Area Dog Sidelined by Gluten Allergy

Area Dog Sidelined by Gluten Allergy

By Scott Friedstein, FluffPo Correspondent

Charlie was always a carefree dog. As friends will tell you, the French Bulldog spends most days frolicking in the backyard, chasing squirrels, and squeezing in the occasional nap. Last week however, Charlie got the news that would change his life forever: He was allergic to gluten.

“I gave him a bagel, I think,” says Alanna Davis, Charlie’s owner. “Anyway, he just started sneezing. Then he walked away. He literally could not tolerate the gluten. ”

According to medical experts, gluten intolerance is often a precursor to Celiac disease, a much more serious condition. Although relatively uncommon in dogs, it isn’t unheard of.

“Yeah, I’ve heard of it,” says Burt Dandridge, a doctor. “That stuff’s no fun.”

Still, Charlie and his owner plan on sticking it out.

“We’ll manage somehow,” says Davis. “I’m buying gluten-free food right now, even though you can only get it through the internet. It’s really, really expensive.”

Via shanna.