Food Allergies
Food allergies can be a very frustrating medical issue for pet parents and veterinarians. Lengthy discussions, food trials, strict pet parent compliance, and lots of patience are needed for a successful outcome. Integrating telehealth into food allergy management can be an incredibly valuable service for pet parents and veterinary staff. Frequently monitoring patient symptoms and more effective client communication will lead to better compliance, improved patient care, and better pet parent satisfaction.
Dietary Food Trial
- The purpose of a food trial
- Most allergenic ingredients in food
- Food trial duration
- Symptoms monitoring
- Limiting outside food sources
- Tips for multi-pet households
- Managing a food trial with young children in the home, where all human food products end up on the floor in into your pup’s (or cat’s) mouth
- Getting all family members on board for the food trial
- Provide a weekly food trial diary for homework
- Provide a list of food trial rules to follow
Food Trial Rules
- Introduce the new diet slowly and gradually over 7-14 days to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
- Feed no other food besides the food trial diet. No treats, rawhides, toothpaste, supplements, or flavored medications can be fed.
- Do not feed out of plastic bowls. Only glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
- Keep outdoor pets indoor for the duration of the trial.
- Keep pets leashed when outside during the food trial to prevent them from eating substances they shouldn’t.
- All family members must be aware of food trial rules.
Diet Selection
The companion animal food product industry has become a very confusing space for pet parents. Throw hydrolyzed protein, novel protein, limited ingredient, and skin support diets into the mix, and a plethora of questions will arise. I will discuss the different types of skin and food allergy diets and educate you on the best options for your beloved dog or cat to ensure the best medical outcome for them.
- Types of diets for food trials
- How these specific diets work
- Customized diet recommendation
- Treats safe for food allergy
- Skin support supplements
Follow ups and Check Ins
Continuous contact with me will insure you are following the food trial rules. Discuss any new or worsening symptoms.
- Feeding only recommended diet?
- Any outside food sources?
- Any treats?
- Any new or worsening symptoms?
- Any improvement in symptoms?
Next Steps
Discuss additional diagnostics or treatments if the food trial was not successful. This will ease anxieties by guiding you in the treatment of your pets. Schedule in house exams, diagnostics, and treatments if medically appropriate.
- Diagnostic Plan
- Allergy testing
- Skin scraping and impression smears
- Skin Culture or biopsy
- Treatment Plan
- Additional medications
- Hyposensitization therapy (allergy shots)
- Topicals and medicated shampoos
Dermatologic issues in veterinary medicine require frequent communication with clients and many medical rechecks. Utilizing telehealth improves communication and leads to better care and outcomes!