixes and any breed with long floppy ears, which includes retrievers. Every poodle or poodle mix I ever had needed weekly ear cleaning and maintenance, and not one of them had food allergies. 

In addition to that, a week is nowhere near enough time for a dog to have any type of allergic reaction to any food. It typically takes a minimum of 6 months and usually more than a year of consistently eating the same food for an allergy to develop. 

None of the symptoms you've mentioned is indicative of an allergy of any kind, food or environmental. Ear infections can be a symptom of allergies, but not the only symptom. Itching is always first and foremost.  I would put that thought out of your mind. I would also not be concerned about the color of his stomach. Ask the vet about it when you go in to get the ear rechecked. 

Some information on food allergies: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup/forum/topics/facts-a...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Samantha, I was looking back at your discussions and I see that you have posted numerous times over the past year about various health issues with Charlie that may or may not be related to allergies. I see that we discussed consulting a dermatologist back in January. Did you ever look into that? 

[Samantha & Charlie]

Thanks Karen. I know I can count on you!

I didn't want to believe the groomer because that sounded odd to me. Charlie gets ear infections every so often but I never took notice of his skin color on his stomach.

I so want him to get tested for allergies but this year has been a financial burden in our household for numerous reasons. Things should be improving soon and once they do I know I need to get that done.