Mary Allen
A food allergy cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with a special diet and medication. Your dog must avoid the allergen when it is fed – then it is spared from symptoms.
Does your dog suffer from itching, rash, or digestive problems? It could be a food allergy. At least if you have already ruled out other allergies or causes. However, together with the veterinarian, you can help your pet.
Coordinate Therapy for Food Allergy with a Veterinarian
With what is known as an elimination diet, the veterinarian tries to alleviate the symptoms of your dog’s food allergy. First, you need to list all of the food ingredients in the dog food, and these your dog needs to strictly avoid for the next six to ten weeks. In this way, the symptoms can calm down.
If your pet is doing well again, you can carefully and in consultation with the veterinarian to check which food your pet is allergic to. Small quantities of a suspicious feed component are added to the bowl over a week. Try a different food the following week. As soon as the allergic symptoms show up again, you will know which food contains the allergen.
How a Dog Enjoys Life Despite a Food Allergy
Since the food allergy cannot be cured, the dog must strictly avoid the allergen. It is very important throughout the treatment, including the elimination diet, that your pet still eats a balanced and varied diet. Deficiency symptoms must not occur because certain nutrients are lacking. A food diary for your four-legged friend can be helpful to keep track of things.
The veterinarian can also describe medications that will relieve the symptoms of the food allergy. Make sure your dog is taking the medication correctly and regularly. Then he can lead a largely normal, symptom-free life.