The best place to start when your dog or cat is itching, sneezing, or coughing is to identify the trigger and eliminate it, along with a change in diet to a hypoallergenic food with allergy specific supplements.
Common allergy triggers include reactions to food, pesticides, such as flea and tick prescription drugs, chemical lawn treatments, and environmental allergies: pollens and grasses.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are often protein based. Beef and chicken are the main culprits, along with cheap ingredients used for fillers; soy, wheat, and corn. “Meat or poultry which is sourced from factory farms where the animal is mistreated, fed an inferior diet, and live in poor conditions, all of which compromise the quality of the proteins. This may set the stage for allergy provoking activity. “Earth Animal’s Wisdom Dog Foods are made in our own SQF Certified plant in Maryland where we control the ingredients, which are GAP (Global Animal Partnership) certified says Dr Bob.
Protein sensitivities may be addressed by feeding non-reactive proteins. Earth Animal offers Wisdom From the Sea (Fish based) and Wisdom From the Seed (Plant-based) formulas. Recent studies have shown that dogs can thrive on a plant-based diet and by feeding plants, allergy flares can be resolved.
Earth Animal’s Wisdom Air-Dried From the Sea is a limited source protein dog food beneficial for allergies. Wisdom From the Sea is completely balanced, low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids. Our first ingredient is catfish, sourced from the Chesapeake Bay. Most dogs do not have allergies to fish. Catfish is an invasive species in the Bay, therefore this is a sustainable purchase for those of us inclined.
Earth Animal’s Wisdom Air-Dried From the Seed is our award-winning new plant-based dog food. Wisdom From the Seed is completely balanced, containing all the essential protein and amino acids required by dogs. Our key ingredients are lentil, potato protein, and quinoa. This is the go-to food for dogs with allergies and GI issues. We have been receiving very positive responses from pet parents who are feeding Wisdom From the Seed to their dogs with skin allergies and protein sensitivity. From The Seed is a feel good purchase. Besides the nutritional benefits, it supports animal welfare and helps reduce the carbon imprint.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Alternatives to prescription drugs for flea and tick prevention are entrenched in Earth Animal product DNA. We were the first to pioneer a safe approach by offering herbs as an alternative.
Since 1979, Dr. Bob’s Nature’s Protection Flea and Tick solutions, consisting of herbal internal powder, herbal drops and our herbal flea and tick collars have been available to pet parents US wide. We have played a role in the lives of thousands of dogs and cats by helping families switch to natural safe herbs. It has been rewarding says Dr Bob and Susan.
Common allergic reactions to other flea and tick products are itching, skin rashes, and hot spots. Supplements to treat allergies are very beneficial. Condition specific vitamins will help to reduce symptoms and to address the allergy provided the trigger is eliminated.
In our opinion, traditional flea and tick products do not offer the same positive benefits as our Nature’s Protection Flea and Tick products. The herbs used in Earth Animal’s flea and tick dog collar along with our Skin Defense Chew have been studied and found to repel seasonal pests, support your pet’s overall skin health and have been known not to cause side effects.
Herbal Remedies
Earth Animal’s Liquid Herbal Remedies, formulated by Dr. Bob, have two tinctures in this line of products that have been used for over 30 years to relieve both skin allergies and upper respiratory issues. Earth Animal Allergy & Skin and Earth Animal Cough, Wheeze, & Sneeze.
EA’s Allergy & Skin formula is an organic herbal blend that helps reduce inflammation in the skin due to both seasonal allergies. It also helps to maintain healthy skin and coat. The active ingredients in our Allergy & Skin are a proprietary blend of organic wild crafted extracts of nettles, red clover, chamomile, and calendula.
EA’s Cough, Wheeze, & Sneeze is an organic herbal blend that supports respiratory function and health. It helps reduce inflammation that causes goopy eyes, runny noses and hacking coughs. Our active ingredients contain a proprietary blend of organic herbal extracts of Mullein, Coltsfoot, Echinacea, and Lobelia. “It is extremely beneficial for cats and certain breeds with anatomical predisposition such as brachycephalic dogs”, says Dr. Bob.
Often times, especially when allergies are acute or chronic, there is an emotional component. Dr. Bob and Susan Goldstein, founders and creators of Earth Animal products, suggest treating your dog and cats’ emotions with flower essences to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety brought on by the allergen. We recommend Bach’s Rescue Remedy, available at most local holistic Pet Stores or directly from Bach at Bach RESCUE Remedy Pet | Natural Stress Relief | Non Drowsy.
The Goldsteins recommend Earth Animals Calmness to address emotional stresses. Calmness is a relieving organic herbal blend that supports balanced behavior, promoting a calming effect and helps to manage stress caused by allergic response. The active ingredients include a proprietary blend of organic herbal extracts Chamomile, Valerian, Passion flower, and Lemon Balm.
Vitamin supplementation can nutrient feed the immune system and skin effected by allergies. Earth Animal Skin Defense Chew helps to promote allergy relief by supporting the skins defense against seasonal allergies or flea bite dermatitis. Skin Defense Chews contain proprietary Uptake Technology, a natural delivery system that improves absorption of ingredients. Active ingredients include DL- Methionine, Sea Buckthorn, Nettles, Quercetin, and Andrographis. For those of you not familiar with Andrographis, which is a rather esoteric ingredient, Andrographis has been proven to be a natural boost to the immune response and aid in healthy liver function, especially beneficial if your dog or cat that has been exposed to harsh chemicals or chronic use of medications.
Dogs and cats suffering from allergies often need topical support, along with nutrition, herbal remedies, and supplements.
Earth Animal’s Herbal Skin Relief Balm was formulated by Dr. Bob and our master herbalist and made in Vermont. It contains a proprietary blend of organic herbal extracts that help soothe and calm irritated skin. Skin Relief assists in healing hot spots, dry or cracked paws, rashes, bug bites, and any skin sores produced from allergies. Its ingredients are organically grown wild crafted herbs, Plantain, Calendula, Chickweed, Hypericum, Lavender, and Vitamin E Oil.
To find out more about these and all our Earth Animal products go to our Shop All Products page or contact our Customer Experience team at [email protected] or by calling them at 855-EANIMAL (326-4625).
