Posts

Manny: A dog with a food intolerance

/0 Comments/in /by

Manny is a ten-year-old boxer/ American bulldog cross. After a rough start in life, he was adopted by his current owners six years ago, and he has undoubtedly fallen on his feet. Unfortunately, it’s his feet that have remained a problem. As well as being incredibly itchy, they have been consistently sore and a constant source of discomfort to him. Manny has also suffered from an itchy chin and ears, along with irritating spots on his body. These symptoms provided a strong argument that he was a dog with a food intolerance, but how could his owner find out for sure?

Itchy skin is a common food intolerance symptom

Because itchy skin is a common pet food intolerance symptom, Manny’s owner was advised to try him on an elimination diet. This involves stripping back meals so they’re completely bland and then slowly reintroducing foods one at a time. If a pet’s symptoms flare up again, you’ll have found the offending item that their body is intolerant to. While this is a tried and tested method used to identify sensitivities in pets, it can be a lengthy process. It can also be difficult to spot a link between a food item and a pet’s response because symptoms can sometimes kick in hours or even days later.

Do you have a dog with a food intolerance? Our tests give quick results

To speed things up, Manny’s owner decided to order one of our pet food intolerance tests. This involved sending a few strands of Manny’s fur to our lab, where we tested its sensitivity against 200 items to see how his cells would react. A full breakdown of his test results was emailed a few days later, with each item categorised according to Manny’s intolerance levels. This gave his owner a complete overview of the food his body reacts sensitively to, along with items that can initiate a mild physical response.

Healthy treats can still be the cause of a dog’s food intolerance

Manny’s food intolerance results confirmed that he is highly sensitive to a number of foods that are regularly fed to dogs as treats or as part of their diet. Apples (if they’re prepared properly), cheddar cheese and xylitol-free peanut butter are all healthy snacks that proved to be incompatible with Manny’s digestive system. The pet intolerance testing reports also stated that chicken, turkey, and steak have the potential to trigger a more subtle reaction. These are sources of protein that are often found in branded pet food and given to dogs who are on a bland diet. It’s therefore likely that the high-quality treats and turkey-flavoured food Manny was eating had, in fact, been the trigger behind his food intolerance symptoms.

Food intolerance test results can improve your dog’s health

Because Manny is sensitive to a lot of meats, his owner decided to eliminate them from his diet. After the intolerance test results were discussed with his vet, Manny made the gradual transition to a brand of dry dog food specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Instead of being turkey flavour, his new food contains fish and potato, which are both considered safe for Manny to eat without triggering a reaction. Manny’s owner has also made changes to the treats he has. Xylitol-free peanut butter on a licking mat and small pieces of cheese have now been replaced with raw carrot and fish-based treats to reward positive behaviour and reinforce training.

A dog with a food intolerance needs a diet to suit their individual needs

Since changing Manny’s diet and eliminating the foods he is intolerant to, his previous health complaints have improved. Manny’s owner has noticed the itchy spots that turned into scabs or hotspots are no longer causing him any discomfort. She thinks this is a result of fine-tuning his meals and removing food items that aren’t compatible with his individual needs. Just like humans, pets struggle to digest certain ingredients, which can, in turn, impact their health. While Manny still suffers from ailments the boxer in him is prone to, his overall wellbeing and skin complaints are much less of a problem, and he is enjoying life in his forever home.

Contact us to find out whether you have a dog with a food intolerance

If your dog has re-occurring symptoms such as itchy skin, fatigue, and digestive issues, they could have a food intolerance. Find out for sure by ordering one of our tests from the UK Pet Food Intolerance website. If you have any questions about how the tests work, please send an email to [email protected], or fill out the contact form on our website.

Top tips for a happy, healthy dog this summer

/0 Comments/in , /by

Most of us look forward to summer. Lighter evenings, more time outside, BBQs and, if lucky, the chance to chill out a bit. But while we’re making the most of the longer days, it’s important to remember our pets need a bit of extra TLC to keep them safe and happy. In this blog, we discuss some of the things you can do to keep your pet healthy in the summer so you can both make the most of it and avoid unnecessary trips to the vet.

Don’t cut their fur too short

As much as it’s tempting to ask your dog groomer to cut your pet’s hair as short as possible when the weather warms up, there are benefits to keeping their coats slightly longer. Dogs have multiple layers of fur for a reason: to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Without their coats during summer, your pet will be at a higher risk of sunburn, overheating and skin cancer. Fur also helps to keep the surface of their skin cooler, so getting shaved won’t do them any favours.

