Allergies and intolerances in dogs and cats: causes, symptoms and what really helps

Do you notice constant scratching, diarrhea, or skin problems in your furry friend?
Many people are familiar with these worries; often the symptoms begin gradually and initially seem harmless.
However, such signs often indicate allergies or intolerances, which can be very stressful for both your furry friend and you.

Allergies and intolerances are among the most common health problems in dogs and cats. However, they are often diagnosed late or confused with one another. In this article, you will learn the difference between them, which triggers are particularly common, and which symptoms are typical. what you should pay attention to in order to act correctly early on.

What is the difference between allergies and intolerances?

Allergies are overreactions of the immune system to substances that are actually harmless (e.g., certain proteins).
Intolerances usually affect the digestive system and occur without the involvement of the immune system.

Common triggers of allergies and intolerances

The triggers for allergies and intolerances are diverse and often difficult to identify.
Furthermore, our furry friends often do not react immediately, but only develop the discomfort and symptoms after a longer period of time or repeated contact with the respective trigger.

Animal feed is among the most common causes. This includes primarily certain animal proteins such as beef or chicken, but also dairy products, grains such as wheat or soy, as well as additives and preservatives in the feed.
Especially with long-term feeding, an intolerance or allergy can develop gradually.

Besides the food, environmental factors also play a major role: pollen, house dust mites, mold spores or the saliva of fleas can trigger strong allergic reactions.

Of course, allergies and intolerances can be triggered by several factors, which is why it is important to always consider symptoms holistically and not to hastily blame only a single trigger.

These are typical symptoms in dogs and cats:

The most common signs include:
- increased scratching, licking or nibbling
- Itching that keeps recurring
- reddened, sensitive skin or even a rash
- Hair loss or bald patches
- Recurring ear problems, such as inflammation

Cats often show their problems more subtly than dogs, for example through excessive licking and grooming, which often results in bald patches of skin.

However, the gastrointestinal tract can also be affected, for example through recurring diarrhea, bad stools, occasional vomiting, or abdominal pain and flatulence.

Why early detection and clarification can be beneficial:

The earlier allergies or intolerances are detected, the better your furry friend can be helped. If the underlying causes remain untreated, the symptoms often worsen over time and can significantly impair your pet's quality of life.

This not only means suffering for your furry friend, but often also stress and uncertainty for you.
Early and targeted clarification creates clarity, helps to avoid unnecessary trial and error and forms the basis for a sustainable improvement in well-being.

What can you do now?

If you suspect that allergies or intolerances might be playing a role, one thing is particularly important: calm and patience.
Observe your furry friend carefully and write down any changes in their fur, health, and behavior.
Don't constantly change your pet's food , as this can lead to an upset stomach. If you're unsure how to properly switch foods (10-14 days for cats, 7-10 days for dogs), do some research. We have a guide and helpful tips on switching foods for dogs and cats on our Instagram!
If in doubt, have the symptoms checked by a veterinarian. The symptoms could be caused by allergies and intolerances, but they could also have another cause.

Also, make sure you choose the right food with a sensible and transparent composition!
Food with a single protein source is particularly good. This contains only one animal protein source, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions and makes it easier to see what your furry friend tolerates well.
Even rare protein sources like insects can be beneficial, as many animals have had little to no prior contact with them. This reduces the likelihood of an immune system reaction. Insect protein, in particular, is considered easily digestible and is often very well accepted by sensitive dogs and cats.

Which food?

Allergies and intolerances can be very stressful for dogs and cats, but can often be effectively managed with the right diet. A transparent recipe with only one protein source helps to relieve the burden on the body and minimize potential triggers.
Insect protein in particular is very well tolerated by many sensitive dogs and cats, as it is rarely fed and easily digestible.
Here you can find our insect food for dogs and our insect food for cats . Developed for sensitive furry noses.