K9 Scratching, Itching and Licking, Oh MY!

by Paula Savarese
Does Your Dog Have Allergies?

In our last post, we revealed the plethora of health benefits of turmeric, “the golden spice” for your family K9.

This brand-new blog post is dedicated to a very common problem among dogs, namely allergies. Is your dog overly scratching, itching and licking themselves? It could be allergies.

Join us on a journey about the common allergies caused by many of today’s commercial dog treats and foods and
learn what you can do to protect your dog’s health.


ALLERGIES COME IN DIFFERENT FORMS

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are 3 specific types of allergic reactions in dogs:

Food Allergies: From grains (corn, wheat, rice, barley and oats), chicken, beef,Milk and Eggs can Trigger Dog Allergies lamb, pork, rabbit and fish, soy, eggs and milk as well as commercial additives

Skin Allergies: From fleas (specifically flea saliva), foods and environment

Environmental Allergies: From dust, pollen and mold; seasonal allergens, bee stings, vaccine, pharmaceutical or steroid reactions


Let’s take a closer look at the first allergy type which is food-related.


REMEMBER, EVERY INGREDIENT COUNTS

As we’ve said before, individual food ingredients either support good health or take a negative toll when consumed by our dogs, especially over the long-term.

Since our dogs (like most pets) are usually fed the same food/treats day-after-day, it’s important to understand the potential risk of cumulative exposure to possible allergens. In other words, after eating the same food over a number of years, a dog could suddenly become allergic to that food. (Dr. Susan Wynn, Expert on Holistic Pet Care and Former President of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.)
Many Canines Are Allergic to WheatOne of the reasons canine food allergies have been so common in recent times is because many dog food and treat manufacturers tend to use cheap fillers in their products to help keep their production costs low. These fillers include chicken and grains (corn, wheat, rice, barley and oats), all culprits in creating common food allergies in dogs.

When there is constant exposure to the same ingredient over a prolonged timeframe, these ingredients can cause inflammation in the intestines. This inflammatory reaction usually manifests in skin issues.

Dogs can also be allergic to more than one thing at the same time and allergies can develop at any age.

Food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances can also create gastrointestinal issues (gas, vomiting or diarrhea) along with:

  • Hives and Hot Spots
  • Head Shaking
  • Swollen Paws
  • Red, Itchy, Runny Eyes
  • Red, Inflamed or Infected Skin
  • Constant Itching and/or Licking
  • Poor Skin/Coat and even Hair Loss
  • Sneezing, Coughing or Nasal Discharge
  • Chronic Ear and Foot Inflammation/Infections
  • Facial, Throat, Lips, Eyelids and Earflap Swelling
Dog Allergies? Work with Your Vet

    Whatever the allergic symptoms, it’s critical and time-sensitive to identify – and address - the root cause with the help of your veterinarian. Allergies rarely resolve themselves and could potentially become a lifelong health issue or even life-threatening to your dog. 

                 

    Dr. Grognet: How Allergenic is Your Dog’s Food?

     

    SUSPECT FOOD ALLERGIES IN YOUR DOG? TRY THIS: 

    3 Steps to Try If Your Canine Has Allergies
    • Avoid developing or triggering food allergies by rotating your dog’s foods and treats (with two or three well-tolerated diets) every two to three months.
    • If your dog is over a year old, try the NutriScan Saliva Test (for the most common food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities).
    • Use an Allergy Elimination Diet. This means feeding a dog a novel, single source of protein and carbohydrate for 12 weeks. This will clear out any allergic substances and help detoxify the dog’s body and GI tract. New foods are then added back in slowly, one at a time, while watching for any negative responses or allergic reactions (which can take a few days to a few weeks).

     

    Infographic: Click Here to Understand Allergies in Dogs and Their Treatments

     

    The Dogs Love Kale Treats:

    Dogs Love Kale K9 Treats

    The Dogs Love Kale Treats
    • Help you avoid any ingredient(s) your dog may be allergic to (i.e., beef, chicken, wheat, eggs, milk and more) 
    • Are Made in the USA
    • Use only 100% all-natural, healthy ingredients
    • Are Made with all USA-sourced ingredients
    • Include a limited amount of recognizable ingredients



     

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    ADDITIONAL READING

    Dog Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment
    www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/

    Help Your Dog Overcome These 3 Common Allergies
    healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/09/15/help-your-dog-overcome-these-common-allergies.aspx

    Saliva Testing Pins Down Your Dog’s Food Sensitivities
    healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/07/26/a-great-tool-for-dogs-with-rumbling-tummy-gas-diarrhea-or-vomiting.aspx
     
    Caring For a Dog with Food Allergies
    pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/caring-for-a-dog-that-has-food-allergies#1
     
    Food Allergies vs Seasonal Allergies in Dogs
    www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/food-allergies-vs-seasonal-allergies-dog
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