Dog Allergy Feeding Guide

Canine atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Caused by an allergic reaction to environmental airborne particles, it affects a great many modern dogs. Amongst the most common causes of atopy as it’s also known are house dust and storage mites, mould, grass, weeds, flowers and pollen. All of these are harmless to most dogs. But certain dogs seem particularly susceptible to airborne or environmental organisms.

Susceptible breeds

Certain breeds of dog also seem more prone to developing atopy than others. Breeds said to be particularly predisposed to developing allergies include Chinese Shar-Peis, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Dalmatians and Golden Retrievers. Also said to be predisposed to developing allergies are Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Scottish Terriers, Shih Tzus, West Highland White Terriers and Wirehaired Fox Terriers. That said, any dog of any breed is capable of developing canine atopic dermatitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of canine atopic dermatitis include:

• Itchy skin (particularly around the face, ears and feet, beneath the armpits and around the tummy areas)
• Excessive itching and scratching, paw chewing, skin licking and nibbling
• Recurrent ear infections
• Rashes and redness or increased pigmentation of the skin
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing and coughing

A vet is naturally going to prescribe medication for your dog’s allergy. Particularly if excessive scratching has caused a secondary infection. But please bear in mind that medication is only going to treat the symptom. It will not treat the cause of your dog’s problem. The best way to deal with the cause is to both remove the allergen and improve the diet. Because by improving the diet, you strengthen your dog’s immune system. Strengthening your dog’s immune system makes it less likely he or she will suffer from the effects of allergies in the future.

Allergies – the solution

By adopting my Dog Allergy Feeding Guide you’ll boost your dog’s immune system and improve his or her health in general. A healthy diet is known to greatly improve a dog’s immune system. This in turn will make your dog less susceptible to atopy. Better able to defend itself against environmental allergens. Make your dog’s canine atopic dermatitis a thing of the past.