PETA expert gives tips for a dog's life with few symptoms despite allergies and intolerances
Accurate classification is crucial for appropriate treatment
Stuttgart. If dog food causes discomfort, owners must be vigilant. Itching, increased licking and gastrointestinal problems can indicate a food intolerance or even an allergy in your animal companion. Around five million dogs live in German households. Almost a million of them struggle with adverse reactions to their food. PETA specialist speaker and animal psychologist Jana Hoger explains what hypersensitivities in dogs can look like and what helps the animals to lead a stable and happy life.
“Intolerances and allergies are no longer uncommon among our animal companions either. Sometimes they even arise as a result of breeding,” says Jana Hoger. “Many dogs suffer massively from the consequences of allergies and intolerances, the symptoms of which should ideally be recognized quickly and then treated accordingly. It’s worth keeping a close eye on your four-legged friend and working with experts to get to the bottom of the cause.”
Symptoms of allergies and intolerances – these signs should be taken into account: The symptoms of food intolerances can vary greatly. If your animal companion suffers repeatedly from discomfort or from diarrhea or regular vomiting over a longer period of time, you should definitely visit a veterinary clinic. Itching and inflamed areas of skin can also be due to unhealthy food. If the dog's nerves are already weakened by this constant stress or possible pain, behavioral changes can also follow. If the animal increasingly withdraws, appears listless or is easily irritable, it may be fighting an allergy or intolerance. However, these signs can also occur in other illnesses. PETA therefore recommends observing the dog and always having any symptoms clarified professionally.
Allergens, foods and environmental factors can trigger reactions: “It is important to differentiate whether the four-legged friend's problems are an allergy or an intolerance. Only then can the animal be optimally helped,” explains Jana Hoger. “In allergies, the immune system defends itself excessively against certain substances. Intolerances have other causes. Metabolic problems, enzyme deficiencies and digestive difficulties can cause hypersensitivity reactions. These may even be common in cruelly bred dogs such as French bulldogs.”
Suspected allergy or food intolerance? This is how the diagnosis is made: To confirm a suspected food allergy or intolerance, the veterinarian can carry out various tests. As with humans, elimination diets – even if they take a little longer – often lead reliably to the goal. Conventional food is discontinued and replaced with a previously unknown source of protein and vegetables over an observation period. “Close checks in the veterinary clinic or at nutritional advice are important,” explains Jana Hoger. “The experts know which nutrients should not be overlooked despite a light diet.” Blood and skin tests can also provide valuable information, but are often not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis. In addition, veterinarians can identify intolerances through systematic exclusion diagnoses. In various examinations, they gradually rule out other possible diseases in the dog.
Change your diet correctly: “Once the suspicion has been confirmed by a veterinarian, improvement is usually quickly in sight,” promises the PETA expert. “For the dog’s well-being, owners must now learn to recognize allergens and problematic ingredients and avoid them. A strict change in diet is helpful.” If the dog ingests problematic substances and suffers from his body's reactions, veterinary specialists can prescribe medication to provide relief.
Vegan dog food as a possible alternative: “Dogs with allergies and intolerances often react to animal components in their food,” says Jana Hoger. “A plant-based diet can also be useful for dogs.” If owners prepare the dog food themselves, they can respond individually to the needs of their animal friends. Even with this approach, you should use an exclusion diet to see exactly what the dog can tolerate.
PETA wishes all dogs and owners lots of strength and success in changing their diet!