Seasonal Allergies: Signs, symptoms & how to help the itch!

Did you know pets suffer from seasonal allergies just like humans do?

The spring & fall seasons can be the most irritating and frustrating times, not only for pets but for us as owners too! Often we assume food is the main cause of allergies, however that is not always the case and we may not realize the cause until our pet's allergy symptoms are at their worst.

When seasons are changing it can come with an influx of environmental irritants like pollen, dust, mold & ragweed. Though these can be major causes, indoor allergens can also be the culprit. It is important to be aware of household products you’re using within your home, such as laundry detergent, floor cleaner, essential oils & air fresheners. Many of these items listed are very common, so it’s important to understand the signs, symptoms and how to ease any discomfort and eliminate any controllable causes. 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PET ALLERGIES  

• Sneezing & coughing
• Runny nose
• Itchy red paws
• Rash on belly or arm pits
• Yellow/green eye discharge 
• Yeast build-up in paws or creases of the skin
• Dry flakey skin
• Hair loss

NATURAL SOLUTIONS TO AID YOUR PETS SEASONAL ALLERGIES

If your pet is experiencing signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies it is best to decrease or eliminate sugar & starches from their diet, especially fruits or vegetables that contain high glycemic sugars. These sugars tend to be allergy triggers & yeast builders. Raw Performance Dog Food Pure line doesn’t contain any fruits & vegetables. Our Gourmet line contains a combination of dark leafy greens including kale, kelp & spinach which are loaded with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins & enzymes that are great for dogs with seasonal allergies or sensitivities.  

ITCHY & ALLERGY: A Raw Performance Dog Food supplement that aids in the relief of pet’s allergy symptoms. It’s a supplemental source of nutrient-specific ingredients to provide pets with support during times of seasonal allergies and/or food allergies.

HEALTHY GUT: Raw Performance Dog Food Healthy Gut supplement can also help with seasonal allergies as 75% of the canine immune system is located within the digestive tract (mouth, stomach & intestines). Probiotics help keep the immune system strong & healthy, offering the colon good bacteria, while keeping the bad out. 

GOATS MILK: Goats milk contains both anti-mucous and anti-inflammatory properties. It has tremendous immune boosting properties due to the sheer amount of vitamins, enzymes, & fatty acids it contains which makes this a perfect supplement for dogs or cats who suffer from allergies.

BONE BROTH: Bone broth provides healthy nutrients that are easily absorbed. It can be an important part of an allergy reduction plan by helping to heal leaky gut & helping establish a healthy gut from the inside out. 

Some other tips for helping the itch due to seasonal allergies...

• Soak itchy paws
• Bath pets with an all-natural gentle shampoo.**Avoid over-bathing as it can strip their natural oils from the skin which helps fight off allergies**
• Spray Colloidal Silver on any red spots or rashes. This can help reduce redness and kills bacteria 
• Vacuum often to remove any allergens brought in from the outdoors
• Use all-natural dog wipes on your pet’s paws and/or body after walking outside

HOW A RAW DIET CAN HELP REDUCE OR ELIMINATE ALLERGIES

By switching to a raw diet, you are providing your pets with natural ingredients to support their overall immune health which in-turn can help reduce or halt your pets’ seasonal allergies. A natural, organic raw food diet contains zero allergens 

• The liver enzymes in raw food can strengthen the gut
• The dog's body absorbs and utilizes the nutrients more efficiently
• Helps with overall improvement in organ function & the immune system

When feeding raw,  we always promote the rotation of proteins; however, when your pet is dealing with allergies of any type, we suggest sticking with a single protein like our Pure Rabbit, Pure Salmon or Pure Turkey for 10 to 14 days. We also suggest eliminating supplements like fish oils etc. (except the ones we suggest above) during this time. This will help pets to build a tolerance & immunity to fight off any nasty allergy symptoms. Read more about how feeding raw can help with allergies in our previous blog.