• About
    • About Us
    • Our Team
  • Locations
    • ALABAMA
      • Birmingham, AL
    • CALIFORNIA
      • Southern California
    • COLORADO
      • Denver, CO
    • FLORIDA
      • Broward County, FL
      • Jacksonville, FL
      • Miami, FL
      • Naples, FL
      • Orlando, FL
      • Palm Beach County, FL
      • Tallahassee, FL
      • Tampa, FL
    • GEORGIA
      • Atlanta, GA
    • NEW JERSEY
      • South Jersey
    • NORTH CAROLINA
      • Charlotte, NC
    • OHIO
      • Northwestern Ohio
      • Southern Ohio
    • PENNSYLVANIA
      • Philadelphia, PA
    • SOUTH CAROLINA
      • Charleston, SC
    • TEXAS
      • Austin, TX
      • Dallas, TX
    • TENNESSEE
      • Nashville, TN
  • Publishing
    • Content Guidelines for Publishing
    • General Article Submission Guidelines
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
Thursday, January 28, 2021
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
Birmingham Christian Voice
53 °f
Birmingham
  • News
    • All
    • Alabama
    • Birmingham
    • Government
    • National
    • Politics
    • World
    Church Singing Can Return in Autumn Says Fauci

    Church Singing Can Return in Autumn Says Fauci

    Denmark will Ask Faith Groups to Translate Sermons into Danish Language

    Denmark will Ask Faith Groups to Translate Sermons into Danish Language

    ‘The Bible in a Year’ the Most Popular Podcast in US

    ‘The Bible in a Year’ the Most Popular Podcast in US

    Fauci Asks Help of Faith Leaders to Spread COVID-19 Vaccine Trust

    Fauci Asks Help of Faith Leaders to Spread COVID-19 Vaccine Trust

    Biden to Use Huge Bible for Swearing-In

    Biden to Use Huge Bible for Swearing-In

    UK Teens Turn to God During Pandemic

    UK Teens Turn to God During Pandemic

    CDC and WHO Issue COVID-19 Considerations to Churches for Christmas

    CDC and WHO Issue COVID-19 Considerations to Churches for Christmas

    Church Shares the Gospel with Narnia Display

    Church Shares the Gospel with Narnia Display

    Religious Groups in Spain Condemn Euthanasia Bill

    Religious Groups in Spain Condemn Euthanasia Bill

    Trending Tags

    • Church
      • All
      • Missions
      • Pastors
      • Worship
      Extollo International: Raising and Lifting up the People of Haiti

      Extollo International: Raising and Lifting up the People of Haiti

      Patrick and the History of St. Patrick’s Day

      Patrick and the History of St. Patrick’s Day

      A Candid Interview with Steve Austin, Author of ‘From Pastor to Psych Ward’

      A Candid Interview with Steve Austin, Author of ‘From Pastor to Psych Ward’

      The English School in Marietta Georgia is Touching Lives and Sharing the Gospel

      The English School in Marietta Georgia is Touching Lives and Sharing the Gospel

      Reaching the Nepali Bhutanese in Harrisburg, PA

      Reaching the Nepali Bhutanese in Harrisburg, PA

      A Blueprint for Prayer: Three Personal Petitions

      A Blueprint for Prayer: Three Personal Petitions

      Why a House Church?

      Why a House Church?

      App Sees Increase in Bible Engagement with 1 Million New Subscribers in 24 Hours

      App Sees Increase in Bible Engagement with 1 Million New Subscribers in 24 Hours

      Weighing In On Death of John Allen Chau

      Weighing In On Death of John Allen Chau

    • Business
      • All
      • Finance
      • Leadership
      Chick-fil-A Founder’s Daughter Reveals Mom as ‘Backbone’ of Family Dynasty

      Chick-fil-A Founder’s Daughter Reveals Mom as ‘Backbone’ of Family Dynasty

      Are You Passionate?

      Are You Passionate?

      Questions To Ask Before Taking Social Security

      Questions To Ask Before Taking Social Security

      Financial Tips For Single Women

      Financial Tips For Single Women

      7 Ways to Create Your CEO Lifestyle

      7 Ways to Create Your CEO Lifestyle

      Last U.S. Toys R Us Store to Close Friday

      Last U.S. Toys R Us Store to Close Friday

      10 Tips to Save Big on Your Car Insurance

      10 Tips to Save Big on Your Car Insurance

      Surprising Things You Can Expect From a Christian Writers Conference

      Surprising Things You Can Expect From a Christian Writers Conference

      If You Weren’t Afraid What Would You Do?

