It’s that time of the year! Seasonal allergies can make life difficult for you and your pet. To help you, we have answer to some of the frequently asked questions.
Q: How can I know for sure if my pet suffers from allergies?
A: If you suspect that your pet has an allergy, ask your veterinarian to do a simple blood test. This test can alert you to both environmental and food allergies your pet may have. Once you have the results, make a copy and keep it in your purse or wallet. If your pet has a variety of allergies, it is best to have the list on hand whenever you go shopping for pet food.
Q: What should I do if my pet has an allergic reaction to food?
A: Many large pet food brands have come up with special allergy formulas to reduce the signs of environmental allergies by disrupting the internal allergy response. Ask your veterinarian for the best brand of food for your cat or dog.
In the case of a food allergy, it is a little easier to manage than with other allergens. It will mean that you have to read the labels of pet food and treats. If your dog is allergic to grains, take a look at canned dog food, where you’re more likely to find 100% meat formulas or meat and veggie mixtures that your dog can tolerate.
Where possible, make your pet’s treats yourself. For instance, for dogs allergic to grains, some all-meat canned dog food can be sliced and baked in the oven for crispy homemade dog cookies.
Would you also like to know the answers to What is anaphylaxis, and is it life-threatening? or Why does my cat suffer from allergies in spring? Get the September/October 2023 edition of Animaltalk magazine from retailers now or order a digital or printed copy from www.coolmags.co.za.
