Many pet owners are concerned about their dog developing food allergies. Food allergies in dogs can cause serious problems and stress to the animal and owner. How do you know if your dog has developed an allergy to a certain type of food? Well, there are many foods on the market (such as gluten free dog food) that have been developed for dogs’ that suffer form allergy problems.
Allergies in dogs are somewhat common. Dogs suffering from allergies usually develop symptoms between the age of two and six. They may also show signs of allergies when they are five months old or when they are twelve years old. Food allergy symptoms include an itchy skin around the feet, ears, face groin and legs. The dog may also suffer from continual ear infections and loss of hair. Food allergies in dogs may cause more serious symptoms, such as chronic yeast infections.
Should any of these symptoms appear one should consult their vet immediately as these symptoms could also mark the onset of a serious illness. Once the vet has made a diagnosis and has ruled out an illness then you can start carrying out food trials. You can feed your pet specific types of foods at a time to figure out which one causes the symptoms. The trials may take a long time to complete, but your effort will be worth it.
There are many different brands of dog food now available on the market. These are specifically formulated for dogs that suffer from food allergies or any associated symptoms. Nature’s recipe and Royal Canine, the Science Diet and Natural Balance are just a few examples. Many owners choose to prepare their own dog food as there are a variety of dog food recipes available for dogs that suffer from allergies.
Owners can also contact their vet for dog food recommendations if their dog has a suspected food allergy. The symptoms caused by allergies can create discomfort for the animal as well as have a negative impact on the dog’s quality of life. The dog owner should also bear in mind that food allergies are not the same as food intolerance.
Food allergies in dogs affect the dog’s immune system by affecting protein which is contained. Dog foods all contain protein which is present in vegetables, grains and meat, so they all have the potential to cause food allergies. Breeds of dogs that are prone to food allergies are Dalmatians, Retrievers, Spaniels, German Shepherds, Dachshunds and Miniature Schnauzers.
