My personal secrets
In practice dog food allergy symptoms
The typical dog food allergy symptoms are very similar to skin allergy symptoms. Not very practical - but nothing to do about it. Nevertheless - I often start to question the owners about itching as this is in common to skin allergy, but also to ex sarcoptic mange, fleas and other small creatures living in the skin or hairs.
Itching
Your dog will often bite or lick the paws. Paws might become read and inflamed. He can rub its head and ears and his anal area can also be very itching. The Itching in this type of allergy is often severe and all year around.
Skin infections
Again many other diseases can make skin inflamed. Nevertheless of all food allergy symptoms, I find recurring infections common. It's often on the belly, paws or ears that becomes red and inflamed. The infection will make the itching even worse. During the summertime they can easily turn into Hot Spots. Big oozing inflamed areas - can be very very painful
Ears
Big time problem in general. Therefore, not very high ranking in specificity in the dog food allergy symptoms complex. Very often I see ear problems in itching dogs, but if I see a dog with inflamed ears - just to find the ear canal deep in the ear normal. Then I really become suspicious on some kind of allergy.
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Now - sorry to say - that's better. Itching dog and problems with digestion. Yes - very likely an allergy
problem. But among all the dogs having food allergy symptoms, bowl problem only account for 10 percent. Be
aware though that maybe food allergy causes only causes stomach noises or excessive wind.
Itching in the dog - as you see that's the primary symptom. In order to get an idea if the itching belongs to
normal skin or dog food allergy symptoms. Well I have to admit use of corticosteroids. A very small amount for a very short
period - only in special situations - OK - feeling better about it now. No overuse of corticosteroids, that's very important.
But a small amount can give some idea whether it is the food or skin causing symptoms. By the way - I am not telling you
how to make the distinction... as this is NOT your job. Ask your veterinarian about this. OK then, let's move on to
Elimination diets and blood testing
Very very important to use elimination diets. In my practice many owners use hydrolyzed dried diets - probably because
it is very convenient. Blood tests for food allergy - not really something I use. I prefer elimination diets instead.
Food Allegies Relevent Pages
Food allergens
Homemade eleimination diet
Hypoallergenic Diet
Food allergy testing
From Dog Food Allergy Symptoms to Food Allergies
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