Gluten Allergies And Intolerance In Dogs

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Does your dog need to go wheat free? Here’s what you need to know about gluten allergies and intolerance in dogs.

Gluten intolerance is a hot topic these days. Everyone and their mother seems to be giving up gluten, for a range of dubious health reasons. Dogs aren’t exempt from this trend, either, and we’re seeing more and more gluten-free dog foods on the market. The truth is, there’s nothing bad or unhealthy about your dog eating gluten in moderation, unless she has an allergy or intolerance to it. Gluten allergies and intolerance in dogs aren’t extremely common, but they’re not exactly rare, either. It can be hard to diagnose a gluten allergy or intolerance, but it’s not too hard to deal with.

Related:Gluten-Free Carob Molasses Dog Treat Recipe

What is Gluten, Anyway?

Gluten is a protein found in certain grains: wheat (including kamut, spelt and triticale), rye and barley. Most dogs can eat gluten-containing foods with no problem, but in dogs with an allergy or intolerance to the substance, it causes inflammation in the intestines, which leads to other problems.

What Are the Symptoms of a Gluten Allergies or Intolerance in Dogs?

The most common and prevalent symptom of a gluten intolerance or allergy in a canine is chronic diarrhea. This means diarrhea that has continued for a number of weeks or months. Other possible symptoms include weight loss, a dull coat and a general failure to thrive. Most dogs start showing symptoms at around seven to nine months of age, but late onset allergies aren’t completely unheard of.

Related:Honest Kitchen Goes Gluten-Free With Its Dehydrated Dog Food

How is a Gluten Allergy or Intolerance Diagnosed?

Unfortunately there isn’t a test that can diagnose gluten intolerance or allergies in dogs. If you suspect you canine companion is allergic to gluten, take her to the vet for a checkup. The symptoms of a gluten allergy could also be the symptoms of a range of other conditions, which can be tested for. The vet will generally take blood and stool samples to test, and if nothing shows up in the results then her symptoms may well be caused by a gluten allergy or intolerance. At this point, she will be put on a gluten-free diet for a few weeks. If she is intolerant to gluten, you should see an improvement in her symptoms within two weeks.

How Do You Treat Gluten Allergies or Intolerance in Dogs?

Unfortunately, there’s no cure or treatment for a gluten allergy, as such. However, it’s extremely simple to keep the symptoms at bay. All you need to do is keep her on a completely gluten-free diet and she’ll be right as rain. These days, this shouldn’t pose much of a challenge to you at all. There is a huge variety of commercially available gluten-free dog food that you can purchase from most pet shops and even some grocery stores. You can also find gluten-free treats, so your precious pooch doesn’t have to miss out on snack time. As long as you’re strict with the gluten-free diet, she’ll be the same as every other pup at the dog park.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Mitred Conure

A very popular pet bird, the Mitred Conure is playful, talkative, goofy and very smart. And on top of it all, they are also quite beautiful and gracious

Ask the Hairy Dogfathers: Doggy Chaperon Woes

Two''s company, three''s a crowd... especially when an overprotective Rottweiler is involved! Here''s how you can make room for another person in your pack.

Pooghan

The Pooghan brings the intelligent Poodle together with the independent Afghan Hound. A gentle, friendly dog who loves to be part of all family activities.

Pawly Lets You Play With Your Pet Even When You’re Not Home [Video]

This robot pet sitter wants to help you be there for your pet, but your help is needed to make Pawly a reality. We all know the feeling. Leaving your pet at…

Red Sided Parrot

One of the most popular among the colorful Eclectus breeds is the so-called Red Sided Parrot, also known as the New Guinea Eclectus.

How Second-Hand Smoke Affects Your Dog

Need another good reason to quit smoking? That nasty habit could be killing your dog! You probably already know the dangers of second-hand smoke for infants…

How To Groom A Dog

Here are the basics you''ll need to know on how to groom a dog. Feel free to print it out and keep it on the fridge for quick reference.

Hilarity Ensues When This Dog Helps Forecast The Weather [Video]

We think it’s pretty safe to say that Ripple stole the show on this particular newscast. Weather man Mike Sobel had no idea what he was in for when he…

Mastidoodle

The sweet-natured Mastidoodle brings together the loyal Poodle and the gentle Mastiff for an easygoing family dog that loves kids.

Show And Tell: Pets In The Classroom Get An A+

Non-profit organization Pets in the Classroom offers grants to help teach students about pets Growing up, my family always had pets as a way to help teach us…

Top 10 Friendliest Dog Breeds

While the temperament of individual dogs may vary, the dogs on our friendliest dog breeds are recognized for being sociable, and happy to make a new friend.

Croatian Sheepdog

Though the Croatian Sheepdog was bred for herding, these dogs are also extremely healthy and can be trained for a variety of dog sports.

DIY Dog Halloween Costume: Tim Hortons Coffee Cup

Get your day started with a double-double dog! Oscar''s take on the Canadian classic beverage is sweet, and will perk up your Halloween!

Kickstarter Book Exposes Truth – Puppies Are Dicks!

Get ready to have an ""accident!"" Hilarious book warns dog lovers to stay away from puppies, and adopt a senior dog instead.

Top 10 Ugly Christmas Sweaters For Dogs

Are you looking to humiliate your dog by including them in this weirdly tacky tradition? Here''s our Top 10 adorably ugly Christmas sweaters for dogs.