Traditionally, such terms as “food intolerance” and “food allergy” were interchangeable. However, any adverse food reaction in a dog should be described as a food intolerance while a food allergy is a condition that involves immune system function.
Therefore, veterinary services in Richmond, TX make a distinction between an intolerance to food and an allergy. A food intolerance covers a large array of adverse reactions that do not involve immune system function.
The Difference Between an Intolerance and an Allergy
A food intolerance usually happens after the initial exposure, either to a food additive or to a food. On the other hand, reactions that are regulated by immune system function usually require a number of exposures before a reaction is seen. Research has not determined the incidence of food allergy versus food intolerance.
When offering veterinary services, animal health professionals often see cases where a food intolerance or adverse reaction to food takes the form of food poisoning. Food poisoning, which often impacts a canine’s gastrointestinal health, can result from scavenging food that is putrefied; ingesting a problematic food, such as chocolate; ingesting a plant that causes GI irritation, such as rhubarb; or ingesting a specific nutrient in excess, such as vitamin D or vitamin A. Visit Greatwoodvethospital.com for more details about pet care.
Disulfides
Adverse reactions to additives in foods are usually attributed to disulfides. The use of veterinary services is required if a dog ingests onions as the vegetable contains disulfides. These chemicals cause damage to the red blood cells.
Just like humans, dogs may show a food intolerance by being intolerant to lactose. Signs of this kind of food-related sickness include abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea after ingesting milk or milk products. Veterinarians emphasize that it is essential to make a distinction between an adverse reaction to a food and any involvement with immune system function, which indicates a food sensitivity. A food sensitivity or allergy normally results in GI irritations or breakouts on the skin.
