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Are German Shepherds Allergic To Chicken

Does Chicken Cause Inflammation In Dogs

Are German Shepherds Allergic to Chicken?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual dog and their health history. However, some dogs who are prone to inflammation may experience increased inflammation when given chicken, while others may not experience any issues. Ultimately, it is best to speak with your veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis.

What Causes Ear Allergies

Ear allergies can have many causes. When your GSD has an ear infection or ear allergies, it is usually just a secondary reaction to variety of factors. Your German Shepherd Dog could be having an allergic reaction to a certain type of food, fleas, or an environmental factor such as mold or pollen.

Yeast and bacteria are naturally occurring in a dogs ears, but when there is an allergy and an adverse immune response, infections can happen. Ears can become inflamed, and your GSD will exhibit symptoms of an ear infection or allergy.

Below are the possible allergies that can lead to ear problems and infections:

Food
Grain Dust

Symptoms of ear allergies in dogs may include itching, redness and inflammation of the ear, a discharge from the ear, and scratching or rubbing of the ear. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment

What Are German Shepherds Allergic To

There are quite a few different types of allergies in dogs. So, what are German Shepherds allergic to?

German Shepherds are allergic to four different types of allergies. These are fleas and parasites, environmental allergies , food allergies , and contact allergies .

Contrary to common belief, most dog allergies are caused by fleas. Environmental allergies are the second most common, followed by food allergies. As you can see from the below table, a contact allergy is rare.

Common German Shepherd Allergies:

Rare

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Diagnosis Of Allergies In German Shepherds

If you suspect that your German Shepherd may have an allergy you must seek veterinary advice promptly. The severity of symptoms of an K9 allergic response may only be mild at first but they can become more severe over time. The symptoms displayed during an allergic response can also be very uncomfortable for your German Shepherd and may lead to long term problems such as weight loss, hair thinning or skin thickening.

Your veterinarian may advise diagnostic tests such as blood tests, saliva tests or skin allergen testing. They may also recommend elimination trials, particularly when a food allergy is suspected.

Elimination trials involve feeding your German Shepherd a single type of food for 8 to 12 weeks, such as a hypoallergenic dog food like Jiminys Good Grub or Cricket Crave.

If your dogs symptoms resolve after this time then you may wish to continue feeding just this diet, or you could start to reintroduce different food types to identify which one triggers an allergic response.

Sometimes it can be very difficult or even impossible to pinpoint the exact cause of the allergic response, even with extensive testing in these cases the allergic response will need to be treated symptomatically.

Food Allergies In German Shepherds

German Shepherd Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments  World of Dogz

Though food allergies are one of the most rare forms of allergies in German Shepherds, they can never be ruled out completely.

Some German Shepherds are known to have a sensitive stomach, and some may experience actual allergies to certain types of food.

Since German Shepherds are one of the breeds most likely to suffer from allergies, this increases their chance of having food allergies as well.

Some of the most common food allergens that affect German Shepherds are chicken, beef, corn, soy, and wheat, and even preservatives used in some food.

Food allergies can be tough to navigate since there are so many ingredients in commercial dog food.

Though we often hear of grains being the bad guy when it comes to food allergies, dogs are actually most commonly allergic to proteins rather than grains.

Luckily for the sensitive German Shepherds of the world, almost every pet food brand has a limited ingredient option, a limited protein option, or even a sensitive stomach recipe.

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Can German Shepherds Eat Chicken

German Shepherds are among the worlds most popular dog breeds.

They are athletic and playful and eager to work. They are loyal to their families and can be aggressive when challenged.

Chicken is a healthy choice for your German Shepherd. So, can german shepherd eat chicken?

Many people want to know how to feed german shepherds chicken. Its a common question because german shepherds are vicious dogs that are known for hating other animals.

However, german shepherds are omnivores, meaning they can eat meat. However, its not a good idea for german shepherds to eat chicken because it puts them at risk of getting salmonella.

Salmonella is a bacteria that causes food poisoning, and its often found in raw chicken.

Moreover, german shepherds are large and strong dogs, so they can easily overpower chickens and eat them whole.

Some german shepherds even like raw chicken, which can be extremely dangerous if a dog eats too much raw chicken at once.

For these reasons, its risky to feed german shepherds chicken, and most people should avoid feeding their dogs raw or cooked chicken.

What Is Allergy In Dogs

First of all, lets see what exactly a dog allergy is, and Im not talking about the type of allergy we can have to dogs or other pets.

The immune system is a network of cells that defends itself against infection. An allergy in dogs is an excessive response or hypersensitivity of the immune system to a normally harmless substance that comes into contact with the dog. Some examples of these substances include food, pollen, dust, mold, chemicals, and medications, to name just a few.