By all means, keep your dog’s routine appointment with the dog groomer, but there’s no need to ask them to go mad with the clippers. Often, the length of their cut will depend on their breed, so if you’re unsure, ask your groomer what they’d recommend for your dog or speak to your vet for advice.

Keep bowls of water around the house and garden

Making sure water is available at all times is the best way to keep your pet hydrated and will help them to replenish moisture lost through panting on a hot day. Keeping plenty of water bowls around the house and garden is much better than just having one available in the kitchen, while a water fountain is a brilliant way to keep them cool and provide mental stimulation.

Plan ahead to keep your pet healthy

It’s also important to take water and a drinking bowl out with you on your walks so your dog can keep their fluid levels up while they’re getting their steps in. Just don’t be tempted to cool your pet off with an ice cream, because rich puddings can play havoc with dog’s digestive systems, particularly if they have a food intolerance.

Be on your guard during BBQs and picnics

One of the best things about summer is eating outside and it’s something our dogs love to join in with. However, we need to be on our guard because eating al fresco can pose serious threats to our pets if we don’t pay attention. If you’re a fan of lighting up the BBQ, it’s worth remembering that the meat can have sharp bones that could cause your dog to choke if they swallow them. Meats are also a common food intolerance, even for humans.

Keep your pet healthy through avoidance of human tastes and foods

Even the sauces that are often served with BBQ food commonly contain garlic, onion and spices, which are red flags when it comes to a dog’s diet. To keep your pooch safe at meal times, make sure that all party members understand that scraps are not to be fed to your dog. Leftovers also need to be disposed of and kept away from inquisitive noses! 

Keep walks calm and during the coolest parts of the day

As much as dogs need exercise to stay healthy, it’s not safe to walk them in temperatures over 19◦C because of an increased risk of heat stroke. This is particularly dangerous for flat-faced breeds or dogs with underlying health conditions. If it’s cool enough, walking them before 8 am and after 8 pm makes exercise safer, especially if you stick to grassy and shaded areas.

Moderation to keep your pet healthy

Although it can be difficult, try to avoid getting your dog overexcited when it’s hot and keep them as calm as possible. Steady walks are fine, but games that require a lot of exertion should be avoided. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t get out and about on sunny days, but keeping your dog healthy in summer means putting their needs first, and caution must be taken when it’s warmer outside.

Contact us for information about intolerance tests for your pet

If you have any questions about how a food intolerance test can improve your dog’s health this summer, please send a message through the contact form on our website or send an email to [email protected]. It’s important to remember that if you have a concern about your pet’s health or diet, it’s best to speak to your vet for medical advice.

Can dogs eat chocolate?

/0 Comments/in /by

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, it’s a good idea to research the human foods they need to avoid. While most people are aware that dogs and chocolate don’t mix, not as many understand why it’s so dangerous. In this blog, we look at what happens if dogs eat chocolate, what to do if your dog helps themself to a bar, and answer the question of whether dogs can eat any chocolate at all. The straight answer is no, but when it comes to other foods like chocolate, it is not always a straightforward no. Have a look at food intolerance testing for dogs if you think your dog might struggle with the majority of foods, not just chocolate.

Why is chocolate so poisonous to dogs?

As much as chocolate is delicious, it contains theobromine, a caffeine-like molecule that increases blood to the brain. Because dogs are unable to break down this ingredient, eating chocolate has the potential to cause damage to their heart, kidneys, and central nervous system. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include diarrhoea, hyperactivity, vomiting, seizures, rapid breathing and heart problems, usually occurring between four and 24 hours after consumption. The severity of the symptoms will depend on several factors, such as the breed of dog, the type of chocolate they’ve eaten and how much they’ve digested. However, in severe cases, chocolate poisoning can result in death, so it’s essential to be on your guard, even if your dog has only eaten a very small amount.

Is all chocolate poisonous to dogs?

Dark chocolate is the most dangerous type for your dog to eat because it contains the highest levels of cocoa and theobromine. Therefore, the onset of symptoms they experience will be the most severe and likely to cause the most internal damage. While milk chocolate contains a lower percentage of theobromine, it still has the potential to make your dog very unwell if they eat it, mainly if they consume a significant amount in relation to their body weight. White chocolate is considered the least harmful because it contains a very low level of theobromine, so the toxic effects are less of a threat. However, its high fat and sugar content means it’s still a treat that your dog should avoid, as it can lead to other severe conditions like pancreatitis.

What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?

