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Canine Food AllergiesHarvey Carruthers |
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Allergy vs
Intolerance
One percent of the dog population has a food allergy and half of those affected are less than a year old. The most common allergies are to beef, chicken, milk, eggs, maize, wheat and soya. Symptoms vary but may show on the skin, gut or the entire body. The best treatment is to avoid these foods. In contrast, food intolerance results from overeating, scavenging or food poisoning and leads to diarrhoea and vomiting.
Allergic Symptoms
Dogs cannot tolerate even small amounts of the food to which they are allergic. Severe anaphylactic symptoms are uncommon, but lethargy, nettle rash and poor appetite can result. General itchiness, inflamed ears and skin infection are common. Dogs may scratch themselves severely. Look for signs associated with gastrointestinal colic, diarrhoea and vomiting. Weight loss is a further indicator.
Diagnosis
In some dogs, symptoms can be quite subtle and well tolerated by the dog, and as a result they are often missed. Several blood tests exist to find antibodies suggestive of allergy. However, the tests are not able to diagnose food allergy in all cases because there is a poor correlation with test results and visible symptoms. Therefore, the best way to diagnose food allergy is by food trial.
Food Trial
Putting the dog on a hypo-allergenic diet containing, for example, potato and venison can reduce the effects of an allergy. However, in some cases, medical treatment may also be needed. One method of isolating the allergy is feeding the animal a balanced hypo-allergenic diet for a period of about six weeks. Once the system has been purged each food type is gradually reintroduced to test for a reaction.
One percent of the dog population has a food allergy and half of those affected are less than a year old. The most common allergies are to beef, chicken, milk, eggs, maize, wheat and soya. Symptoms vary but may show on the skin, gut or the entire body. The best treatment is to avoid these foods. In contrast, food intolerance results from overeating, scavenging or food poisoning and leads to diarrhoea and vomiting.
Allergic Symptoms
Dogs cannot tolerate even small amounts of the food to which they are allergic. Severe anaphylactic symptoms are uncommon, but lethargy, nettle rash and poor appetite can result. General itchiness, inflamed ears and skin infection are common. Dogs may scratch themselves severely. Look for signs associated with gastrointestinal colic, diarrhoea and vomiting. Weight loss is a further indicator.
Diagnosis
In some dogs, symptoms can be quite subtle and well tolerated by the dog, and as a result they are often missed. Several blood tests exist to find antibodies suggestive of allergy. However, the tests are not able to diagnose food allergy in all cases because there is a poor correlation with test results and visible symptoms. Therefore, the best way to diagnose food allergy is by food trial.
Food Trial
Putting the dog on a hypo-allergenic diet containing, for example, potato and venison can reduce the effects of an allergy. However, in some cases, medical treatment may also be needed. One method of isolating the allergy is feeding the animal a balanced hypo-allergenic diet for a period of about six weeks. Once the system has been purged each food type is gradually reintroduced to test for a reaction.
reprinted with kind permission from Alastair Balmain
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.