Is your four-legged mate scratching more than usual? Is their tummy a rollercoaster of unpredictable upsets? If the ‘walkies’ have turned into ‘scratchies,’ then we’re guessing food allergies could be the culprit! In collaboration with our friends at Burns Pet Nutrition, we’re here to demystify your canine chum’s dietary dilemmas.
What’s All This Allergy Malarkey?
Ah, the perennial question that’s got many dog owners scratching their head—almost as much as their pooch is scratching their ears! John Burns, MBE, veterinary surgeon and founder of Burns Pet Food, breaks it down: “An allergy is an abnormal reaction; it’s a disease condition. With seasonal allergies, we cannot avoid contact with the environment but we can change the system, try to restore normal function. The key to this is the diet. A natural, wholesome diet fed in the right amount can allow the system to regain normal health, whatever the disease condition.”
So while it may not be possible to put your pooch in a protective bubble away from every offending pollen particle, what you can do is take charge of their meals. Proper nutrition is your secret weapon against allergies, and it can transform your dog’s system from the inside out.
Allergy vs Intolerance: What’s the Difference?
You see, not every adverse reaction to food means your dog is allergic. A food allergy involves the immune system, usually reacting to a specific protein. On the other hand, a food intolerance doesn’t involve the immune system but can produce similar symptoms such as loose stools, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Symptoms: When to Wag, When to Worry
Since your pooch can’t very well tell you what’s up, you’ll have to be a bit of a detective. The symptoms of food allergies or a food intolerance can look very similar. Here’s an overview of what to look out for:
- Itchy or inflamed skin
- Scaly, crusty patches of skin
- Recurring ear problems
- Flatulence
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain and bloating
Common areas to check include the face, paws, lower legs, and the groin. Less frequently, issues may crop up around the ears and eyes.
Common Culprits: What’s Causing the Itch?
When it comes to pointing fingers at the perpetrators behind your dog’s incessant itching or digestive discomfort, the “usual suspects” are often beef, wheat, and dairy. These ingredients are ubiquitous in many dog food products, making them frequent offenders in the world of pet food allergies. However, as any good detective would tell you, it’s crucial not to overlook other potential culprits lurking in the dietary lineup.
Proteins: The Double-Edged Sword
Proteins, essential for your pet’s growth and well-being, can paradoxically be the ingredient that triggers an allergy. While beef is a commonly recognised protein that can induce an allergic reaction, other protein sources such as chicken, fish, and lamb can also cause issues. This is because allergies usually arise when the immune system mistakes a protein for a harmful pathogen and goes on the defensive. Essentially, the immune system’s efforts to protect your dog’s body can backfire, leading to allergic reactions.
Grains and Fillers
While beef, wheat, and dairy are often cited, let’s not overlook other grains and fillers like corn, soy, and rice, which can also be problematic for some dogs. These ingredients are often used in commercial dog foods as an economical way to bulk up the product but can wreak havoc on a sensitive system.
Fruits and Veggies: Not Always the “Healthy Option”
Believe it or not, even seemingly harmless ingredients like fruits and vegetables can be offenders. For instance, some dogs are allergic to potatoes or certain fruits. It’s crucial to remember that ‘natural’ does not always mean ‘non-allergenic.’
Processed Foods and Additives
Artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives found in some dog treats and foods might be doing more harm than good. These chemical additives can irritate a dog’s digestive system or skin, potentially leading to allergic reactions.
Breed-Specific Sensitivities
Certain breeds, including Westies, Cocker Spaniels, Irish Setters, Shar Pei, and German Shepherds, are more prone to food sensitivities and allergies. If you own one of these breeds, you may need to be extra vigilant about your pet’s diet, making sure to avoid known allergenic foods common to that specific breed.
Your Roadmap to Relief: Managing Food Allergies
Navigating the world of food allergies in dogs can be overwhelming, but there’s good news: A strategic approach to your pet’s diet can make all the difference. So, what’s the game plan? Let’s delve into it.
Opt for Hypoallergenic Food:
It may sound like a buzzword, but ‘hypoallergenic’ is a term you’ll want to get familiar with. These specially-formulated foods are designed to minimise the risk of allergic reactions by avoiding known allergens such as beef, wheat, and dairy. They often feature alternative protein and carbohydrate sources that are easier for your dog’s digestive system to handle.
Single Protein Diet:
A diet focused on a single protein source, whether it’s meat, fish, or egg, can work wonders for a dog with allergies. By limiting the protein to just one source, you can more accurately identify the culprit behind the allergic reaction, should one occur. This makes it easier to eliminate the problem ingredient from your dog’s diet in the future.
Novel Ingredients:
Sometimes, the key to solving the food allergy puzzle is introducing your furry friend to completely new ingredients. Novel proteins and carbohydrates—those your dog has never been exposed to—can act as a reset button for your pet’s immune system. Think kangaroo meat or sweet potatoes; exotic or less common foods can offer a dietary respite for your dog’s overeactive immune system.
Follow Burns’ Elimination Diet:
The elimination diet is essentially the Sherlock Holmes method of the dog food world; it’s a logical, methodical way to identify allergens. Following Burns’ proven elimination diet plan helps you systematically introduce single ingredients to your dog, making it easier to pinpoint exactly what’s causing the allergic reaction. This is a particularly valuable tool in cases where multiple allergies might be at play.
Expert Advice at Your Fingertips:
When you’re tackling something as complex as a food allergy, expert advice can be invaluable. Burns Pet Nutrition offers a team of friendly, knowledgeable nutritionists who are available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. You can reach them via freephone at 08000836696, via live chat on their website or by email at [email protected]. These experts can provide personalised guidance, helping you tailor your pet’s diet to meet their specific needs. Whether you’re just starting on your journey to identify food allergens or you’re an old hand looking for fresh strategies, they are just a phone call or an email away.
By taking a proactive and informed approach to managing your dog’s food allergies, you can turn a stressful situation into a manageable condition. Always consult with a veterinarian or a qualified nutritionist to ensure you’re making the best choices for your pet’s long-term health.
It’s Not Just the Food!
Believe it or not, your dog’s skin irritation might not even be food-related! It could be a flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), an allergic reaction to just a couple of flea bites. Pollens and even your laundry detergent might also trigger symptoms. And don’t overlook treats, supplements, and even certain chew toys; they too can contain allergens.
Wrapping It Up
The road to understanding and managing your dog’s food allergies might be challenging, but with a careful approach your pooch will be on the way to itch-free bliss! Trust us, it’s worth the effort for a wagging tail and happy, itch-free life.
