Allergy and Food Intolerance in Dogs and Cats
Does your dog or cat vomit frequently, or have diarrhea, or show skin irritation, poor coat condition and/or hair loss? Any or all of these symptoms could point your veterinarian to allergies, and specifically an allergic response to the food you feed. Ingredients in food that your pet cannot tolerate may result in a variety of negative reactions. Allergy and food intolerance is also called an adverse reaction to food and can create ongoing problems with both the skin and the digestive tract.
In dogs, the most common causes of adverse reactions are beef, dairy products, wheat, and chicken.
In cats, the most common causes of adverse reactions are beef, dairy products, wheat and chicken.
Age Old Problem
Free radicals are a normal by-product of energy produced by the body. Natural defense mechanisms render most free radicals harmless, but a small percentage remains active to cause cell damage. Over time, the body produces more and more free radicals. The end result is aging. Below is a list of common behavioral changes in older dogs. Check the signs that affect your pet and discuss them with your veterinarian.
House-soiling “accidents”
Does not “ask” to go outside
No longer greets family members
Does not seek attention/petting
Does not recognize familiar people or places
Does not respond to verbal cues
Sleeps more during the day or less at night
Appears lost or confused in the house or yard
Wanders or paces
Stares into space or at walls
Behavior and Anxiety related Disorders
Generalized anxiety, boarding, and house soiling problems
Urinary Disorders
Chronic crystal or stone formation and cystitis
Metabolic and Endocrine Diseases
Diabetes, pancreatic disease, liver or kidney disease
These are just a few examples of health issues that may be controlled by an improved diet for your pet.