Introduction
Dogs with itchy skin, frequent scratching, rashes, hair loss, and even diarrhea, these symptoms always make dog parents worried. Obviously have been brought to the doctor, taken medication, but the effect is like a flash in the pan, the symptoms ease not long and then come back. This kind of repeated torture, not only makes the dog difficult, but also makes the owner feel powerless and anxious. In fact, the problem may not just be on the surface of the skin, but hidden in the food your dog eats every day - food allergies, especially to chicken, may be behind it all.
Chicken Allergy in Dogs
Food allergies are not uncommon in dogs, especially to common ingredients such as chicken, beef or dairy products. Simply put, a dog's immune system mistakes the proteins in certain foods for the bad guys and wages a defense war, which results in itchy skin, rashes, hair loss, and even digestive problems, like diarrhea or vomiting. Chicken, the mainstay of many dog foods and snacks, while nutritious and a good source of protein for most dogs, can be an allergy switch for some sensitive little ones. The severity of the allergy varies from dog to dog, from mild discomfort to severe skin inflammation.
Lily is a five-year-old Golden Retriever, a lively and cheerful dog with golden fur that shines in the sunlight, and the heart of his owner's family. Lily's parents dote on him, not only taking him for regular deworming and vaccinations, but also preparing all kinds of delicacies for him. In addition to high-quality dog food, Lily's table is often filled with fresh meat, vegetables and fruits, and he lives a more sophisticated life than many people.
But in the past six months, Lily began to be out of sorts. He couldn't stop scratching his body, especially around his stomach and ears, and a red rash appeared on his skin, with his hair falling out piece by piece. At first, the owner thought it was fleas, so he hurriedly strengthened the deworming, but the situation did not improve at all. Lily more and more fierce scratching, and even scratched the skin, the wound is also hidden signs of infection. Watching Lily's painful appearance, the owner was anxious, and took it straight to the pet hospital.
The veterinarian did a thorough examination for Lily, including skin scraping and blood test, and ruled out the possibility of parasites and infection. After inquiring about Lily's daily diet in detail, the veterinarian found that chicken is his regular food, which happens to be a common allergen. The veterinarian suggested that the owner try to remove chicken from Lily's menu to see if the situation would improve.
The most reliable way to figure out if your dog is allergic to a certain food is an elimination diet test. This is like a dietary adventure: switch your dog to a new protein source, such as duck or rabbit, while strictly avoiding all possible allergens for six to eight weeks. If the symptoms disappeared, the suspect ingredient was carefully reintroduced to see if the dog would relapse.
Lily's owner followed the vet's advice and switched to a duck-based dog food, and also painfully put away all snacks and human love feeds. In the first few weeks, Lily's itchiness was significantly reduced and the rash slowly faded away, so his owner was finally relieved. To make sure the chicken was the real culprit, the vet suggested giving Lily a little taste of chicken once the symptoms stabilized. As expected, a few hours later, Lily started scratching again and a new rash appeared on his skin. Now, the chicken charge was confirmed.
Once a dog's allergy to chicken has been confirmed, the first step is to say goodbye to it. Owners have to become ingredient list detectives, scrutinizing dog food and snacks to make sure there's no sign of chicken. Human food must also be kept under control, as hidden allergens may be hidden in flavorings or additives. For chicken-sensitive dogs like Lily, try lamb, fish or hypoallergenic formulas.
In addition to switching foods, owners can do a little help:
Add some Omega-3: this fatty acid is anti-inflammatory and helps the skin calm down.
Try probiotics: They regulate the gut, boost the immune system and help with allergies.
Take a gentle bath: use a hypoallergenic shampoo to clear the skin and soothe itching.
What Are the Symptoms of Chicken Allergy in Dogs?
Dogs allergic to chicken may sound a bit strange, after all, chicken is often regarded as the star protein in dog food. But for some sensitive little ones, this delicacy can turn into a troublemaker, triggering a series of heartbreaking symptoms. As dog parents, knowing these allergy signals will not only help us detect the problem in time, but also allow our fur kids to suffer less and recover sooner. Below, let's take a look at the dog's allergy to chicken, the body will send those distress signals it!
1. Skin Problems: Itching, Redness, Swelling, Hair Loss, Eczema
When it comes to the most common manifestations of a dog's allergy to chicken, skin problems are definitely the number one player. When chicken proteins are mistaken for enemies by your dog's immune system, a battle of defenses is waged on the skin. Itching is the most maddening symptom. Dogs will constantly lick, scratch or bite their bodies, especially around their stomachs, paws, and ears, almost as if they are under an itching spell. Look at them scratching their face full of grievances, the owner's heart also followed the bad.
In addition to itching, the skin may also appear red and swollen, a piece of red spots or small bumps come out, and sometimes touch it is also a little hot. Hair loss is also not uncommon, sparse hair reveals pink skin, and even some places become bare, especially heartbreaking. Eczema is even more serious, the skin will be red, swollen, moist, and even oozing liquid, scabs may also cause infection. With all these symptoms combined, the dog's face value may go down temporarily, but more importantly, they are really uncomfortable.