      If You Weren’t Afraid What Would You Do?

    • Faith
      • All
      • Inspiration
      5 Ways to Show God Our Thankfulness

      5 Ways to Show God Our Thankfulness

      20 Quotes to Encourage Friendships During COVID-19

      20 Quotes to Encourage Friendships During COVID-19

      Father’s Second Life

      Father’s Second Life

      In Step with My Father

      In Step with My Father

      Little Girl Lost … Little Girl Found: from Addiction to Grace and Freedom

      Little Girl Lost … Little Girl Found: from Addiction to Grace and Freedom

      Divine Strength After Tragedy: The Barrick Family Refuses to be Torn Apart

      Divine Strength After Tragedy: The Barrick Family Refuses to be Torn Apart

      Yes, Virginia, There is a God

      Yes, Virginia, There is a God

      My Broken Road

      My Broken Road

      Who is Joel?

      Who is Joel?

      Trending Tags

      • Lifestyle
        • All
        • Books
        • Education
        • Entertainment
        • family
        • Food
        • Health
        • Humor
        • Tech
        • Travel
        There’s a new streaming platform — and it’s a great option for families

        There’s a new streaming platform — and it’s a great option for families

        Pixar’s ‘Soul’ has multiple great messages about life

        Pixar’s ‘Soul’ has multiple great messages about life

        Actress Miya Horcher Leads With Love

        Actress Miya Horcher Leads With Love

        ‘Jingle Jangle’ is Netflix’s best family-friendly movie yet

        ‘Jingle Jangle’ is Netflix’s best family-friendly movie yet

        ‘Switched’ Movie Review And Interview With Writer/Producer, Alexandra Boylan

        ‘Switched’ Movie Review And Interview With Writer/Producer, Alexandra Boylan

        Hallmark-like ‘Farmer and the Belle’ leads family-friendly spotlight

        Hallmark-like ‘Farmer and the Belle’ leads family-friendly spotlight

        Andrea Bocelli Unveils New Album ‘Believe’

        Andrea Bocelli Unveils New Album ‘Believe’

        Netflix’s ‘The Social Dilemma’ will make you want to smash your smartphone

        Netflix’s ‘The Social Dilemma’ will make you want to smash your smartphone

        ClearPlay’s new filtering service makes any Netflix movie family-friendly

        ClearPlay’s new filtering service makes any Netflix movie family-friendly

        Trending Tags

        • Sports
          Bitterness Strikes Out

          Bitterness Strikes Out

          Kia’s Amazing Journey

          Kia’s Amazing Journey

          Bengals Chaplain Kicks COVID-19

          Bengals Chaplain Kicks COVID-19

          NFL Hall of Famer Tim Brown opens up about faith

          NFL Hall of Famer Tim Brown opens up about faith

          Taking the Next Step: An Interview with Noah Turner

          Taking the Next Step: An Interview with Noah Turner

          To Empower and Encourage

          To Empower and Encourage

          Are You Passionate?

          Are You Passionate?

          There is Another Way

          There is Another Way

          Did God See That Coming?

          Did God See That Coming?

        • News
          • All
          • Alabama
          • Birmingham
          • Government
          • National
          • Politics
          • World
          Church Singing Can Return in Autumn Says Fauci

          Church Singing Can Return in Autumn Says Fauci

          Denmark will Ask Faith Groups to Translate Sermons into Danish Language

          Denmark will Ask Faith Groups to Translate Sermons into Danish Language

          ‘The Bible in a Year’ the Most Popular Podcast in US

          ‘The Bible in a Year’ the Most Popular Podcast in US

          Fauci Asks Help of Faith Leaders to Spread COVID-19 Vaccine Trust

          Fauci Asks Help of Faith Leaders to Spread COVID-19 Vaccine Trust

          Biden to Use Huge Bible for Swearing-In

          Biden to Use Huge Bible for Swearing-In

          UK Teens Turn to God During Pandemic

          UK Teens Turn to God During Pandemic

          CDC and WHO Issue COVID-19 Considerations to Churches for Christmas

          CDC and WHO Issue COVID-19 Considerations to Churches for Christmas

          Church Shares the Gospel with Narnia Display

          Church Shares the Gospel with Narnia Display

          Religious Groups in Spain Condemn Euthanasia Bill

          Religious Groups in Spain Condemn Euthanasia Bill

          Trending Tags

          • Church
            • All
            • Missions
            • Pastors
            • Worship
            Extollo International: Raising and Lifting up the People of Haiti

