Understanding Pet Allergies
Sadly, allergies are a common problem for many pets, causing both worry and frustration for pet parents. Not easily diagnosed and cured, allergies can be caused by true food allergies, food intolerances/sensitivities, or environmental factors. You see the common symptoms: itchy skin, paw chewing, scratching, chronic ear infections, and digestive issues. While there is no quick fix, we can work together on the solution.
Food allergies are typically caused when the pet’s immune system mistakes food for something bad and foreign that can do their body harm. As a response, the immune system goes on high alert and activates signals that can cause inflammation, leading to symptoms like chewing of paws, feet, and legs. While only about 10% of the pet population has a true food allergy, a much higher percentage suffers from food intolerances/sensitivities. True food allergies can be more serious and typically trigger immune responses in multiple organs, while food intolerances/sensitivities are often localized to just the pet’s stomach and skin.
Food Intolerances / Sensitivities
Food intolerances and sensitivities, while not a true allergy, are quite common and can cause similar issues like inflammation, excess bloating and gas, stomach irritation, itching, and general discomfort. Intolerances are usually caused by specific ingredients (e.g., corn, wheat, low-quality meats, animal by-products, etc.), how the food is processed (high temperatures), food additives, artificial preservatives, and colors. Many of these common sensitivity triggers are caused by mass-produced pet food, which can also exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome.
Pet Wants Food Tips
So, whether your pet suffers from food allergies or food intolerances/sensitivities, at Pet Wants, our natural, high-quality and fresh food is free from common food allergens and sensitivity triggers. Our food is made fresh, to order, and slow cooked in small batches at low temperatures to lock in nutrients. Also, we never use corn, wheat, soy, animal by-products, or artificial preservatives. Also, we only source and use the best ingredients and deliver it fresh, within weeks of being made, at the height of its optimal freshness and nutritional value. As a result, our food is very easy on the pet’s digestive system and they are getting all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals your pet needs. And this is critical. For example, if your pet is eating stale food that is deficient of nutrients, their organs can suffer. And the largest organ, their skin, if deprived of sufficient nutrients can become unhealthy and itchy. Not a case of an allergy, just a case of inferior food. Rest assured, with Pet Wants, we offer only high-quality food, treats, and supplements to ensure pets live the happiest, healthiest, and longest lives possible.
Symptoms of environmental allergies can also be itchy skin that causes them to lick, bite, or chew their paws and scratch their ears and rear. Environmental allergies can be caused by factors such as pollen, grass, dust, and mold. First, identify if the irritating symptoms are affected by the seasons. Very often, if the symptoms get worse in the spring and/or fall, the issues are most likely related to plants as they bloom and release pollen. Too much rain in the Spring can cause mold spores and irritation. Fresh, natural and healthy Pet Wants food can help boost your pet’s health and immune system to fight any environmental triggers. Regular baths, ear cleanings and increasing the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in your pet’s diet (promotes anti-inflammatory immune responses) can help with seasonal allergy issues as well. If the issues are chronic it may be year-round environmental triggers such as dust, or dust mites, which need to be treated continuously.
Always consult with your veterinarian on food allergies or environmental allergies.
How Can Pet Wants Help?
Consult with a Pet Wants Nutrition Specialist for a tailored recommendation on food, treats, and supplements to find potential solutions to these allergic and sensitivity issues. Our Pet Wants Nutrition Specialist will be happy to review your current food ingredients and compare that to our fresh and natural Pet Wants food ingredients.
As always, we want to earn your trust and be your Nutrition Specialists and problem solvers. Please call us with any of your pet’s issues or better yet, let’s arrange for a face-to-face consultation so we can deliver real solutions and relief.
We are not veterinarians or pet medical professionals. We have many years of experience and are well educated in natural nutrition and pet health. We are here to provide you with information and recommendations but the advice from our nutrition specialists or guides are no substitute for proper veterinary care. We offer carefully selected natural products, but firmly believe you should work closely with your vet for any medical conditions or treatments.