Why This Sweet Scottish Terrier Can’t Have Chicken—And Is Desperate for a New Home!
Meet Finley, a charming nearly 5-year-old wheaten Scottish Terrier with a big personality and an even bigger need: a chicken-free lifestyle. Finley is searching for his forever home, but his future family will need to be aware of one critical factor—he is severely allergic to chicken. Even the smallest amount can lead to painful inflammation and the risk of infections. For this sweet boy, managing his diet is crucial to keeping him happy and healthy.
“Even small amounts of chicken fat that are present in some dog treats, chewable medications, or even pill pockets can be a trigger,” says the team at Scottie Kingdom Rescue, where Finley is currently being cared for in Dallas, Texas. “We have resolved these issues by feeding a high-quality beef or salmon diet, and we use grain-free peanut butter treats.”
In addition to his dietary needs, Finley also prefers a quieter life as the only pet in the household. His past experiences with other animals haven’t been smooth—he’s known to get into tussles with other dogs and doesn’t do well in social settings like dog parks or playdates. However, when it comes to people, Finley is a total softie. He adores attention from adults and can’t resist a good belly rub, making him a loyal and loving companion for the right family.
While Finley’s needs may seem specific, those who are willing to manage his chicken-free diet and provide him with a pet-free home will find a low-maintenance and affectionate pup who just wants a family to call his own.
Finley prefers to be an only dog and doesn’t like to socialize with other dogs at parks or on playdates. While he might seem a little standoffish around other dogs and strangers, Finley loves belly rubs and plenty of attention from humans, as long as they’re adults. Finley is waiting for his forever home, and with a little love—and the right diet—he’s sure to thrive.
If you think your home could be the perfect fit for Finley and you live in or near Dallas, Texas, contact Scottie Kingdom Rescue by emailing rescue@scottiekingdom.com to receive an application or learn more about Finley.
Is Your Dog Allergic To Chicken? Here’s What You Need To Know
Can dogs be allergic to chicken? Yes—chicken is a common food allergy in dogs, but what percentage of dogs are allergic to chicken? According to Veterinary Skin and Ear, approximately 15% of dogs with food allergies are allergic to chicken.
Symptoms of Chicken Allergies in Dogs
If your dog is allergic to chicken symptoms can be mild to severe—if dog owners don’t know what to look for it can be quite easy to miss signs of a dog with a food allergy, or the dog’s symptoms may be written off as “normal” because they are so consistent. Some common symptoms of chicken allergies in dogs include:
Behavioral signs like excessive licking, itching, or chewing on parts of the body
- Skin problems—itchiness, redness, inflammation, swelling, hives, etc.
- Digestive symptoms—vomiting, diarrhea, gas and bloating
- Skin, ear, and paw infections
- Itchy anal glands
- Behavioral signs like excessive licking, itching, or chewing on parts of the body
Allergy Tests for Dogs With Allergies To Chicken
I think my dog might be allergic to chicken, but how to know if my dog is allergic to chicken for sure? If you suspect your dog is allergic to chicken, or you have noted a dog allergic reaction to chicken it’s important to visit your veterinarian for a formal diagnosis. Vets may suggest a variety of diagnostic procedures including elimination diets, blood testing, and skin testing.
Best Dog Food For Dogs Allergic To Chicken
Luckily, changing your dog’s food to a chicken-free formula is often all it takes to solve issues related to canine chicken allergies. Once your dog’s diet is chicken-free and you are feeding your dog alternative protein sources, most dogs fully recover from their allergic reaction symptoms.
If your dog’s chicken allergy is mild, your vet may recommend a slow transition to a new food by mixing the new food into the old food and gradually increasing the ratio until the old food is replaced entirely. For dogs with more severe allergies vets may suggest an immediate dietary change, but it’s important to know that quickly changing your dog’s diet can create digestive issues.
Some veterinarians may suggest feeding your dog a hydrolyzed protein diet rather than switching away from chicken altogether. Hydrolyzed protein has been modified and broken down which makes it more digestible than whole proteins. Hydrolyzed protein can, in a sense, go undetected by your dog’s body so that it doesn’t identify the allergen and instead digests the protein properly.
The other option is to choose a completely chicken-free dog food. Some dogs with chicken allergies are also allergic to beef and other poultry, so dog food made from novel proteins like venison or cod might be your best option.
Best Dog Food For Dogs Allergic To Chicken
Here’s what other dog owners are asking about their dogs’ chicken allergies and answers to common questions about how to manage dietary restrictions in dogs.
If dog is allergic to chicken, is turkey ok?
Sometimes. Some dogs that are allergic to chicken can tolerate turkey while others are also allergic to turkey. Most vets will recommend dogs with chicken allergies avoid other varieties of poultry, but this is not a hard and fast rule. Â
Are most dogs allergic to chicken?Â
No. Approximately 15% of dogs with food allergies are allergic to chicken.Â
Do you need to feed a bland diet for dogs allergic to chicken?Â
No. Dogs that are allergic to chicken do not necessarily need a bland diet, but they might benefit from a bland diet while recovering from an allergic reaction or serious allergy symptoms.Â
