Research has shown that some animals have allergy or hypersensitivity to certain proteins in their diet. This can be to virtually any protein which has been encountered before in the animals life. The allergic reaction from the gut wall can affect the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain and as such can manifest as changes in behaviour.

An exclusion diet is designed to be of a novel protein and carbohydrate source and contain no additives or preservatives. Thus white fish and potato is generally recommended, as these are not generally present in commercial dog foods. Plain water only should be offered to drink and any treats should also be of fish, which can be cooked until it becomes a dry morsel.

Alternatively a prescription diet such as Pro Plan HA or Hills z/d can be used as these have hydrolysed proteins which cannot be recognised by the dog's immune system.

The diet should be continued for 2 months before a dietary hypersensitivity can be ruled out. Some dogs may respond dramatically within a few weeks.

The importance of exclusion of all other foods cannot be stressed enough. Any titbits or other deviations from the diet will negate all previous time on the trial and it must begin again from day 1.

The fish and potato can be cooked in a microwave oven, potatoes need not be peeled and total quantity should be equivalent to that previously fed, with 1/3 fish to 2/3 potato.

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