Dogs are a man’s best friend, and you can feel really anxious if your dog starts having an allergic reaction that makes it uncomfortable. Some of the most common signs of dog allergies are itching, scratching, and chewing. What causes dog allergies? Skin allergies or allergic dermatitis are the most common type of allergies developed by dogs. The prime causes of dog allergies include: Bacterial infections Certain foods which trigger allergic reactions Exposure to various environmental allergens Dog allergies and their natural remedies If your dog is developing any allergic reaction, your vet should be the first person you should reach out to. Besides, there are various natural remedies available for some common dog allergies. These natural remedies are readily available at your home and can relieve your dog from various allergies. Below is a list of dog allergies and their natural remedies for your reference. These natural remedies are very helpful in the treatment of different dog allergies such as dry skin or stomach upset. Vitamin E oil Vitamin E oil is full of antioxidants. Antioxidants primarily fight aging. They work towards the prevention of free radical damage. Free radical damage is the main cause of ageing. Application of vitamin E oil can protect your dog from UV radiation. Thus, it ensures moisturization of their skin and helps in the prevention of conditions like dry skin. Electrolyte-replacing liquids for diarrhea Flavorless electrolyte-replacing liquids help dogs too. During diarrhea, like humans, dogs too lose liquids. In such cases, the electrolyte replacing proves to be helpful among helpful in keeping their liquid level intact. Yogurt Both plain and sweetened yogurt is very healthy for your dog. The probiotics in yogurt help your dog to retain the good bacteria and have a strong intestine. Oatmeal If your dog has developed any symptoms of itchy skin, chickenpox or any such conditions, an oatmeal bath can be very soothing.

You must have tried special shampoos, altered grooming routine and also tried medications; but your dog has not stopped itching, scratching or biting fur. But have you considered working on your pet’s diet? Similar to humans, dogs too have food allergies. Dogs can experience severe itching, irritation, swollen face, among others due to food allergies. There is no age bar in dogs for developing food allergies. Symptoms of dog food allergies Your dog may have developed food allergies if you notice the below symptoms. Itchy skin Allergic dermatitis or itchy skin is one of the common outcomes of dog food allergies. The irritation of itchy skin can occur in various parts of the dog’s body such as ears, paws, rear end and stomach. Hives Hives are primarily itchy red bumps. These are also known as urticaria. Hives may surface within 6 to 24 hours if your dog consumes any food which he or she is allergic to. If the hair or fur of your dog is short, they are easily visible. Stomach trouble Gastrointestinal issues such as gas, vomiting, and diarrhea are also the outcomes of dog food allergies. Swollen face Dog food allergies can lead to swelling of lips, eyelids, or ear flaps. Paw infections Sometimes your dog may have repeated infections in his or her paws or ears. These are the result of certain sensitivity towards certain food ingredients. What are the common allergens? Every dog owner should understand the difference between food sensitivity and food allergies. The prime difference is food allergy triggers an immediate immune system response. But the reaction of food sensitivity is gradual. Most of the common allergens which trigger food allergies in dogs include chicken, beef and dairy products. On the other hand, corn, wheat, rice, barley and oats are some of the less common allergens.

Dogs and cats can be easily allergic to a range of foods that go undiscovered until they show the symptoms. Sometimes, the causative agent for such allergies remain undetected and thereby the owner has to put the fur-babies on food allergy tests so that they are able to avoid such foods in the long run. Where this is one of the wisest methods to discover what our dogs and cats are allergic to, it is possible to avoid them directly. By knowing the top food allergies in dogs and cats, we can directly prevent the most common causative agents from causing any unnecessary pain to them. What are the symptoms of food allergies in dogs and cats? The top food allergies in dogs and cats seem to have almost similar symptoms, which makes it easy to recognize and understand. They are Redness or patchiness Itchy skin, paws, ears Excessive sneezing Rashes Bad odor Skin texture to leathery Redness of eyes Visible infection in ears Excessive fur loss Scaly skin or exaggerated oiliness Eye discharge Visible fungal or bacterial infection Vomiting Symptoms of diarrhea These are just common symptoms and might vary from breed to breed. The top foods that cause allergies in dogs and cats The foods mentioned herein are known to cause allergic reactions in cats and dogs, so be wary of what you feed them and help them live a healthy life. Eggs Most dogs are known to show allergic reactions to eggs. Eggs are known to cause one of the top food allergies in dogs and cats because of the protein present in them. Owners of specific breeds are known to directly avoid eggs and are advised to read packaged treats for no egg content in them. Wheat More common than often, wheat causes one of the top food allergies in dogs and cats.

