Chicken Allergies In Dogs And How to Manage Them

It is normal to suspect chicken as the cause of your pet’s allergic reaction. Chicken is the most affordable protein. This is why chicken and chicken by-products are overly available in most pet food products.

Many dogs fancy food and kibbles based on chicken, but some get irritated by it, leading to undesirable reactions. The reaction is fueled by the inability of the dog’s digestive system to process and break down chicken proteins exhaustively. It is essential to note that chicken allergy in dogs is relatively common.

Please take note of the below once you suspect your dog is allergic to chicken.

Causes of Chicken Allergy in Dogs

In comparison to other food allergies, chicken allergy occurs either because of biological or environmental factors. When your dog feeds, the food is processed by its digestive system into amino acids, which enterocytes can easily absorb. Chicken allergy in dogs occurs because the dog’s digestive system cannot break down the chicken protein into amino acids to complete the digestion process.

Failure to break down chicken protein compels the dog’s immune system to view chicken food as an unwelcomed or dangerous substance. The dog’s immune system releases antibodies to combat chicken proteins, leading to an allergic reaction.

The following symptoms listed below are the most common signs to look out for when your dog’s immune system does not favor chicken food.

Symptoms of Chicken Allergy in Dogs

Recognizing symptoms of chicken allergies early enough can help protect your dog from the detrimental effects of such allergies. Identifying symptoms of allergic reaction to chicken should be easy. The following signs are familiar with chicken allergy in dogs;

Severe Itching and Scratching

Intense scratching is the first symptom likely for you to witness due to irritation your pet feels on their skin. Scratching is expected around the face, ears, back, and mouth. Consistent scratching can lead to hair loss, bleeding, bald patches, and eventually wounds.

Skin inflammation and rashes are a result of itching and scratching. Due to continuous scratching, your pet’s skin is likely exposed to pathogens, leading to infections and skin diseases eventually.

Gastrointestinal Issues

The inability of your dog’s digestive system to fully break down chicken protein can be instantly seen through the following gastrointestinal problems your pet is likely to experience; vomiting, gas, and diarrhea.

Vomiting, gas, and diarrhea due to your dog’s allergic reaction to chicken protein and by-products can lead to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) if left untreated early enough. It is vital to be on the lookout for the above signs for a quicker reaction to mitigate the effects of your dog’s allergic reaction to chicken.

The following are also some of the signs to consider when you are unsure if your dog is allergic to chicken food or not;

• Scooting on the floor to scratch its back and also licking of its rear back
• Head shaking
• Intense licking and biting of its paws and other areas due to itchiness
• Coughing and wheezing are likely to be a sign of an allergic reaction too

How to Manage Chicken Allergy in Dogs

If you are convinced that your dog has an allergic reaction to chicken after establishing most of the above symptoms, appropriate measures are necessary to alleviate the risks. It is prudent to take your dog off chicken meals and treats entirely as the first response to solve this issue.

However, it is appropriate to consult with your vet to gain more insights into how to combat your dog’s chicken allergy. The vet is likely to recommend hypoallergic food with a novel protein content, which the dog’s system can easily break down.

Once the allergy subsides, reintroduce chicken food and treats again to establish if, indeed, your dog was allergic to chicken initially. If the allergy returns, then at this stage, it is advisable to take your dog off chicken meals and treats indefinitely.

Consider carrying blood tests to identify any other food allergies that you may not be privy, to avoid causing any more harm to your pet in the future. Stick to vet recommended diet and friendly proteins to enhance the well-being of your dog.