Dogs Training Series Dog Food Allergies

Dog food allergies are not as easy to identify as you might think. Dogs can experience digestive upset for any number of reasons, including eating bits of toys, chewing pieces of wood and swallowing fur.



Many symptoms of food allergies can be confused with other conditions or situations. For instance, if your dog has something stuck between his teeth, he will claw at his face. If he has a pesky flea, he will bite his belly or experience ear infections and skin lesions.



So how do you tell the difference between an allergy and something else?



As indicated, the symptoms can include facial itching, limb chewing, belly itching, and recurrent ear and skin infections. You can quickly rule out fleas if your dog has been sprayed, bathed or treated for them recently. Check his mouth for any foreign objects or sores. Look to see if there are any bee stings as these are common in dogs that try to catch them.



Quite likely the symptoms are related to food allergies if they persist and frequently recur. Generally, they involve the skin or gastro-intestinal tract. Skin conditions can include fungal infections, sores and rashes that do not go away.



Food allergies can be triggered by any additives in food, including fillers, coloring agents, preservatives and certain chemicals and products, such as gluten. Gluten led to a significant number of animal deaths and illness not long ago.



If you suspect food allergies, watch your dog to see his reaction after meals. If he develops upsets or itching after eating, it's highly likely your dog is allergic to that particular food.



There have been recorded incidences of allergies related to corn or wheat, but they vary from dog to dog. Some dogs have a stronger constitution than others. Food coloring and preservatives commonly trigger an allergic reaction in some dogs. High fat diets can also cause a food allergy in dogs.



If you suspect that your dog's food is the source of the problem, gradually switch to another brand.



Do not remove one brand and replace it right away as this sudden change can cause digestive upset. Over a few weeks, replace and increasingly larger part of the meal with the new brand until your dog is only eating the new one. You can purchase a product from your local pet store that you add to the food to ease the transition so that you can make the switch more quickly.



Again, watch your dog for any signs of distress. If they gradually decrease, you have probably found the source of your dog's trouble. If he does not improve, seek veterinarian help to determine that your dog does not have some underlying condition such as pancreatitis, which can be treated successfully if diagnosed early.



Know your dog and recognize when things aren't quite right. This is the best way to monitor your dog and be alert for any changes that can occur. Do not assume your dog is just bored, has dry skin or caught some bug. The sooner you identify the cause of his discomfort, the sooner you can remedy it.
For more great tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Tips at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com .