Our pets can mean the world to us. With cats being among them and one of the most adored creatures, these furry loved ones deserve great care on our behalf. When it comes to choosing the right foods and healthy diet options for cats, it is essential to choose one that comprises an adequate amount of nutrition with the right protein and healthy fat levels. However, choosing the right one considering the plethora of options available in the market can be a daunting task. In the following, some of the popular food treats for cats and also some healthy diet options have been listed to help you make an informed choice. The price of the product does not always determine the quality of the food. Always read through the ingredients and make sure it meets all essential nutritional values for your pets. Look for high-grade animal and edible proteins, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and carbohydrates which would all make a portion of wholesome food with natural ingredients. Some of the popular food treats with these benefits include the following: Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Canned Food This product is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that can help in developing and strengthening muscles. It is a wet food with a grain-free chicken recipe. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food It is a dry variety of grain-free cat food that is made of real meat with digestible resources such as fruits and vegetables that help in easy digestion. Weruva Your cat will love this tasty wet food which is made of natural animal proteins with no added preservatives or artificial coloring. Purina Beyond® Indoor Grain-Free Food A tasty meal for your cat prepared from fresh salmon and chicken is a thickened source of protein and other essential supplements. If packaged food might seem to be expensive at times, cat owners can resort to delicious cat food recipes that they can make from the items available in their pantry.

When it comes to dog food, one size does not fit all as different canine breeds have varying needs. Also, due to growing concerns about the use of synthetic and artificial food additives in commercially available pet food, more people are switching to organic and all-natural variants among the hundreds of options available. Here we bring you the top brands that manufacture the best organic pet food for dogs. Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Natural Balance is grain-free pet food that also has no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. One of the popular formulas is made with high-quality duck protein and carbohydrate-rich potatoes and features in the Limited Ingredient Diet® series. It is one of the best dog food options for pets suffering from food allergies or acute sensitivities as most are triggered by an improper food source. Popular formulas include Chicken & Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato & Venison, and Sweet potato & Fish. Of the few organic options, Natural Balance is not the most economical one but is well worth the premium. Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix ®  Adult Dog Food To keep their energy up throughout the day, adult dogs need a wholesome meal, full of nutrition and great taste. Created by Castor & Pollux, Natural Ultramix® is premium adult dog food (dry variant) completely free of corn, soy, and wheat. Made with chicken and farm-grown vegetables, along with other poultry and fish-based protein sources, the food mix also boasts essential nutrients for healthy growth. The formula helps maintain a shiny thick coat and supplements healthy bone and teeth growth. Blue Buffalo Co. Blue Buffalo Co. ensures a healthy and holistic approach to manufacturing pet food using natural ingredients with just the right balance of organic supplements. The formula excludes any artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives, wheat, soy, and corn.

Aspects to consider while selecting the best dog food Before grabbing any bag of kibble that you came across online, it’s important that understand your pet’s food requirements. Your dog’s health and development are directly proportional to the quality of nutrients in the food they intake. Dry or wet? High-fiber or protein-rich? Meat-based or vegetarian? Raw or cooked? Packaged or fresh? All of these questions will be answered herein. Think about your dog Selecting the best food for your dog can be confusing, challenging, and costly. While all dogs have similar basic needs, not every one of them can be met with the same type of food. Canines have individual needs based on their health, age, and breed. Of course, bigger breeds have different nutritional needs compared to those of smaller ones. Not to mention the dogs and puppies with special dietary needs. Also, your dog’s lifestyle and weight also play an important role in the selection process. For instance, a hyperactive husky will have different nutritional needs than a nursing one or from a chihuahua that mostly lazes it out on the couch. The number of meals and treats, similarly, would also depend on their weight and allergies. There is a chance that you might end up with prescription dog food if your pet has allergies.  Check the ingredients You must remember to check out the ingredient list for the products it contains. While the list does not specify the amount or quality of ingredients used, it comes handy when your dog has special dietary needs. It is also very useful for owners who want to feed their pets with the best dog food and are specific regarding the sources of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber. Dogs aren’t strictly carnivores, but their diet does consist mainly of meat. The mixture of grains, vegetables, meat, and other food sources might not seem appealing to us but dry kibble and wet canned food are nutrient-rich and meet the requirements.

