Is Your Puppy Allergic To His Puppy Food?
Posted on May 31st, 2010 by Bree Rowan
Did you know that your young pup could actually be allergic to her puppy food? Since the symptoms are very similar (and we are not trained vets), many dog owners have a hard time distinguishing the difference between an allergic reaction to food, vs. one from some other source. Keep in mind that a food allergy can present itself over a long-term time frame, like months or years, or last a short while, for a few days. And they can occur at ANY age, so it is certainly not unheard of for your pup to develop allergies to the same puppy food he’s been eating for months or years. Unfortunately, the downfall of consuming the same chow can sometimes create allergens to built in you dog’s system prior to ever seeing any symptoms. Research has proven that if your young pup eats the same puppy food for over two years, and develops a reaction, there’s a 70 percent chance it came from her food!
The most essential thing for any responsible owner of a canine is to know exactly how a food allergy looks when it presents itself in your pouch.
* First, you will notice abnormal skin conditions. Your pup’s extreme licking or scratching is a very early telltale sign that he may be having an allergic reaction. It’s apparent that your dog’s skin itches incessantly. She may even begin grinding her back or other body parts on the carpet, floor, wall edges, chairs, desks, tables or other furniture in an attempt to alleviate the itching. Intense digging, and even biting, will leave your puppy’s skin further reddened, chafed, and flaky. He could even begin to lose hair.
* Digestive Problems If your puppy has a food allergy, expect to see him vomit, excessively pass gas, and have loose bowel movements.
* Breathing problems is another. Your pup may have trouble breathing (a common allergic reaction). He may begin to sneeze, cough, or wheeze more often.
Here are some tips on how you can avoid these allergies:
* When the allergic reaction starts to manifest, take your pup off her current food. The next step is to begin slowly returning the ingredients of this puppy food formula, ONE ingredient at a time. By doing so, you can pinpoint exactly which ingredient is causing your pup’s allergies when systems return. You will then know just which ingredient, or ingredients, to remove from your dog’s diet. Of course, you should consult you vet before starting this elimination diet. With consent however, your vet should recommend following this diet for 12 weeks.
* You can also begin using specially formulated hypo-allergenic puppy food. These formulas incorporate more healthy, natural ingredients like vegetables, duck, lamb, potatoes, and rice.
* Hyposensitization/Desensitization Desensitization is a process that helps your dog develop resistance against common food allergens by injecting him with a minute quantity of allergen at a regular basis. Through which, he will develop antibodies that will combat allergic reactions.
* You can use antihistamines. Same as for us, these drugs can be used to alleviate allergies in your pouch, too. Your vet will know which ones to use, and the proper doses to give.
* Blood and skin testing is also available. Veterinarians specializing in animal dermatology can perform these tests. Research shows a very high rate of accuracy with these tests in pinpointing specific allergies, thereby eliminating any doubt as to which puppy food ingredients to remove from your pup’s diet.
If you’ve just picked up your family’s new furry addition and want to find out the right way to care for your puppy, then check out Puppy Pet Supplies for helpful tips and advice on puppy training, and so much more! Plus, discover the four essential puppy supplies you need to have for your puppy’s arrival!
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