Atopy and Allergies in Dogs & Cats, Combining Atopy & Food Allergies, the Summation Effect

 

Pets that have allergies to food and to antigens that are inhaled and touched are said to have a summation effect or cross reactivity between inhalants and foods. For example, ragweed allergic dogs may experience heightened allergy symptoms when they eat cucumbers, zucchini or strawberries.  One dog that was allergic to cedar had increased symptoms after eating tomatoes. Take care, tomatoes are now in almost every commercial kibble available (tomato pumice).