Combating sensitivities and allergies in dogs and cats

So what do you do when your pet usually tolerates their current food well but has occasional irregularity? There are a couple simple things you can add to their food to help with that. Adding some pumpkin or sweet potato will help settle their stomach and get their digestive system back on track. Or if they do not like either of those ingredients, add a little bit of plain probiotic yogurt to replenish the good bacteria in the gut that aid digestion.Once the common allergens are identified and removed, look for a food that includes high-quality and limited ingredients. An extremely long ingredients list could be an indication that undesired ingredients are involved. Fruits and vegetables should be listed after the protein source on the label as well. Fresh and wholesome ingredients are the keys to excellent health and should be included in the commercial pet food used. Even adding fresh carrots, green beans, apples, or sweet potato to a commercial product is helpful.Once the problem ingredients are identified it is important to find a new food without those components. If grain is present, it is a good idea to switch to a grain free diet to eliminate that possibility. Also, if the current food contains a common protein source like chicken or beef then look for something that includes an uncommon protein. Some examples include: bison, venison, rabbit, and pheasant. When dogs or cats are given the same food or protein for long periods of time they may become sensitive to it. Switch the protein sources every month or two to add variety and prevent sensitivities from developing.View the list »
When an allergy presents itself, the first thing any pet owner should do is analyze the food they are currently feeding their dog or cat. The ingredients label is the most important thing to look at in these instances. That information will allow you to pick out any common allergens that may be present in their food. Removing those components will help eliminate any discomfort or symptoms they are experiencing. The following ingredients commonly cause sensitivities or allergies to develop: chicken, grain, by-products, chemicals, and preservatives along with many other possibilities.

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Breeding practices and nutritional deficiencies are causing pets to develop allergies and sensitivities to many ingredients in commercial pet foods. These allergies will present themselves as increased itching, skin redness, hair loss, formation of sores or hot spots, discharge from the ears, or digestive upset such as diarrhea or vomiting. If something about their typical behavior changes, it is very important to evaluate their current nutrition plan and make changes where they are necessary.

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Typically, the symptoms listed above can be relieved by changing your dog or cats diet. However, it is very important to be aware of your pets' behavior and take notice if something doesn't seem right because they can't tell you when these problems begin. Catching the presence of allergies early on will help save money in veterinary bills down the road. If a change in their diet does not improve their discomfort after two weeks, there may be a more serious issue present that should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

The following list includes some simple tips and ingredients to be aware of when your pet has an allergy. By applying this information, the symptoms and discomfort will begin to diminish after a few days.

View the list
  • When an allergy presents itself, the first thing any pet owner should do is analyze the food they are currently feeding their dog or cat. The ingredients label is the most important thing to look at in these instances. That information will allow you to pick out any common allergens that may be present in their food. Removing those components will help eliminate any discomfort or symptoms they are experiencing. The following ingredients commonly cause sensitivities or allergies to develop: chicken, grain, by-products, chemicals, and preservatives along with many other possibilities.
  • Once the problem ingredients are identified it is important to find a new food without those components. If grain is present, it is a good idea to switch to a grain free diet to eliminate that possibility. Also, if the current food contains a common protein source like chicken or beef then look for something that includes an uncommon protein. Some examples include: bison, venison, rabbit, and pheasant. When dogs or cats are given the same food or protein for long periods of time they may become sensitive to it. Switch the protein sources every month or two to add variety and prevent sensitivities from developing.
  • Once the common allergens are identified and removed, look for a food that includes high-quality and limited ingredients. An extremely long ingredients list could be an indication that undesired ingredients are involved. Fruits and vegetables should be listed after the protein source on the label as well. Fresh and wholesome ingredients are the keys to excellent health and should be included in the commercial pet food used. Even adding fresh carrots, green beans, apples, or sweet potato to a commercial product is helpful.
  • So what do you do when your pet usually tolerates their current food well but has occasional irregularity? There are a couple simple things you can add to their food to help with that. Adding some pumpkin or sweet potato will help settle their stomach and get their digestive system back on track. Or if they do not like either of those ingredients, add a little bit of plain probiotic yogurt to replenish the good bacteria in the gut that aid digestion.
View the list

, Chicago Pet Health Examiner

Kristen Kays graduated from Purdue University in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and minors in Biological Sciences and Spanish. During her time there she took several courses related to animal health and nutrition. Also, she volunteered in a clinical pathobiology...

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