What are Pet Food Allergies?
Proteins are common sources for pet allergies. Beef, dairy, chicken eggs, chicken, vegetables, pork, lamb, fish, or wheat gluten commonly generate more of a reaction. Each time your pet consumes these foods, their body produces antibodies in response to the antigens, potentially resulting in a number of symptoms. Dog food, dog treats, or human food are the three main sources.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms in pets include:
- Itchy Paws, Skin, or Ears, rear end
- Digestive/Gastrointestinal Upset (Diarrhea/Vomiting/Flatulence/Burping)
- Hyperactivity
- Weight Loss
- Decreased Energy
- Aggression
- Red Rashes
- Dandruff/Oily Skin/Skin Infections/Eczema
- Sneezing
- Facial or Eye Swelling
How to Diagnose Your Pet
One of the best methods for diagnosing food allergies on your own is feeding your pet a home cooked diet with one new protein and one new carbohydrate for 4-6 weeks (elimination trial). During this trial, owners must eliminate ingredients their pet has previously consumed, such as treats, foods, and supplements.
This dietary restriction includes parasite preventatives and flavoured vitamins.
If this dietary restriction resolves the symptoms during the trial, then create a food challenge by reintroducing the old food. If symptoms return within one week, a food allergy may be the culprit.
The Importance of Visiting a Specialist
With pets, the most common age for food allergies is six to nine months or eight to nine years. However, allergies and food hypersensitivity can occur at any age. Symptoms usually occur over time and get worse with exposure.
As pet food allergies can be very difficult to diagnose, it may not be possible to determine the cause on your own. While many people will turn to their veterinarian in these instances, they may not be able to diagnose the issue on their own.
When determining the source of pet food allergies, the best course of action is to consult a specialist, such as Animal Dermatology Specialists of Vancouver. Our Board Certified Animal Dermatologist has the training and experience to evaluate your pets symptoms, diagnose the issue and determine a treatment plan that will have your pet feeling better in no time.
Treatment for Pet Food Allergies
There are different treatment methods available for cats and dogs. The one chosen will depend on the allergen, severity, and whether there are additional contributing factors.
Cats: Pet Food Allergies & Treatments
The treatment administered will depend on the allergen, severity, tolerance, and appearance of symptoms. Managing your cat’s diet is one of the most straightforward treatments to help them avoid triggers.
Controlling potential triggers may involve a long-term continuation of the food introduced in the food trial, or trying an allergen-reducing cat food and hypoallergenic cat treats.
Additional potential treatment options include the administration of steroids. Steroids block allergic reactions and can improve clinical signs in felines. Depending on the cat's condition, steroids can be given by injection or orally.
Dogs: Pet Food Allergies & Treatment
While dietary changes are preferred for treating dog food allergies, Veterinary Dermatologists may utilize subsequent treatment methods if they suspect environmental triggers.
If dietary changes alone aren't enough, your dog may be prescribed medications such as Cytopoint, Apoquel, or steroids to manage itching and inflammation. Essential fatty acids may also support skin health.
Preventing Pet Food Allergies
Preventing pet food allergies begins with understanding and managing your pet's diet from the outset. While some pets may naturally develop allergies over time, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk and protect their health.
- Introduce New Foods Gradually:
When introducing a new food to your pet's diet, do so gradually. This allows you to monitor for any adverse reactions. - Opt for Limited Ingredient Diets:
Limited ingredient diets (LIDs) are formulated with fewer components to minimize the risk of exposure to potential allergens. - Monitor Treats and Supplements:
Pet treats and supplements can also contain allergens. Be vigilant about the ingredients in these products and choose hypoallergenic options whenever possible. Additionally, avoid feeding your pet table scraps, as human food can introduce unknown allergens. - Regularly Rotate Protein Sources:
Rotating the protein source in your pet's diet every few months can help prevent the development of food sensitivities. This practice exposes your pet to a variety of nutrients while reducing the risk of overexposure to a single protein source.
By taking these preventive measures, you can help ensure that your pet remains healthy and happy, with a reduced risk of developing food allergies.
If you suspect your pet is experiencing symptoms related to food allergies, consult with a Veterinary Dermatologist to create a customized plan for managing and preventing further issues.
Give Your Pet an Allergy-Free Life with Pet Dermatologists
Veterinary Dermatologists utilize proven treatments and the most recent testing methods to diagnose potential food allergies, prevent symptoms and control allergic reactions. If your pet’s allergies do not respond to other treatment forms or are challenging to diagnose, ask your veterinarian for a referral.
Veterinary Dermatologists specialize in diagnosing pet allergens and treating those showing allergic symptoms. They are experts in finding long-term solutions that will benefit your pet.
Animal Dermatology Specialists of Vancouver is the first Western Canadian clinic dedicated to animal dermatology. Call us at 778-743-9611 or fill out our online form to learn how we can help improve your pet’s health.
