How to Treat Dog Food Allergies

Food allergies aren't that common in pets, but it does happen. When it happens, the dog usually develops itchiness all over his body and he may experience vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet is having a serious reaction to the food or substance he ingested, he may develop hives around his face. In rare occasions, your pet may have a really horrible reaction that would put him into anaphylactic shock which means he would have trouble breathing and may even lose consciousness.

Instructions

1. If your dog has trouble breathing, you will need to help him clear his airway. Immediately turn your dog upside down, with his head pointing towards the floor, for approximately 10 to 15 seconds. If your dog is small, you can hold him by the stomach. If he is large, you will need to hold him around the hips for extra support.

2. If your dog suddenly collapses, you will need to perform CPR to get him going again. To do this, find a firm surface and lay your dog onto his side. Open his mouth wide and gently pull his tongue forward. After this is done, close his mouth tight and blow two breaths into his nose while watching for chest rise. Continue to blow into his nose at a rate of 15 to 20 times a minute until he begins to breathe on his own or you reach the vet.

3. If your dog's heart has stopped beating during this time, you will need to perform chest compressions. For smaller dogs, you will place your hands, in cupped position, on the chest even with where the elbow bends. Squeeze your hand and press into the chest about one half inch deep at a rate of 80 compressions per minute. Give your dog a rescue breath after every five compressions. If you have a larger dog, you will put the dog on his side and place your hands on top of each other. You will be pressing the chest cavity about 50% of the way in at a rate of 80 compressions per minute. Give your dog a rescue breath after every five compressions.

4. If your dog is breathing, and the swelling and itchiness is around his face, you can try to induce vomiting. Making him vomit will get rid of the poisonous food and will hopefully allow him to get better. Call your vet for the correct and safe way to induce vomiting.

5. Give your pet a dose of Benadryl, which is an antihistamine that will help prevent itchiness and alleviate allergic reactions.

6. Put your dog in a cool bath to help alleviate the itchiness if no respiratory problems are evident.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the labels of food items that you give to your dog. If he has an allergic reaction after eating it, then you can narrow the ingredients down and easily find what caused the reaction.

• If your dog's allergic reaction seems to be getting worse, bring him to the vet immediately.