Allergies and Intolerances in Dogs and Pets

Dogs, like humans, can develop allergic reactions or intolerances to certain substances. This can happen for various reasons:

1. Genetic predisposition: The tendency to allergies and intolerances can be genetic. If a dog has parents or ancestors with allergies, the risk that he could also be allergic increases.
2. Environmental factors: Dogs can develop allergies to environmental pollutants such as pollen, mold, and dust mites. These allergies are often seasonal and manifest with symptoms such as itching, rashes, and breathing problems.
3. Food allergies: Dogs can be allergic to certain foods or ingredients in their food. Common allergens are proteins such as chicken, beef or soy, but grains can also trigger allergic reactions.
4. Contact allergies: Some dogs react to certain substances they come into contact with, such as certain plants, cleaning products or even materials from which their beds are made.
5. Drug allergies: Dogs can have allergic reactions to certain medications, similar to humans.
6. Food intolerances: While an allergy is an immunological reaction, an intolerance is a non-immunological reaction to certain foods or ingredients. An example of this is lactose intolerance in dogs.

The signs of allergies and intolerances in dogs can be varied and range from skin problems to gastrointestinal problems and respiratory problems. If you think your dog may be suffering from an allergy or intolerance, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian can carry out diagnostic tests to determine the exact cause of the symptoms and give you recommendations for treatment and avoiding the triggering substances.

What do the Snaxperts say:

We at Snaxperts attach great importance to this topic. We have had many experiences in dealing with our dogs, both positive and negative. It is tempting to give our pets everything that seems attractive or tasty in the pet shop. But not everything that glitters is gold. As a pet owner, you will be confronted with this sooner or later.

It is important to respond to the dog's needs and to clarify many questions in consultation with the vet. Our four-legged friends are just as individual as people when it comes to their immune systems, predispositions and intolerances. There are even differences in the choice of meat, as some dogs can react to certain types of animals with stomach pain, itching (hotspots) and diarrhea. There are even cases in which the dog cannot tolerate meat at all, and in such situations the owner can resort to vegan dog food. Fortunately, there is now a wide range of vegan dog food, which makes the decision-making process less problematic than it was a few years ago.

Caution should also be exercised with regard to snacks or products containing gluten. Celiac disease or wheat allergies are quite possible in dogs. If you think your dog may have these problems, you should also discuss this with your vet and have it checked. If your dog cannot digest gluten in wheat well, switching to grain-free snacks and gluten-free food is an option. Fortunately, there is a wide selection here too. However, it is important to note that not every food is equally suitable for every pet. Monitoring the condition of your four-legged friend during the transition to a gluten-free diet is crucial, as certain raw materials in the food may also be intolerant. Signs of this can include, for example, a significantly larger amount of feces, increased hair loss or even rashes and increased watery eyes. As soon as such reactions occur, you should immediately take care to adjust the food choice.

Obvious but essential aspects include providing fresh water in a clean bowl, caring for and keeping the dog clean by brushing and washing or cleaning with wet wipes, and regularly cleaning the dog's sleeping place or retreat.

Always remember to pay attention to your faithful four-legged friend and make sure that his diet is well tolerated, while at the same time making sure that no disturbing factors in his environment cause unwanted reactions.