Bite the Itch
We have just arrived in March and it’s feeling like summer already here in Florida. Along with all the colorful flowers and long-awaited beach days, arrive the seasonal allergies that not just you, but also your pet may be dealing with.
Like most good pet parents you don’t enjoy watching your animal suffer after coming inside from a nice run or from rolling around in the backyard. It is highly encouraged for you to schedule time with your veterinarian to have your pet and their symptoms thoroughly examined. However, if medicines seem to be a temporary solution, or if you are looking for alternative or additional ways to help fight seasonal allergies, there are other options available for you.
In addition to personal research and experience, I decided to stop into a local pet store that is highly focused on providing your pet with a quality diet and improving their overall health.
Here’s what I discovered:
1. Food
Just as is it crucial that we ourselves are putting healthy whole foods into our own bodies, we must consider the same for our animals. Unfortunately, many of the dry kibbles and wet foods made available are not filled with the most beneficial ingredients, and sometimes even contain harmful fillers. If we want our pets to combat sickness and allergens, we have to work on their insides.
Ensuring that your pet is getting optimum whole foods themselves can start with buying food that is an LID or Limited Ingredient Food. These LIDs limit the ingredients that break down into sugars, which in turn is also eliminating the potential to fuel a yeast infection. The most important thing is to read what is actually being put into your pet’s food and see if there are certain triggers that may also be causing them to have a reaction of some kind. This may not be the overall solution, but it is only going to help build the immune system of your baby and keep them living so you can love on them longer!
2. Treatment Bath
If your pet is dealing with itchy/scratchy skin, sometimes it can help to wash those factors off of the surface of your pet’s fur. Make sure to use an appropriate shampoo for the specific needs involved. If you are dealing with a yeast infection, please keep in mind that it is likely not best to use products containing grains. Therefor, if you were looking to find a soothing shampoo for yeast buildup, don’t grab the oatmeal one off of the shelf considering oatmeal contains a grain. While this could be of great relief to one animal, it could do a lot of harm to the other.
It is just extremely important to be aware of what you are actually looking to help treat, and how certain things could help or harm them. Do your research and ask for information whether it be when searching at the store or at the vet office.
3. Supplements
Another way to help protect your pets from seasonal and yearly threats is with supplements added to their daily/weekly diet routine. Including Omegas 3 and 6 to their diet can really help to reduce inflammation. Omega 3 can help to promote a shiny coat and give benefits that can help relieve painful symptoms produced by factors within our environment.
Along with skin benefits, Omega 3 can also help to improve the function of the immune system itself. Another supplement recommended and a customer favorite is called “Seasonal Allergy Support” by Vet’s Best. If you are looking for a supplement that could help relieve some discomfort for your animal make sure to check it out. You do need to be aware of however, that it’s important to be consistent with these supplements to see results. Do not expect to see results after a one time or interrupted use.
4. Raw Goat Milk Formula
The most interesting thing I learned while researching additional options was how incredible goat’s milk is! I had personally never heard of the healing properties and serious benefits that this stuff can provide, so I was really excited to be able to share it with you. The ultimate goal is to improve your dog’s, or cat’s, overall immune system right? And, as we discussed the food we feed them really and truly isn’t always fulfilling all of the desired ingredients for an an overall premium and balance diet. So what’s so great about goat’s milk? How about the fact that it truly is “the most complete food known,” according to the Journal of American Medicine. All 12 amino acids are contained in it, giving it a nutritional value that most raw foods provide, but it can be a fraction of the price. Not only is it also filled with probiotics, but it will boost natural antihistamines within the blood to fight off those allergic reactions. Just as other supplements, consistency is key when adding the fermented goat milk to your animal’s (or your) diet. Grab some on their website or at the store like I did. I bet your animals won't be able to resist- mine couldn't!!
Don’t make it difficult on your fur baby or yourself during these seasonal challenges. It certainly isn’t enjoyable seeing them in discomfort, and if we have the opportunity to help improve the situation, make the changes needed for them.
Make sure your pet is getting the nutrients their body craves and that they are receiving those whole foods to boost their immune system. Pay attention to triggers and make sure to confide in your veterinarian. I hope this information helps answer some questions you may have had and gives you some insight.
If you are local to Tampa / Seminole Heights, make sure to stop in to the Health Mutt and ask any questions you might have regarding foods or supplements specific to your pet’s desires/needs. All products discussed are available at Health Mutt and they are extremely helpful and informative!
**Special thanks to Justin with Health Mutt for sharing your wealth of information and input**
