Fish Allergy in Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from allergies. We usually respond with watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, while a dog will respond with itchy skin and, sometimes, hair loss. It is not uncommon for dogs to be allergic to certain foods, including an allergy to fish. Food allergies in dogs are the easiest to detect and if you already know that your dog is allergic specifically to fish, that is half the battle.

  1. Significance

    • According to petalia.com, the reason that your dog is allergic to fish is because of your dog’s immune system recognizing this food as an “enemy.” Each time the fish is consumed, antibodies are produced, called immunoglobulin E (IgE), creating a process called sensitization. Each time your dog eats a fish product, more and more antibodies are produced in larger amounts. The antibodies are then bound to certain white cells in the body, which triggers the release of various chemicals including histamine. This process results in extreme inflammatory response causing tissue irritation, inflammation, swelling and cell destruction. The histamine is released in the skin which shows up in your dog as redness and itchy skin.

    Symptoms

    • Clinical signs that your dog is allergic to fish may be seen in inflammation of the ear canals, dermatitis, diarrhea, inflammation of the paws, runny eyes, pyoderma and yeast infections.

    Diet Guidelines

    • Feed your dog an all natural commercial food with a 40/50/10 ratio which means 40 percent meat (use turkey, lamb and/or and chicken), 50 percent vegetables and 10 percent carbohydrate. Avoid dog foods that contain animal by-products and preservatives; instead use premium brand natural and holistic dog food, which are the safest natural foods for allergies. If you prefer, you can follow the same ratio (40/50/10) by cooking your own foods with the most nutritious ingredients. A sampling could be to boil a pound of lean ground turkey (or other lean meat), add one cup of chopped vegetables such as carrots or green beans, and add a half cup of rice. This recipe can remain refrigerated for about a week and served room temperature.

    Supplements

    • Fatty acids are an important supplement for your dog’s diet, but since your dog is allergic to fish, the seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant (known as Chia) provides a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids and also contains its’ own antioxidants. This information is documented by naturalstandard.com.

      Vetinfo.com states the importance of supplements for dogs with food allergies, avoiding any that contain fish oils. For your dog with allergies to fish, supplements such as enzymes, antioxidants, Vitamins A, C and E, plus minerals can help boost the immune system, fighting off allergies. They can help prevent/decrease inflammation, pain and itching, while improving the overall health of your dog. Speak with your veterinarian about an appropriate diet and supplements for your dog with fish allergies.

    Home Care/Prevention

    • At home care and prevention of recurrence of fish allergies in your dog will involve the whole family working together. Besides feeding your dog a special natural diet, excluding any type of fish/fish oils, keep other treats to a minimum, providing only natural, holistic snacks. Be sure to keep anything dangerous out of reach from your dog such as trash, and absolutely no table scraps. Your veterinarian can advise you on the use of antihistamines, if necessary and corticosteroids for any skin problems that resulted from the allergies.