Outline appropriate therapy for both food and contact allergy. Food allergy is uncommon and over diagnosed in veterinary medicine. The pathogenesis of food allergy is not clear. Adverse reactions to food are not always immunologically mediated. Idiosyncratic, pharmacologic and metabolic reactions may also be involved.
Food allergy can occur at any age.
If you have a dog with signs of allergic disease and it is less than 2 years old, fleas and food are the most likely allergies. Atopy tends to occur after 2 years of age. Onset of clinical signs is not related to a change in the dog's diet. In some cases diarrhea may be present but this is not common. Otitis externa Diagnosis Instituting an elimination diet for 2-3 months is the only reliable way to diagnose food allergy.