Itchy Pet? Food Allergies May Be to Blame

itchy pet? what goes in the food bowl may be to blame A food allergy is a negative response by the immune system Usually to a protein in the diet Food allergies are not the same as food intolerances Intolerances generally cause diarrhea and vomiting 10-15% Food allergies account for 10-15% of all allergies in dogs and cats They are the third most common allergy after flea bites and atopy (inhaled allergies) Most pets are not born with food allergies Instead, their immune systems develop an allergy to a specific food or foods over time Food allergies affect both male and female dogs and cats as well as animals that have (or have not) been spayed or neutered Food allergies may show up alongside allergies to pollen, dust and other allergens dogs Allergies can appear at any age Most dogs eat the offending food for 2 years before signs of an allergy appear, but some dogs can develop signs as early as 2 months after eating an allergen • Allergic reactions usually do not occur immediately after introducing a new food • As for food intolerances, dogs can experience an upset stomach or other symptoms after just a few bites of a new food Most dogs react to 1 or 2 allergens 20% About 20% of dogs react to more than 2 allergens most common food allergens (in order from most common to least common): MILK Beef Dairy Chicken Lamb Fish Wheat Egg Soy symptoms 10-15% Food allergies usually cause mild to About 10-15% of dogs with food severe itching over the entire body, allergies have both itchy, irritated resulting in hot spots. skin and gastrointestinal discomfort. 20-30% SOẠP About 20-30% of dogs with food In one study, only 8% of dogs who allergies also have itchy skin from went to a referral dermatology other non-food allergies. practice had food allergies. many dogs with food allergies: Are prone to recurrent ear infections • Itch often, especially the face, feet, trunk, limbs and anal area • May rub their faces on the carpet or couch • Chew on their feet until they are irritated and red • Experience skin infections that respond to antibiotics, but recur once antibiotic therapy stops • May have increased bowel movements and soft stool Have hair loss on the belly, back or tail in a study of dogs with food allergies: 35% 80% suffered from suffered from itchy armpits, itchy ears anterior forelegs or eye regions 61% 53% suffered from itchy feet suffered from an itchy groin region While the symptoms of food allergies are often similar to other allergies, there are a few factors that increase the odds for a food allergy: • Recurrent ear problems • Very young dogs with skin problems • Year-round symptoms TIII • Very itchy skin that does not 365 respond to steroid treatment cats 10-15% ä Though itchy, irritated skin is the most common sign of food allergies, an estimated 10-15% of affected cats experience gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea Symptoms of a food allergy do not develop overnight • They tend to intensify over extended periods of time (months or even longer) Cats of any age can be affected 365 A food allergy can appear in a cat that has been on the same diet for years most common food allergens (in order from most common to least common): MILK Beef Dairy Fish Lamb Wheat Chicken Corn Egg symptoms many cats with food allergies: • Have itchy skin caused by the eruption of small, pale, fluid-filled lumps (primarily on the head and neck area) • Persistently scratch the skin • Experience hair loss and a general deterioration of the coat • Get eosinophilic plaques (which resemble hot spots on dogs) • Have skin that appears sensitive, often twitching • Develop skin lesions that can range in size from small crusts to large areas of oozing red skin what if your cat or dog has a food allergy The only treatment for food allergies is elimination To alleviate symptoms, eliminate known allergens once they are identified by your veterinarian Food allergies are not as easy to test for as other allergies Pet parents may think grain-free diets are the best for pets with food allergies • Corn and other grains are not among the most common food allergens for pets • Corn allergies are relatively rare for both dogs and cats to properly diagnose a food allergy, veterinarians recommend an elimination diet trial- usually for 12 weeks 26% 21 Studies show only 26% of dogs For the trial, provide only the responded by day 21 of a diet trial, prescribed diet and water (no treats, but most dogs respond by 8 weeks. supplements or flavored toys). during this time, pet parents should track details about: Appetite Exercise Bowel movements Urination Itching Scratching Licking If your pet no longer has symptoms You may have to try a few diets of a food allergy, your veterinarian before you find the one that will have you reintroduce the works best for your pet. original food to identify a trigger. then your veterinarian will work with you to find the best maintenance diet to feed long-term while food allergies are relatively uncommon for pets, they can lead to itching, skin discomfort and recurrent ear infections over time. discuss an elimination diet with your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has a food allergy. Sources: aaha.org/blog/petsmatter/post/2014/04/10/0 fidosavvy.com/dog-food-allergies.html 85403/Pet-allergies.aspx m.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/cat/ akc.org/learn/family-dog/food-allergies-dog- dr-coates/2014/october/why-diet-change-won scratching-licking t-fix-food-your-cats-allergies-32111 cvm.msu.edu/hospital/services/nutrition- mspca.org/vet-services/angell-boston/ support-service-1/client-education/ dermatology/allergies-in-cats-and-dogs-1.html canine-food-allergies peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2141&aid drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid =142 =2134 rmvetderm.com/Understanding Food Allergies drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid and Diet Trials.pdf =2622 vet.cornell.edu/fhc/health_information/ drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?siteid=128 foodallergies.cfm acatid 169&aid375 BROUGHT TO YOU BY DESIGNED BY petco GHERGICH&Co.