Is you favorite BFF sneezing, chewing on their feet and/or legs? Do they have watery eyes, inflamed skin and/or hot spots, diarrhea and/or vomiting? Then yes, your pet may have allergies, just like the allergies we humans experience.
Listed below are three very common allergies found in cats and dogs.
Atopic Dermatitis. This can also be known as Inhalant Dermatitis. This allergy is a reaction to something that is inhaled such as pollen. Some other allergy sources include mold, some household cleaners, air fresheners, plastic food bowls, etc. Some symptoms your pet may display include excessive licking, red, inflamed skin with open sores, head shaking and increased skin pigmentation. Treatment for this type of allergy include the following: Try to identify the allergen and reduce your pet’s exposure to them. Use an anti-itch moisturizing shampoo to bathe your pet on a weekly basis. Once you have figured out the allergen source and the pet’s symptoms are lessening, reduce the bathing frequency. Omega 3 fatty acids should be added to the diet to help reduce inflammation. Switch your pet’s food to a high protein, low carbohydrate diet with a moderate amount of fat. Avoid any food with CORN and OTHER GRAINS.
Flea Bite Dermatitis This is actually an allergy to flea bites. Symptoms can include intensive biting and scratching especially near the base of the tail. Treatment for this type of allergy includes flea control both on your pet and in your home using natural herbs and oils. Using chemicals for flea control are likely to cause adverse side effects or other allergic reactions. Support your pet’s immune system by switching your pet’s food to a high protein, low carbohydrate diet with a moderate amount of fat.
Food Allergies This is an allergy to certain foods or food ingredients. Symptoms can include irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting and/or diarrhea and mal-absorption. Food allergies can also cause ear infections and respiratory problems. If this sounds like an issue your pet has, try to identify the problematic food by withdrawing foods from the pet’s diet one by one. Note that when you switch foods, make sure the new food does not contain the same ingredients (such as corn or grain) because otherwise you are likely to not see much difference. Identifying food allergies can take a lot of time; therefore, using supplements with probiotics and/or enzymes can be used to help alleviate vomiting/diarrhea symptoms. Supplements containing Omega-3 can be used to help alleviate skin issues. This will help your pet be more comfortable while figuring out exactly what allergen is causing the problem. Be sure your pet is eating a high protein, low carbohydrate diet with a moderate amount of fat.
Visit gabbi’s and let us help you figure out exactly what allergen is causing your pet to be uncomfortable. Ensuring your pet is eating the healthiest diet possible is the first step to alleviating your BFF’s discomfort. We have many free food samples for your BFF to try. ~sloppy kisses~
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