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Food Allergies in Dogs
Food allergies are not uncommon for dogs and can present a challenge for both
pet and pet owner. If you suspect that your dog has a food allergy, PupLife.com
recommends that you first bring him or her to the vet for an expert opinion. With
that in mind, here is helpful information regarding dog
food allergies.
Columbia Animal Hospital defines an allergy as "a condition
of sensitivity to a substance which is perceived by the body
as foreign". They also note that "common signs of
food allergies in dogs include itchy skin and paws, and in
some cases dogs may experience vomiting or diarrhea. A dog
with a food allergy may exhibit itchy skin, usually around
the feet, face, ears, armpits, and groin." No matter
what the symptoms, should your dog exhibit any of these behaviors
immediately visit your vet for a proper diagnosis.
Wondering how your vet will proceed diagnosing your dog's
allergy problem? Most likely your veterinarian will first
rule out more common causes of allergy type symptoms. The
rule-out process might first include a physical examination.
This would be followed by laboratory tests for flea allergy
dermatitis, seasonal reactions to pollen and other reactions
that do not involve the immune system.
If the problem has not been pinpointed at this time, your
veterinarian will then work to analyze the dog's diet. Is
this truly an allergic reaction to the food your dog is used
to eating? If so, what foods or additives could be causing
the reactions? Although food additives including preservatives
may be a cause of the allergy, they are in fact, rare. Usually
food-allergic dogs are overly sensitive to only one or two
ingredients. Surprisingly, beef and dairy proteins are the
most common. Corn, wheat, and soy have also been pinpointed
as possible culprits to some food intolerances.
Most veterinarians will recommend that you put your dog on
a trial elimination diet to accurately determine the cause
of the allergic reaction. The elimination diet consists of
proteins or carbohydrates that your dog has never been exposed
to. Follow your vet's instructions carefully when it comes
to your dog's diet. While tossing your dog a few scraps from
the table may seem harmless, this could impact the data you
are trying to gather and compromise the trial diet. After
all, what is important here is properly diagnosing the problem,
and coming up with a solution that makes your dog healthy
and happy.
Food Intolerance and Allergen-Free Dog
Foods
Many common dog food ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy
can lead to food intolerances. Some researchers believe food
intolerances compromise the immune system and can lead to
disorders such as hypothyroidism, colitis, and arthritis.
As stated earlier, PupLife.com strongly recommends that you ask
your vet for the best way to approach any medical condition
involving your dog.
Should your vet recommend that you switch dog foods to an
allergen-free dog food, it is important to choose your brand
carefully. There are several very good allergen-free foods
available commercially. When choosing an allergen-free food
be sure to read the label.
Here are some things to avoid:
Corn
Wheat
Soy
Beef
Artificial preservatives
Artificial colors
At PupLife.com, we have chosen only the highest quality, natural
dog food lines. Each manufacturer features high quality, healthy ingredients.
References
Food Allergies in Dogs & Cats, Columbia
Animal Hospital, www.cah.com.
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