The Coconut Oil Cure for Seasonal Pet Allergies

The Coconut Oil Cure for Seasonal Pet Allergies

Spring is a beautiful season, but it's also the time of year when allergies are at their peak causing misery for millions of people – and their pets.

Pet allergies

Spring is a beautiful season, but it's also the time of year when allergies are at their peak causing misery for millions of people – and their pets.  
 
That's right, it's not just people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Your dog or cat is also at risk.  
 
So what are the signs to look out for, and how you can you effectively treat your pet to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of allergies?  
 

Types of Allergic Reactions in Pets

First, it's important to recognize which type of allergic reaction your pet is suffering from. There are 3 main types; food allergies, environmental allergies, and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).  
 
Food allergies occur when your pet develops sensitivity to a food ingredient. Sometimes, after your pet has consumed a particular ingredient over a long period of time, their immune system starts to overreact to it. Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and even skin problems.
 
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is sensitivity to flea saliva. Both dogs and cats can develop the condition. The saliva of just one or two fleas can cause terrible itching for your pet, so make sure you comb and bathe pets regularly and use all-natural pest repellants around the house.  
 
Environmental allergies are reactions to a wide variety of outdoor allergens such as grasses, pollens, and ragweed. Reactions to indoor irritants like dust mites, mold, or chemicals around your home are also included in this category. Generally, if your pet exhibits symptoms during spring, summer or fall, he may be allergic to seasonal outdoor allergens. If his symptoms are year-round, he may be allergic to something inside your home.  

Dog allergies
 

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

 At this time of year, it's important to keep an eye out for signs of seasonal allergies in your pets. Here are 4 common symptoms to look out for:  
 
1) Skin Irritation
Pets with seasonal allergies often develop itchy skin which leads to a cycle of scratching, rubbing and biting in an attempt to relieve the irritation. As skin is scratched and damaged, it can become red, inflamed and tender. In some cases, open sores, hair loss and scabbing can occur.  
 
2) Hotspots
Hotspots are areas of skin that become infected and inflamed by bacteria. They are most common in dogs, and are very painful and tender. Hair loss and bleeding often develop in the infected area.  
 
3) Ear Problems
Ear problems also usually affect dogs. Symptoms include inflammation and itching in and around the ear, often accompanied by a foul odor. Ear problems can be caused by allergens in the environment or yeast and bacterial infections.  
 
4) Cold-Like Symptoms
Just like humans, pets can develop cold-like symptoms in response to seasonal allergies, such as sneezing, a runny nose, irritated eyes and a cough.
 

Coconut Oil for Allergies

So, now you know which symptoms to look out for, how can you use coconut oil to relieve and treat your pet's allergies?  
 
Coconut oil is an all-round super food that has many health benefits. The primary "super ingredient" in coconut oil is a fat called lauric acid. Coconut oil, with it's high content of lauric acid, has been scientifically demonstrated to significantly improve overall health in humans.  
 
And it's not just humans. Coconut oil in your pet's diet has a wide range of health benefits including the power to manage allergies, protect the skin and coat, and keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy.  
 
When it comes to allergies, the lauric acid content in coconut oil contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-virus and anti-yeast properties that can clear up allergic reactions, fast. Coconut oil is particularly good at soothing itchy and inflamed skin, and promotes the rapid healing of painful conditions such as hotspots. It also boosts the immune system, preventing infection and disease.  
 
Many vets treat seasonal allergies in pets with steroid therapy – which is bad news for your pet! These powerful drugs actually turn off your pet's immune response to allergens. This reduces symptoms, but can come with some very dangerous side effects.  
 
Using coconut oil to treat seasonal allergies is a safe, natural alternative to steroids that's both effective and easy to use at home. Coconut oil can be applied both topically – straight onto the skin, or orally – in your pet's food.  
 

Choosing the Right Coconut Oil

When it comes to coconut oil, not all oils are created equal. The difference is in the grade of the oil. Cooking-grade coconut oils, like those you'll find on supermarket shelves, are used primarily for cooking. These cooking-grade oils are typically high in moisture and low in lauric acid; the "super ingredient" responsible for coconut oil's amazing health benefits.

CocoTherapy coconut oil is different.  

CocoTherapy virgin coconut oil is a therapeutic-grade oil – sourced from our USDA-certified organic family farm in the Philippines and made in our own facility. Our oil is high in lauric acid and has low moisture levels, which makes it very effective for managing allergies in your pet. So if you want a coconut oil that will help your pet’s health issues, choose a therapeutic-grade oil, such as CocoTherapy.
 
But don't just take our word for it, check out our reviews from happy veterinarians and customers explaining more about the benefits of CocoTherapy coconut oil, then head on over to our product pages to learn more about how to use coconut oil with your pet.