Food allergies
Food allergies are a common cause of skin problems, gastrointestinal complaints and other ailments in dogs. But how can you tell if your dog has a food allergy? And what can you do about it? In this blog post, you'll find out everything you need to know about food allergies in dogs.
What are food allergies?
Food allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to certain ingredients in food that are normally harmless. These ingredients are called allergens and can be animal or vegetable proteins, carbohydrates, fats or additives. The immune system recognizes these allergens as foreign bodies and produces antibodies that trigger an inflammatory reaction. This inflammation can manifest itself in various symptoms, which can vary depending on the dog and allergen.
What symptoms do dogs with food allergies show?
The most common symptoms of food allergies in dogs are
- Itching, skin rash, hair loss or dandruff on various parts of the body, especially the ears, paws, armpits or face
- Chronic diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence or constipation
- Ear infections that occur repeatedly
- Breathing difficulties, coughing or sneezing
- Behavioral changes such as restlessness, anxiety or aggression
These symptoms can also have other causes, such as parasites, infections or environmental allergies. It is therefore important to consult a vet in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
How is a food allergy diagnosed?
Diagnosing a food allergy is not easy, as there is no reliable blood test or skin test that covers all possible allergens. The only method that can confirm or rule out a food allergy with certainty is an exclusion diet. This means giving the dog a special food for at least eight weeks that contains only one protein source and one carbohydrate source that the dog has never eaten before. These are called hypoallergenic or novel protein diets. If the symptoms disappear or improve significantly during this time, it is probably a food allergy. In order to identify the triggering allergen, you can then gradually reintroduce individual ingredients of the old food and observe whether the symptoms return.
How is a food allergy treated?
The treatment of a food allergy consists of permanently removing the triggering allergen from the food. This means giving the dog only hypoallergenic food or finding another food that does not contain allergenic ingredients. You should also look out for treats, chews or medication that may contain allergens. In some cases, the vet may also prescribe medication to relieve the inflammation or suppress the immune system. However, these should only be used in the short term and should not be used to treat the cause of the allergy.
How can a food allergy be prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent a food allergy, as it is not clear why some dogs are allergic to certain ingredients and others are not. However, there are some tips that can reduce the risk of a food allergy:
- Choose a high quality food with few and natural ingredients
- Change the protein source of the food regularly to avoid sensitization
- Avoid foods with artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- Do not feed your dog leftovers or other things that are not intended for him
- Have your dog examined regularly by a vet to rule out other illnesses
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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