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Archived Issues

Does your pet seem to be obessively scratching? It might be more serious than you think.

Pets often scratch themselves continuously when they have allergies. Many people do not realize that their pets have allergies, because they don't show them in the same way that us humans do. However, almost every mammal (hamster, dog, cat...) can have allergies.There are four types of allergies: flea, food, atopic and contact. Flea allergies are caused when the flea bites the animal and leaves saliva on the skin. The best way to prevent this? You got it! Using a flea spray or topical ointment such as Frontline® to prevent fleas from adhering to the fur.

Atopic (also know as inhalant) allergies are the types us humans are most a custom to. These are caused from particles in the air such as pollens, dust, mold, and even smoke. Even if your pet is strictly indoors, atopic allergies can be very hard to prevent since air comes and goes freely.

Food allergies are probably the easiest to remedy by feeding a strict diet. Cats can often be allergic to fish, milk, beef, and eggs. While dogs are often allergic to beef, soy, chicken, milk, corn, wheat, and eggs. In severe cases of food allergies the animal may vomit or have diarrhea.The last type of allergy is caused by the allergen coming in contact with the animal. Some of these allergens include grass, wool, newsprint, plants, and plastics. Normally the best treatment for this is to limit the amount of contact your pet has with the allergen...but that can be easier said than done.

To determine if your pet's scratching is the result of an allergy, talk to your veterinarian. There are several ways vets determine if your pet has allergies.

Since there is no cure, to help with the irritation for all types of allergies there are many over-the-counter, topical ointments that can help relieve the itching and scratching associated with them. In some cases oral Benadryl could be given. Another form of relief can come from immunotherapy injections (very similar to those humans take), which can be prescribed by a veterinarian.

ALWAYS consult with your veterinarian before trying any treatment.

Taste of the Wild dog and cat food
All products are grain free - no corn, soy or by products. They also offer digestive system support.
Found at Pet Warehouse, All About Dogs and Cats, All Pet Supplies and Equine Center and online.

Zukes (Mini Naturals) dog treats
Mini Naturals are wheat, corn and soy-free and contain only 2 calories per treat.
Found at Mamma Jeans, Natural Goodness for Pets, All About Dogs and Cats and online.

Zukes (Natural Purrz) cat treats
Natural Purrz are wheat, corn and soy-free and contain only 2 calories per treat.
Found at Mamma Jeans, Natural Goodness for Pets, All About Dogs and Cats and online.

EVO ferret food
Ferret formula is grain-free, high in protein and uses fruites and vegetables to support a healthy diet.
Found at All About Dogs and Cats, Natural Goodness for Pets and online.

Natures Variety (Instinct) dog and cat food
All Instincts are grain-free and made will real meat or single-source protein.
Found at All About Dogs and Cats and online.

Beneful (Healthy Harvest) dog food
Healthy Harvest is chicken-free.
Found at Mamma Jeans, Petsmart, Wal-Mart and online.

Primal (frozen raw) dog and cat food
Frozen raw diets are egg-free.
Only available online.

Premier Woolf dog treats
Premier Woolf dog treats are wheat and egg-free.
Found at Mamma Jeans and online.

Have health or nutrition questions? Email us and it might be answered in an upcoming issue!