All About Pets • Volume 3 • Issue 2 • Jan–Apr 2023 2 The symptoms of food allergy in dogs include itchy skin, paws, or ears as well as gastrointestinal disturbances like vomiting or diarrhea. Hyperactivity, weight loss, lack of vitality, and even hostility are some of the more subtle changes that can be noticed. Each time a pet consumes food containing allergic ingredients, antibodies are released to fight the antigens (the allergy-triggering component), resulting in symptoms. However, allergies can be caused by almost any food item. Specifically, proteins from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten are the most frequently encountered dietary allergens in dogs. Food allergies can be diagnosed with a food trial, known as an “elimination trial”, in which the food is fed for 8 to 12 weeks and allergic reactions are observed; this is the best and most accurate way to diagnose a food allergy. For a true elimination trial, the particular diet should not contain any food items that the dog has consumed in the past. Furthermore, it mandates that no additional foods, treats, or supplements—including flavored vitamins and specific parasite preventives—be fed throughout the trial period. If the dog’s allergic symptoms resolve while on the food trial, next, a “food challenge” has to be performed by reintroducing the old food. If the dog’s allergic symptoms resolve, but return within a week of the food challenge, it means that the dog has been definitively diagnosed with a food allergy. Blood tests also help determine whether the dog has food allergies. However, food elimination tests are more effective than a blood test. An elimination diet is selected when the problematic dietary substance has been identified. A veterinarian can help pet parents with selecting hypoallergenic diets that are currently available and suitable for lifelong feeding. There are 3 varieties of hypoallergenic diets: 1. Veterinary hydrolyzed protein diet—In these diets, the protein molecules are broken down to a level to which the dog’s immune system cannot detect them. 2. Veterinary novel protein diets— these do not include any of the ingredients that are found in the dog’s past foods. 3. Home-prepared protein diets— these are new protein meal plans that would not have any ingredient from the past diets. A veterinarian and nutritionist together plan the diet, and the diet frequently includes a balancing supplement. Food allergies in dogs are incurable, and avoidance is the only method of treatment. Medication is required when the allergic episodes are severe; usually, a hypoallergenic diet can be followed to successfully treat the majority of canines. A veterinarian will recommend the best course of action according to each dog’s needs.
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