In people, symptoms of seasonal allergies typically involve the respiratory tract, such as sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
However, when dogs or cats have allergies, their symptoms often appear as allergic dermatitis, which is characterised by skin irritation or inflammation.
Itching is a common symptom in pets with allergies, which can cause them to scratch excessively or rub themselves against things to relieve the itch. This can lead to inflamed, tender skin, hair loss, open sores, and scabs.
Dogs with allergies can also develop hot spots, which are inflamed, infected areas of skin that can cause bleeding and hair loss.
In addition to skin issues, pets with seasonal allergies often have problems with their ears, which can become itchy, inflamed, and infected with yeast and bacteria.
Symptoms of an ear infection in a pet may include scratching at the ears, aggressive head shaking, hair loss around the ears, a foul odour coming from the ears, and discharge.
The first step in treating pets with allergies is to address their diet.
Excess carbohydrates in the diet will transform into glucose, which may fuel any bacteria forming on the skin.
It's important you pay attention to the quality of food you are giving your dog. Check our article on The Elimination Diet.
It is likely that a high-carb diet is the cause of yeast/bacterial infections running rampant. Infections thrive off sugar, carbs convert into sugar.
Rice, wheat, barley, cereals, potato and other starches are contributing to your dog's infection. Changing the food is a good idea if the quality of the ingredients you are currently feeding is subpar.
The food you should feed is a high-meat, carb-limited one. It's crucial you read the ingredients on the back of everything you give the dog.
Hidden Sugar In Your Pet's Food
It's also important for you to learn about recommended foods by veterinarians:
Why Do Vets Recommend Certain Foods?
Adding omega-3 fatty acids to the diet can also help decrease inflammation throughout the body. Coconut oil is another great supplement for allergic pets.
Since allergies are an immune system response, it is essential to keep pets' immune function optimal. This means avoiding unnecessary vaccines and drugs, especially during an allergic flare-up.
Regularly bathing pets with anti-itch shampoo can also help wash away allergens on their coats and skin, and reduce the amount of allergens they bring into the house.
Foot soaks are a great way to reduce the potential for infected nail beds and inflamed pads. These treatments can provide immediate relief for itchy, irritated skin, and help prevent further complications.