Just like us, our furry friends can develop and experience allergies that can be unpleasant and cause discomfort for them. But what are they and how do they affect our fur-besties?
Typically, allergy issues in pets come from sensitivities to their food or environmental factors. While these factors may not necessarily be harmful to dogs, their immune systems can react negatively to them, ultimately causing problems such as:
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Sneezing
- Red inflamed skin
- Swelling in their face, ears, or eyes
- Constant licking
When it comes to food allergies, they can develop from almost any ingredient in their food and can trigger at any age. The most common allergens in dog food are usually dairy, wheat, and beef.
That said, determining which ingredient that’s causing an allergic reaction will involve some patience. You will likely have to try an elimination diet to test how they react to different proteins and carbohydrate sources. We also recommend reaching out to your veterinarian for guidance on how to help Fido with food allergies.
But what about those pesky seasonal and environmental allergens?
These can be caused by pollen, grass, weeds, and other factors that are out of our control, especially since keeping Fido in a bubble isn’t much of an option!
But since allergy issues stem from immune systems reacting to various factors, we as pet parents can help Fido find relief by promoting healthy immune function, histamine response, and digestive activity so they can combat them easily. Lucky for him, there are a variety of powerful natural ingredients available to pet parents that can help.
Omega-3 Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids promote healthy skin for dogs that deal with hot spots and irritation, and can even help with inflammation. Since these fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, they have to be supplied in Fido’s diet.
Bonus: Omega 3 fatty acids also support joint and heart function for Fido. Even more powerful!
Probiotics
Adding probiotics in Fido’s diet may promote a healthy gut by helping to balance the good and bad bacteria. A healthy gut for Fido not only means a stronger immune system and overall tummy comfort, but it may also help reduce those troublesome allergies.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been around forever and it’s no secret how many benefits it can have for you. But did you know it can also help your dog with their seasonal and environmental allergies? Apple cider vinegar can boost Fido’s immune system and help with digestion.
It’s no fun to see your dog feeling uncomfortable because of seasonal or environmental allergies. That’s why we suggest our Aller-Immune Bites™, which combines all three of these powerful ingredients as well as colostrum, and EpiCor®, both of which promote a better immune response and digestive function.
If you have any additional questions or comments on keeping Fido’s environmental allergies at bay, share your thoughts in the comment section below, or reach out to us at (800) 940-1972 or bark@zestypaws.com.
