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Just like their human counterparts, dogs are prone to all kinds of allergies. We define allergy as a state of over-reactivity that attacks the body mainly through the immune system. We can divide dog allergies into a few categories such as skin allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergies. However, the most common one found in dogs are food allergies.
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Food allergies vary from one dog to another. For example, most dogs are allergic to protein-based food like beef, egg and chicken while others have a specific intolerance towards grains such as wheat.
The best dog food for allergies in the market can range from hypoallergenic dog food, novel protein diets to homemade dog food that comes fresh from the kitchen.
Studies have shown that dogs fed according to their allergy conditions are vital in improving their overall health. So whether it’s a mild rash or something more severe, it’s what your dog eats that matters.
Most dogs are allergic to proteins deriving from dairy products such as beef, lamb, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or gluten. Each time your dog eats food containing allergen substances, symptoms of allergies occur because of the antibodies clashing with the antigens. Below are the different food allergies symptoms in dogs that vary from one another.
Scabs are caused by an infection aptly known as superficial bacterial folliculitis. Food allergies symptoms include sores and bumps that appear on the dog’s surface skin.
This is due to an ear infection known as otitis externa. Symptoms include odor and dark discharge coming out of the ear canal of the dog.
Factors that contribute to these infections are moisture, allergies, and endocrine disorders. Seek immediate treatment for your dog to avoid complications such as deafness.
Bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract, diet-related causes, and foreign bodies are the main reasons for vomiting. Symptoms of food allergies that you should watch out for are frequent vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and lethargy.
However, take note that vomiting in dogs might be something far more worrying. Seek immediate treatment for your dog if it vomits more than once per day.
Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to dog food allergy symptoms compared to others. However, the most common allergy-inducing ingredients in dog food are explained further here:
Beef is a source of protein and also a common food allergen for most dogs. This is because their immune system defines beef as an invading substance towards the internal organs.
Symptoms of beef allergies in dogs include bald patches, chronic ear infections, and chronic gas. Thus, it is best to take your dog to the veterinarian to collect its skin scrapings for a proper diagnosis of its allergy.
Just like beef, chicken is another common allergen for dogs. Despite being a source of protein, some dogs are sensitive towards it.
Symptoms of chicken allergy in dogs include skin irritation, skin rash, and skin infection. Further allergy signs to look out for are a change in your dog’s stool consistency.
Some dogs can develop an allergy to wheat after consuming them excessively over the years. Symptoms of this allergy include itchy, red skin, chronic ear infections, and discoloration of the feet.
Remove wheat completely from your dog’s diet. If all goes well, your dog will be on the verge of recovery soon.
Malassezia dermatitis is a skin disease, or inflammation, that is a common allergy found in dogs. Signs of this allergy include itching and redness, a musty odor, scales and crust, and thickened skin.
Although yeast dermatitis can cause an infection, it is not contagious to other dogs. Dogs prone to this allergy are breeds such as the West Highland White Terrier.
Some dogs are allergic to corn or maize, a common ingredient in many dog food. Symptoms of this allergy include skin irritation, hives, biting of the paws, itching, and obsessive licking.
Corn allergies in dogs are caused by an overactive immune system and digestive difficulties. Diagnosis may require several tests such as blood work, a biochemistry profile, and urinalysis.
According to experts, soy protein is a recognized allergen for many dogs. Symptoms of soy allergies in dogs include ear canal infections, obsessive licking, and self-trauma.
We find soy protein in commercial dog food such as soy flour and soy grits. Treatment for soy allergies in dogs can vary from their diet, medication, and additional care.
Eggs are a healthy treat for dogs as they are high in digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. However, they can cause some minor gastrointestinal upsets or allergic reactions.
Make sure you cook your dog eggs well before you feed them to your dog. If not, your dog might get an allergic reaction which may come in forms such as sneezing, coughing, and swelling. If this happens, omit eggs from your dog’s diet, and contact your vet immediately.
Akin to humans, dogs are also intolerant towards certain milk and dairy products. As a result, your dog may display signs of vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive problems.
However, it is safe for your dog to consume milk in small quantities. Once in a while, reward your dog with a few tablespoons of cow’s milk or goat’s milk as a treat.
Grain-free dog food is perfect for any dog with a wheat allergy since it is free from either grain or soy, which is a common allergen for some dogs.
Homemade fresh dog food is still the best bet if you have a little extra time. As you prepare your pet’s food, you can choose the right ingredients and avoid food types that cause your dog allergies.
Ideal for dogs allergic to multiple types of meat as long as they are well-formulated with all the nutritional values intact.
Hypoallergenic dog food is perfect for dogs that suffer from food-related allergies. Examples include venison and potato, duck and pea as well as salmon and potato.
A bland dog diet is best when your dog has digestive issues. Examples of a bland diet include boiled plain chicken and rice.
Digestive booster meals that often contain a single animal protein are beneficial for easing stomach issues in dogs. For example, lamb meals with rice.
This type of dog food is ideal for senior dogs with a sensitive stomach. Food such as pumpkin, canned tuna and salmon is safe and beneficial for dogs with the necessary high fibre and digestible protein.
This is a special soy protein diet where the nutrients are broken into small components, making it more digestible so your dog is less likely to suffer from an allergy.
You can add homemade raw yogurt, oregano and basil into your dog’s food to help it combat yeast infections.
Perfect for dogs that prefer dry food and have food-related allergies at the same time.
Since gently cooked food is easier to break down and digest, the nutrients absorbed will break down gently in a dog’s stomach. It should have a high level of protein that helps dogs to maintain an allergy-free skin that is healthy, shiny, odorless and soft.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fresh meat, fish and poultry are not only highly nutritious, they are also easy on a dog’s digestive system. When gently cooked, they do not contain either preservatives or additives in contrast to other foods.
Fret not, as the best food products for your dog’s allergy woes are available only at: Petcubes Singapore. Our gently cooked fresh dog food is available in a wide range of variants such as chicken, pork, beef, lamb and more.
Packed with iron, minerals and proteins, a regular intake of these goodies will ensure your dog has a smooth and perfect coat that will be the envy of all other dog owners!
Conclusion
Allergies in dogs are not uncommon, but the combination of consuming the right dog food and diet is vital to treating such ailments. Dogs that show signs of an allergy should switch to an alternative diet as soon as possible to avoid further complications. To do that, get your dog evaluated by a professional veterinarian first to know what is the complete and essential diet to provide your dog.
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