Furry Friends
Get Ahead of the Itch. Start Preparing for Spring Allergies Now!
Spring is just around the corner. For many pet parents, this means it will soon be time for those dreaded seasonal allergies. But, don’t get stuck chasing allergy symptoms all season long, instead equip your dog and cat’s body with the tools it needs to prevent them the best it can.
Common allergy symptoms include: licking at the paws, hair loss, watery eyes, runny nose, scratching, chewing, biting, ear infections, and reflux.
Focus on Gut Health
80-90% of the immune system starts in the gut. That means your dog and cat’s gut health is essential to their overall health. If their digestive system is not functioning as it should, this can make allergy symptoms worse. We want to work on creating a healthy gut environment. And now is the perfect time to start incorporating pre and probiotics. You’ll want to ensure your probiotics have at least 10 billion CFUs (colony-forming units). You’ll also want diversity with different probiotic strains. Try to avoid any ingredients that aren’t functional, like added fillers and binders. There are also great whole food sources of probiotics like fermented foods and raw goat milk.
Boost Omega-3s
Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that not only benefit the immune system but many other areas of the body. Most dogs and cats eat a diet that is too high in omega-6 fatty acids and needs omega-3s to balance it out. Too much omega-6 can cause chronic inflammation. Signs of omega-3 deficiencies can be poor coat, dry and flaky skin, allergies, ear infections, and hot spots. Some sources of omega-3s are fish oil, green-lipped mussels, phytoplankton, and whole oily fish such as sardines.
Reduce Stress
Stress raises cortisol levels which can make our pets more susceptible to allergies and the resulting itch. Try to reduce stress in their environment. Make sure your dog has plenty of natural chews available, chewing is relaxing and mentally stimulating. Provide puzzle toys and lickmats which can be excellent stress relievers. Engage with your dog or cat with lots of playtime. Allow your dog adequate time to sniff during walks which is also calming. Think about things that are stressors for your dog or cat and try to decrease them.
Spring can be a stressful time for so many pet parents. We never want our pets to suffer so this year let's try to get ahead of the spring allergies. Don’t wait until the allergy symptoms start, the time to start focusing on their gut health is today. Boost your dog or cat's omega-3s and keep them as stress-free as possible. You’ll be giving them the best chance to thrive during every season. Not sure if your dog or cat is suffering from seasonal allergies? Be sure to consult your trusted veterinarian.
Sheena Kirkwood is the owner of Felicity’s Pet Supplies in Bellefonte. She is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist on a mission to empower pet parents with knowledge to extend the lives of their pets. Sheena is creating a place where local cat and dog owners can be confident in their pet supply purchases. A place where she can help educate the community on pet nutrition for healthier, happier pets. For more info visit: