Food allergies in Labradors usually are an allergy to at least one, but most likely several, of the ingredients that are in the commercial dog foods. By products in the food consists of feet and intestines! That can’t be good. Its scary to think about what those parts might be transmitting to our pets food supply.
- Soy, wheat, and glutens, are common ingredients that dogs may have an allergic reaction to. Ironically these poor choices for nutrition are pretty high on the list on the back of the label.
- The chemicals, preservatives and dyes also contribute to food allergies in our dogs.
- Corn is another ingredient that causes allergic reactions in our dogs. It is exposed to mold out in the fields. It is processed and put into the food.
- Be sure the dog is not having food intolerance rather than an allergy. Food intolerance is generally associated with vomiting and diarrhea, whereas allergies present more skin type issues.
- Symptoms of dog food allergies include itching, scratching, licking, biting at itchy areas, sneezing, bumps, and recurrent ear infections.
- The main causes of dog food allergies are usually related to grains, wheat and soy products.
- Generally the allergy is to a protein or carbohydrate.
- Most dogs that have food allergies also suffer from atopy or airborne and inhalation allergies related to dust, mold, dander, mildew, pollen and weeds.
- Home treatment for dogs showing adverse skin symptoms to food involves finding and removing the allergen. The diet must be switched to simple, select items and the process involves gradually adding and eliminating items that create symptoms.
- Good skin care is essential to prevent serious complications from the severe itching, scratching, and hot spots that may occur because of food allergies.
Symptoms
- Diarrhea may occur as a symptom of food allergy in Labradors
- Dehydration can occur quickly with chronic diarrhea. Dehydration is also said to be a long term effect of eating commercial type food products as the main diet.
- Dry, flaky, itchy skin may occur.
- Your dogs coat may appear very shabby and dull. Hair loss may occur, secondary to chronic itching.
- Redness and inflammation can occur. Hives, or red bumps may appear and create severe itching.
Treatments for Food Allergies in Labradors
- It takes time to discern what is really causing allergic reactions in dogs. Trial and error methods are encouraged.
- The most important treatment or home remedy must be to totally switch the diet of your pet. Stop giving any foods that have been consumed in the past.
- Pick 2 main foods and feed nothing but those 2 items for 4-6 weeks. A protein and a starch are good choices. The items MUST be foods the dog has never eaten before.
- Allergies only occur after several exposures to allergens and never the first time the pet is exposed.
- During the trial period, no treats should be given either. After the initial trial, start adding one item at a time and observe for any skin irritations. Treat irritations with natural herbs any chance you get as opposed to chemicals and medications that make the situation sworse with side effects.
- Home remedies and treatment for diarrhea in labradors. .
- Be prepared for a very time consuming measure to try and logically single out what is causing the irritation to your dog. The process may take several months.
- Start with a protein and a carb as the main ingredients. Choose foods the dog has not had before. Fish and potato or lamb and rice are recommended since most dogs do not have those foods regularly.
- In this trial diet, the dog must eat the same food for 2-3 months. You cannot add anything extra. Do not give treats or flavored toothpastes, nothing extra.
- This process is necessary so that the proper allergens can be detected and eliminated to improve your dogs total health and skin integrity. A good vet can assist you with good food choices.
- You may want to home cook meals instead of purchasing commercial foods as those brands are high in the common allergens that effect the dog. Home cooking is a way to be sure of what your dog is really eating,
- Steer clear of fillers and byproducts, preservatives, chemicals and dyes in pre packaged food.
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