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Just before school ends and we all start thinking about Summer vacation plans, most of us deal with our own allergies and in even worse instances those of our pets. The sneezing, the wheezing, the scratching, the watery eyes it seems like for most of us and our pets are the absolute worst in the Spring. But don’t worry, Summer will soon arrive, that beach is only getting better (yes, and slightly more crowded) and the Summer home is just a few more weeks away while we address some allergies. So, let’s get them addressed! The beach awaits!

As most of us are well aware, allergies will often surface in our pets as skin irritations such as itching, scratching or biting at skin. If you have noticed your dog scratching more during evening TV lately, you are not alone. And in some more serious pet allergy cases these symptoms can lead to large irritated spots on the body or even open wounds. However, allergies do not stop at the skin. They also can manifest in ear infections or through respiratory symptoms like coughing or sneezing.

So to address my pet’s allergies, I should try to begin with my pet’s skin or mouth, right? Well, maybe.

When we commonly think of allergies, many of us do not immediately think of a dog or cat’s gut health or its gastrointestinal system. Afterall it is itchy skin and has nothing to do with my pet’s stomach, right? Remember, much of the immune system is located in the gut by design. A strong and healthy immune system can help address those allergies that can come from contacting, breathing or digesting certain foods.

To strengthen your pet’s gut, consider foods that are high in Omega-3s naturally found in some oils or fish. You may also want to consider prebiotics or probiotics. Prebiotics are carbohydrates that cannot be digested such as fiber to support the bacteria already living in your pet’s digestive system. Probiotics are living microbes that ensure proper immune responses by strengthening the gut barrier within the digestive tract. Look for Omega-3s, prebiotics and probiotics to ensure your pet’s gut is at its maximum and can address its allergies properly.

Avoiding and Addressing Allergies, Some Pet Allergy Relief

• Take a look at the environment your pet is living in. If your pet is often exposed to common pests such as fleas, try to rid them through natural means (i.e. cleaning, getting rid of old beds and blankets, changing air filters) or through pesticides.
• Look for ways to strengthen your pet’s immune system through diet, nutritional supplements and foods high in Omega-3s, prebiotics and probiotics.
• Be aware of reactions to certain foods such as certain proteins, dairy products or eggs and try to avoid them as much as possible.
• For those pesky allergens that come and go in the air with seasonal change like pollen, certain grasses or mold you may consider wiping your dog or cat off with a moist towel when they are exposed to them outside before coming inside.

Don’t let your pet’s allergies ruin your Spring and Summer. Activa Custom wants you to enjoy your time this Summer with some allergy treatment. Consider Activa Custom’s Oceanfish & Salmon protein rich in EPA and DHA (Omega-3s) Grain Free, No Corn and Original lines such as Grain Free No Potato Oceanfish & Salmon or Original Oceanfish & Salmon. Don’t forget to add Salmon Oil and Allergy Nutritional Supplement to your Activa Custom to increase your foods EPA, DHA and palatability. And if you are uncertain where or how to get probiotics, consider these Nutritional Supplements in your Activa Custom Adult, Calming or Digestion.