Understanding The Itchy Dog

Being a dog trainer, qualified behaviourist and competitor. It is important to understand that an itchy dog can have an effect on the WHOLE picture, for you and your dog.  

A fair number of behavioural issues have a combining concern with a skin issue. I have yet to find scientific evidence that the two are connected, but I certainly have my suspicions. 

These issues can be incredibly frustrating! 

I am by no means a vet, and I still encourage you to consult accordingly, however, what I have been educated on in identifying food allergies in our dogs, is the constant itchy skin, reoccurring ear infections, watery eyes,  constant licking and scratching and even irritability. 

You need to find the root cause! 

We know that allergies are the immune system’s response, telling the body to PLEASE STOP! 

This is where is gets tricky, and I believe a change in diet can help – IT IS NOT GUARANTEED, and we need to KNOW WHAT WE ARE FEEDING.

By reducing the number of additives, grains, offending proteins and any artificial components in your dogs diet. 

READ THE LABELS: 

The most common food allergens in food are: 

Grains

• Rice
• Wheat
• Corn

Proteins

• Chicken (ONE OF THE BIGGEST OFFENDERS)
• Eggs
• Beef

Root Vegetables

• Carrots
• Sweet Potatoes
• Potatoes

Legumes

• Peanuts
• Lentils
• Beans
• Peas
• Soy

Genetically-Modified Foods

• Soy
• Corn
• Alfalfa
• Zucchini, yellow squash
• Canola
• Beets
• Milk
• Papaya

Dairy

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese

So, when we work on a food elimination diet, all these components above are removed, this is a less expensive, non-invasive way to test if there is a trigger food. This can take up to 6 months to figure out. 

Working through this can save you and your dog a lot of discomfort. 

Should you really be battling with an itchy scratchy, try our Pork mix along with a consult with Lisa at Vitapup 0721988648. Lisa is a qualified canine nutritionist.