            Extollo International: Raising and Lifting up the People of Haiti

            Patrick and the History of St. Patrick’s Day

            Patrick and the History of St. Patrick’s Day

            A Candid Interview with Steve Austin, Author of ‘From Pastor to Psych Ward’

            A Candid Interview with Steve Austin, Author of ‘From Pastor to Psych Ward’

            The English School in Marietta Georgia is Touching Lives and Sharing the Gospel

            The English School in Marietta Georgia is Touching Lives and Sharing the Gospel

            Reaching the Nepali Bhutanese in Harrisburg, PA

            Reaching the Nepali Bhutanese in Harrisburg, PA

            A Blueprint for Prayer: Three Personal Petitions

            A Blueprint for Prayer: Three Personal Petitions

            Why a House Church?

            Why a House Church?

            App Sees Increase in Bible Engagement with 1 Million New Subscribers in 24 Hours

            App Sees Increase in Bible Engagement with 1 Million New Subscribers in 24 Hours

            Weighing In On Death of John Allen Chau

            Weighing In On Death of John Allen Chau

          • Business
            • All
            • Finance
            • Leadership
            Chick-fil-A Founder’s Daughter Reveals Mom as ‘Backbone’ of Family Dynasty

            Chick-fil-A Founder’s Daughter Reveals Mom as ‘Backbone’ of Family Dynasty

            Are You Passionate?

            Are You Passionate?

            Questions To Ask Before Taking Social Security

            Questions To Ask Before Taking Social Security

            Financial Tips For Single Women

            Financial Tips For Single Women

            7 Ways to Create Your CEO Lifestyle

            7 Ways to Create Your CEO Lifestyle

            Last U.S. Toys R Us Store to Close Friday

            Last U.S. Toys R Us Store to Close Friday

            10 Tips to Save Big on Your Car Insurance

            10 Tips to Save Big on Your Car Insurance

            Surprising Things You Can Expect From a Christian Writers Conference

            Surprising Things You Can Expect From a Christian Writers Conference

            If You Weren’t Afraid What Would You Do?

            If You Weren’t Afraid What Would You Do?

          • Faith
            • All
            • Inspiration
            5 Ways to Show God Our Thankfulness

            5 Ways to Show God Our Thankfulness

            20 Quotes to Encourage Friendships During COVID-19

            20 Quotes to Encourage Friendships During COVID-19

            Father’s Second Life

            Father’s Second Life

            In Step with My Father

            In Step with My Father

            Little Girl Lost … Little Girl Found: from Addiction to Grace and Freedom

            Little Girl Lost … Little Girl Found: from Addiction to Grace and Freedom

            Divine Strength After Tragedy: The Barrick Family Refuses to be Torn Apart

            Divine Strength After Tragedy: The Barrick Family Refuses to be Torn Apart

            Yes, Virginia, There is a God

            Yes, Virginia, There is a God

            My Broken Road

            My Broken Road

            Who is Joel?

            Who is Joel?

            Trending Tags

            • Lifestyle
              • All
              • Books
              • Education
              • Entertainment
              • family
              • Food
              • Health
              • Humor
              • Tech
              • Travel
              There’s a new streaming platform — and it’s a great option for families

              There’s a new streaming platform — and it’s a great option for families

              Pixar’s ‘Soul’ has multiple great messages about life

              Pixar’s ‘Soul’ has multiple great messages about life

              Actress Miya Horcher Leads With Love

              Actress Miya Horcher Leads With Love

              ‘Jingle Jangle’ is Netflix’s best family-friendly movie yet

              ‘Jingle Jangle’ is Netflix’s best family-friendly movie yet

              ‘Switched’ Movie Review And Interview With Writer/Producer, Alexandra Boylan

              ‘Switched’ Movie Review And Interview With Writer/Producer, Alexandra Boylan

              Hallmark-like ‘Farmer and the Belle’ leads family-friendly spotlight

              Hallmark-like ‘Farmer and the Belle’ leads family-friendly spotlight

              Andrea Bocelli Unveils New Album ‘Believe’

              Andrea Bocelli Unveils New Album ‘Believe’

