dog foods allergies
Dog Food Allergy Treatment and Diagnosis
All dog breeds are often affected by allergies, such as dermatitis or other allergic reactions, from parasite bites. Another one that is less frequently met is the dog food allergy, that usually occurs with dogs around two to seven years.
How is the Dog Food Allergy Developed?
Dog food allergies develop slowly and in time your pet may show a negative reaction to certain ingredients. If your pet has never encountered problems with a particular kind of food and unexpectedly develops a reaction, it is most likely due to food allergies.
A clear-cut distinction must be made between dog food allergies and the fact that sometimes, something in the food causes diarrhea or stomach aches.
How can I Diagnose the Dog Food Allergy?
To diagnose dog food allergy is a serious task because it is not a very common allergy and because its effects are similar to other kinds of allergies. If in three months time, the dog’s state of health has gotten better, than surely, the former dog food is to be blamed for the allergies.
How can I Treat the Dog Food Allergy? Your dog may also become allergic to the new food as well.
Dog Food Allergy Advice
Food allergies are caused by an immune system reacting inappropriately to the present food that is being ingested. Dogs also suffer other symptoms due to actual allergies rather than intolerance. The dog food allergies can include such afflictions as itchy skin, which is a common problem.
An obvious food allergy will show up soon after switching or changing your dog’s food. Removing the recently introduced new food should take care of this problem. Adding only one new food at a time over a period of many weeks will help define which foods your dog can tolerate. If your dog’s allergies suddenly start even though no new foods have been introduced, then it may become more difficult to find the cause of the allergy.
Put your dog on a diet consisting of foods to which he has never previously eaten. If you have fed a chicken based dog food, then you can try another protein based kibble.
Many foods for dogs with allergies are completely grain free, because grains are a known allergy causing ingredient for many dogs.
