Sunday, February 17, 2008

Dog Food Allergy – Saving Your Dog from Food Allergy Threats

By Michael Lee
If you’re allergic to any kind of food, then you already have a good idea how uncomfortable it is. At its worst, it’s even dangerous. So you can probably imagine how terrible dog food allergy can be for your pet. Dog food allergy is said to be the third most common form of allergy in dogs; but despite this, it remains that there is no one particular cause of this condition.

Some believe that ingredients like wheat and soy negatively affect dogs, while others think that certain proteins are the culprits. Nevertheless, you should be on the lookout for any signs of dog food allergy in your pet.

The most common sign of dog food allergy is excessive scratching. If you notice your dog scratching a lot or constantly gnawing at parts of his body, you must first check if it is being caused by fleas. If not, then you can assume that allergy is causing it. Other symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhea.

To check for dog food allergy, the food trial test is implemented. This involves modifying your dog’s diet for a period of time, usually under the supervision of a veterinarian who can make the observations and diagnosis, as well as any additional tests.

You should gradually introduce a different set of food, alternating it with your dog’s usual food items until he gets used to his new diet. You should observe your dog’s condition for about twelve weeks; and if he improves, that means a change in diet is needed.

It was believed that a combination of lamb and rice was the best option for dogs suffering from food allergy; but nowadays, this idea is rebuffed, particularly because commercially-produced lamb-and-rice dog food mixes contain substances that can further aggravate dog food allergy. Veterinarians suggest other options, like fish or rabbit. Homemade dog food is the better alternative, provided they’re well balanced.

If you find that your pet has a case of dog food allergy, don’t fret; it’s not the end of the world for your furry friend. This simply means that he just requires food that is different from the kind you usually feed him. In time, you’ll be able to find the perfect food that will keep your dog healthy and prevent dog food allergy from acting up.

About the author:
Prolong your dog's life and know the life-saving secrets that most dog-lovers will never know about detecting bad dog food and solving dog health problems at http://www.20daypersuasion.com/dogs-exposed.htm

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

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