Anything can be an allergen if it causes an adverse reaction to your dogs immune system. Humans can also suffer the same fate, in fact last year to my surprise, I suddenly developed asthma during the summer due to an unusually high pollen count. This is what is known as a seasonal allergy, as it does not occur throughout the year.

Your German Shepherd may have the same experience that an allergy can strike at any time, however dogs usually develop allergies between the ages of 2 and 5.

So what exactly happens? If your dog becomes allergic to a substance, his immune system reacts to that substance as if it is being attacked by a foreign, harmful invader, and attempts to destroy it with antibodies. The immune system sees the substance as a threat, even if it is not!

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Controlled Fat And Calorie

Even though German Shepherds are from the active breed, they tend to have slower metabolisms than other dogs. This is due to the fact that they are large breed dogs potentially weighing from 50 to 90 pounds. Too many fatty foods may lead to diseases that you dont want your dog to suffer from.

Based on the studies of the National Research Council of the National Academies, inactive or older dogs require 1,272 to 1,540 calories per day. On the other hand, active dogs need 1,740 to 2,100 calories per day.

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Tuscan Natural Simply Pure Lamb Meal Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

COMMON ALLERGIES FOR GERMAN SHEPHERD

Tuscan Natural Simply Pure Lamb Meal Dry Dog Food is a hypoallergenic formula thats made with humanely-raised grass-fed lamb meal as the first ingredient.

This single protein source helps dogs with allergies and sensitivities who are unable to tolerate more commonly used proteins. Crafted with antioxidant-rich extra virgin olive oil for healthy skin and coat, this grain-inclusive formula is sustainably-farmed.

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Common German Shepherd Allergies

This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links.

If you suffer from allergies, you know how uncomfortable it is to be around irritants. While it may come as a surprise to many, dogs are susceptible to allergic reactions, too. It’s more common than you would think.

It’s estimated that one out of every seven dogs suffers from some kind of allergy. Some dog breeds are more prone to these issues than others. German Shepherds are known to be quite sensitive.

Despite their tough demeanors and thick coats, it doesn’t take much for an allergen to wreak havoc on their bodies.

Sometimes, those allergic reactions are quite serious. Canine allergies tend to be a bit tougher on the body. Not only can your dog experience physical discomfort in the form of rashes and itchiness, but they could also display some flu-like symptoms.

The best way to care for a German Shepherd with allergies is to avoid irritants altogether. Understanding how your dog reacts to certain allergens is the first step. Here are some of the most common German Shepherd allergies.

Food Allergy Testing For Dogs

If you suspect your dog is suffering from a food allergy, the first thing to do is talk to your vet about how to pinpoint the allergen. There are commercial skin and blood allergy tests on the market, and your vet may recommend starting there. You can read about one owners experience of this testing here.

However, theres no evidence yet to show that these tests are accurate, so the most thorough way to discover which foods your pet is allergic to is an elimination diet.

The process goes like this, according to Dr. Susan Wynn, a veterinary nutritionist, in an interview with PetMD.

What we do is take the dog off all the foods its eating and we put him on a food that hes never had before. Ive sent people out for alligator and yak. Once the dog has improved, we start reintroducing the old foods that we think caused the problems in the first place. If he has a reaction, which usually takes a few days to a few weeks, then we know he has a food allergy.

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What Does Chicken Allergy In Dogs Look Like

How can I tell if my dog is allergic to chicken? This question isnt the most straightforward one to answer, as theres always a risk of assigning blame to food when there may be another issue at play. Of course, one should never assume when it comes to chicken intolerance in dogs, but there are tell-tale signs.

First, familiarize yourself with the common signs of chicken allergy in dogs before assuming that its the food causing discomfort. If you have a dog allergic to chicken, symptoms may present as follows:

  • Your dog suddenly starts to itch and scratch, especially around his face this impacts the ears and mouth areas most commonly.
  • Your dog has developed a rash or has inflamed skin.
  • There are increased occurrences of floor-scooting or licking the rear area.
  • Your dog starts licking or chewing his paws consistently.
  • You notice hair loss or bleeding skin in some areas. Often the hair loss is attributed to rubbing the itchy spot on furniture or carpets.
  • Your dog is showing signs of bloating and gassiness.
  • You notice that your dog suddenly has diarrhea or is vomiting after mealtimes.

A way to get to the bottom of it quickly is to pay the cost of an allergy test at your local vet. The allergy test is the fastest but also the costliest route.

German Shepherd Allergy Treatment And Management

Are German Shepherds...

Unfortunately, German shepherds are one of the breeds more susceptible to many allergens. Though all allergies can be treated, not all can be cured .

Like everything else medical, allergy treatment depends on the type of allergy.

Two general methods exist: medicinal treatment and environmental control. Sometimes a nice balance can be found managing between the two!

