For pet owners, food allergies in dogs, can be an important issue. The last thing anyone wants is to see “man’s best friend” uncomfortable. Just like in humans, dogs can develop allergies to a number of different things in their environment. Anywhere from 5-10% of all allergy cases are food related. The first step towards helping the dog is figuring out the problem.
This being said, it is usually very difficult to diagnose any food allergies in dogs. Obviously, they can’t talk, so figuring out their symptoms can be challenging. One of the first signs of food allergies in dogs is itchy red skin. These spots can be located in a number of different places. You might see them on the feet, face, or ears.
When a dog is uncomfortable, one of the first things they do is scratch or bite the affected area. This is why it is important to try and catch the condition as soon as possible. The dog will often times make it worse and cause an infection.
Sometimes it is possible to figure out the food allergy through the process of elimination. However, if you started the dog on a new food and they get sick, don’t immediately change the food. The dog will usually need some time to get used to the new diet. Even if the dog has eaten the same food for years, they can develop an allergy to it.
Food allergies in dogs can be very difficult to diagnose on your own. If the solution is not obvious, you may want to consult a veterinarian. Their expertise can be very helpful in these situations. A veterinarian may suggest an elimination diet. On this diet they will eat a special food that contains carbohydrates and protein. It will be something that the dog has never tasted before. In this way they can determine if it is indeed a food allergy. If the symptoms go away after a few weeks on the diet, it’s obviously something that you’re feeding them. Then you can just find a new food that doesn’t have the same ingredients and try it out. Hopefully this will fix the problem.
Another important note regarding food allergies in dogs relates to the use of “hypoallergenic dog foods.” Just because a food claims to be hypoallergenic does not necessarily mean it is the answer to your problem. The ingredients in these foods are so popular that they have become almost commonplace. Your dog still may be allergic to something in those types of foods. You can always try it and see if it helps. However, if they symptoms don’t go away, you can’t rule out food allergies.
Sometimes it just takes a little trial and error in helping your dog get over their allergy. Hopefully in the meantime it won’t be too unbearable for the dog. Once you get past it, the dog should be fine. While there is no known cure for food allergies in dogs, avoiding the food should do the trick. Your dog can then get back to being your best friend again.
Larry J. is an online marketer, dog lover. To see his other articles on dogs please visit his lens at: Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Blackwell |
