Allergic Dermatitis (Atopy) is probably one of the most frustrating, and certainly most common, genetic ailments in dogs. Sensitivity to environmental allergens like pollen, mold, dander, dust mites, fleas, and chemicals leaves pet parents to wonder if there’s anything their dog isn’t allergic to.
While allergies can develop in any breed, Atopic Dermatitis is genetic and animals with the condition should not be bred. The genetic connection has resulted in many breeds having a predisposition to Atopy, including Belgian Tervurens, Miniature Schnauzers, Labrador & Golden Retrievers, English & Irish Setters, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Pugs, Dalmations, Wirehaired Fox Terriers, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Shar-peis, and Cairn Terriers. Some studies have also indicated a higher instance of Allergic Dermatitis in females.
Allergic (Atopic) Dermatitis in Dogs
Symptoms usually appear within 1-3 years of the dog being exposed to the allergens (antigens) and gradually increase in severity. The symptoms may be seasonal in the beginning, but usually progress to all year round.
Allergic Dermatitis can torture dogs (and some cats) with itching and inflammation, accompanied by highly sensitive skin, hair loss, and obsessive licking as time goes on. As the condition worsens, chronic secondary bacterial infections may cause lesions, papules (red bumps), pustules (pimples), reddening skin, darkening skin (hyper-pigmentation), or ‘bronzing’ from excessive licking. Secondary yeast infections (usually Malassezia) causes greasy, yellow scaling, redness and foul odor.
Treatment
There are many topical and internal natural treatments and remedies to help manage the symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis. There is no actual cure, however, so be highly suspicious of any product claiming to do so.
Diet
The dietary focus may include natural immune system support, anti-histamines, anti-inflammatories, anti-bacterials and anti-fungals. It also includes dietary items to avoid, such as chemicals, by-products, soy-based fillers, and impurities. A natural diet is always recommended, especially when sensitivity or allergies are a consideration. If a food allergy is suspected, a switch of protein source (such as venison, lamb or rabbit), and/or a gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free or yeast-free diet is often recommended.
Supplements
Supplements may be slowly added to the diet after a bland diet trial (8 weeks). We recommend natural sources to avoid artificial flavoring and other chemicals.
- Orthomolecular Therapy uses vitamin dosing, including vitamins A, C, E (antioxidants) and the mineral Selenium, but should only be used with the guidance of your veterinarian to avoid overdose. To boost these vitamins and minerals naturally, you can safely add 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp of seaweed daily.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA), preferably from fish or krill oil if the dog isn’t allergic to them.
- Nutritional Supplements with digestive enzymes. The Spark supplement for dogs is often recommended.
- Herbs and Essential Oils: Aloe, alfalfa, dandelion leaves, echinacea, horsetail, burdock root, feverfew, German chamomile, nettle, yarrow, spirulina, yellow dock, and goldenseal are often recommended as herbal treatments for Allergic Dermatitis symptoms. They should only be used with professional guidance due the risk of drug interaction or a negative immune response.
- Calcium Montmorillonite (Bentonite) Clay can help control the level of toxins in the body through absorption and adsorption to prevent reaction by neutralizing allergens. A pinch in the water bowl or mixed into wet food daily is recommended.
External Treatment
The most popular treatment of Atopy for dogs involves frequent bathing with a natural aloe and colloidal oatmeal shampoo. Adding Calcium Montmorillonite Clay soothes itching and detoxifies the skin while offering anti-microbial properties. Organic herbs or heavily-diluted essential oils that may be helpful include witch hazel, chamomile, lavender, rosewood, and calendula.
Homemade Shampoo for Dogs with Irritated, Itchy Skin
© Formulated by Melody McKinnon exclusively for AllNaturaPetCare.com
3 cups distilled water
1 TBSP liquid castile soap
3 TBSP of aloe vera
1 TBSP vegetable oil or vegetable glycerin
5 drops Rosewood essential oil
5 drops Lavender essential oil
1 drop Roman Chamomile essential oil
1 drop Geranium essential oil
1/4 cup colloidal oatmeal
1/4 cup Calcium Montmorillonite Clay
Note: You don’t have to use all of the essential oils, but it will work best if you include as many as possible. You can also substitute with herbal tinctures. We get most of our essential oils and herbs from Starwest Botanicals.
Mix well and pour into a sterile, opaque container or jar. Shake vigorously before use. Refrigerate between shampoos.
Directions: Test for reaction on a small patch of skin. If there is no reaction by the following day, you can try the bath. Leave the treatment on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Supervise to prevent licking. If the condition and secondary infections are acute, bathe at least every two days until the condition has improved, then once/week.
For more information about the natural treatment of pet allergies, please read Top Natural Remedies for Dog and Cat Allergies.
??? Have you had success with natural treatments of skin allergies in your dog? Please share your experience in the comments below.
Sources:
Tilford, Gregory. Wulff, Mary. Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Life. 2009.
Bell, Kristen Leigh. Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals: A Comprehensive Guide to the Use of Essential Oils & Hydrosols with Animals. 2002.
Messonnier, Shawn DVM. Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats: Your A-Z Guide to Over 200 Conditions, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements. 2001.
Sherwood, Patricia. The Healing Art of Clay Therapy. Acer Press. 2004.
Knishinsky, Ran. The Clay Cure : Natural Healing from the Earth Healing Arts Press. 1998.
✔ You may also be interested in reading:
Identifying Dog Food Allergies with a Process of Elimination
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works like nothing else. I can tell Shyanne feels better when we’re done with her bath and not just the itching.
Thanks to you and mother nature
shampoo is messy and takes some work but it does the trick, thanks.
Your number one skeptic here 😛 BUT it worked. Sheena is healing and much less itchy so heres some credit where credit is due…GREAT WORK.
Girl you have got to write a book with all of these fabulous recipes you come up with! I’ll be first in line to buy it! You’ve made such a difference in my dog’s quality of lif.
Excellent recipe and article! Keep up the good work.
the shampoo has reduced my dog’s itching and I very appreciate you for giving it to everyone for free.
You’re a lifesaver THANK YOU!
I get itchy just looking at my dog. Thanks for the pointers. The poor thing suffers so much in the spring and summer.
i DON’T BELIEVE THE DIFFERENCE THIS SHAMPOO MADE FOR MY TORTURED DOG. THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!
I think my dog is allergic to something in dry dog food and we’re working through the process of figuring it out. His fur falls out in chunks and he’s so itchy it’s sad.
I have to find the ingredients but man if this works I’m gooing to kiss you and be a slave to this website for-freaking-EVER.
WOO-HOO!!! You have no idea how long I’ve been looking for a good natural shampoo for my allergic ball of mutt and love!!!
Thank you for the recipe – I love at home treatments. We used an at home treatment to eliminate skunk smell and now I want to collect as many as possible, because I think it’s so much healthier for our dogs than chemicals.
They have a great diet, but I’m considering mixing in the raw food diet into what we already serve them, because I’ve heard such great things.
Kimberly
You’re not kidding about how common skin allergies are. I run into a ton of dogs with them. Thanks for the tips!
It seems like every dog I get ends up with allergies. I don’t know if it’s the area we live in or what but it’s hellish to deal with. I love them though so we get through it, I just wish they didn’t have to suffer so.
Natural treatment is really effective in infection in dog. Dog need extra care. Your blog is worth readable.
Again with the really useful info 🙂 I wish more sites had decent information for pets and I hope you keep it up.