Symptoms
Statistically, dog food allergies are not as common as you might think they are. This is the reason why you must take your pet to the vet to have its condition diagnosed properly. Many pet owners often mistake food intolerances as food alleges, as the two conditions share some of the same symptoms.
Some tell-tell signs that your pet might suffer from a food allergy are itching, sneezing, itchy paws, skin pigmentation, ear infections, hot spots, eye discharge, hair loss, red eyes, and rashes. The body part that is most likely to become affected and, in this case, infected if your dog has an allergic reaction to a specific type of food is its ears.
Other gastrointestinal symptoms that you should look for are diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain constipation. If you notice that your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you immediately take it to the vet
Treatment
If you are not sure what is the food that is causing your dog to have an allergic reaction, it is imperative that you start your pet on a food elimination diet. To be sure that you are providing your pet with the right amount of nutrition during this allergen-identification period, it is recommended that you ask your vet for more info on the matter.
For instance, if your pet is allergic to meat, your vet might suggest that you opt for salmon as the main source of protein, a tasty food your dog will love.
When your beloved companion is on a special diet, you must refrain from feeding it treats like people food or cookies.
To combat the effects of the symptoms that your pet is displaying, some vets also recommend that you give medications such as Antihistamines to your dog. If you are not a big fan of meds, you can also try utilizing anti-itch shampoos.
Most common food allergies in dogs
Feeding your pet a single type of protein for several years increases the risks of the pet developing an allergic reaction to that food. Because beef is such a common ingredient in dog food, numerous dogs end up allergic to it.
Many dogs are also lactose intolerant. As a result, they cannot be fed dairy products, as doing so can cause them to exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. Other common foods that often cause allergies are wheat, eggs, lamb, soy and chicken.
According to researchers, some breeds are more predisposed than others to developing food allergies. These breeds are Dachshunds, Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Pugs, Pitbulls, Shih Tzus, Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, and Yorkshire Terriers.
If you own a pet that is prone to have allergic reactions to food, it is imperative that you pay extra attention to its dietary needs and its reaction to the food that it eats. While caring for a food-allergic dog is a bit more challenging, it is not impossible to create the right environment so that your beloved companion lives a comfortable life.
To monitor the overall health of your pet, you have to make time to take it to the vet for regular check-ups. You can also visit online forums to see what other pet owners who are parents for food-allergic dogs recommend that you do to help your dog cope with its condition.
