All pets can have allergic reactions that could impact their life. Whether this is triggered by their environment, flood, or fleas, pet allergies can cause discomfort and irritation to your furkiddo. Thankfully, there is holistic help for pet allergies that blends conventional treatments with natural and proactive care that offers a practical solution to your furkiddo’s well-being and a more enjoyable life.

Types of Allergies in Pets

Three main types of allergies commonly affect our furkiddos:

1. Environmental Allergies (Atopy)

These allergies are caused by substances in a pet’s everyday surroundings. Sources include pollen, dust mites, mold, animal or plant fibers, household chemicals, etc.

These allergens can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. They can cause reactions such as skin irritation, sneezing, or watery eyes. An environmental allergy is often seen more frequently during certain times of the year, particularly during spring or fall.

The diagnosis of these kinds of allergies can be difficult because there are no available tests that can positively identify the condition. Your vet might base it according to age, breed, signs, and history. Allergy testing cannot diagnose allergies, but it can be useful to identify allergens and formulate a treatment program suitable for your furkiddo’s specific needs.

2. Flea or Insect Bite Allergies

Flea bites can cause intense allergic reactions in pets. When a flea bites the skin, there are proteins found in its saliva that can trigger itchiness and inflammation, which will turn into a potential problem with secondary bacterial infections. Fleas are often invisible to the naked eye, but you may see tiny, black specks on your pet’s skin (particularly near the base of their tails or behind their ears) similar to coffee grounds. These are known as flea dirt – flea excrement, containing digested blood.

3. Food Allergies

Food allergies in pets can develop anytime, suddenly, even from ingredients that your furkiddo has been eating for their entire lives. Main animal proteins, such as chicken, beef, dairy, and fish, are often the common cause. Food allergy symptoms vary, ranging from skin irritation to ear infections, watery eyes, respiratory distress, and gastrointestinal issues.

Food allergies are diagnosed by an elimination diet and seeing if the itching resolves. An ideal food elimination diet should be a trial based on a balanced and nutritionally complete diet, not containing any ingredients that have been previously fed to your furkiddo. These include introducing novel proteins such as duck, rabbit, or venison.

An alternative to this is a prescription diet that contains hydrolyzed proteins. These are broken down into components your furkiddo’s body no longer recognizes. Whichever diet is chosen, your fukiddo should only eat the foods and treats recommended by your vet or vet nutritionist during the duration of the trial.

Common Allergy Symtoms

Allergies often appear on the skin; however, there could also be gastrointestinal or respiratory signs to be on the lookout for:

• Excessive scratching, licking, or biting which could lead to fur loss or bald patches
• Red, inflamed, or scabby skin
• Face rubbing
• Bootie scooting or licking of their anal glands.
• Chronic ear infections or wax buildup
• Coughing, sneezing, or wheezing (these are more common in cats)
• Loose stools, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Inflammation inside the nose (rhinitis) and asthm

Natural Remedies and Proactive Support

Allergy treatments require long-term management and regular vet examinations. Some of the most common conventional treatments for pet allergies include the use of conventional medications such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, immunotherapy, and specific diets, along with controlling the signs of itching, bathing, and improving coat hygiene, controlling flare factors, and avoidance of the offending allergens.

Natural remedies for pet allergies and overall holistic lifestyle changes can offer some relief from some of the symptoms. Some simple strategies that could ease symptoms include:

Paw Care

Wipe down paws and fur after outdoor activity to remove any allergens that could stick to your furkiddo’s fur. The use of paw protector booties when taking long walks could be beneficial. Sprays like NHV Target Spray could be useful to prevent any reactions to allergens, protecting against insects such as fleas and mosquitoes. If there are signs of dermatitis or skin breakage, natural ointments such as NHV All Clear Ointment can offer support for dry skin, crusty scabs, itchy skin, redness, and inflammation.

Clean Breathing

Help for pet allergies can start in the home. Use an air purifier to reduce indoor allergens. These can help trap particles and create a cleaner breathing environment for your furkiddo. Indoor allergens cause more harm if the pet spends a lot of time indoors. Supplements such as NHV Resp-Aid could offer gentle support to allergy-related respiratory problems such as sneezing and runny nose.

Ditch Artificial Chemicals and Fragrances

Switch to hypoallergenic shampoos when bathing your pet as traditional pet shampoos may contain fragrances or chemicals that can be aggressive to sensitive skin. NHV Coco Furcare is an excellent example of a gentle, herbal option that keeps their fur fresh, supports the skin, and calms itchy areas after a nice, warm bath.

Support Skin Health

Omega-3 supplements can help support healthy skin. These fatty acids, found in supplements like NHV PetOmega 3, are known to support skin health, reduce inflammation, and help support the immune system. This can make a real difference in how your furkiddo responds to allergens.

Track Changes

You could track reactions, keep a diary of flare-ups, and take note of any patterns to see what they are that day or if there were changes in their environment. These could be useful when visiting your vet and providing more information about your furkiddo’s overall health, particularly when tracking down their feed patterns.

Identifying Allergy Triggers in Pets

Once you identify a trigger, you will learn to avoid it. Even small adjustments can go a long way in preventing a flare-up and help your furkiddo feel more comfortable. Supplemental support could be a great way to ease uncomfortable symptoms. NHV Alge-Ex may help with allergies linked to acute environmental allergens by regulating the histamine response, particularly when your furkiddo has a seasonal allergy. On the other hand, if your furkiddo requires more general support with allergies, such as food or insect reactions, NHV Stimmune may offer a more suitable support and may help restore vitality and balance the immune system.

Finding the proper diet for a sensitive furkiddo can take time and patience, but the results are well worth it. If you are unsure how to start, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet or a vet nutritionist. At NHV, we offer personalized vet nutritional consultations to help you find the proper diet for your sensitive furbaby.

Help for Pet Allergies with NHV

While treating pet allergies can become a long-term commitment and be frustrating at times, a holistic approach that involves both conventional and natural treatments makes a real difference. Combining conventional care, dietary awareness, and natural remedies like NVH Natural Pet Products may help your furkiddo feel more comfortable and help them live a happier, holistic life.

Need help for pet allergies? Reach out to our Pet Experts for personalized recommendations and tips!