              Netflix’s ‘The Social Dilemma’ will make you want to smash your smartphone

              Netflix’s ‘The Social Dilemma’ will make you want to smash your smartphone

              ClearPlay’s new filtering service makes any Netflix movie family-friendly

              ClearPlay’s new filtering service makes any Netflix movie family-friendly

              Trending Tags

              • Sports
                Bitterness Strikes Out

                Bitterness Strikes Out

                Kia’s Amazing Journey

                Kia’s Amazing Journey

                Bengals Chaplain Kicks COVID-19

                Bengals Chaplain Kicks COVID-19

                NFL Hall of Famer Tim Brown opens up about faith

                NFL Hall of Famer Tim Brown opens up about faith

                Taking the Next Step: An Interview with Noah Turner

                Taking the Next Step: An Interview with Noah Turner

                To Empower and Encourage

                To Empower and Encourage

                Are You Passionate?

                Are You Passionate?

                There is Another Way

                There is Another Way

                Did God See That Coming?

                Did God See That Coming?

              No Result
              View All Result
              Birmingham Christian Voice
              No Result
              View All Result

              Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats

              by ellenf
              January 11, 2020
              in Health, pets
              0
              Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats
              0
              SHARES
              26
              VIEWS
              Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

              A food allergy is a reaction to food which triggers a response from the body’s immune system. In dogs and cat, proteins are usually the offending substances responsible for adverse food reactions. For this reason, feeding the grain-free/gluten free and boutique diets which are recent fads, is not only unnecessary and expensive, but potentially harmful. (See July 2018 – New Studies Debunk Today’s Myths about Pet Food.) The immune reaction to food may be manifested by itching and/or gastrointestinal signs, such as chronic vomiting, diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, and gas. Sometimes chronic ear infections are the only sign of food allergy.

              Allergies vs. Adverse Food Reactions and Food Intolerance

              There are differing opinions among dermatologists concerning how common true food allergies are. Part of this may be due to the fact that in the clinical setting, true food allergies are usually not distinguished from adverse food reactions and food intolerance, which do not trigger an immune response. However, true food allergies are probably much less common than environmental allergies. Still, frustrated pet owners, in an attempt to relieve a pet’s itching, often try a plethora of new foods, hoping to find something that will work, and frequently end up disappointed.

              Is Your Dog Prone to Food Allergies?

              Certain breeds tend to be more susceptible to food allergies, including:

              So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:21

              • Labrador Retrievers
              • Cocker Spaniels
              • German Shepherds
              • West Highland White Terriers
              • Bichon Frise, Collies
              • Cairn Terriers
              • Irish and English Setters
              • Golden Retrievers
              • Dalmations
              • Shar Pei
              • Lhasa apso
              • Miniature Schnauzers
              • Siamese and Birman cats

              This list is not exclusive, as other breeds, as well as mixed breeds can also be afflicted with food allergies.

              Is it actually a Food Allergy?

              Some clues to help rule determine if a food allergy is likely include:

              1. The age at which the symptoms occur. Up to half of food allergic animals exhibit symptoms at less than one year of age.
              2. The symptoms are year-round. However, keep in mind that animals with food allergies may also have environmental and/or flea allergies, so there may be some increased itching during certain times of the year.
              3. Steroids, which are very effective in relieving the itching associated with other allergies, may not work as well for food allergies.
              4. Gastrointestinal signs are present in approximately 1/3 of food allergic patients.
              5. Although food allergic dogs may exhibit itching anywhere on the body, feet licking, and ear infections, one of the common signs of food allergy is a “flaming anus,” which is redness around the anal region and under the tail. Cats often have itching around the face and neck, hair loss, and scabs.

              Testing for Food Allergies

              Unfortunately, there is no diagnostic blood or skin test for food allergy. Although some labs offer testing for food allergies, these are not reliable. A positive antibody test to a certain protein can simply mean the pet has eaten that protein, not that it is allergic to it.

              A definitive diagnosis requires a therapeutic (prescription) food trial in which a novel protein (protein the animal has never eaten), hydrolyzed (low antigen therapeutic diet), or homemade (only with the help of a certified veterinary nutritionist) is fed for at least eight weeks. Sometimes it is necessary to continue for 10-12 weeks.

              Commercial diets sold over the counter (OTC) may claim to be hypoallergenic or good for sensitive skin, however these claims have no official meaning. Immunological tests on OTC foods found that many of them contain additional proteins or contaminants, which is legal as they are not produced for food trials. While it is tempting to try OTC foods as a cheaper alternative to therapeutic diets, feeding these foods can defeat the purpose of the food trial. Therapeutic diets are made by pet food companies to specifically contain the same ingredients without contamination. In addition, if your pet will not eat the diet, most companies will refund your money.

