Determining a dog allergy to food

Veterinarians used to recommend that a dog only needed to be placed on a special elimination diet for 3 weeks to determine dog allergies, but new studies show that in dog allergies, only 26% of those with food allergies responded by day 21. However, the vast majority of pets responded by 12 weeks. Therefore, it is very important to keep the pet on the diet for the entire 12 weeks. 

If the dog shows a marked reduction or elimination of the symptoms, then the animal is placed back on the original food, if the owner wishes confirmation. This is called 'provocative testing' and is essential to confirm the diagnosis. If the symptoms return after going back on the original diet, the diagnosis of a food allergy is confirmed. If there has been no change in symptoms but a food allergy is still strongly suspected, then another food trial using a different novel food source could be tried.

We must reiterate that placing a dog on a commercial lamb and rice formula dog food is not an acceptable way to diagnose or treat food allergies, if using a commercial food, you must use a food that has had limited exposure. Lamb and rice are no longer considered novel food sources and some commercial lamb and rice diets also contain wheat, egg, corn, or other ingredients that can be the cause of the food allergy.

 Petcurean sets Tomorrow's Standards Today

For complete information, please call us toll free at 866-864-6112 (local 101)