Fish Oil Allergies in Dogs

Fish oil is usually an excellent supplement to human and dog diets alike. However, too much of a good thing can be harmful to your dog. If your dog is receiving fish oil daily, he may eventually develop negative side effects from it without you realizing it is the cause. When given in balanced amounts, fish oil can promote healthy skin, coat, and heart, and promotes mental health. However, if you are giving too much fish oil to your dog, it can lead to severe symptoms like lameness or internal bleeding. If your dog is suffering any type of abnormality, take him to your veterinarian. The sooner he is diagnosed with receiving too much fish oil, the sooner the treatment and recovery process can begin.

Fish oil allergies in dogs are rare. In almost every case, it is considered more of fish oil intolerance or overdose rather than an allergy. If your dog is acting abnormally or suffering any symptoms of an illness or injury without probable cause, take him to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

• Lameness
• Vitamin E deficiency 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Decreased blood clot formation
• Slow wound healing
• Internal bleeding
• Death 

Fish oil can also cause negative effects in dogs already taking certain medications. If your dog is currently taking other medications, consult with your veterinarian before starting him on any type of fish oil supplement.

Types

There are multiple types of fish oil you can purchase for your dog. Types of fish oils include cold-water fish blends, salmon oil, cod liver oil, krill oil, and pollock oil. Omega-3 is found in the fat of cold water fish and must be an additional supplement added to your dog’s diet. Omega-6 is also a good fish oil for your dog; it can be found in other protein sources, not just as a fish oil alone. Omega-9 is another supplement commonly given to dogs but they actually do not need it. Omega-9 actually decreases the benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 and therefore does not need to be given.

Omega-3 and omega-6 are not naturally produced by your dog’s body meaning he must receive it from his diet. Some fish oils have questionable digestibility making them difficult for your dog’s body to break down and use, especially if your dog already suffers from digestion issues. Since omega-3 has to be provided as a supplement to your dog, the only way he can suffer any negative side effects would be if he is receiving too much. As for omega-6 sources, you will need to research your dog’s food and treats and discover the sources within his current diet. Even still, it isn’t so much a fish oil allergy as it is an overdose.

When you first arrive at the veterinarian’s office, she will begin with a physical examination. This will allow her to note any abnormalities of your dog’s vitals as well as note all his symptoms. If your dog is vomiting at the clinic, the veterinarian will inspect the contents for any clues to the cause. If your dog is not vomiting, the veterinarian may induce vomiting to get him to expel the remaining stomach contents. If your dog is having diarrhea, the veterinarian may perform a fecal test to rule out any internal parasite or bacterial overgrowth. 

Blood work will be performed to give the veterinarian a broad look as to how the internal organs are functioning. A complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel will provide the veterinarian with needed information for proper assessment. A packed cell volume (PCV) may also be performed to determine hydration status. If your veterinarian feels it is necessary, she may also perform a urinalysis for further evaluation of kidney function. If the veterinarian suspects decreased clotting time, she may test your dog’s prothrombin time (PT). This test will tell the veterinarian the duration it takes your dog to form a blood clot. If the time is out of the predetermined range by taking too long, he is experiencing clotting issues.

If your dog is suffering any form of lameness, the veterinarian may go joint by joint, taking it through the proper range of motion to determine where the lameness is originating.  She may also take a radiograph to check your dog’s skeletal system for any likely causes. 

Bicom testing is another method of determining a fish oil allergy in your dog. Bicom testing is also known as bioresonance. Many holistic veterinarians use the Bicom testing with an extremely high success rate, but other veterinarians may not be familiar with it. This method believes every being and substance in the world emits its own electromagnetic wave. The veterinarian takes a blood sample from your dog and tests different items and substances to see if it has a ‘good’, ‘neutral’ or ‘bad’ response. If the response is ‘bad’, the item being tested causes your dog’s blood wavelength to become stressed. Stressed blood leads to a stressed body and therefore an allergic reaction. If the response is ‘good’, then the item puts out a wavelength that is compatible with your dog’s blood which means no adverse reactions should occur. If it is ‘neutral’, the item being tested does not put out a wavelength that alters that of your dog. Veterinary practitioners typically use it to find out if your dog is compatible with the fish oil or not. If it is not good for your dog, then you simply remove it from his diet and the symptoms should stop.

The symptoms your dog is suffering will determine his treatment. If your dog is suffering any type of reduced coagulation, he may receive a platelet transfusion. This will give him the additional platelet he needs to clot quicker. This will help with any internal bleeding, slow wound healing, and external bleeding. If this is unsuccessful, he may need to receive a whole blood transfusion.

Once it is discovered fish oil is the cause of your dog’s symptoms, the veterinarian may start your dog on a vitamin E supplement. Since too much fish oil can cause a deficiency in vitamin E, she will do what she can to correct the imbalance. The vitamin E should combat any lameness your dog is experiencing and he will return to his normal self, given time and rest. 

If your dog is vomiting and having diarrhea excessively, your veterinarian may start your dog on fluids. This will ensure your dog does not suffer from or develop dehydration. It will also help flush the fish oil from his system quicker and therefore increase his recovery time.

Once it is discovered fish oil may be the cause of your dog’s symptoms, his recovery should go very smoothly once removed from his diet. Fish oil is not bad for your dog, but it can be when given in excess. Consult with your veterinarian on how much fish oil your dog requires daily. This will insure he never receives too much and will never have to suffer the consequences.

It is a good idea to discuss with your veterinarian before you start your dog on any type of supplement, even natural ones. If you stay within a healthy dose range, fish oil and other supplements can be extremely beneficial health wise for your dog.