(Photo by Andrew Spencer)
Leftover scraps under the table, a chewy treat or a meat-filled bowl, are the norm for our pooches but is it time we took a closer look at the doggie diet? Dogs can be affected by the foods they eat and the environments they live in. Like us, they suffer from diseases like cancer and allergy but when animals are unwell, it can be difficult to diagnose and treat symptoms. Respiratory problems, such as laboured breathing and wheezing can be an early indication of cancer but also a sign of allergy. Once a diagnosis has been made, it is important to define the best treatment plan, for example, the three most common dog allergies – flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), food allergies and environmental allergies – all have a different remedy.
Dog food allergy
It’s a common assumption that dogs can eat most types of meat. When it comes to doggie dinners, we think of foods like beef, pork, chicken, grains, and cereals but latest findings suggest beef and chicken are among the leading causes of dog food allergies. In addition, soy, rice, corn, lamb, pork, wheat, fish, and eggs were also found to cause allergy. With such a wide range of potential allergens in play, the easiest way to find out what is causing the problem is an elimination diet. This programme involves removing one food item at a time and monitoring the symptoms in your dog over the week if they show an improvement in their symptoms, then it is likely you have found the root cause and this food can then be removed from the diet. Common symptoms of dog food allergy vary from the milder displays of wheezing and itching to the more serious ear infections and tummy upset.
Flea allergy dermatitis
FAD is very common in dogs. Dogs, fleas and itchy go paw in paw but is it the disproportionate amount of irritation caused by the sensitivity to flea saliva (rather than the flea bite) that is upsetting for the dog? The saliva from just one or two fleas can make your poor pooch uncomfortable and so daily use of flea comb, regular bathing, and natural pest repellent are good remedies.
Environmental allergies
Environmental allergies can be seasonal, outdoor irritants like grasses, pollens, and ragweed are known to affect dogs. If your dog seems to be suffering all year round, then perhaps the allergy could be inside the house, such as mould, dust mites, cleaning chemicals and even fabrics like wool or cotton. The best solution to environmental allergens is regular bathing, as soaking the fur and cleaning their feet regularly will remove allergens from their body and stop the spread further in the house. Improving the air in the house by using an air purifier and making sure cleaning chemicals are non-toxic can also be helpful.
Bathing and combing fleas are familiar territory for dog owners but putting together a bespoke diet may be somewhat of a new challenge. No need to worry, dog allergy is common and so there is a plethora of allergy-friendly ideas out there to make the perfect doggie dinner, from gluten-free biscuits to dairy free chews, your pooch will be spoilt for choice.