2. Digestive Problems: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Frequent Bowel Movements
If skin problems are an external problem, digestive problems are the internal problem of a dog allergic to chicken. After eating chicken, the intestines and stomach may also strike in protest. The most common is vomiting; some dogs vomit not long after eating it, while others turn over a few hours later. Diarrhea is also very torturous, stools become dilute like water, sometimes mixed with blood or mucus, looking at people upset. There are also frequent bowel movements, several times a day, not a lot each time, but so many times that people wonder if the dog is a gastrointestinal superman.
These digestive problems are not only difficult for dogs, but can also lead to dehydration or malnutrition. Especially small dogs or old dogs, the body can not bear the time, the owner can not be taken seriously.
3. Other Symptoms: Frequent Paw Licking, Ear Infections
In addition to the skin and digestive system of the hardest hit, the dog on the chicken allergy also has some hidden symptoms, should not be ignored. For example, frequent licking of paws, the dog may lick like a demon, trying to relieve the itching or discomfort, the result is that the paws become red, swollen and moist, and even broken skin infection. There are also ear infections, the ears are red, swollen, too painful to touch, and sometimes there is a strange odor or secretion coming out of the dog shaking his head and scratching his ears, which is heartbreaking to watch.
Every dog is unique, and allergy symptoms can vary in severity, from just itching to a full-blown experience. If you suspect your dog has a chicken allergy, don't hesitate to take him to the vet. The doctor may be able to identify the allergen through testing, and then adjust diet, medication or bathing to help your dog get rid of the discomfort. Switching to a chicken-free dog food or trying a hypoallergenic formula are good starting points.
Dog Food for Chicken Allergy
Dogs are the most loyal companions in the family, and every wagging of their tails and every pampered look can instantly melt our hearts. But if one day you find that your dog is always scratching, has red and swollen skin, and even vomits and has diarrhea, will you panic? Chicken, an old friend that is commonly found in dog food and snacks, could be the one behind your dog's misery. Allergies to chicken are not uncommon, but the good news is that as long as we make timely adjustments and take good care of our dogs, they can get rid of the discomfort and regain their vigor. Here's how to protect your dog's health!
1. Stop Feeding Chicken
The first moment you suspect that your dog is allergic to chicken, you need to act decisively - stop feeding your dog anything that contains chicken. Don't underestimate this step, it's the key to helping your dog stop the damage. It's not just the obvious chicken nuggets, but all those assorted dog treats, snacks, and even the chicken mince secretly shared at the human table have to be said goodbye for good. Chicken proteins can be cunningly hidden in unassuming ingredients like chicken fat and chicken meal, so you'll have to disguise yourself as a detective, flipping through the bag and checking the ingredient list verbatim. It may seem like a hassle at first, but when you think of the poor little eyes of your dog, what's the point?
2. Finding Alternative Foods
When chicken is out of the picture, your dog's plate can't stay empty. Choosing a chicken-free dog food is a priority, and hypoallergenic foods based on duck, fish or venison can be a lifesaver. Duck meat is tender and juicy, and can also moisturize the skin; fish is rich in Omega-3, so that the dog's coat shines; venison is low-fat and high-protein, even the fussy little guy can not resist. When selecting, it's best to try a few more according to your dog's tastes and constitution, and transition slowly so as not to catch its stomach off guard. Watching your dog's satisfied face on the new food will make it all worthwhile for you.
3. Veterinary Diagnosis
If your dog's symptoms come and go, or if you're wondering, “Is it really the chicken? Then don't hesitate to seek veterinary help. Through allergen testing, such as skin tests or blood tests, your veterinarian can pinpoint the real culprit behind your dog's difficulties. This step not only prevents us from guessing, but also minimizes your dog's suffering. After the diagnosis, the veterinarian will also give exclusive dietary advice, which is simply an insurance lock for your dog's health. After all, the power of science is much more reliable than our sixth sense.
4. Medication
When allergy symptoms drive your dog crazy, changing food alone may not be enough, and medication is needed to save the day. Under the guidance of a veterinarian, antihistamines (such as Benadryl) can quickly stop the itching and make your dog more comfortable. If the situation is serious, steroids may come in to help suppress the inflammation. However, medications are only a temporary fire-fighting solution and should not be taken as a meal. Owners should pay more attention to the dog's reaction, and veterinarians to maintain communication to ensure that the medication is safe and effective. Look at the dog is no longer scratching all over the place, the heart of the stone can finally land.
An allergy to chicken is a headache, but it is by no means the final word on your dog's health. Stopping the chicken, switching to an alternative food, getting a veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis, and taking the proper medication are just four steps that are like a set of keys to unlocking the door to your dog's health.
