Dermatology Service

Food Allergies

DERMATOLOGY SERVICE

Signs of Food Allergies

Pets with food allergies may show signs of itchy skin/ears and gastrointestinal disease (e.g. increased bowel movement >3 per day, mucus in stools, loose stools, belching, and flatulence). Up to 30% of food-allergic dogs have concurrent atopic dermatitis.

UNMATCHED EXPERTISE

Dietary Management of Food Allergies

The most common food allergens in dogs are beef, chicken, dairy and wheat. The most common food allergens in cats are fish, beef and dairy. Currently, there is no reliable blood test in dogs and cats to diagnose a food allergy. An elimination diet trial using a novel protein (dogs and cats) and carbohydrate (dogs only) or a hydrolysed biscuit formulation for 8 weeks is the only way to determine if your pet has a food allergy. Our dermatologists can prescribe an appropriate diet for your pet using their in-depth knowledge of carbohydrate and protein cross-reactivities between the different dietary formulations to maximise the chances of a successful elimination diet trial.

CONTACT OUR TEAM