Signs your dog may be gluten intolerant

[Dot]

These days, gluten intolerance is a well-recognised condition in humans and there are shelves full of products designed to help sufferers manage the condition and avoid unpleasant symptoms, but did you know some dogs suffer gluten intolerance as well?


What causes gluten intolerance?

In general the canine digestive system has no issues digesting grains such as wheat, rye, barley and oats but, as with humans, some dogs can’t tolerate gluten. If a dog is gluten intolerant/sensitive their small intestine becomes inflamed when they consume gluten as a result of abnormal protein reactions in the small intestine. This allergic reaction to gluten makes an affected dog’s immune system attack their gastro intestinal tract, damaging the lining of the intestine.


Signs of gluten intolerance

Damage to the lining of the intestine prevents the gut absorbing protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals – all vital to your pet’s nutrition – and can even inhibit water absorption in extreme cases. As a result, however much your dog eats, it’s going to start losing weight fast.


Symptoms of gluten intolerance

Gluten intolerance manifests itself in a number of unpleasant ways. Affected dogs are likely to suffer diarrhea, lose coat condition (and even lose hair), lose body condition and suffer general ill health.


How to diagnose gluten intolerance in your pet

If you suspect your pet is gluten intolerant the first step is to visit your local vet who will conduct blood and urine tests to assess overall health before trialing your pet on a gluten free diet to monitor them for improvements. If they improve appreciably over two to four weeks, the vet will likely reintroduce gluten temporarily and monitor them for relapse. This process of elimination and reintroduction should lead to a confident diagnosis.

[supersparky]

Thanks for that Dot, you are a wealth of information and obviously have the health and well being of all animals in mind.
I'm a bit gluten intolerant but Bandit isn't. He likes his dog biscuits and they like him.

[Dot]

Thanks for that Dot, you are a wealth of information and obviously have the health and well being of all animals in mind.
I'm a bit gluten intolerant but Bandit isn't. He likes his dog biscuits and they like him.

You never know David, Bandits biccies might be ok for you as well. I once gave my boozed up brother in law some of those charcoal dog biscuits, he did cock his leg for a week or so but that resolved pretty quickly

[supersparky]

.........................
You never know David, Bandits biccies might be ok for you as well. I once gave my boozed up brother in law some of those charcoal dog biscuits, he did cock his leg for a week or so but that resolved pretty quickly

Does anyone remember when Goodos, or something like that came out in the mid 70's. Everyone got a free sample delivered into their letterbox. They tasted yummo, it was only when they put the ads on the TV that we realised that they were supposed to be dog food.

[Dot]

So it was those goodo's that are to blame?

[supersparky]

So it was those goodo's that are to blame?

I've got to blame something Dot, I can't remember much that happened around then. Must have been something that I ate.

[T1 Terry]

So it was those goodo's that are to blame?

I've got to blame something Dot, I can't remember much that happened around then. Must have been something that I ate.

or from getting bowled over chasing cars A mate reckons as a result of an accidental Goodos pig out his brother in law slipped a disc after try to lick his gonads

[Dot]

That would be right, blame those urges on a mere dog biscuit

[supersparky]

Gotta blame something Dot.