One of the most prevalent allergies or hypersensitivities that dogs suffer from is a food allergy; Food Allergy In Dogs. When a dog’s immune system overreacts to one or more of the substances in their diet, this is known as a food allergy; Food Allergy In Dogs. Skin problems or stomach issues such as diarrhea and vomiting are common symptoms. The immune system of a dog with an allergy overreacts, producing antibodies to substances that it might ordinarily accept.

Antibodies are created against some portion of the meal in an allergic reaction to it, usually a protein or a complex carbohydrate. Food allergy normally appears after a lengthy period of exposure to a particular brand, kind, or form of food. Food allergies can appear at any age in a dog’s life, but they are most common in puppies under the age of a year.

A dog with food allergy lying down
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Protein allergies are common in dogs. They can be sensitive to any protein they’ve ever eaten, but the most common allergies are to beef, chicken, or lamb, which are commonly found in dog food. Other substances, such as wheat, may cause allergies in some dogs; Food Allergy In Dogs.

Although a food allergy cannot be treated, symptoms can be reduced by restricting your dog’s diet and preventing them from eating foods to which they are allergic. When problem foods are avoided, most allergic dogs with food allergies enjoy a normal life.

Proteins, particularly those from dairy products, beef, lamb, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, and gluten are the most prevalent dietary allergies in dogs (wheat); Food Allergy In Dogs. When a dog eats food that contains these ingredients, the antibodies react with the antigens, causing symptoms.

Your dog can live a totally normal life if he or she has a well-managed food allergy. Food allergy can have a major impact on your dog’s health and quality of life if left unchecked.

Symptoms  of Food allergies in dog

Food allergy in dogs affecting the dog making the dog to be uncomfortable
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The following are the symptoms of food allergies in dogs

  • Saliva staining
  • Itchy skin
  • A rash or red, painful skin (particularly on the feet, ears, face, chin, tummy, and groin
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach ache
  • Farting.
  • Problems with the skin
  • The most common symptom of a food allergy is stomach pain.

Food Allergy In Dogs – Diagnosis

There are blood tests that can determine whether your dog is allergic to certain foods. These tests are known as serum IgE testing. The best and most accurate way to diagnose food allergies is to follow a hypoallergenic diet for eight to twelve weeks as part of a food trial known as an elimination trial.

There must be no components in the elimination diet that the pet has eaten previously. During the trial period, no other food treats, or supplements, including flavored vitamins and heartworm preventives, are allowed to be consumed. Allowing your dog to eat anything else during the food trial may cause them to react, and you will not be able to tell if the special diet is working or not. Your veterinarian or veterinary nurse can advise you on how to manufacture treats out of the special food so that you can keep your dog’s diet varied.

Food Allergy In Dogs – Treatment

The only way to get rid of it is to avoid it. During severe bouts, some pets will require medication, but most pets can be effectively managed with a hypoallergenic diet. After the offending dietary substance has been identified, a diet that excludes these substances is chosen. Dogs who have developed an allergy to one food may develop allergies to other foods in the future. Some dogs with food allergies also have environmental allergies, which can lead to allergic skin disease (atopy). In this scenario, a particular diet may help them improve a little, but they may also require extra therapies to keep their skin complaints under control.

A dog with food allergy lying on the floor
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Prevention

A rotational diet, similar to the human diet, is the greatest approach to preventing food allergies. We eat a different variety of meals each day than the day before. This allows us to get a diverse range of nutrients while also avoiding boredom from eating the same thing over and over. A diversified diet is beneficial to both dogs and cats, and switching diets can save a lot of money on veterinary treatment over the course of a dog’s lifetime.

 

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Author

Kehinde Ezekiel is a freelance writer who has covered many topics, including home improvement, gardening, pets, tech, and parenting.

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