Rice Allergy in Dogs

Rice allergies can make a dog miserable.

It's common for dogs to suffer from allergies. Peteducation.com says 20 percent of itching and scratching is due to food allergies. Food allergies don't discriminate by breed of dog, age or gender. All dogs can be allergic to food. Canine food allergies are typically associated with proteins and dairy products. A rice allergy is possible, but less common.

Occurrence

Peteducation.com reports dogs with food allergies generally show signs around the ages of 2 through 6, although they can occur anytime. It's also common for dogs with food allergies to be allergic to inhaled irritants such as pollen, dust and mold spores.

Food Irritants

Common ingredients in dog food such as chicken, lamb, corn and wheat are among the top canine food irritants. According to Dog Owner's Guide, rice used to be considered an alternative carbohydrate for dogs with food allergies. However, rice is now an ingredient found in most high-end commercial dog foods, so a dog suspected of having food allergies also should be tested for a rice allergy to rule it out.

Symptoms

Canine allergies regularly appear first as itchy skin. A dog may lick, scratch and bite skin on his legs, ears, armpits and anus area. Persistent ear infections are possible. Constant scratching of the skin can cause irritation, hair loss and hot spots. Peteducation.com claims that dogs with food allergies have twice as many daily bowel movements and sometimes more than dogs without them.

Diagnosis

Before an accurate test for food allergies can be conducted, other types of allergies and parasitic infections must be eliminated as possible causes of the dog's symptoms. This is because these can produce similar symptoms as well.

After all other causes are ruled out, a food trial is performed. The dog's regular diet is replaced with foods he's never eaten before for a period of 12 weeks. A homemade diet usually consisting of a protein and carbohydrate is fed to the dog. When the dog's symptoms subside and his general health improves, he's placed back on his regular diet and monitored again. If his symptoms return, then the diagnosis is a food allergy. The same food trial concept is used to identify specific allergens such as rice and other foods.

Treatment

Dogs with rice and other food allergies should avoid eating it. Avoidance is the best way to prevent the dog from suffering an allergic reaction.

Your veterinarian can provide suggestions of alternative food options to better suit your dog's dietary needs.

Antihistamines, steroids and fatty acids may help to alleviate allergy symptoms when the dog is exposed to an irritant, but these only should be considered as temporary solutions.

References

• Pet Education: Food allergies and Food Intolerance
• Cold River Veterinary Center: Allergies in Dogs
• Dog Owner's Guide: Canine Allergies