When we hear about food allergies and intolerance, we usually associate it with people. Some of these food allergies and intolerance may include being lactose intolerant and allergic reactions due to certain food ingredients, just to name a few. But most of us do not think that pets can also suffer from food allergies. Believe it or not, it is true.
Food allergies are responsible for at least ten percent of the allergies that are present in dogs. It is one of the most common causes of allergies along with inhalant allergies. In addition, it is responsible for twenty percent of the itching and scratching that occurs in dogs.
What is the difference between food allergies and intolerance? It is a big difference between food allergies and food intolerance? With food allergies, it actually demonstrates the symptoms of itching, scratching and other skin dilemmas that are connected to dog and cat allergies. Unlike food allergies, food intolerance deals with the aftermath as in diarrhea, therefore does not respond to allergies on a normal basis. Pet food intolerance is very similar to their human counterparts vomiting after consuming foods that are greasy and spicy in nature. There is hope: these food annoyances can get some type of relief by switching the pet’s diet to something that is allergen-free. These following pet food ingredients are some of the main causes of the annoyances: beef, dairy products, chicken, lamb, fish, chicken eggs, corn, wheat and soy.
Allergy Symptoms
Itchy skin is usually the main symptom in terms of the food allergies. It has an excruciating effect on everywhere from the face to the arm area. Other symptoms may be skin infections in response to an antibiotic, which returns after the end of usage, and hair loss, just to name a few. An increase in bowel movements may also be an issue.
Treatment
The best type of treatment for these pet food allergies is avoiding many of the food ingredients. To bring some temporary relief, antihistamines, garlic combining fatty acids and steroids are given. There are two different options for the pet owner: a homemade diet or a specifically formulated diet to feed the pets.
If the choice is a homemade diet, the owner has the option to introduce the pet to new ingredients, just to see the ingredient in which is causing the allergic reaction. If this type of diet is the choice, then the diet should be balanced, with the proper amount of vitamins, ingredients and minerals. Owners should seek advice from a veterinary nutritionist for accuracy.
Food allergies are usually the result of the ingredients that are present in everyday, commercialized pet foods. But if the pets are experiencing any symptoms of food allergies, owners should seek a veterinarian.
Source:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?=C=2+2111&aid=143