In a tropical country like Singapore, it is common for dogs to have skin problems. Sometimes, it may just be purely due to physical factors – heat, humidity or not drying your dog properly after showering. Sometimes, it can also be due to an allergy – to food, what the skin comes in contact with or just the environment with the presence of dust/dust mites, flower pollen. When your dog has a skin allergy, the most common symptoms are itch and inflammation. Skin problems like bacterial infection, yeast/fungal infection may follow as a result of self trauma (persistent scratching) or because the ‘allergic’ skin is more predisposed to infection. A visit to the vet will alleviate the infection but the problem may recur if the cause of the allergy is not addressed. However, it is to be noted that not ALL skin problems/infections are due to allergy.
On top of the conventional therapy (antibiotics, anti-fungal, antihistamines, or even steroids), below are some of the common things you may opt to supplement your dog (Please consult your vet when you want to start your dog on these):
| |
1. |
Vitamin A, E & C
These vitamins act as antioxidants and help prevention and the repair of cell/tissue damage. Vitamin A can be found in cod liver oil, and is commonly recommended. Vitamin E and vitamin C can be bought off counters at your local pharmacy or shops that sell supplements. Dose rates differ with sizes so it’s best to check with your vet.
|
| |
2. |
Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids
These fatty acids help with inflammation as seen in allergic/problematic skin. By providing the correct ratio of fatty acid (Omega 3:Omega 6 = 5:1), a mild anti-inflammatory effect can be produced and be used as an adjunct therapy together with conventional therapy to achieve a better effect.
Omega 6 fatty acids can be found from oils of seeds – evening primrose, black currant and borage.
Omega 3 fatty acids (produces more anti-inflammatory results) can be found in coldwater fish oils (salmon or trout) and flaxseed oil. Fish oils are better sources of omega 3 fatty acids as flaxseed oils have been shown to be less effective in reducing symptoms. However, flaxseed oil may not be as ‘smelly’ as fish oils and can still serve as a coat conditioner. Most pet shops and vet clinics do sell products with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in the right ratio and the proper dosage would come with the product.
|
| |
3. |
Topical Therapy
Sometimes, vets may recommend medicated shampoos that contain antibacterial/antifungal ingredients to help with the secondary skin infections. If your dog is itchy most of the time, but is not showing signs of infection, you may choose to use shampoos containing aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal. Frequent bathing and conditioning can temporarily relieve the itching seen in dogs with allergic skin problems – if you maintain a frequent shampooing when your dog itches – every 4-5 days, you may help to control the itch. Frequency can be reduced when the itch is more or less under control.
|
If your dog has a very sensitive gastrointestinal system – always seems to have a bit of diarrhoea/soft stools, or vomiting, watch out for next month’s article!
|
