If your dog has hair loss, low energy and ear or eye discharge he’s probably allergic. It is now believed that 1 in 3 dogs in the US experience allergic reactions. Most vets will treat allergies with antihistamines and steroids, but there are alternatives, see Dog Food for Allergic Dogs.
Source of Allergies
Commercial dog food is the leading cause of allergies in dogs. Some manufacturers have now realized that there is a market for non-allergic food but once the dog has developed sensitivities it is likely that even low or non allergic type food will cause symptoms. Other causes include household cleaners and laundry detergents.
Allergic Symptoms
The most common symptom is scratching resulting in hair loss, especially on the legs, lower back, armpits and neck. If your dog is continually scratching or chewing at his paws or legs, or is always rubbing his head against surfaces; if he develops bald spots or ‘hot spots’ through chewing or rubbing and there are no signs of fleas he probably has allergies. Low energy, irritable behavior and thick ear or eye discharge also indicate allergic reactions.
Treatments
Treating your dog with steroids works very well initially but the underlying allergy persists. It is better to try to remove the cause of the allergies rather than treating the symptoms.
Removing the Cause
As most allergies are caused by the food, change his diet. Stop feeding dog food for at least 4 weeks. If your dog is a picky eater this can be done in gradual steps: when your dog is completely free of dog food start counting your 4 week trial period. Switching diet is a commitment in time and energy, you may first wish to experiment with eliminating other possible sources including laundry detergents or household cleaners (try switching to natural products).
A Dog’s Diet
There are many opinions on what makes the best diet for dogs; from feeding raw carcasses to purely vegetarian. There is a general agreement that protein should make up about 22% of their diet, fat about 6% and crude fiber about 5%. Within these guidelines there is much scope for experimentation and preference. As time goes on you can try introducing other foodstuffs, for example wheat products – if he has allergies they’ll show up quickly, usually within 2 weeks. Try to keep his food as simple as possible and take note of any new additions.
Changing Diet
It is best to start with a very simple diet eliminating as many possible causes as you can. Begin with brown rice with chicken or fish broth, and add some cooked simple vegetables for example spinach, cabbage, carrots or broccoli. Supplement with a multi-vitamin – Vitamins C, the Bs and A are especially good for treating allergies. Brown rice is a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals and is much more filling and healthy than white rice. Keep to this diet for one full week.
Visible Difference
With dogs suffering from food allergies you should see a big difference by the end of the week, though it will take much longer for hair to grow back and discharge to fully dry up. In the second or third week you can begin to add other ingredients: egg, oily fish, beans or lentils and other vegetables and fruit. Remember to cut out store bought dog treats too. Within a month you should see a major difference in your dog: his coat will be gleaming, he’ll be full of energy, the scratching will have stopped and he’ll be healthier and happier.
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