Pets with Food Allergies
TAKING CARE OF PETS WITH FOOD ALLERGIES
As a pet owner, there’s nothing sweeter than seeing your pet wagging its tail or purring contentedly as you fill up the food bowl. But what if the excitement over receiving treats, or worse yet their main diet, are marred by your pet's discomfort or followed by GI symptoms? Food allergies in pets, particularly in cats and dogs, are common and can be a source of worry for many pet owners. Understanding and managing food allergies is crucial for the well-being of your four-legged family members.
Understanding Food Allergies in Pets
Food allergies in pets are like those in humans. They occur when a pet's immune system mistakenly identifies a particular food ingredient as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction. Common symptoms include itching, skin rashes, ear infections, vomiting, or diarrhea. Identifying these symptoms early can make a significant difference in your pet's quality of life.In dogs, the most common allergens are proteins from beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, and corn. Cats often react to beef, chicken, and dairy products. Remember, every pet is unique, and allergies can vary widely.
Diagnosis of Food Allergies
This was the hardest part of our journey with pet food allergies.
My cat, Nosy, had diarrhea most of his life. He had been on steroids, antibiotics, anti-diarrhea meds, any treatment you could think of. He hated pills, even putting them in food didn’t work. We switched to liquid medication, and they flavored it with chicken to make it more palatable. He got sicker. By this time, watery diarrhea would just run out of him. He was losing his hair and started throwing up 1-2 times a day. My family told me maybe it was his time, and I should accept that. I was not ready to give up.
As a last resort, I was going to try a homemade diet. I started to do a lot of research, and this is when I saw an article discussing homemade diets for pets with food allergies. Food allergies?? Not one person had suggested this could be an issue. The symptoms in the article were all too familiar. My first step was to eliminate any food with corn or corn meal. There was an improvement but still some significant symptoms. Next, I eliminated any food with chicken in it. Bingo!!! We were on to something. I never did start the homemade food. I was able to purchase limited ingredient cat food that made all the difference.
Today Nosy is so improved. His hair is back, thick and shiny. He continues to have loose stool but nothing as bad as before. He can make it to the litter box now, which is a big win for me. Understand, most of the change was slow in coming. It was not instantaneous. But I could see an improvement and I was sold.
If you suspect your pet has a food allergy, the first step is to consult your veterinarian. Advocate for your pet. The vet may suggest an elimination diet, where you feed your pet a diet without the suspected allergen for a certain period, usually 8-12 weeks. I went with the first two ingredients suspected (corn and chicken) and I was lucky I had so much improvement right away. This may not always be the case and that’s why an elimination diet can be crucial. It’s important to strictly adhere to the elimination diet without any treats or supplements unless recommended by the vet. This process requires patience and commitment but is crucial for accurately diagnosing food allergies.
Managing Food Allergies
Once the allergen is identified, managing your pet's food allergy involves avoiding the trigger food. This means reading labels. One of the first places to start is the limited ingredient food. It comes in both wet and dry versions. I was fortunate to find acceptable products at both local pet stores and Amazon.For dogs, options may include novel protein sources like venison, or duck, which are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Cats might benefit from hydrolyzed protein diets, where the protein is broken down into smaller pieces that the immune system does not recognize as allergens.
Homemade Diets for Pets: If you decide to go the homemade route, be sure to consult with your vet to make sure all the proper nutrients are provided. Cats, especially, need to have Taurine which isn’t always available by diet only. In this case, you would need to buy a supplement.
Supplements and Medications
In some cases, your vet might recommend supplements or medications to manage allergy symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, can help reduce skin inflammation and improve coat health. Antihistamines or corticosteroids may be prescribed for severe reactions.Monitoring and Regular Check-upsManaging food allergies is an ongoing process. Regular check-ups with your vet are essential to monitor your pet's health. Keeping a diary of your pet's food intake and symptoms can also help in tracking their progress and identifying any new allergies.
The Emotional Aspect
This can be a stressful issue for both pets and their owners. I was so worried about Nosy, and I would have well-meaning friends and family tell me the cat was obviously suffering, don’t prolong it. I know it was not meant maliciously but I could not live with myself if I hadn’t tried absolutely everything before resorting to drastic measures. In hindsight, I am so glad I did not give up. Also, it’s important to provide lots of love and reassurance to your pet during this time. Understand that they might feel frustrated or confused. They have no idea what is going on, and no way to tell you how they feel. Patience and consistency are key.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a pet with food allergies is incredibly challenging. Seeing your pet thrive despite dietary restrictions is a testament to the strong bond and care you provide. You are never alone as a pet owner of a pet with challenges. There is a community of pet owners facing similar challenges, and your vet is always there to provide guidance and support.Taking the time to understand and manage your pet’s food allergies can significantly improve their quality of life (and yours!), ensuring many more years of happy tail wags and contented purrs. They are our family, and they are worth it.
