Food Allergies – Dogs

Noelle’s Pet Care Tips

Allergies are the number one complaint with dog owners. It is most often associated with a food allergy. Food allergies are most often caused by food additives and by-products. Please check with your vet about food allergies and any dietary changes.

Check the labels on your current dog food. The first three ingredients should not contain the words..."by-product", "meal", "corn", "wheat", etc. The main ingredient should be a protein such as your basic chicken, beef, lamb, or fish. Then it can contain a starch such as rice, barley, potatoes, etc. Any other ingredients should be the required vitamins and supplements required by law. Stick to a food that contains only one protein source and one starch or carb source. This way it will be easier to rule out any allergies. You can start with the popular lamb and rice diets (however, make sure there are no other proteins or carbs and definitely no corn, wheat or soy).

Fall and winter and the holiday seasons all can pose special risks to your pets. Here are some tips for keeping everyone safe and healthy. Always provide fresh, clean water for your pet. If the weather is cold, please check their water for ice formation and remove the ice.

Indoor pets should be provided with a warm, dry area free from drafts. Provide bedding that is off cold floors, and wash bedding weekly if possible (the fleas will hate you).

Outdoor pets should have dry shelter out of the wind. Bring cats and dogs into the house if the weather conditions are rainy , snowy or weather conditions are severe (cold, etc).

Staying warm requires extra calories, pets may need more food or a change in diet. Talk to your veterinarian about your pets needs.

Ice, Snow and Mud

Remove ice, salt, mud, snow from your pets coats, feet as soon as possible. If the skin looks reddish, white or grey in cold weather, may be scaly or peeling, suspect frostbite if the weather has been really cold. Talk to a veterinarian immediately.

Shedding

Most dogs and cats shed their summer coats in the fall before putting on their winter coat. Most years this is light and not very noticeable. Special attention should be paid to hair coats and daily or weekly brushing (as needed) should help your pet and you be happier.

***** Hazard Warnings *****

*Cats and kittens like to nap on warm places, this can include car engines! Knock on the hood of your car or truck or honk the horn, then wait a few before starting your car.