If your dog has eaten chocolate, it’s always best to contact your vet for advice. Before you speak to them, make a note of your dog’s weight, the amount of chocolate they ate and what type it was. This will help your vet calculate whether your dog has eaten an amount that is toxic to them and what treatment will be best. For example, if a Labrador has eaten 200g of milk chocolate, they’re likely to have an upset stomach and feel very unwell. If a smaller dog, such as a Yorkshire Terrier, consumes the same amount, their symptoms are likely to be more severe and require urgent treatment.

Always speak to someone, even if you have tried food intolerance testing for dogs

Even if you think the amount of chocolate your dog has consumed is minimal, it’s best to speak to a vet who will advise you on the right course of action. Chocolate poisoning can cause serious health issues and distress for your dog if left untreated, so it’s best to be on your guard even if you think they’ve only eaten a small amount.

More information on food intolerance testing for dogs

For more information about food intolerance testing and how it can improve the wellbeing of your dog, please send an email to [email protected] or fill out the contact form on our website. Our advice should never replace that of a veterinary professional, so please speak to your local practice if you are concerned about your pet’s health.

5 reasons why a food intolerance test could improve your dog’s health

/0 Comments/in /by

If you’re a vigilant dog owner, taking care of your pet’s health will be second nature. They’ll be walked, groomed, eat well, and have regular vet checks. But even with such an attentive approach, it’s only natural to wonder if there’s anything else you could do to help your pet, mainly if their medical history is complex. Because dogs can develop sensitivities at any time, it’s entirely possible that they could have an intolerance to pet foods they’d previously enjoyed. Although intolerance symptoms such as an upset stomach can be triggered for several reasons, it’s good to be on your guard as a pet owner. Here we’ve listed 5 reasons why ordering a food intolerance test for pets could improve their well-being and form part of their health MOT.

Any dog can have a food intolerance

Some dog breeds are more likely to suffer from certain medical conditions because of their genetic makeup. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, for example, commonly suffer from heart conditions, whereas pugs typically have problems with their eyes. But when it comes to food intolerance, there are no hard and fast rules about the type of dog that suffers from them. In fact, any breed can be intolerant to their food, even when it’s something they’ve eaten before. Paying close attention to any sensitivities that could make them feel unwell gives your dog the best chance of a healthy and happy life.

Food intolerance test for pets is easy and pain-free

Unlike many procedures that help review your dog’s health, food intolerance tests are non-invasive and won’t cause any discomfort. Taking a fur sample of 4 to 5 strands is enough to send off to our lab so that we can determine how your dog’s cells are functioning and what factors are making them unwell. The results will be emailed to you within 5 to 7 days, so you won’t have to wait long to find out if there are any intolerances that are affecting your dog’s well-being. If your dog continues to eat the food it’s intolerant to, it could continue to display symptoms such as an upset stomach until its diet changes, so taking an intolerance test could save them from unnecessary discomfort.

Testing packages to suit pets

We offer two food intolerance packages so you can choose the best option to suit your budget and requirements. Our Standard Test will assess your dog’s sensitives against a list of 60 recognised food and non-food items, while our Premium Test will focus on 200 items, plus an extra item of your choice. You can also choose to have a personalised consultation to discuss your pet’s intolerance test results and ask any questions you have about their dietary needs. Our tests come with free delivery and include a registered donation to Battersea so you can help other animals while ensuring the best care for your own.

A quicker road to Recovery for your pet

If your dog’s food intolerance test highlights any sensitivities, it’s a valuable stepping-stone to improving its health. By informing your vet of the test results, they’ll be able to advise you on any dietary changes that need to be implemented to make sure your dog is healthier, happier and with a better quality of life. Ordering a food intolerance test means you have a head start in helping your dog onto the road to recovery and can cut out the need for unnecessary tests that are both costly and unpleasant.

Stops unnecessary discomfort

No one wants their pet to feel poorly unnecessarily, so testing them for a food intolerance could save them from a lot of discomfort. Because a dog’s sensitivity to its diet can vary substantially, it’s important to be aware of warning signs, which include digestive problems such as diarrhoea, excessive sneezing, skin disorders and lethargy. While these symptoms might not be associated with their diet or surroundings, it’s good to rule it out so that vets can investigate the matter further. Another point to bear in mind is that persistently feeding the wrong food to an intolerant dog can cause long-term issues, so it’s best to review their diet as soon as the symptoms arise.

Order food intolerance test for pets

If you have any queries about ordering a food intolerance test for pets, you can email [email protected], and we’ll reply within one hour during the working day. You can also send us a message on our contact form, and we’ll answer any questions that you have.