If you have seasonal allergies, you instantly know that the change from summer to fall or winter to spring can bring with it some uncomfortable symptoms. Your pets might know the feeling, too, as cats and dogs may also have allergies, although the signs are often different. As you strive to keep them happy and healthy this season and all year long, turn to Tractor Supply for a wide range of dog and cat health and wellness products, including those that can assist with pet allergies.
What Are the Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Cats and Dogs?
For people (and pets) with seasonal allergies, substances called allergens trigger an immune system response that might not affect others. Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds are some of the most common allergens, and these might be more prevalent at certain times of the year. Various other allergens can cause different symptoms depending on the climate, plant life and environmental conditions of your region.
You might notice your symptoms fade as seasons change, but in dogs and cats, allergies can persist all year round, even if they begin as a seasonal issue. Symptoms of cat and dog allergies are similar, including:
- Itchy skin
- Excessive scratching or shedding with possible bald spots
- Chewing and biting at their bodies
- Hot spots (moist areas of skin with redness and hair loss)
- Recurring skin and ear infections
- Scabs or crusty patches of skin (especially under the chin in cats)
- Twitchy skin in cats
- Bumpy areas of skin with red/pink color in cats
Sometimes, symptoms that seem to indicate allergies are related to other conditions, such as bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders or parasites (fleas and ticks). It’s hard to be sure, so take your furry friend to the veterinarian for a complete examination and the necessary testing to determine the cause. If the vet thinks your pet has seasonal allergies, they can recommend treatment or at-home solutions to help relieve symptoms.
Relieving Pets of Seasonal Allergies
Seeing companions itch constantly and have sore spots on their bodies is the opposite of what pet parents want, but you have access to solutions to help relieve their discomfort. When you find out your dog or cat has allergies, the first step is to limit their exposure by keeping them inside as often as possible and closing the windows until symptoms fade.
Oftentimes, pets with allergies will need prescription medications from the vet to manage allergies. Treatments may include oral or topical treatments and allergy shots, and acupuncture can also help in some cases. Vets might recommend over-the-counter antihistamines, but always check with them before giving your pet these OTC medications, as they’re primarily created to relieve allergy symptoms in people. Rarely will antihistamines be enough to ease allergies on their own – they’re often administered alongside other solutions.
You don’t have to wait to take them to the vet for meds or shots to help them overcome seasonal allergies, as many products aid in providing relief and supporting overall wellness.
Dog Allergy Treatments
They bring you so much joy with their wagging tails and cuddles, but when allergies affect them, your dog might not act like themselves. Help your canine pals beat the symptoms and get back to being themselves with:
Dog Allergy Supplements
Find dog allergy and immune system supplements formulated for allergy relief or those that contain properties to relieve uncomfortable symptoms. For example, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and provide an added layer of protection to the skin. Fish oil might not be suitable for some dogs, and you want to ensure they consume a safe amount, so always consult the vet about how much fish oil is safe for your pup. Dog vitamins for allergy relief offer an alternative that you can sneak into their meals.
Dog Allergy Relief Shampoos and Conditioners
Bathing them once or twice or week with dog shampoo and conditioner formulated for allergy relief can help remove allergens stuck in their coats. Lather them up for five to 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly, making sure to use warm but not hot water, which might dry out the skin and cause more itching.
Dog Hot Spot and Itch Relief
Veterinarians might prescribe hot spot ointment, but you can also find dog hot spot and itch relief over the counter to help relieve inflammation and pain. Formulas designed for allergy relief are ideal, but you can find others that support skin and coat health. Hot spot treatment may come in liquid, sprays and more for your pup’s comfort.
Allergy Relief Dog Food
You can help alleviate symptoms by incorporating dog food with key health features into their everyday diets, such as:
- Allergy relief: With options for dry dog food and dog food toppers, these tasty formulas help them overcome symptoms.
- Probiotics: A dog’s largest immune system is found in their gut and can have an impact on gastrointestinal health. Probiotics help reduce inflammation and restore balance to the gut immune system. Choose dry or wet dog food formulated with probiotics based on their preferences and needs.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: If they won’t eat supplements, wet and dry dog food with omega-3 fatty acids, plus dog food toppers, may help support allergy relief and overall wellness.
You don’t want to trigger a food allergy that you’re aware of by switching their diets, so always refer to the ingredients listed on the package. If you’re unsure, consult the vet about formulas with allergy relief that your canine can stomach. If they have any reaction to new food, it’s possible they have a food allergy, so reach out to the vet and ask about testing.
Cat Allergy Treatments
Kitties love to lounge and chase toys around the house, but when seasonal allergies hit, their lovable mischief might come to a halt. We carry the allergy relief products your feline friend needs to return to slinking around and resting peacefully all day. In addition to cat shampoo for skin concerns, you can consider:
Cat Allergy Supplements
Cat allergy and immune system supplements offer allergy relief and can contain elements that help relieve their symptoms, such as those with omega-3 fatty acids or probiotics.
Omega-3 fatty acids, or fish oil supplements, can reduce inflammation due to skin allergies in some felines, plus strengthen skin cells for protection against allergens. As with dogs, some cats aren’t indicated for fish oil, so check with their vet first.
Probiotic supplements target a cat’s largest immune system – the GALT in the gut. When their immune system overacts, intestinal inflammation and bacteria in the gut can trigger allergies, so probiotics may help alleviate this discomfort.
Allergy Relief Cat Food
Kitties might be resistant to vitamins and supplements but always enjoy chowing down on their meals. Cat food formulated for allergy relief offers a convenient way to help relieve symptoms in finicky felines, whether they like wet or dry food. Just be sure to refer to the ingredients listed on the package to avoid reactions if they have any food allergies.
Other cat food is packed with nutrients that can enhance allergy relief, such as:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Let them benefit from the health properties of fish oil with dry and wet cat food with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Probiotics: Give their gut immune system a boost with wet and dry cat food featuring probiotics.
As you ease your kitty into the new diet, note any changes or reactions to the food. Report any abnormal responses to the vet; your cat might have a food allergy to certain ingredients, so some food designed for allergy relief might create more symptoms than it alleviates. The vet can point you toward formulas that could be better based on your cat’s specific health concerns.
Cat Hot Spot and Itch Relief
Cat hot spot and itch relief is available for your feline pals, too. If your cat is excessively scratching, licking or chewing an area of their skin, hot spots can develop due to the irritation. However, cat hot spots can also indicate other causes, like fleas or infections, so be sure to see the vet if your furry friend is having any issues.
Find Relief for Pet Allergies at Tractor Supply
As the seasons change and your furry companions develop allergies, stay prepared with products to help alleviate their symptoms. To shop the wide range of allergy relief products we offer, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.