Canine Allergies

While food allergies are fairly rare for people, they do occur. The same is true of canine allergies ... food allergies do occur, though they are somewhat uncommon.

As with a human allergy, the canine's immune system overreacts to a certain kind of food, causing the release of histamines to fight of what it perceives to be an invader. While this so-called invader is usually harmless, your dog's immune system mistakes it as harmful.

If you have any suspicions that your dog may be allergic to his or her food, your first step should be to monitor your dog's behavior. Just as allergies can cause severe discomfort in people, they can cause severe discomfort in your dog as well. In fact, they can be life threatening. So you'll want to become aware of the signs and symptoms often displayed by canine allergies.

Here are some things to keep in mind ...

If your dog is suffering from an allergy attack, he will often experience a persistent itching somewhere on the body. This can occur on the snout, the feet, a limb, the belly, almost anywhere. Often, you'll notice he's continually licking or gnawing at the irritated area. In some cases, he'll scratch the area enough to break the skin. Another sign to look for is recurring ear infections. Also, if your dog isn't as active as normal, or refuses to eat, or vomits ... these can all be indications of a canine food allergy.

Dogs today eat a variety of processed foods, often containing junk ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions. Proteins found in beef, chicken, chicken eggs, wheat and dairy products are common causes of allergies in dogs. As you can see, these ingredients are often the most common ingredients found in dog food. So if you've determined that your canine has an allergy, one of the first steps you'll want to take is to switch his dog food and keep an eye on how he's affected.

You'll also want to take your dog to the vet for a series of physical examinations that can determine what kind of ingredients in the dog food might be triggering the allergies. Once the allergen is identified, the vet will recommend that your dog change his diet from regular dog food to a hypoallergenic dog food. Although hypoallergenic dog foods can cost quite a bit more than regular dog foods, you can be sure that your canine will be free from food allergies, will likely be in better shape, and will lead a healthier life.

You can also choose to feed him a homemade diet, though you'll want to remember that the vitamins and minerals should be carefully balanced in order to provide the adequate nourishment your dog needs. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with a diet plan.

With proper management and proper treatment, your dog will be able to live a happier life and will minimize the risk of future allergy attacks.

Additional Resources

Dog Skin Solutions
A shocking expose on how heartless dog food manufactures haphazardly select ingredients for your dog ... and why some commercial mixes can be making your dog sick. A comprehensive glossary of symptoms and possible causes. Just look up your dog’s particular symptoms and you’re on your way to a reliable diagnosis and remedy. 20% of all dogs are allergic to dust mites. Here’s 6 rock-solid strategies to keep these ugly crawlers off your dog. And much more.

Dog Food Secrets
Many world-famous Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and published Dog Care Experts universally agree any dog that eats commercial dog food is at a much higher risk of dying prematurely and by the time symptoms are noticeable, it's often too late. Dog Food Secrets is your survival-guide to a healthier, happier dog that lives up to 8.3 years longer than dogs whose owners feed them commercial dog food and don't follow the comprehensive steps I outline for you.

Dog Allergies
If your dog is itching and scratching, has excessive shedding, a dull coat, chronic weight loss, bad breath, or joint pain, it is most likely rooted in dog allergies or poor nutrition. Dinovite® dog supplement was specially created with dog vitamins and nutrients that prevent and alleviate health problems related to dog allergies and nutrient deficiencies. Try our dog supplement today.