Aussiedoodles are wonderfully healthy, playful, and intelligent dogs. If you plan to get an Aussiedoodle puppy, they will undoubtedly make for a great addition to your home! Before you get a new puppy, it is wise to familiarize yourself with their needs, and most importantly, ensure that you know the things they are allergic to so you can keep them healthy and happy.
As a general rule, there are no specific allergies that Aussiedoodles are absolutely bound to have due to their breed. Asa whole, any puppy can be allergic to a particular food item. Due to the Aussiedoodles poodle heritage, they may also become slightly allergic to some foods that you should keep an eye out for.
When you get a new Aussiedoodle puppy, it may or may not be allergic to certain things. Your dog may be completely healthy or may inherit a minor allergy from its poodle parent. While there is no certainty, it is wise to understand the possible allergies and know how to tackle them if you see the signs.
What Could My Aussiedoodle Be Allergic To?
Allergies present themselves in various forms and symptoms, but the most common are digestive issues and skin and coat problems. Ensuring that your pup gets high-quality food from a reputable brand will likely keep the allergies at bay, but if you do spot some signs and symptoms, here are a few foods you can look out for:
- Protein – While chicken is an excellent source of protein and most dogs love it, it can sometimes also be an allergen. The same can be true for another type of protein, like beef. If your dog seems to be presenting food sensitivity with a recipe that lists one protein as the main ingredient, you might want to switch to another protein like duck, rabbit, or venison and observe the results.
- Dairy – A majority of dogs are allergic to dairy, especially milk. While the occasional bite of cheese won’t harm them, milk can cause an upset stomach. The easiest way to avoid this is to eliminate milk altogether. A healthy alternative is yogurt, which acts as a probiotic and keeps your dog’s stomach healthy.
- Grains – Your Aussiedoodle may be allergic to grains like wheat (gluten), rice, or corn. These allergies are often less common, but if they occur, they tend to present with symptoms like dry skin, skin rashes, hair loss, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Soy – This protein often presents as a common allergen in dogs. It can cause health issues like skin and ear infections.
- Eggs – While eggs are a great source of protein for some dogs and can be fed whole and raw, others may present allergies. In this case, watch out for eggs listed as the main ingredient in your dog food.
Symptoms of Food Allergies in Aussiedoodles
Asa general rule, to keep your dog safe from food allergies, keep an eye out for their health. If any conditions seem to present repeatedly without any other apparent causes, they could be due to an ingredient in their food. Such allergies most commonly present with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Itchy, dry, or flaky skin
- Rashes on the skin
- Excessive shedding or bald patches
- Digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea
- Lack of energy and lethargy
- Swollen or irritated eyes
- Persistent ear infections
- Swollen or inflamed nose and/or paw pads
- Coughing, wheezing or hyperventilating
- Drastic weight loss
Most of these symptoms will only appear with very severe allergies. The most common symptoms tend to be skin dryness, itchiness, and unexpected shedding that isn’t normal for the breed.
Why Is My Aussiedoodle So Itchy?
While itchiness certainly is a symptom of a food allergy, it can be due to several other reasons. Therefore, before you switch your dog’s food, it is essential to rule out other causes and health issues and take measures to reduce itching. If it persists despite other efforts, you can then look into a possible food allergy.
- Improper Grooming. Your dog may be itchy due to improper grooming. Aussiedoodles often have wavy or curly coats that need regular brushing and trimming. A matted coat can cause skin infections, which in turn can cause itching. Your dog may also have stray hair stuck in the curly coat due to a lack of brushing, which can be bothering them and causing them to scratch.
- Frequent Bathing. Unless your dog’s coat is full of dirt and debris, they don’t need regular bathing. Bathing once every two months is more than sufficient for most dogs. If you are bathing your dog too often, this can cause their skin to dry out from the shampoo, therefore causing itching. It can also lead to excessive shedding.
- Bacteria, yeast, fungus, or fleas. Infections and parasites like bugs and fleas could also be causing your dog to scratch a lot. A close inspection of the skin underneath the coat should reveal signs of such conditions. These usually include red or inflamed skin, bald spots, and red bumps.
- Lack of Moisture in Food. If your dog eats dry food that doesn’t contain enough moisture or oils, it can cause their skin to dry out. Opt for a brand that contains essential fats for adequate moisture. You can also follow an external regimen like coconut oil massage to prevent dryness.
- Boredom and Anxiety. In some cases, the reasons are as simple as your dog being bored and developing habits like excessive scratching. An excellent way to rule this out is to engage your dog in play. If they still stop in between to scratch themselves, there is probably another underlying condition.
How to Keep My Dog Safe from Allergies
To make sure your dog stays away from any possible allergies, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Opt for whole foods. These are full of nutrients and easily digestible, and therefore minimize the chances of allergies.
- Look out for filler ingredients. Foods that list fillers like corn, soy, wheat, or rice as the first ingredients in their ingredient list are more likely to cause allergies.
- Skip artificial ingredients. Look out for words like ‘artificial flavor,’ ‘artificial color,’ and ‘artificial preservatives’ in ingredient lists. These are also often disguised as ‘chicken flavor,’ which means the food doesn’t contain enough of the actual protein.
- Look for shorter ingredient lists. Foods with a short ingredient list are often called ‘limited-ingredient foods. These are usually the healthiest. Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances of allergies.
- Choose foods that contain fatty acids. Sometimes, dogs aren’t allergic to the ingredients but present itching due to the dryness the food causes. Recipes that contain fatty acids, fish oils, and probiotics prevent this from happening by providing adequate moisture.
While Aussiedoodles are usually among the healthiest dogs, it is wise to keep an eye on your dog’s health to ensure they aren’t developing an allergy. In the case that they do, early action can prevent severe discomfort, and some simple lifestyle changes can ensure your dog stays healthy and happy despite a food allergy or two!