FOOD ALLERGY IN DOGS

Food allergy is defined as an immunologically based reaction to food. Terriers may be at greater risk than other breeds for developing food allergy. whereas food allergy may occur at any time in a dog's life, p erhaps a third of affected dogs have and age of onset of 1 year or you nger. The most common clinical sign of food allergy is nonseasonal pru ritus, which is usually generalized. Pruritus may also be localized on the feet, ears, or perianal area. The most common primary dermatologi c lesions are papules and erythema. Reported concurrent gastrointestin al signs among dogs with cutaneous signs of food allergy are rare; how ever, dogs with both pruritus and gastrointestinal signs typical of co litis have been recently documented. The ideal method of diagnosis is the elimination diet, which should contain one protein and one starch to which the dog has not been previously exposed. The recommended leng th of the elimination diet is 8 weeks. Persistence of some pruritus at 8 weeks may indicate the need for continuing the diet or the presence of concurrent hypersensitivities. Upon resolution of clinical signs, the dog should be challenged with its regular diet to confirm the diag nosis. The most common proven food allergens in dogs are beef, chicken , milk, eggs, corn, wheat, and soy.