Dogs pretty much want to eat everything they see, but can’t digest it all. It’s up to their humans to work out what allergies and intolerances the dog has. — dpa
Most dogs will eat just about anything, it seems, including – to the exasperation of their owners – titbits they come across outside. This doesn’t mean they tolerate it all, though.
In fact, nearly one in five dogs has an adverse reaction to its food, according to Jana Hoger, an animal psychologist specialiszing in dogs, and a pet expert for the Germany branch of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta).
If a food allergy’s the culprit, the dog’s immune system mobilises to counter the offending substance. In the case of a food intolerance, the cause can be an enzyme deficiency, metabolic problems or digestive difficulties, explains Hoger.
Among the symptoms of digestive difficulties are persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, but also itching or dermatitis, she says. Both food allergies and food intolerances can lead to behavioural changes, the dog becoming more irritable or withdrawn, for example.
In any case, Hoger advises taking the animal to a vet to find out what’s wrong.
The vet can do various diagnostic tests. An extended exclusion diet to identify the food causing the problem is a frequent procedure, care being taken to ensure that Fido is nonetheless supplied with all important nutrients, Hoger says.
Blood or skin tests provide further information, but not enough for a clear determination. A diagnosis by exclusion gradually whittles down possible illnesses responsible for the dog’s symptoms until the right one is found.
Once a diagnosis has been made and the triggering substance detected, products containing it must be avoided to prevent adverse reactions in future. “A strict change of diet is helpful,” says Hoger.
Animal products are often the trigger, in which case vegan dog food can be a good alternative. Preparing the food yourself can also be beneficial, as you can make it to meet your dog’s particular needs.
Should your pooch still manage to munch on something that doesn’t agree with it, the vet can prescribe medications to alleviate the discomfort. – dpa