              Practices for Effective Testing

              During the diet trial, it is imperative that the pet consume only the prescribed food. Any treats, table foods, OTC foods, chew toys with flavoring, and even flavored medications, including heartworm and flea prevention, can sabotage the trial. Everyone in the home must cooperate. Other pets in the home must be fed separately or fed the therapeutic diet. Some owners don’t understand why the pet can’t have “just a little” something extra. I always explain it this way—if you are allergic to peanuts and someone slips “just a little” peanut product into something you eat, it will cause a reaction. It’s the same with your pet.

              After Testing

              If the diet is successful, you can confirm a food allergy by returning to the pet’s original food. Itching will resume within 14 days. Most people, however, don’t want to rock the boat if the pet is doing well, and opt to stay on the new diet. If the animal is doing well, you can also try adding in additional protein sources, one at a time, with the therapeutic diet, to more specifically identify offending foods. If the animal starts itching within two weeks, this protein is one to which the pet is allergic. If not, this protein is safe to feed your pet.

              Suppose the diet doesn’t work. What then? First, be sure the diet was strictly adhered to. If so, consider another trial with a different diet. Sometimes allergies can overlap. For example, a pet who is allergic to chicken might also be allergic to duck, or an animal allergic to beef might also be allergic to venison. Or the animal may simply not have a food allergy.

              The Myth of a Hypoallergenic Diet

              There is no such thing as a one-size fits all “hypoallergenic” diet. Sometimes finding the right diet for the patient is a matter of trial and error. Hills, Purina, and Royal Canin all make excellent therapeutic diet foods. There are a number of novel protein diets available, and choosing which one to try depends on what the animal has already been exposed to. If a dog has never eaten fish, for example, a salmon/potato diet might be a good first choice. In cats, a good choice might be rabbit/pea. Hydrolyzed protein diets may also be tried. In these foods, the protein source has been digested to smaller fragments, which are less likely to stimulate the immune system. However, some patients may still react to diets containing a hydrolyzed proteins to which they are allergic.

              One food I particularly like is Royal Canin Ultamino, which is formulated for dogs with severe food sensitivities. The protein source is broken down to amino acids which can be absorbed without triggering an immune response. It can be used as a short-term elimination diet to rule in/out food allergies. It can also be fed long term. There is also a Royal Canin Ultamino for cats. Remember the therapeutic diets require a veterinary prescription.

              Where allergies are concerned, it is always best to formulate a plan with your veterinarian in order to achieve the best outcome. Allergies can be frustrating, expensive, and time consuming, but with patience and perseverance, are generally manageable.

              Facebook Comments

              Tags: itchy dogpet allergiesveterinarian advice
              ellenf

              ellenf

              Next Post
              UK Govt Vows More Protection to Persecuted Christians

              UK Govt Vows More Protection to Persecuted Christians

              Recommended

              Deaf Bible Society Celebrates Progress

              2 years ago
              Filipino Christians Embrace New Bible Translation

              Filipino Christians Embrace New Bible Translation

              1 year ago

              Popular News

                Connect with us

                Newsletter

                Join our newsletter and stay up to date with Christian news and events.

                SUBSCRIBE

                About Us

                B'ham Christian Voice is part of One Christian Voice, a growing Christian news network in the United States.


                We share world news, national news, stories to inspire you and information on activities and events in and around Birmingham, Alabama.

                Locations

                Alabama
                California
                Colorado
                Florida
                Georgia
                New Jersey
                North Carolina
                Ohio
                Pennsylvania
                South Carolina
                Tennessee
                Texas

                Connect with us

                • About
                • Advertise
                • Careers
                • Contact

                © 2018 Birmingham Christian Voice. - A division of One Christian Voice.

                No Result
                View All Result
                • Home
                • Politics
                • World
                • Business
                • Science
                • National
                • Entertainment
                • Music
                • Sports
                • Fashion
                • Lifestyle
                • Travel
                • Tech
                • Health
                • Food

                © 2018 Birmingham Christian Voice. - A division of One Christian Voice.

                Login to your account below

                Forgotten Password?

                Fill the forms bellow to register

                All fields are required. Log In

                Retrieve your password

                Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

                Log In