Is Your Dog Itching? It Might Not Be Because They’re Dirty, It May Be a Chicken Allergy!

Did you know that the most common allergy for pets is chicken allergies? Chicken allergy in dogs is more common than you think. You may know someone who has a dog that will not eat chicken. The question is, how do you know if chicken is right for your dog?Some dogs can have very small amounts of chicken, but it shouldn’t be included as a part of their main diet. Other dogs may have to avoid chicken altogether.

Symptoms of Chicken Allergies in Dogs

Allergies to food normally don’t occur in dogs until the age of three. However, there are some exceptions, and if the issue is not addressed, it can have a detrimental effect on a puppy.

Symptoms of a chicken allergy may include all the following:

• Chronic ear infections
• Diarrhea
• Bald patches
• Chronic gas
• Inflamed feet
• Paw biting
• Hives
• Obsessive licking
• Pawing at face
• Skin infections
• Wheezing
• Vomiting
• Shaking of the head
• Poor growth

Causes of Chicken Allergies

An allergy to food is a self-defense response by the immune system to an amino acid that is seen as a threat. An allergic reaction doesn’t occur the very first time an individual is exposed to an allergen. The immune system has to encounter the allergen more than once to recognize it as a problem. If your pet is showing a food intolerance to chicken, this may very well be an indicator of an allergy, or that an allergy is developing.

On the other hand, food intolerance is not the same as food allergies due to the reactions. These reactions are not caused by histamine. Symptoms may consist of gurgling sounds from the digestive system, changes in the color or consistency of stools, and abdominal pain. Food intolerance can lead to food allergies.

Treatment for Chicken Allergies

A few weeks are often needed prior to eliminating the allergen from your pet’s diet, and your pet may continue to experience some symptoms during this time. Antihistamines and corticosteroids can reduce swelling and itching. However, many vets recommend completing the elimination of the allergen in your pet’s diet prior to giving treatment.

Various supplements such as probiotics and Omega-3 oils are usually recommended to help support the immune system and protect your dog’s skin. These supplements help your dog’s body heal after being exposed to allergens. They are also taken to prevent new allergies from developing. Antibiotics may be prescribed since secondary infections are also common with skin allergies. While food allergies are not always curable, many symptoms will disappear following the removal of chicken from their diet.

Additionally, there are other sources of protein that could be more suitable for your dog as a replacement for protein, including:

• Buffalo
• Broccoli
• Eggs
• Elk
• Fish
• Lamb
• Quinoa
• Lentils
• Venison
• Spinach
• Soybeans
• Rabbit

As always, you should check with your vet if you have further questions or if you suspect that your dog may be suffering from a chicken allergy.