08/06/2021
Thank you to Dr. Thompson our local (and wonderful) Animal Allergy & Dermatology Center of Indiana. Please! Don’t spend your time and finances performing tests that can’t help your pet! We ALL wish it would be this easy, but it’s not. And think ‘nut allergy’ in children. Doesn’t matter how much or how little, what form, or what source. It’s a commitment. But not forever ❤️
There are many myths surrounding food allergies in pets, which is why it is important to talk to your veterinarian or a veterinary dermatology specialist if your pet is itchy. Some of the most common myths we hear include:
1. Testing for food allergies with a blood (or saliva or hair) test. In dogs and cats, these tests do not correlate with the clinical signs of food allergies. The only way to diagnose a food allergy is through an 8 week elimination diet trial with a prescription diet under the supervision of your veterinarian.
2. Changing to a grain free food. Allergies to grains are extremely uncommon in dogs and cats. The most common allergens are proteins, such as beef, chicken, fish, soy, egg and dairy. The only way to diagnose a food allergy is through an 8 week elimination diet trial with a prescription diet under the supervision of your veterinarian.
3. Changing to a single protein over the counter kibble. Over the counter diets are frequently contaminated with other proteins simply because the food is processed on the same equipment as other protein diets without deep decontamination in between batches. The only way to diagnose a food allergy is through an 8 week elimination diet trial with a prescription diet under the supervision of your veterinarian.
4. Assuming there can’t be a food allergy because the pet has eaten the same food throughout its life. Food allergies often develop when the pet is less than a year old, but can appear at any age, regardless of if they’ve eaten the same food or different foods. The only way to diagnose a food allergy is through an 8 week elimination diet trial with a prescription diet under the supervision of your veterinarian.
What misconceptions have you heard?
