Canine Skin Problem
Dog Skin Problem - Dog Skin Irritation
Canine skin problems including dog skin allergies, are extremely common in my practice. Using the right dog food can really be a great help. Why? let me explain.
One main group of skin diseases is infections. Dog skin irritation and infections are more common during the summertime. This is the case in Sweden, but in the last years I have seen infections in late winter as well. Strange, but probably because the Climate change.
One of the most common skin infection is Hot Spot. This is an acute painful infection often seen around the ears and/or neck. Often a small wound can act like a seed - from there, infection spreads within hours to a larger area. In order to clip the area, I often have to sedate the dog. The pain from clipping can be quite severe.
The dog on the picture was an exception. She was very calm as the owner came quickly, before the infection became to severe. No need for sedation in this case.
Photo by Per Schonbeck, DVM
To clip the area is important. As soon you see the small wound clip the hair away. Disinfect the area. If it's possible for you to control it, good. If it's getting bigger and spreads, phone your vet as soon as possible.
Some dogs are affected every year. Perhaps more than once. Try to do something to prevent skin infection from happen. Often I use food or fish oils as a supplement.Fish oil is important in canine skin problems.
Foods In Canine Skin Problem
Special foods for skin diseases is a must on a veterinary clinic. I have two, one from Royal Canine and one from Specific. There are several others. Ask your local vet for advice.
In most of them the main active factor is fish oil - Omega 3 fatty acid. Omega oil is very important. Two functions are the primary ones. First, it works against inflammation. Some of the inflammatory chain reactions in the cells are inhibited by omega 3. That's why itching and redness in the skin can get improved by fish oil. Second, Improves the uptake of oxygen in the cells. This will make the skin cells work much better and "fight" bacterias much more efficiently.
Royal Canine has taken it a step further. In Skin Support they have added more vitamins and special antioxidants.
The B vitamin group is especially important. Niacin, Pantothenic acid (vitamin B 5) and Choline. They are often very active in the Krebs cycle of the cell.
They work together as well.
Niacin together with Pantothenic and Choline (and one amino acid histidine) protects the skin. Producing protective fat or also called ceramide. This will make the skin more moist and better resits against bacteria.
Antioxidants are important to. Lutein, which is important to the eye works well in the skin as well.
If you have canine skin problem it can be worthwhile just to change the food. I can't really explain, but several dogs do improve eating another diet. Perhaps not a special skin one. Just another diet!
Try that as skin diets often can be more expensive. It can be wort a try - if you think so.
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