Allergic Dermatitis

Published by
min read

Find food that fits your pet’s needs

Find a dog food that fits your pet’s needs

Find a cat food that fits your pet’s needs

Allergic Dermatitis

What Causes Skin Conditions in Dogs?

Your veterinarian may recommend tests to identify the exact reason for your pet's skin condition. Common causes include:

Allergies Your pet may be allergic to either food or environmental factors like dust, pollen or mould .
Parasites Fleas, lice and mites can all cause mild to severe skin irritation.
Hormonal
Imbalances
Pets with too much or too little of certain hormones are prone to skin problems.
Infections Bacterial infections can cause skin problems.

The Importance of Nutrition

The food your pet eats plays an important role in his or her overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. When your pet has a skin condition, it's even more important to feed the right food.

How can the right food help?

Some skin conditions can be cleared up quickly, while others need lifelong management. The good news is, most pets with skin conditions can be helped if you feed the right food, even if the cause of the condition is not dietary. Some important nutrients that can help heal protect your pet's skin include:

Protein

High-quality protein provides the building blocks for natural cell repair. Feeding unique protein sources, such as venison or duck, can also help reduce reaction in pets with a food allergy or intolerances to more common ingredients.

Essential Fatty Acids

A food containing high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found naturally in fish oil, will help nourish and protect your pet's skin to prevent dryness.

Antioxidants

Vitamin E and other antioxidants are vital in helping to maintain your pet's healthy immune system, and protect it from cellular oxidation caused by free radicals.

Common signs of dental disease

Combining these nutrients in a single pet food provides a convenient way to manage your pet's skin condition.

Does my pet have a skin condition?

Your pet's skin should be smooth and soft with no flaking, redness or signs of irritation. It should be neither too dry nor too oily and have no areas of hair loss. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Related Articles

  • Cancer

    Find out what causes cancer in dogs and the treatment options you have if your dog is diagnosed. Discover your options here.
  • Diseases That Are Common in Older Dogs

    Learn about some of the most common diseases in senior dogs and what you can do to best care for their health.
  • Skin Problems That Are Common in Dogs

    Learn about some of the most common skin problems dogs encounter and how you can help keep your dog's skin healthy.
  • Overcoming Obesity in Small Dogs

    Learn how to properly feed and treat your little or small breed dog to keep their weight under control to avoid any weight-related health issues.

Related products