Do you understand your dog's allergies?

From skin irritations to upset digestive systems, understanding the cause is essential to preventing further recurrences and helping your gundog perform at its very best.

What is an allergy?

Allergy (hypersensitivity) is the term used when your dog’s own immune system triggers an adverse physiological response to a food or ingredient they have eaten. If your dog has a reaction but the immune system is not involved, this is known as an intolerance.

Reassuringly true allergies to specific ingredients are rare; but they can be extremely dangerous and need correct diagnosis and dietary management.

Intolerances to foods or specific ingredients are potentially less dangerous but are more common and the symptoms of an intolerance can be distressing for both dog and owner. An intolerance can be both temporary and short-lived as well as longer lasting.

How to tell if your dog suffers from an allergy

A dog displaying an adverse reaction to a food or an ingredient can show several different symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms of allergies in dogs include:

• Skin issues
• Excessive scratching
• Ear issues
• Vomiting
• Colitis
• Diarrhoea or other indicators of digestive discomfort.

The most serious is swelling of the face and mouth – in extreme cases this can be life threatening, so get veterinary advice immediately.

What causes allergies in dogs?

Scientific evidence suggests that a dog’s diet is responsible for less than 10% of skin issues and that adverse reactions to diet are responsible for just 10-20% of all allergic responses in dogs. So, what is the most common cause?

In many instances, fleas, ticks and other environmental issues are the cause of common skin problems. It is also important to rule out fungal, bacterial, or other infections. It is advised to seek advice and support from your vet.

Is my dog allergic to his food?

If you’re asking yourself questions such as ‘why is my dog so itchy but has no fleas?’ or ‘my dog has an upset stomach, what can I do?’ it’s understandable that you might begin to wonder if your dog’s diet is causing the issue and if an allergy is to blame.

In the case of a diagnosed allergy, hypersensitivity or intolerance, changing your dog’s diet to eliminate the food itself or a specific ingredient may be helpful.

If all other causes have been eliminated, a dietary change might be worth trying. This is best done by changing your dog’s diet by eliminating one by one ingredients that might potentially be causing a sensitivity or intolerance. Consider, though, absolutely everything your dog eats, not just their usual food. That includes all treats and extras.

A complete and balanced diet to combat allergies in dogs

Some skin conditions can be the result of too much of certain vitamins, particularly vitamin A. If you’re feeding your dog a complete food, there is no need to supplement it with additional vitamins and minerals. Products like  Skinner’s Field & Trial range are carefully formulated to mean no additional supplementation is needed.

Dietary intolerances in dogs

When thinking about the best food for a dog with itchy skin or the right food for a dog with an upset stomach, it’s worth noting some ingredients are shown to cause more adverse reactions in dogs, whether true allergies or intolerances. The most common are soya, dairy, beef and other animal-derived proteins. Grain and plant-based ingredients, such as wheat and maize, appear to be less likely to provoke adverse reactions than once thought.

Food for dogs with allergies or intolerances

The Skinner’s Field & Trial range includes diets that are free from specific ingredients that might be linked to sensitivities and therefore are amongst the best food for itchy skin or sensitive stomachs. Skinner’s complete diets are also rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) that are linked to skin and coat health.

Wet foods for dogs with allergies and intolerances

This February Skinner’s launched a brand new grain free wet dog food range. These diets are worth considering if you are looking for limited ingredient and single protein dog food. Each one in the range is gently steam cooked, making them nutritious and easy to digest; perfectly suited to dogs with sensitive digestive systems. Due to their grain-free formulation, they are also perfect for those with sensitivities to grain. Not to mention, each diet is rich in meat, making them highly palatable.

In almost every area of our lives, we are surrounded by choice; and when it comes to feeding our dogs, the available options out there can seem endless! One of these choices is whether to feed a wet food, dry food, or a combination of both; but what are the benefits of each and how can we compare them? Read more…

Want advice on tackling your dog's allergies?

If your dog shows what you think is an adverse reaction to food or specific ingredients, it is important to get veterinary advice to ensure a correct diagnosis before making changes to your dog’s diet that might prolong the issue or make things worse.

If you would like to consider a dietary change, please speak to Skinner’s Nutrition Team who offer free and friendly, practical advice and will help you find the right food for your dog.

See the full Skinner's range

Find a stockist