Allergies can cause severe discomfort and distress to our dogs. Identifying allergens and implementing effective management techniques can help relieve symptoms and improve their quality of life.
In order to identify allergies, it is important that we carefully observe symptoms. Because each dog is different, their individual reactions to the same allergen can widely differ. And just like in humans, there are different forms of allergies that can affect our dogs:
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Environmental Allergies (Atopy): Environmental allergies are triggered by substances in the environment such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and grasses. Dogs with environmental allergies may experience symptoms like itching, redness, skin inflammation, eye discharge and respiratory issues.
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Food Allergies: Food allergies occur when a dog's immune system reacts to certain ingredients in their diet. Common food allergens for certain dogs include chicken, dairy, wheat and corn. Symptoms of food allergies may include itching, gastrointestinal upset, and ear infections.
- Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD): Flea allergy dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. Even a single flea bite can trigger intense itching and discomfort in dogs with flea allergies. Symptoms may include itching, hair loss, redness, and skin infections.
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Contact Allergies: Contact allergies occur when a dog's skin comes into contact with allergens such as certain plants, chemicals, grooming products, or fabrics. Contact allergies can manifest as redness, itching, swelling, and skin irritation at the site of contact.
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from an allergy, It is important to monitor them for any unusual behaviors or reactions after exposure to potential allergens such as pollen, dust, certain foods, or grooming products.
Also consider consulting your veterinarian on beginning an elimination diet trial to pinpoint food allergies. This could involve feeding your dog a novel protein and gradually reintroducing other ingredients to identify the allergen.
Foods for Allergy-Prone Dogs:
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Single Protein Diets: Consider switching to a single protein diet to simplify the identification and elimination of allergens.
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Novel Protein Sources: Opt for novel protein sources like venison, Elk, Bison & Emu which are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Incorporate omega-3-rich foods such as fresh fish, flaxseed, or fish oil supplements to reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
- Natural Antioxidants: Include fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, like blueberries, sweet potatoes, and carrots, to support the immune system and reduce allergic reactions.