January 2015                                                                          Volume 6, Issue 1
Carolina Dog Times 
          The Information You Need About the Dogs You Love
News and Views from the Front of the Pack
                                
           
 

Now that the holidays are behind us and the new year is before us, many people focus on a fresh start such as living a healthier lifestyle and doing things that they've put off for too long. 

So, as you find ways to accomplish your new 2015 goals, remember your four-legged furry friends who would love to participate alongside you! 

When you start your new exercise routine, take your pooch with you on that brisk walk. And when you gather ingredients for that low fat meal, remember your dog's food requirements too and resist tossing Fido those table scraps that can lead to gastrointestinal problems.

In this issue of The Carolina Dog Times, you'll read about 10 Food Allergy Myths by Dr. Betsy Sigmon and 5 Things Every Dog Owner Should Have In Their Medicine Cabinet by Dr. Hilarie Jerauld. 

Here's to a year of health and fulfillment!
Happy 2015!

WOOF!
Elaine

 

 
In This Issue
Myths About Food Allergies
Pet First Aid
2014 Pack Walk Memories
Join our Mailing List!

10 Myths About Food Allergies

 


Written by Dr. Betsy Sigmon of


 

Having experienced an extreme gastric overload over the holiday, gluttony and talking about food is the furthest thing we would want to discuss. It's very common for clients to come in with statements that they THINK I want to hear, such as "I'm feeding grain free, raw, gluten free, or corn-free are among several that are mentioned. So, here are 10 myths you should know:


 

1. FOOD ALLERGY IS COMMON AMONG DOGS.
Confirmed cases of food allergy are actually pretty rare; only about 5 % to 10% of dogs with an allergy have a confirmed reaction to food.

2. DOGS ARE ALLERGIC TO CORN AND OTHER GRAINS. Contrary to current marketing campaigns by many pet food companies, true corn and grain allergies in dogs are rare. Most allergies are to meat protein. In dogs, beef is the most common food allergen, while in cats it is fish. Surprisingly to some pet owners, many dogs on a grain-free diet still have symptoms of food allergy. 

3. MY DOG HAS A GLUTEN ALLERGY leading to skin lesions.
Although gluten is a protein, it has not been documented to cause skin disease in dogs. The report in Irish Setters having GI issues related to wheat gluten is flawed in that the dogs in the study were genetically related.

4. MY DOG IS TOO OLD TO DEVELOP A FOOD ALLERGY.
Your dog can develop an allergy at any age, and the deciding factor is usually exposure in addition to a genetic predisposition.

5. IT CAN'T BE FOOD ALLERGIES BECAUSE MY DOG DOES NOT HAVE DIARRHEA.
Most canine food allergies manifest as recurrent skin diseases (eg. itching, skin lesions) and recurrent ear infections. Food allergies leading to diarrhea are a less common form.

6. MY DOG HAS HAD THE SAME DIET FOR YEARS SO FOOD ALLERGIES, NO WAY!
A food allergy takes time to develop. Even though the diet has not changed, the immune system response to food proteins may change. Sometimes, manufacturers change the formula slightly, without notification, which can trigger a new, unexpected allergic response.

7. I SWITCHED FROM ONE PROTEIN SOURCE TO ANOTHER AND MY PET IS STILL ITCHING, SO IT CAN'T BE FOOD ALLERGIES, RIGHT?
Often a pet owner may switch food brands but not the protein source. NOTE That MANY over the counter diets may contain ingredients that are not on their dietary labels. Elimination food trial of at least 10 to 12 weeks duration, with a prescription veterinary hypoallergenic diet still remain the best option for diagnosis of food allergies.

8. I DID THE FOOD TRIAL AS SUGGESTED AND MY DOG IS STILL SCRATCHING SO I NEED TO PROCEED TO ALLERGY TESTING, CORRECT?
Before allergy testing, skin infections (bacterial, fungus) and parasites (eg. fleas, mange mites) must be addressed for the food trial to succeed. In addition, it is so easy to sabotage a food trial. Was a snack provided containing a different protein? Give pills with a Pill Pocket or cheese? Give flavored medications? Did the dog get into the trash? Remember that some dogs will have environmental and seasonal allergies as well concurrent with food allergies..

 9. I HEARD THAT RAW FOODS ARE BEST FOR ALLERGY DOGS.
If the raw diet consists of a raw version of the protein trigger, then the diet will still cause problems for the dogs.

10. CAN I AVOID FOOD ALLERGIES BY CHANGING THE DIET FREQUENTLY?
There is no evidence that changing diets frequently will prevent a dog from developing allergy signs. In fact, it limits the future diet trial options due to prior exposure. 


 

 

PET FIRST AID  

The Top 5 Things Every Dog Owner Needs In Their Medicine Cabinet

 

 
                                          Written by Dr. Hilarie Jerauld of All 4 Paws Animal Hospital

 

It is a good idea to have these items on hand in case of an emergency or if you are traveling with your pet. Always check with your veterinarian to make sure these medications are safe for your pet before use.


 

1.  Benadryl.  Make sure you have regular Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) in your home or backpack.  Benadryl is an anti-histamine which can stop life-threatening allergic reactions and also help relieve pain and itching from insect stings.  Do not give Benadryl to a dog that is vomiting - seek immediate veterinary assistance.  Make sure to check the label; do NOT use Benadryl Allergy Headache which contains Tylenol (toxic).  If using liquid Benadryl, make sure the artificial sweetener Xylitol is not listed in the inactive ingredients - this product is toxic to dogs. The usual dose for Benadryl is one 25mg tablet/capsule per 25 pounds of dog.


 

2. Aveeno Soothing Oatmeal Bath. This product comes in a box with several pouches of 100% colloidal oatmeal.  This product is excellent for soothing skin hives caused by insect stings and poison ivy (yes, dogs can also be allergic to poison ivy!).  Mix with water and allow pet to soak for 10 minutes.


 

3.  Neosporin or other topical antibiotic ointment.  These topical antibiotics help treat minor cuts and scrapes to prevent bacterial infection.  Do not use the Neosporin plus pain relief - this ingredient is toxic.


 

4.  Chlorhexidine. This is an over-the-counter topical antiseptic available at pharmacies.  This is the same antiseptic we use in the clinic to clean wounds.  If your pet has a cut or scratch, mix the Chlorhexidine with water to clean the area, then seek medical attention.  This antiseptic is not safe to use in very deep wounds or near the eye.


 

5.  Saline eye irrigation.  You can find saline eye rinse near the contact lens solutions in a drug store.  Look for a product with only sterile saline.  This can be used to flush deep wounds and also to flush dirt, insects, or debris out of your dog's eyes.  

 

2014 Pack Walk Memories!
                Trained by Elaine Logo    We Rocked It!!!

Here's to many more amazing walks in 2015!!!