93

Summery :

1. What are the clinical signs of food allergies in dogs?
2. Are some ingredients more likely to cause allergies than others?
3. How is dog food allergy diagnosed?
4. How is food allergy treated in dogs?
5. Can Dog Food Allergies Be Cured?
6. Is my dog ​​likely to develop other food allergies?
   

Food allergy is one of the most common hypersensitivities affecting dogs.

In allergic dogs (as in humans), the immune system overreacts to a substance called an allergen , producing antibodies ( immunoglobulins ) aimed at fighting substances that it should normally tolerate.

It is precisely the activation of the immune system – and, to tell the truth, the release of some specific immunoglobulins – that characterizes the allergy.

1- What are the clinical signs of food allergies in dogs?

In dogs, the clinical signs of food allergy most frequently consist of:

• itchy skin, paws or ears;
• digestive disturbances , such as vomiting or diarrhea .

Sometimes less typical changes can also be recognized, including hyperactivity , weight loss , lack of energy and even aggression .

2- Are some ingredients more likely to cause allergies than others?

The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins , particularly those from dairy , beef , chicken , chicken eggs , soy , or wheat .

Every time the dog eats food containing these substances, the antibodies react to the antigens and trigger the symptoms.

However, it is important to note that any food ingredient can trigger allergies; therefore, it is better not to take the above-mentioned list as a given.

In addition to proteins, or parts of them, carbohydrates and food additives can be responsible for the allergic reaction .

3- How is dog food allergy diagnosed?

The best and most accurate method for diagnosing a food allergy is to feed the dog a hypoallergenic diet (elemental diet) for eight to twelve weeks ; this system is called an exclusion diet .

This special diet, often based on veterinary foods , must not contain any ingredients included in the previous nutritional plan .

It also requires that during the trial period, no other foods , such as treats or supplements – including vitamins and anti-parasitic drugs – be given . The adverse reaction to some pharmaceutical products is very similar to that of a food allergy.

If the dog’s allergic symptoms resolve during the exclusion diet, proceed with the integration of the ” normal ” foods one at a time . This process should last a few days for each product , because the allergy may appear late compared to the first intake.

Generally speaking, if clinical signs recur within a week of supplementing a food, the diagnosis is almost certain to be confirmed .

There are also blood tests that can indicate if your dog is allergic to certain foods. These are called serum IgE tests . Your veterinarian will decide whether or not they can help confirm the diagnosis, or give a basic indication of which foods to exclude first – if done before the exclusion diet.

We must specify, however, that, just as in humans, there is no evidence to support the real diagnostic efficacy of the IgE test . These antibodies can in fact rise in the blood in response to a certain food even without triggering any symptoms, or clinical signs can appear without a significant increase in IgE levels. The exclusion diet remains the elite strategy.ent.

Depending on how serious the problem is, the therapeutic approach also changes.
READ MORE ON HEALTH AND CARE

4- How is food allergy treated in dogs?

Once the offending food substance has been identified, a diet is simply planned that does not contain it . Today, various hypoallergenic veterinary diets are available, which can be administered for life. There are basically three types of hypoallergenic diets:

• Veterinary diet based on hydrolyzed proteins , in which the protein molecules are broken down to smaller sizes and are not recognized by the dog’s immune system;
• Veterinary protein diet that does not contain specific products ;
• Homemade  protein diet that does not contain specific products

Note : Some commercial dog foods may state that they are “limited ingredient” and do not contain ingredients your dog is allergic to, but it is important to note that, unlike veterinary diets, these do not follow specific safety protocols to avoid cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Your veterinarian will advise you on the best option for your dog’s needs.

5- Can Dog Food Allergies Be Cured?

There is no cure for food allergies in dogs – nor in humans, cats, etc.; but it can happen that the hypersensitivity attenuates, as well as accentuates.

The only treatment is elimination.

Some dogs may require specific medications during severe episodes, but most can be successfully treated with a hypoallergenic diet .

6- Is my dog ​​likely to develop other food allergies?

Dogs that have developed one food allergy may develop another.

Furthermore, statistically speaking, dogs already suffering from food allergies are more likely to suffer from other allergies , such as atopy (inhalation or environmental allergy) or flea allergies .

If you think your dog may have a food allergy, discuss it with your veterinarian, who can help him get back to a healthier, more comfortable life.