Even Your Dog Thinks Seasonal Allergies Are The Worst. Here's How to Help

As soon as seasonal allergies roll around, we all start searching for remedies—anything to stop the sniffles and itchy eyes. It doesn't matter how healthy you are or how often you meditate, allergies test anyone's patience... Our pups included! The difference is, our four-legged friends can't tell us when they're suffering, so it's important to pay attention to the signs and do what we can to help minimize their symptoms—such as starting them on a protective diet like Instinct Raw.

A raw food diet is as simple as it gets; just think real ingredients. It incorporates natural, whole-food items like real meat, fruits, and veggies. The nutrients are kept intact because the food is never cooked, never heated, and the ingredients are never compromised in any way—100% raw and 100% delicious to dogs.

But how do you know if your beloved BFF is suffering from seasonal allergies? This is the tricky part because as much as we wish our pups could tell us exactly what they're thinking, we have to learn to read their cues. The most common symptoms to look out for include:

Now, for all of you extra paranoid pet parents out there (*ahem, present*), there's no need to jump the next time your pup lifts a paw to his ear. Instead, take a minute to assess the situation. Is it just the occasional harmless itch, or have you noticed an overwhelming amount of scratching recently? Is he chewing his paw so intently that it's hard to get his attention? Imagine what it feels like to have poison oak all over your body... No matter how much calendula oil you put on, the itch is real! So take note of the frequency and intensity of your doggo's discomfort, and keep an eye out for any skin irritation.

Similar to humans, there is no cure for canine environmental allergies. However, there are some things we can do to help relieve our pooch's discomfort. Recognizing the symptoms and discussing concerns with your vet is the first step. Incorporating an antihistamine into your pet's daily regimen may be suggested, but it's important to consult with your veterinarian first to determine the safest medications and dosages.

They take the extra step to keep their canine customers healthy and happy—with a strong commitment to the safety and quality of their food. In fact, Instinct is the only raw pet food company in North America to achieve an "excellent" Safe Quality Food (SQF) food-safety rating and an SQF-quality certification. Their recipes are made with real, responsibly sourced ingredients like cage-free chicken, grass-fed beef and lamb, apples, blueberries, apple cider vinegar, and more. If you thought your pup got excited about mealtime before, just wait until you put down a bowl of Instinct Raw Frozen Bites... Game. Changer.

Depending on the severity of your dog's symptoms, you may also want to try reducing allergen exposure from the get-go. This might be the toughest option, but limiting time spent outdoors on high-pollen days may help to keep symptoms at bay.

Seasonal allergies are the pits, but what's even worse is the idea that our furry loved ones may be suffering in silence. Getting ahead of it by choosing Instinct Raw for your new pup from day one may decrease the chances of developing allergies altogether. But if the symptoms are already there, identifying them and doing what you can to decrease their discomfort and promote optimum immune functioning will lead to a happier, healthier pupper—and a more at-ease pet parent. Our dogs deserve to enjoy the outdoors without the itchy aftermath!