Mary Allen
There are many food intolerances in dogs. Grain allergy is one of the most common intolerances. The high-quality feed can counteract the allergy.
How does a grain allergy develop in dogs?
Unfortunately, residues of cereals such as wheat are often found in finished feed. But the triggering substances can also be found in beef and pork. This makes sensitive dogs sick. Gastrointestinal problems are the result. But ready-made food often contains enough antioxidants or stabilizers that can trigger allergies.
Trigger still unknown
What triggers a cereal allergy in four-legged friends has not been finally clarified to this day. Disorders of the intestinal mucosa and intestinal inflammation are definitely the result. Anyone who recognizes signs can have their dog tested for intolerances by the veterinarian.
Feed grain-free dog food
High-quality feed prevents allergies. Dog owners should therefore always make sure that they only put grain-free food in the bowl. Of course, dog treats with grain aren’t a good idea either. Small amounts ruin the therapy immediately and the little four-legged friend gets worse again. You can also find tips on healthy treats here.
Buy healthy dog food online
There are websites like zooroyal that offer healthy food. Users can scroll through the food at their leisure and find out about the ingredients and production. The ratings of other buyers are particularly useful. Whether adult dogs, puppy food, or natural food.
What are the most common triggers of intolerance in dogs?
Studies show that wheat and soy are among the most common triggers of feed intolerance. The reason given is the high gluten content of the grain. People can also react with allergies. Another risky product is corn.
What can trigger meat allergies?
Beef and chicken can trigger allergies, but dogs can even have an intolerable reaction to chicken eggs. Also, pay attention to your animal’s fur. Are there any bald spots? Then this can also indicate an intolerance. Do you suffer from lactose intolerance yourself? The same can happen to pets. Dairy products are also not suitable for every dog. The cause is an enzyme deficiency in the dog. However, beef or chicken are not per se worse than other meat additives in feed. In principle, a dog can have an allergic reaction to any content in pet food. Tests and close observation of the animal provide information.
If you have these symptoms, there is a high probability that you have an allergy:
- fur loss
- rash
- itching
- digestive problems
Many dogs show an intolerance due to itching and skin inflammation. The paws or abdominal region are particularly affected.
Quality feed is the solution
We eat healthy ourselves and focus on quality. This also applies to dogs, because high-quality pet food often completely eliminates an allergy. When it comes to food, all possible allergy triggers should be avoided. Wheat is often nothing more than a cheap feed supplement. Dogs have short intestines and have difficulty digesting plant-based ingredients. Dog food with a high meat content is the solution. Good wet food does not contain cheap grains. But dry food can also work. It is best to avoid switching between wet and dry food.
What to feed if the dog has an allergy?
Hypoallergenic dog food contains as few or none of the known allergens as possible and is available as dry food and wet food. As a rule, these feeds consist exclusively of as “exotic” a type of meat as possible, such as springbok, water buffalo, or kangaroo as a protein source.
Can a dog allergy go away?
Both diseases and parasitic infestations, hereditary factors, or spontaneous reactions to certain proteins are possible factors that trigger them. Unfortunately, an allergy cannot be “cured”, it accompanies your dog for a lifetime.
What can trigger allergies in dogs?
What are dogs generally allergic to? A dog often reacts not only to one component of the food, but to several foods. In addition, reactions to pollen, house dust mites, fleas, etc. can also occur.
What helps dogs with allergies?
If your dog’s allergy symptoms are severe, your veterinarian may also prescribe medication for relief, such as a medicated shampoo or cream for severe itching, or other anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce swelling and irritation.
What to do if the dog has a pollen allergy?
Keep the fur short: In dogs that frequently walk through the grass, the pollen settles directly on the fur. For long-haired dog breeds, we, therefore, recommend keeping the fur short so that less pollen can settle in it.
Cold shower: It is also advisable to give your four-legged friend a cold shower after every walk to clean his paws and stomach.
Shampoo: In the case of particularly sensitive dogs, washing with an anti-allergenic shampoo once or twice a week will alleviate the symptoms.
Avoid tall, blooming meadows.
Keep the lawn short: If you have a yard, keep the lawn short. When mowing the lawn, you should not let the fur nose into the garden, because then a lot more pollen will fly through the area.
Rinse eyes with water: You can rinse red dog eyes with lukewarm water after consultation with the veterinarian. Don’t use chamomile tea, it dries out the dog’s skin.
Wash sleeping pillows: Pollen likes to settle in the fabric fibers of the dog bed. Washing it hot once a week makes sense to remove any pollen that may have settled in it.
Washable toys: To prevent pollen from getting stuck in the toy, it is better to leave stuffed animals and tennis balls at home and instead take rubber balls or plastic chew and throw toys outside with you.
How does a pollen allergy in dogs become noticeable?
Watery, red eyes and especially constant scratching can indicate an allergy. It is not uncommon for the scratching and nibbling caused by the itch to result in bald spots in the fur, which reveal rashes, wheels, and pustules that are sometimes bloody and inflamed.
Can dogs have a grass allergy?
Dogs allergic to grass can also experience watery eyes, noses, and scratchy throats, but the symptoms are less pronounced than in humans.
Can a dog have a pollen allergy?
Reddened, watery eyes and so-called conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis) are also an indication of a pollen allergy in dogs. If the pollen gets into your dog’s eyes, you can promote inflammation of the conjunctiva there.