Due to the sheer number of choices and availability of brands selling wet, dry, and hypoallergenic cat foods, it can become challenging to pick the one that satisfies your furry feline’s taste buds. If your pet suffers from food allergies, you must be extra cautious in picking out these foods and treats. Luckily, we have scoured the Internet to narrow down the top three picks in cat food for allergies to get you started for now.  Best cat food for skin allergies Common signs of a developing skin allergy include pimples, spots, red patches, scabs, crustation, flaking, hair loss, and foul skin odor. Hill’s Prescription Diet features a special mix of limited ingredients that are nutritious and feature a single novel source of protein. The cat food formula also includes antioxidants that help your furry buddies develop a strong immunity. This helps them prevent future skin allergies. Hill’s Prescription Diet dry cat food is suitable for all breeds and sizes. You can order the smaller 3.5-pound pack for $35.99 or go for the 8.5-pound pack costing $71.99, available on Amazon. Best cat food for picky eaters Your pets can be picky eaters, so it makes it difficult to find the right cat food for allergies. For this purpose, the folks at Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet cat food bring you unique rabbit, salmon, and turkey flavors. This grain-free dry food is suitable for all breeds and does not contain any dairy, poultry (except turkey), red meats, vegetables, and preservatives. The formula features freeze-dried raw ingredients that cats love to nibble on coated over the dry nuggets. All three flavors are available in 4.5lb, 5lb, 10lb, and 11lb bags on major online outlets. Prices will vary depending on the size and ingredients used.  Best pick in wet food Since there is minimal use of ingredients in most special prescription diets, some brands enhance the flavor using wet ingredients.

Like humans, even dogs are prone to allergies. These allergies can manifest through various symptoms, one of the most common being skin inflammation or itchiness in different body parts. Itchiness can also develop due to environmental factors, which can lead to frequent trips to the vet. This article discusses how you can relieve itchy skin in dogs using natural methods. We’ve also listed a couple of medications for the same. Oatmeal An oatmeal bath is one of the best dog itchy skin relief methods. The bath washes away the allergens trapped in your pet’s fur, thus reducing inflammation and itching. In addition, it locks in moisture and prevents skin dryness. You can either buy colloidal oatmeal or make some at home. Just grind the oats and mix them in warm water to prepare the bath. Alternatively, you can make an oatmeal paste and apply it to your dog’s coat. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar makes for the perfect salad dressing. But, what many don’t know is that the vinegar’s antibacterial and antifungal properties can also help relieve itchy skin in dogs. Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and spray it onto your dog’s coat. Diluting is crucial as apple cider vinegar can do more harm to your pooch than good when used in its natural form. Aloe vera Another excellent remedy for your dog’s itchy skin is aloe vera. It has tons of medicinal properties and can help reduce inflammation, redness, and itching if used correctly. You can apply aloe vera directly to your pup’s skin, but it’s best to check with the veterinarian first. Also, try to use organic aloe gel. Store-bought varieties may contain alcohol that can burn the skin and worsen itching. Coconut oil Coconut oil is an excellent dog itchy skin relief ingredient.

While your furry pooch loves the outdoors and rolls around on the grass, pests like fleas and ticks latch on to their fur and start breeding. Sadly, these pests can be extremely harmful to your dog. A tick or flea infestation can cause severe problems to your pet, which is why keeping their fur and the environment clean is essential. Here are a few remedies to get rid of ticks and fleas naturally. Apple cider vinegar  Apple cider vinegar acts as a natural repellent for fleas. What’s better is that this remedy is completely natural and pet-friendly, so you can either feed ACV to your dog or use it as a spray.  To make a spray, take a clean spray bottle and fill the bottle up with half parts ACV and half parts water. Then, mix it well and use it as a spray on your dog and the environment around them.  Just make sure that you do not spray the mixture on any wounds or scabs, as it may cause a burning sensation. Lemon spray  The lemon spray is another remedy that seems to work against fleas and ticks. Cut a couple of slices of lemon and add them to a pot of water. Let the water boil so that the lemon infuses the water, and leave that be overnight. Then, take a clean, empty spray bottle and pour the lemon water mixture into it. Use this spray around the house and on your dog regularly. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) This is an effective remedy against fleas and ticks. Diatomaceous Earth is nothing but fossilized remains of tiny organisms. The presence of silica in DE helps dry out fleas. All you have to do is sprinkle this around the house where you think there is any flea manifestation. After some time, you can clean up the area by vacuuming or sweeping the floor.