Food Allergy: Clinical Signs?
Young dogs are more likely to experience food allergies than older dogs. Food allergies often occur after a long period of consuming the type of food causing the allergy and are not usually associated with a diet change
The most common dog allergy symptoms are:
Itching that doesn’t respond to conventional treatment. This can be generalised or limited to the face, ears, feet, and ears, and armpits, tummy or perineal region (near genitals) for dogs
Recurrent ear infections
Gastrointestinal tract symptoms - vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence and an increase in faecal mucous, faecal blood and straining (an absence of these signs does not rule out the diagnosis)
What could my dog be allergic to?
Usually the offending food is a basic ingredient found in an everyday pet diet. Dog allergies can be to beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, egg, soy, lamb, pork, fish, corn, turkey, rice and duck.
How can food allergy be confirmed?
Unfortunately, commercial skin and blood tests, as well as saliva tests relating to food are unreliable. Food allergies can only be diagnosed by an elimination diet.
Your veterinary dermatologist has expert training in dog food allergies and will be able to give you the best advice as to which diet to select. An extensive review of your pet’s dietary history is critical. This will include an analysis of their regular diet, as well as other dog foods in multiple animal households, pet treats, dietary supplements and chewable or flavoured heartworm preventative medications. Many commercial diets recommended for allergic dogs are ineffective.
How long will I have to feed my pet an elimination diet?
The current standard for the diagnosis of food allergies in dogs involves feeding a restricted diet for eight weeks.
How can food allergy be treated?
Depending on the information found from the elimination diet trial and dog allergy testing, foods that don’t contain the offending substance will be selected. Canned diets contain fewer preservatives than dry foods and may be better tolerated.
Do you think your dog has a food allergy? Bring them in for a consultation. We treat your pet like one of our own. Call now on: +61 08 6277 9430 (Murdoch) and (Balcatta) or email: dermnurses@adcmg.com