Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Dogs have long been considered man's best friend, making a loyal and loving addition to most any household. However, allergies can often get in the way of owning a dog for some families. This is due to reactions to proteins found in pet dander, urine or saliva. Luckily, not all dogs supply the same level of dander, with some dogs making a better choice for those suffering from allergies. These dogs are often referred to as "hypoallergenic," though there really is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, suggests MayoClinic.com. However, there are dog breeds that are more tolerable for…
There are dozens of dog breeds that are advertised as "hypoallergenic." Many of these have coats made up mostly of hair instead of fur or are basically hairless. Unfortunately what many people are allergic to is actually dander, not fur, and that can be found in skin and body fluids even in hairless dogs. But some dog breeds produce less dander than others and are less likely to cause allergy outbreaks in humans. While only two of these breeds are actually called "miniatures," there are several more that are small enough to be considered in the same category.
In March of 2007 several brands of pet food were recalled after dogs and cats began getting sick and dying. Authorities eventually discovered that the vegetable proteins in the food were being imported from China and that they were contaminated. As of May 2011, 998 pet foods and veterinary products were on the Food and Drug Administration's recall list. These pet food recalls are one reason that some dog owners choose to use homemade dog food.
Dogs can develop allergies owing to various factors, including food. Allergic reactions in dogs are generally manifested in the skin --- a food-sensitive dog experiences extremely itchy skin that turns red and sore as a result of excessive scratching and licking. Your dog may be allergic to different foods such as grain, protein and dairy. It could also develop sensitivity to preservatives, colorings and additives from commercial dog foods. Relieve your dog's food allergies by combining food elimination with a home-cooked hypoallergenic diet.
Dog food allergies are common and cause things like itchy, irritated skin, hair loss, watery eyes, vomiting and diarrhea. Finding the right hypoallergenic food can sometimes be challenging. There are special dog foods made with limited numbers of natural ingredients and no common allergy causing ingredients such as corn, wheat and soy. Though these dog foods are usually more expensive, they will save you money in the long run on veterinary bills, treatments and medications.
Much like their human friends, dogs often suffer from the food they eat. Frequent gas, diarrhea, chronic ear infections, bald spots, foot chewing and scratching are some of the symptoms of dog food allergies. Hypoallergenic dog food diets--special diets free from substances likely to trigger canine allergies--can relieve your pet's allergy symptoms. These diets are available through veterinary clinics, stores or homemade in your own kitchen.
Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to a wide variety of different triggers, including the ingredients in their food. If your dog is suffering from allergies, and is fed a commercial pet food diet, one or more of the ingredients may be the culprit. One solution to this problem is to turn to natural, hypoallergenic dog food for support.
When your dog has allergies, it is much more than an annoyance. There could be itchy skin, oozing sores, bald spots and rashes that bring great discomfort to your dog. A food allergy is the itchiest condition for your dog. Your dog consumes a variety of foods of which the immune system may attack. Inflammation occurs, targeting the gastrointestinal tract and other organ systems, but it is the skin that most often suffers. Putting your dog on a hypoallergenic diet will bring him great comfort, along with a healthier body, skin and coat.
Canine food allergies result in skin problems, digestive problems and even respiratory problems. If your dog suffers from food allergies, your veterinarian may recommend a hypoallergenic diet as a method of treatment.
Duck and potato dog diets are recommended by vets and animal hospitals as one of the more healthy diets for your dog to be on, especially if they have food allergies or are being nursed back to health. Both duck and potato have nutritional values that are integral for a healthy dog.
Dogs may develop allergies for many reasons. Food allergies can cause allergic symptoms such as dry skin, licking, vomiting or asthma. Some common food allergies include grains, vegetables, beef, pork, chicken, milk, whey, eggs, soy, wheat and preservatives. Many times the dog is not allergic to the meat source itself but the cooked or byproduct (secondary) version. In addition, the additives in commercial dog food can cause allergic reactions. Preparing a hypoallergenic food at home can help eliminate allergens from the diet and is commonly referred to as an elimination diet.
