Skin allergies in pets bring along itching, irritation, redness, rashes and several other issues. These allergies can be caused due to environmental factors, food sensitivities, underlying health issues and so on. However, with proper care and management, these skin allergies can be prevented effectively. Through this blog, learn about 5 Ways to Prevent Skin Allergies in Pets. This guide will help you maintain a healthy skin and you can escape the allergies.
1. Feeding habits
It is important to be mindful of what you feed your pet. Processed food like chocolates, bakery items, candies, gums, caffeine, etc generally have very large amounts of sugars, refined wheat flour and many other ingredients that do not contain any kind of nutritional factor and some have toxic compounds in them. They can irritate and cause side effects on the skin of your pet. Also, check out our guide on food items that can be toxic to pets.
2. Internal Health
Having a skin problem can be a possible indicator of an underlying health issue. It can be a major sign of hormonal imbalance, gastrointestinal problems, stress, dietary issues, or insulin resistance. Some other causes can be associated with Autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Reach out to a veterinarian to diagnose the underlying problem. Afterwards, you can add a hair supplement like CanniVin to your pet’s routine in order to provide essential nutrients to the skin and keep it healthy.
3. Human shampoo
One of the biggest pet parenting mistakes is using a human shampoo on the sensitive skin of pets. The skin of humans and pets has different requirements. As human skin is more acidic, using shampoo for humans on pets can disrupt the natural balance of their skin and cause dryness, irritation, or other skin problems. Pets often lick their skin, and ingesting these chemicals can severely harm them. To prevent any problems, use a pet shampoo like Shampooch that matches their skin's pH and is free from harmful chemicals.
4. Damp Skin Triggers
Don’t let your pet sit in humid and wet areas for a long time as it will invite tons of skin infections. Humidity and wetness create an ideal place for bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Wet fur can lead to matting and tangling, which can trap moisture and lead to skin irritation and infections. Prolonged exposure can also weaken the skin's natural barrier, losing the capability to protect against harmful bacteria. Thus, make sure to keep them dry, especially after baths. Also, wipe your pet’s chin after they consume water.
5. Allergens
The source of allergy can be food, environment, irritants and more. You must identify the allergen in order to keep your pet protected. Food allergies can include lactose intolerance, gluten, sweets, preservatives and other harmful foods to dogs. Environmental allergies can be seasonal, due to room fresheners or strong perfumes that irritate the skin of pets.
Preventing skin allergies in pets requires a healthy diet, regular grooming, avoiding allergens, keeping the skin dry and prompt addressal of the issue. By understanding the causes of allergies and taking proactive measures, you can keep your pet safe. If your pet is showing signs such as excessive itching, hair loss, or hot spots, reach out to your veterinarian for the diagnosis and treatment.
