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Food allergy

An immune system reaction to an ingredient in the diet, almost always a protein. It causes itching and/or chronic digestive problems.

Moderate🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Chronic itching, non-seasonal (all year round)
  • • Recurrent ear infections
  • • Digestive problems: vomiting, loose stools
  • • Skin lesions from scratching
  • • In cats: lesions on the face and neck

Causes

Hypersensitivity to a dietary protein (chicken, beef, dairy, fish and wheat are common). It develops with repeated exposure to the food.

Diagnosis

A strict elimination diet for 8-12 weeks with a novel or hydrolysed protein, followed by a challenge. This is the only reliable method.

Treatment

Identifying and permanently eliminating the culprit ingredient. A hypoallergenic diet (hydrolysed or novel protein) under veterinary supervision.

Prevention

Not preventable, but once identified it is well controlled by avoiding the ingredient.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if there is chronic year-round itching or recurrent ear infections with digestive problems. The elimination diet must be carried out rigorously.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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