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What Coat Type Do German Shepherds Have

German Shepherds have two coat types long-haired and short-haired. The short-haired variety is more common. Their fur tends to be around 1 inch long, whereas long-haired Shep coats can reach 2 inches or more in length. There is also a coat type known as plush coated German Shepherds, which is sort of a mix between the two, although this is not officially recognized by the AKC.

Both long and short-haired Sheps have thick double coats consisting of a soft, insulating undercoat and a coarse topcoat with straight fur. Their thick coats helped them to stay warm when guarding livestock throughout the night the job they were originally bred to do.

Short-haired German Shepherds tend to have thicker undercoats with thinner topcoats, and long-haired Sheps have it the other way around. That said, some long-haired Sheps lack an undercoat altogether.

The German Shepards appearance is instantly recognizable they are predominantly a mixture of black and tan, although they can be several different colors, including all-black, sable, and cream. Common markings include black on the muzzle, ears, neck, back, and tail. Their fur tends to be softer and feathery on the chest, legs, backend, and tail. Long-haired Sheps also have a large neck rough, and short-haired Sheps may have a slight one.

Premium Dog Foods And German Shepherd Skin Allergies

Cheap foods are not the way to feed a German Shepherd.

Another familiar misconception is that German Shepherds are only sensitive to poor-quality, commercial dog food. But, if they are allergic to an ingredient, it doesnt matter whether it is in premium food or the cheapest brand on the market.

While the quality of the premium dog food is better for a German Shepherds diet and nutrition, the allergy source is still the same in both foods.

One advantage to buying premium foods for your GSD is that you generally need to feed less of the food because of the quality of the ingredients.

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Avoid Giving Table Scraps

You should also avoid giving your shepherd table scraps because dogs cant process some substances in human food.

Allergy symptoms can be reduced by fatty acids if the allergen has nothing to do with food.

Steroids, antihistamines, and some other medications can also help.

They usually come with some side effects that can include drowsiness.

How Much To Feed Your German Shepherd

Things to know as a new German Shepherd owner | Mistakes made by new owners

Portions that you feed to your canine buddy are very much dependent on his age as well as the quality of dog food you are using. You can expect that pups will grow rapidly in the first 12 months, so it is imperative that they get adequate portions of high quality formulations.

Puppies Up To Six Weeks

Ideally, six-week-old puppies should still be nursing in order to continue receiving nourishment from mineral-rich mothers milk. You would be hard pressed to find a dog food that can replicate or match the micro- and macro-nutrients as well as anti-bodies provided by a mothers milk at this stage.

Eight to 10 Weeks

At this stage, you can start weaning your pup off mothers milk and gradually introduce them to puppy food. An ideal puppy food is one that is 85% moisture as it prepares the puppies gut for the transition to solid food.

Puppies do not know how to regulate their food intake. For this reason, you should feed them up to four times a day with small portions of food.

12 Weeks

When your German shepherd puppies hit the 12-week mark, you slowly transition them from wet food to dry food. This process should also be gradual in order to avoid diarrhea and vomiting. Start with incorporating 10% dry food mixed with the wet food and gradually increase the percentage of dry food by 5% after every week. Continue to feed small portions four times a day.

14 weeks

One Year

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What Is The Most Effective Way To Treat Your Dogs Chicken Food Allergy

If your dog is showing signs of allergy to chicken, youre sure to be concerned. You may wonder what your treatment options are and the good news is that with the right treatment plan, everything will be just fine.

The most effective way to ensure your dogs comfort is to eliminate the offending food source from his diet immediately.

You can transition your dog back onto his previous diet, but if theres a valid reason for the food change to start with, this may not be an option for you. It stands to reason that your vet should be the very first person you consult. He/she will be able to determine if your dogs reaction is indeed related to a chicken allergy or not.

In most instances, the vet will recommend a special diet or limited ingredient food that doesnt contain chicken, such as the Spot & Tango range. Once your dogs allergy has cleared, you can try reintroducing your dog to chicken-based foods to see if the cause was the chicken.

Treating Flea Allergies In Your German Shepherd

So how do you treat flea allergies in your German Shepherd?

The most important part of treatment is flea control.

Even if your German Shepherd does not have an active flea infestation, it is still extremely important to keep up with their monthly prescribed flea prevention and treatment of your environment.

Since just one flea can cause an allergy, its best to prevent the presence of fleas as best as possible.

Even if your dog is on flea prevention, you should try your best to comb through their fur and check for any live fleas. You can do this by using a flea brush like the Weback Flea Comb.

Actual treatment of your German Shepherds flea allergy will vary based on the severity of your dogs skin.

Some vets will prescribe steroids for the inflammation, they may prescribe antibiotics for any secondary skin infections, or may just recommend at home care if there are no open wounds or current infections on the skin.

Some of the most common at home treatments for minor allergies to soothe a dogs irritated skin include soothing shampoos such as Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Shampoo or Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo.

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