Because there are proteins present in both wheat and chicken, it’s entirely possible your Lhasa apso is allergic to both. Although dog food allergies aren't considered common in any breed, they do occur. If your Lhasa apso is showing signs of a dog food allergy, your veterinarian is the best person to determine how to resolve the issue.
Common Food Allergies
For all dog breeds, chicken is among the most common food allergies. Other foods commonly associated with dog food allergies include beef, eggs, milk and fish. Wheat is not considered a very common food allergy, but some Lhasa apsos have been known to be allergic to it.
What Are the Signs of Food Allergy?
According to Dog Food Advisor, “food allergy occurs when a dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies a particular food ingredient as harmful.” If your Lhasa is allergic to a protein, his body will produce a number of antibodies to combat what it’s mistaking as harmful. These antibodies will cause discomfort. Signs of food allergy can include bloating, diarrhea, gas, hives, skin rash, paw biting, nausea, vomiting and obsessive licking. Only a veterinarian can accurately diagnose a food allergy, so you may want to schedule an appointment and have your Lhasa tested for allergies. Often, what’s thought to be a food allergy turns out to be something else entirely, so diagnosis is a strong defense against what’s bothering your Lhasa apso.
Developing Food Allergies
Dog food allergies can develop at any time. Your Lhaso apso may be fine to digest chicken and wheat one day, but exhibit signs of distress on a later date. Once a food allergy has developed, it typically doesn’t go away, so you’ll need to eliminate the food from your Lhasa’s diet forever.
Why Do Food Allergies Occur?
Dog food allergies are genetically determined. If possible, contact your Lhasa apso’s breeder or adoption agency to see if they have a medical history for your dog. This may include some parental information, including if their pedigree contains food allergies. If this information can’t be acquired, your veterinarian can still test and diagnose any allergies.
Treating Food Allergy
If you suspect your Lhasa apso is allergic to chicken and wheat, your first step should be to eliminate those foods from your dog’s diet. If the proteins in those foods are the culprit, your pup should show immediate signs of improvement. If you’re still noticing signs of distress, contact your veterinarian to determine the cause.
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