It is commonly known that the fur of dogs and cats can cause allergic reactions among sensitive or asthmatic humans,  but did you know that dogs and cats can also suffer similar allergic reactions?

One of the most commonly identified causes of pet allergies is food.

Some ingredients mixed in pet food or in human food that is given to pets can cause these allergic reactions in pets. Here are some common reasons identified by vets that may produce allergies:

• Dairy products

• Soy, wheat and similar food

• Sources of carbohydrates

• Processed meat products

Additives such as:

• Preservatives

• Food coloring

• Food flavoring

The symptoms of a possible allergy are varied and some of the symptoms may lead pet owners to believe that their pet is suffering from another type of illness and not from food allergies. Here are some common symptoms that your pet is having an allergic reaction to the food given to them:

• The presence of sores – but these may not always show

• Unexplained irritation – that makes the pet (especially cats) less approachable

• Occurrence of a non-specific itch – indicating that something is not right inside their bodies

• Massive loss of hair – something that should definately alarm the owner

• Vomiting – especially in cats, which throw up food, liquid, and hairballs. Vomited hairballs are pretty good signs that your cat has an allergy.

To accurately diagnose a food allergy, bring the dog or cat to a veterinarian, they will conduct skin tests and blood tests. These two kinds of procedures are the only ones available to determine an allergy, but sometimes, the results of these procedures do not accurately indicate an allergy.

The treatment of food allergies among dogs and cats can be viewed as an experiment or a “trial and error” process. The owner must take stock of the kind of food eaten by the pet, and then, one by one, specific food items may be withheld to see if it was the one causing the allergy.

For example, the Brand X cat food may be changed and the cat will start consuming the Brand Y food or the home-cooked ones and wait for six to eight weeks to look for a considerable change. You may want to try purchasing “hypo-allergenic” dog foods,but like any other change in diet, the positive results of the hypo-allergenic diet can be detected only after the same six to eight weeks.

So-called hairball medications for vomiting cats are not always effective. The best course is to always monitor the nutrients and ingredients that are fed to the cat.

Omega Fatty Acids and Proper Vitamins May Help With Your Pet's Allergies

Omega fatty acids have long enjoyed the reputation of being effective natural medicines for curing excessive inflammation due to arthritis and allergies. Adding Omega fatty acids to a pet’s diet is a healthy practice. Omega fatty acids come in various kinds—particularly Omega 3 and 6—and veterinarians agree that a responsible pet owner should make distinctions to better understand how these beneficial fatty acids work.

Considered as essential nutrients, Omega fatty acids are needed for basic biochemical processes in your pet’s body. Unfortunately, your pet’s body cannot produce these essential nutrients, so they must be acquired through the food we feed our pets. Omega fatty acids are commonly found in sunflower, safflower, soybean and corn oils and promote a normal and healthy skin.

Linoleic acid—a kind of Omega-6—works as a mortar between skin cells, responsible for skin strength and avoiding moisture loss. You may recognize linoleic as a common ingredient in high-grade pet foods that give your pet a healthy and shiny coat. Linoleic prevents scaly and dry skin which is common in undernourished pets.

But Omega 6 fatty acids also have their downside as they can aggravate inflammatory reactions during cases of allergy. The body transforms omega 6 to eicosanoids that can produce inflammation. Fortunately, Omega 3 can balance the reaction to inflammation. Omega 3 also produces eicosanoids but they are less inflammatory and may even decrease the level of inflammation if kept in the pet’s bloodstream.

Commonly found in flaxseed and fish oils, omega 3 is preferred by the metabolic process of the body and is important in the promotion of brain development among infants and young animals.

Dr. Karen Campbell of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Illinois says that Omega 6 fatty acids maintain a well-moisturized skin and help build a protective shield against agents that may cause allergies on the skin. Omega 3, on the other hand, reduces inflammation caused by such agents. If your pet has been getting omega 6 fatty acids in the food that you feed them, there is no need for omega 6 supplementation. What is required is omega 3 supplementation for pets having allergies.

Campbell also stresses that omega 3 fatty acids promote the reduction of inflammatory reactions present during allergic outbreaks, episodes of arthritis and kidney disease.

You should always supplement you pets diet with Omega 3 fatty acids, there are breed specific formulas that contain these plus many other nutrients your dog needs and the best ones can be found at DoggyVitamin.com