Coeliac Disease in Dogs is due to an intolerance to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in foods such as wheat, corn and rye. When a dog with celiac disease eats food that contain gluten there will be an immune response in the intestinal tract. If this is ignored the dog can suffer from digestive tract issues and malnourishment.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease as the dog’s immune system reacts when the dog eats any food containing gluten. The disease is idiopathic, which means that it is spontaneous and the cause is generally unknown.
Certain dog breeds such as the Irish Setter are more prone to the condition and it can be evident from as early as three months old.
The gluten intolerance will causes symptoms such as:
- Chronic diarrhoea with mucus due to the irritation of the digestive tract.
- Constipation – the dog may not eliminate for several days at a time
- Vomiting.
- Anaemia.
- Weight Loss or the dog is not able to gain weight regardless of the amount of food consumed.
- General state of weakness.
If gluten is present in the dog’s daily diet he will have a poor skin and coat condition or even lose hair. The skin can be itchy and secondary infections are not uncommon.
The coeliac disease will affect the way nutrients are absorbed in the dogs body, so even if the dogs eats a lot he will still be malnourished.
To prevent coeliac disease switch to a high quality gluten free diet. This will also include treats which can often contain gluten.
All FourFriends dog foods and treats are gluten free with the added benefit of Aloe Vera which will help stabilise and repair your dog’s immune system.
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