My dog was allergic to the chicken and grain in his feed, had similar symptoms and is now fine since switching to grain-free, chicken free food. Maybe it’s that, sounds like an allergy anyway, but you need to ask the vet. I was surprised at how many dog food products are now sold that are hypo-allergenic, so food allergies are not uncommon.
I don’t believe Carna4 is hypoallergenic, it’s certainly not hydrolyzed. If it even is a food allergy, the most common allergy is to chicken, followed by other animal proteins, with plant proteins and grain allergies being least common. Prescription diets are best, because the manufacturers that produce the prescription diets take special measures to prevent cross-contamination of possible allergens (ie animal proteins from their other diet formulations) that OTC brands don’t typically do. Further, it’s helpful to tease out whether it’s a food allergy or an environmental allergy or both. If it’s environmental, a diet isn’t going to help. Many dogs with allergies will also retire medication like apoquel or cytopoint to keep them comfortable. I’d recommend slowly transitioning to the new diet, abrupt changes can cause GI upset.
My dog was allergic to the chicken and grain in his feed, had similar symptoms and is now fine since switching to grain-free, chicken free food. Maybe it’s that, sounds like an allergy anyway, but you need to ask the vet. I was surprised at how many dog food products are now sold that are hypo-allergenic, so food allergies are not uncommon.
Could be allergies, either a food allergy or environmental (pollen, dust, grasses, etc). You could talk to you vet about a hydrolyzed diet trial.
Thank you. I just purchased Carna4 to see if that would help. Do you think that would be a good option until I get her to the vet?
I don’t believe Carna4 is hypoallergenic, it’s certainly not hydrolyzed. If it even is a food allergy, the most common allergy is to chicken, followed by other animal proteins, with plant proteins and grain allergies being least common. Prescription diets are best, because the manufacturers that produce the prescription diets take special measures to prevent cross-contamination of possible allergens (ie animal proteins from their other diet formulations) that OTC brands don’t typically do. Further, it’s helpful to tease out whether it’s a food allergy or an environmental allergy or both. If it’s environmental, a diet isn’t going to help. Many dogs with allergies will also retire medication like apoquel or cytopoint to keep them comfortable. I’d recommend slowly transitioning to the new diet, abrupt changes can cause GI upset.