Celiac Dogs: Diagnosis and Treatment

Celiac dogs are those that don't tolerate gluten, a protein found in grains (such as oats, wheat, barley, and rye) that can be part of the canine diet. This condition has a significant genetic component, and detecting it is key to preventing our dog from developing usually digestive symptoms.

At Soyunperro we'll find out the most obvious symptoms of this intolerance, the dog breeds most prone to it, and what to do if it's confirmed. Want to know all the details? Let's begin.

Symptoms Shown by Celiac Dogs

To know whether our dog has gluten intolerance, the first thing we should do is look at some symptoms that can serve as an initial warning sign. Some of the most common are:

• Digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea (causing gastritis, enteritis, etc).
• The coat looks dull and of poor quality.
• Weight loss and possible loss of appetite.

These symptoms are due to the poor nutrient absorption and malnutrition gluten intolerance causes in the dog. This condition damages its intestinal villi and prevents it from properly absorbing essential nutrients such as vitamins (cobalamin being very important), minerals, or proteins it needs for the body to function properly.

In addition, after chronic exposure to grains, it may end up developing an adverse reaction (allergy) to them. So, other symptoms dogs with gluten intolerance can also show are:

• Possible alopecia (bald patches) in the coat.
• Pruritus (itching) of the skin. As a result, the dog licks or scratches itself a lot to relieve it.
• In extreme, less common cases, due to a possible allergy that develops, we can find respiratory problems. The glottis can swell, causing breathing difficulty.

If it shows any of the symptoms described, you should take it to a specialist as soon as possible so they can run a series of tests that will confirm or rule out the diagnosis, since continued exposure to these allergens can further worsen the condition.

Diagnosis and Treatment of a Gluten-Intolerant Dog

During the appointment, you need to describe every symptom you've noticed in the dog to the vet. Next, the specialist will perform a general physical exam.

To know whether a dog has gluten intolerance, diagnosis will be by elimination, meaning through an elimination diet. A trial period is recommended with a low-grain or grain-free diet with hydrolyzed protein (hypoallergenic or anallergenic) for a month and a half, to see whether the dog responds well to this dietary change and to eliminate exposure to allergens.

If, after this time, you see the dog goes back to eating food with gluten and relapses, we'll likely have a clear diagnosis. The vet may also want to run an abdominal X-ray, an exocrine pancreatic insufficiency test, and/or an abdominal ultrasound.

What Is the Treatment?

Once a dog is diagnosed as intolerant, treatment involves changing its diet and adapting it so it has a completely gluten-free diet. The vet can recommend the most suitable kibble for your furry friend.

Nowadays, several brands sell this type of hypoallergenic or anallergenic kibble. However, quality brands are always recommended. This diet will normally be lifelong.

Probiotics will also be a great help with this condition. These are additional beneficial bacteria to boost and improve the functioning of the animal's own intestinal flora.

An improper diet could worsen its condition and cause conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). That's why you should take good care of its diet and even check the ingredients of the treats you give it.

It's important for every family member and friend to know how this condition affects it, since with the right diet, the dog can live a long, healthy, happy life.

Dog Breeds Prone to Being Celiac

As we've mentioned, there's a significant genetic component making some dog breeds more prone to gluten intolerance than others, a condition that can show up from a young age.

Although this condition can affect any breed, the truth is some breeds tend to have a higher predisposition:

1. Golden Retriever
2. Labrador
3. Bulldogs
4. Dalmatian
5. Boxer