With spring and summer pollens in the air and all sorts of insects running about, now is a great time to pay close attention to your pet for signs of allergies. Not only can dogs be allergic to pollen and insects, like humans, but they can also have food allergies. If you see the following happening with your pet, contact your vet for a check up.
SCRATCHING
Extra scratching around their ears, face, or anywhere to excess, is cause for concern. Obviously something, whether it’s fleas or an allergy, is making your pet itch. Consider starting with a nice warm bath with a very mild soap to check for and rid them of any fleas. This will also give you a chance to check for irritated areas on their skin as well. You’ll be able to see if it’s scaly or red and inflamed. This will help you determine if you need to see your vet.
CHEWING AND LICKING
If your dog is chewing and licking their paws to excess, they may have an allergy. Look for hives or excessive redness. When you take them out for walks, try having them wear shoes, or at the very least, clean their paws when they come back inside. If the problem continues, call your vet.
VOMITING/STOMACH ISSUES
If your dog can’t seem to keep its food down, it may have a food allergy. Dogs can, believe it or not, be allergic to almost any source of protein. If you think your dog has an allergy to beef protein, for example, try switching it to fish or chicken. If the problem continues, contact your vet and consider a vegetarian option in the meantime or homemade rice and sweet potatoes.
IN CATS
In cats, the signs of allergies are similar to those for dogs: excessive scratching and red, irritated skin. Cats will also exhibit wheezing, sneezing, and coughing if they have a pollen allergy. Our cat has a pollen allergy and often has a cough during times of high tree pollen.
While it is difficult to give some cats baths, there are wipes that you can use, especially if they’ve been outside around potential allergens, to help remove pollen and dust from their fur. That way they won’t ingest it when they groom and you’ll keep them from chewing on their paws.
Cats can be allergic to proteins like chicken and beef, just as dogs can. They’re sensitive to smells, especially from perfume or essential oils, too. Remember that your cats can groom themselves 30-50% of their waking hours, and when they do, they’re licking everything that has come in contact with their fur: pollen, dust, insect dander, clean product residue, smoke, etc.
If you are considering switching your pet’s food because of allergies, come in and see us! We’ve got a great selection of limited ingredient options for cats and dogs! Find us at 2851 1/2 North Avenue in Grand Junction.