Pet Food Allergies

Does your pet chew its paws, vomit, or have diarrhea after eating? Your pet may be dealing with a food allergy. Food allergies can significantly impact your pet’s health and well-being if you do not eliminate the problem ingredient from its diet. Fortunately, your veterinarian near you at Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic in Philadelphia, PA, performs pet allergy testing and treatment to ensure your pet remains healthy and happy. We are here to tell you about pet food allergies and how we can treat them.

Why Do Pet Food Allergies Happen?

Pet food allergies occur when your pet’s immune system reacts to a specific ingredient. Your pet’s immune system releases antibodies to attack the ingested proteins, causing allergy symptoms. Food allergies can take time to develop, with pets often experiencing them after eating a specific food or brand for an extended period.

Your pet can experience allergy symptoms from several common food ingredients. Many pets have allergic reactions to wheat gluten, meat, and dairy. Other pets may have allergies to soy, chicken eggs, and fish.

Signs of Food Allergies in Pets

Dogs and cats can exhibit various symptoms when dealing with food allergies. While most allergic reactions involve the skin, your pet may also have digestive issues when dealing with food allergies. Symptoms to watch out for include:

•             Skin irritation or itchiness

•             Itchy paws

•             Ear itchiness

•             Diarrhea

•             Vomiting

•             Lower energy

•             Weight loss

•             Lethargy

Food Allergy Testing and Treatment

Testing for food allergies differs from standard pet allergy testing. Rather than using a skin or blood test, your veterinarian will recommend a diet elimination trial to identify the cause of your pet’s symptoms. You should avoid feeding your pet treats or supplements during this trial. Testing may take several weeks before you determine all problem ingredients to watch out for.

Once you identify your pet’s specific allergens, you can prevent exposure by eliminating the ingredients from your pet’s diet. Our veterinarian can recommend a diet for your pet, such as the following:

•             Hypoallergenic prescription diet

•             Home-prepared diet with supplementation as needed

Visit Our Veterinary Clinic for Pet Allergy Treatment Today

If you are searching for a “veterinarian near you” for pet allergy testing and treatment, look no further than Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic in Philadelphia, PA. Our veterinarian can identify the allergens causing your pet’s symptoms and provide treatment to help it feel like itself again. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (215) 621-8959 to help your beloved pet find relief from food allergy symptoms.