Allergies in Dogs and Cats – They Suffer Too!
If you Google “pet allergies” the entire coveted first page of results is dedicated to humans’ allergies to dogs and cats. But! Our beloved furry best friends can suffer from their own allergic reactions – to the environment, foods, and more.
That’s right. Contrary to what Google would have you believe, many of us searching up “pet allergies” are actually trying to figure out how to give relief to our animal companions suffering from allergies – rather than how to find relief from them! Allergies in dogs and cats are a real thing. Fortunately, there are ways to help them beat the sniff and scratch season.
If you’re reading this, you’ll know that from itchy skin to digestive issues, allergies can significantly impact your fur kid’s quality of life. But did you know that there are three key areas you can focus on which can both significantly improve their overall well-being and offer relief from any potential allergic woes? Let’s explore.
1. Digestive Health: The Foundation for Allergen Management
The issue: A healthy digestive system is essential for managing allergies in companion animals. When the gut is compromised, it can lead to leaky gut syndrome. This allows allergens to enter the bloodstream and trigger immune responses.
The solution: ThorneVet’s Gut Health Formula is specifically formulated to support gut integrity and reduce inflammation, featuring probiotics, prebiotics, and soothing herbs to maintain a balanced gut environment. By promoting digestive health with the right supplemental support, we can minimize allergic reactions and improve overall wellness.
2. Skin Health: Strengthening the Barrier
The issue: The skin is the body’s first line of defense against allergens. It makes sense, then, that dogs and cats with compromised skin barriers are more susceptible to allergic reactions.
The solution: Collagen plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin, being essential for skin elasticity, wound healing, and overall skin integrity. By supplementing with collagen peptides, such as those provided by ThorneVet’s CollagenVET, we can support our furry friends’ skin barrier function, which promotes healthy hair and coat and reduces the risk of allergen penetration.
3. Immune System Support: Balancing the Response
The issue: You don’t have to be a medical professional to know that a compromised immune system translates to compromised health – in all areas! This is also true of allergic reactions in dogs and cats, whatever the cause. In other words, a well-balanced immune system is vital for managing allergies.
The solution: By providing essential nutrients, we can help regulate the immune response and reduce hypersensitivity to common allergens. Whether it’s pollen, dust mites, or certain foods, a robust immune system ensures better tolerance and fewer allergic symptoms. ThorneVet’s Immune Support Formula contains a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals all designed to enhance immune function.
Addressing allergies in dogs and cats requires a holistic approach. By focusing on overall health to start, and zoning in on gut health, skin integrity, and immune support specifically, we can give our furry friends the allergy relief they deserve.
Dr. Keith Weingardt is a 1999 graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed acupuncture certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2004 and certification in herbal medicine at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in 2006. He has started successful integrative veterinary practices in San Diego, CA and Portland, OR. He is a dedicated herbalist and enjoys working with the plants of the Pacific Northwest. Currently, he works as a consultant for ThorneVet, specializing in product development and continuing education.