Types of dog allergies:
Fast Fact: About 85% of dog allergies are caused by non-food related sources.
There are different kinds of allergies. Here, we divide them into two.
1. Food allergy
Food allergy is a gradual reaction to an ingredient in their dog food. Some dogs may be eating the same kind of food for years and may only develop allergy in the later part of their lives. Dogs may have grown sensitive to some ingredients in the food through time.
Food allergy can develop at any age.
Most dogs are allergic to
poultry (chicken, turkey, eggs, etc.), beef,
corn, wheat or
milk.
Food allergy can be tricky. It takes an elimination process and a lot of trial and error in the diet to find out which causes the allergies and which kind of food works well for the hypersensitive dog.
The vet may recommend a diet trial with hypoallergenic trial. During this period (at least 8 weeks for all other products to be eliminated from the body), treats and vitamins should be discontinued. The dog must only be exclusively fed with the hypoallergenic diet.
Allergy or steroid medication may not really help in food allergy. Discuss with your vet diet restrictions and special diet to prevent occurrence of allergic reaction in your dog.