Addressing Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Don’t you love beautiful spring and summer weather? As nice as it can be, the downside is when we walk outside and find that pollen fills the air. We start sneezing, get itchy, and our eyes start watering. Did you know that dogs and cats can have allergies just like us? Allergies are an immune response that causes inflammatory reactions due to a substance that the body is intolerant of. Keep reading to learn how to tell if your dog or cat has an allergy and what you can do to help them.

What kind of allergies can dogs and cats have?

Like humans, dogs and cats can experience many different types of allergies. Here are the most common allergies that pets can have:

• Seasonal/Environmental: Grass and tree pollen can cause a wide range of allergy symptoms in dogs and cats.
• Indoor: Mold, dust, and chemical irritants in some household products can hinder our beloved pets.
• Pests: Flea, tick, and mite bites can cause skin irritation and itchy reactions.
• Food: Common allergens found in many pet foods are corn, soy, wheat, and potato.

If you think your pet may have an allergy but aren’t certain what is causing it, call your dog or cat’s veterinarian to discuss what factors may be at play.

What are common symptoms of allergies in dogs and cats?

Dogs and cats with allergies often have symptoms that are very similar to the ones humans with allergies experience. Although some symptoms are more severe than others, these are some of the most common signs to watch out for:

• Excessive itchiness
• Frequent ear infections
• Watery eyes
• Inflammation of the skin
• Constant paw licking
• Sneezing or coughing
• Hair loss
• GI upset

If you notice your dog or cat experiencing any of these symptoms, your pet may have allergies. Talk to your vet to discuss what testing is needed to determine the root cause of your pet’s symptoms.

How do you treat dog and cat allergies?

Your pet’s vet will be able to help you determine what kind of allergy your dog or cat is experiencing and put them on the road to recovery. There are many products, medications and lifestyle changes that can help relieve allergy symptoms in pets.

Can a Raw Diet Help Dogs and Cats with Allergies?

Did you know that the right diet can play a part in helping your pet live more comfortably with allergies? Raw diets are the most bioavailable nutrition a dog or cat can have. It’s what their bodies are designed to digest! Stella and Chewy’s frozen and freeze-dried raw diets are 95% meat, bone, and organ. This high meat content helps maximize absorbency of nutrients, promoting immune system health. There is no corn, soy, wheat, or potato in any of our raw pet foods or treats. We also add in probiotics to aid in digestion even further! Protecting your pet’s immune system is the key to fighting this battle. Try solutions such as our Skin & Coat Boost for dogs and Skin & Coat Boost for cats that are specifically designed to keep your pet's skin and coat looking and feeling their best!

Raw Dog and Cat Food From Stella & Chewy’s

At Stella & Chewy’s, we always want pets and pet parents to live happy and healthy lives. Explore our expanding selection of raw and natural dog food and raw and natural cat food, and stay up-to-date on all things pet by checking out Our Blog: For the Pet Obsessed.