Blog

If you suffer from allergies, you more than likely understand how annoying they can be. While you’re reaching for tissues and Claritin, you might not be aware that your pets could be struggling with their own bothersome allergy symptoms.

Our furry friends are not immune to seasonal and generic allergies, but we have good news! The signs of allergies in pets are easy to recognize and there are ways to treat them before they get out of hand or cause more severe problems for your beloved companion.

Here is everything you need to know about your pet’s allergies, how you can help them feel brand new, and easy tips to keep those symptoms from even starting.

Symptoms of Allergies in Pets

The same allergens that set off your allergy symptoms can also trigger your pet’s. Environmental substances such as pollen and grasses tend to be the main culprit, which is why most pets struggle with allergies in the springtime.

However, allergens such as mold, dust, mites, cigarette smoke, cat litter chemicals, perfume, and medicines can also bring on pet allergies. 

While the causes of our four-legged friend’s allergies can be the same as our own, the symptoms they experience are a little different. We get sniffles and watery eyes, but our pets can get awfully itchy. 

In addition to excessive scratching, your pets may also struggle with aggravating symptoms such as: 

• Gnawing at the paws
• Swollen paws
• Licking
• Sneezing, coughing, wheezing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms in your pets, allergies could be to blame. Be sure to call your veterinarian if you’re unsure of what’s causing their allergies or believe they’re having trouble breathing. 

How to Alleviate Your Pet’s Allergy Symptoms

The most effective way to treat allergies in pets depends mostly on the allergen that is causing their symptoms. For example, if your pet becomes abnormally scratchy after walking through some ragweeds, the best thing you can do is keep them away from that specific grass.

In addition to removing the allergen from your pet’s environment, here are some things you can do to help them feel better and keep those symptoms from returning. 

Supplements

Adding supplements to your furry friend’s diet doesn’t just equip their bodies for battling allergies. It’s also a great way to maintain their overall health.

Here are just a few all-natural options that I co-created and recommend for preventing allergies and extending your pet’s life and well-being. 

Fish Oil + Vitamin E: This sustainably sourced oil harnesses high amounts of EPA, DHA, and other beneficial nutrients to improve your pet’s skin and coat health, joint strength, heart function, and much more.
Omega-3s Algae Oil: Made from a special algal strain, this vegan oil is naturally rich in vital nutrients for your pet’s skin, eyes, immune system, and even mental health. It also has the highest natural concentration of both EPA & DHA available on the market today.

Maintain a Clean Home

Keeping your home tidy isn’t just for aesthetics! Dusting the shelves and sweeping dirt from the floor is an easy way to keep those inhalant allergies from invading your pet’s safe space. Plus, it could also help prevent your allergies. 

Bath Time

There’s nothing like a nice, warm bath to soak away our problems, including your pet’s pesky allergy symptoms.

Try giving your dog or cat a bath using a shampoo that is formulated to treat itchy skin. Ingredients you’ll want to look for are oatmeal, aloe vera, and Vitamin E. 

You can also create a soothing bath for your pets using a cup of uncooked oats. Just add the oats to the warm water at the start of your pet’s bath and allow the water to soak in their fur for at least five minutes. 

The oatmeal will form a protective film on your pet’s skin that prevents further irritation and drying out. 

Food Allergies in Pets

Allergies in pets can also be caused by food intolerance, but these types of allergies are slightly different and should be dealt with accordingly. 

Food allergies in dogs and cats are developed over time when their bodies break down food molecules and misidentify them as potential threats. Some of the most common offenders include:

• Protein such as beef, chicken, fish, and eggs
• Dairy
• Corn
• Soy 
• Wheat

If your pet has a food allergy or sensitivity, symptoms will likely manifest in the form of: 

• Skin Irritation
• Fluid-filled bumps on the skin
• Swollen face or paws
• Hair loss
• Abdominal bloating or cramps
• Eye discharge
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

I should note that although your pet could have a food allergy, true food allergies are quite rare.

The best thing to do in these situations is to call your pet’s veterinarian for help determining if your pet has an allergy, and if so, which ingredients they’re sensitive to. The doctor will also be able to assist in creating a hypoallergenic diet for your pet and their specific needs.