Allergy season is upon us and our four legged friends!  
If your pet gets itchy during the spring, summer, and fall, they are probably reacting to seasonal, environmental allergies.  Typical seasonal allergies can include ragweed, grasses, pollens, molds, and trees.

If your pet has allergies, the skin will become very itchy, scratching excessively.  They might bite or chew at certain areas of the body.  They might rub on furniture or carpet, anything to relieve the terrible itchiness by any means possible. And what about those ears?  The ear canals may be itchy and inflamed.  The ears may become infected with yeast or bacteria. Your pet may also have puffy eyes, red oral tissue, a red chin, and red paws.  All signs to be watchful for in your pets.

Allergic reactions are produced by your pet's immune system. The way their immune system functions is a direct result of both nature (genetics) and nurture (environment).

Either way these allergies can cause distress to your pet and to their people.  What can you do to help?

If you haven't addressed their diet, this is the time!  Move your pet to an anti-inflammatory diet.  Something our Thomas' Tails staff members can help you with. Stay away from foods that worsen inflammation like grains and carbohydrates. Keeping the area in your home where your pet spends the most time as allergen-free as possible and make sure to clean with non-toxic cleaning agents.  Frequent baths to wash away the allergens on the coat and skin.  MAKE sure to use a grain free (OATMEAL FREE) shampoo.  Foot baths are great when coming in from the outdoors.  And avoid UNNECESSARY vaccinations and drugs.

You can also help your pet's immune system with allergy-fighting supplements. Thomas' Tails has some great supplements from Azmira and Herbsmith directly targeting allergies.  And don't forget the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids.  They can help decrease inflammation throughout the body.  The best source for our pet's are krill oil, salmon oil, anchovy and any other fish body oils.  Have you tried coconut oil? Coconut oil helps decrease the production of yeast.  You can use coconut oil topically and internally.  Using a fish body oil with coconut oil before the inflammation flares up can help moderate the inflammatory response.

Yes, allergies are troublesome but getting a head start before they flare up is important!  Let Thomas' Tails staff help you in finding the right diet and supplements for your pet's.