If it was even just one symptom, your dog could be suffering from allergies, or skin & coat problems.  Some breeds of dogs are likely to have the problems listed above. Dr. Shawn Messionnier, a nationally recognized veterinary expert on holistic medicine states:

    “Although there are many causes of itchiness in dogs, the most common is a genetic inflammatory disease called atopic (allergic) dermatitis, often called skin allergies.  If your dog is scratching regularly without signs of skin lesions, chances are they have an allergy.”

Genetics and Skin & Coat Health

Your dog’s genetic profile can mean it is more likely to have skin & coat problems, including itching, skin redness and irritation.  You may see things like redness in their ears or on their chins, white dandruff in their coats, crusty or watery eyes. They may lick or scratch themselves until they are raw.  

There are ways you can help your dog, both traditional ones like topical treatments, antihistamines and corticosteroids; and complementary ones such as nutritional supplements.  Please check with your veterinarian if the problem is serious to make sure you know what is going on with your dog. If there are no underlying health issues causing the problem, then a complete nutritional supplement may be helpful for skin, coat or allergy problems.   A supplement that provides extra nutrients for a healthy skin and coat, with natural ingredients to help your dog’s body manage allergens, may be just the thing to help.

Breeds with Allergy Problems

Dog breeds that are often prone to allergy problems are Golden Retrievers, Laborador Retrievers and English Setters.  While these breeds may be more likely to have problems with itchy skin, any breed can have allergic dermatitis. The usual age allergies appear is between 1 to 3 years.  Some dogs can show signs at a few months old, it depends on the breed and their genetic predisposition to allergies.

Checking the list of symptoms is one way to tell if your dog is having allergy problems.  One common sign is frequent itching, even if your dog’s skin looks normal. Severe itching is a more serious problem like mange, or fleas, and you should see your veterinarian for this problem.

If your dog has mild itching and keeps scratching, it can develop into a more serious problem.  The constant scratching can lead to skin lesions or infections, so you shouldn’t ignore even mild, frequent scratching.  A dog needs a healthy skin and coat, so don’t let itching put their long-term, health at risk. Open wounds or scratches are not a good idea for a dog that is outdoors for walks, hikes, swimming or play time.

Ear and skin infections in itchy dogs can become a problem that doesn’t go away and may get worse.  Helping your dog sooner rather than later is always a better idea for your dog.

Allergens in the Environment

Many things in the environment can make a dog itchy.  They will have problems with pollens, molds, rag weeds and house dust mites just like we do.  They could have allergies at the same time of year your allergies are giving you problems. And since your dog will be out in the yard or park more in spring and summer the chances of them being exposed to allergens is higher.

Dry air in the winter can also cause skin issues for dogs.  Some dogs can be itchy all year.

A dog that plays or walks outdoors will be exposed to more environmental allergens. Their high activity levels while they are hiking, walking or playing outside will also stress their bodies, so extra nutritional support if they have allergies is important.

Help for Dogs with Skin, Coat or Allergies

There are complementary treatments for itchy dogs with allergies.  You may have heard about or already use fish oil or essential fatty acids (EFAs) for your dog’s skin & coat health.  This can help, but there is more you can do. Antioxidants are helpful for allergies and can help itchy dogs. Green foods like spirulina have also shown positive results because they contain so many helpful nutrients.  Plant extracts with polyphenols have benefits for helping your dog manage allergies.

Itchy Dog Skin & Coat Formula was designed to include ingredients beneficial for allergies, and skin and coat health.  They include:

1.  Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs):  Fish oil is a common source of EFAs.  Information in veterinary literature has shown fish oil supplements were effective in reducing itching in allergic dogs.  They are often recommended for dry flaky skin and dull coats. The EFAs that are important for dogs are Omega-3 and Omega-6.  These are found in coldwater fish like salmon or trout. Most veterinarians recommend EFAs be used with other supplements for the best results.

2.  Plant Polyphenols with Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin (OPCs):  OPCs are strong water-soluble antioxidants. They are 20 times stronger than vitamin C and 50 times stronger than vitamin E.  Antioxidants help the body control damage to cells, including skin cells, from free radicals. During an allergic reaction the body releases histamine, which causes many of the allergy symptoms.  OPCs can help your dog’s body reduce the reaction to histamine. OPCs are found in pomegranate, cranberry, green tea and turmeric/curcumin.

2.  Vitamin A:  An important fat-soluble antioxidant that is needed to maintain normal epithelial tissues (skin, mucous membranes).  Also important for cell maturation, tissue building/repair and immune system health. It is recommended for healthy skin, among many other benefits, and is important for protein utilization.  A deficiency can cause skin lesions, dryness, abscesses and cracking.

4.  Vitamin E:  An important fat-soluble antioxidant, it is beneficial for cell membrane health and survival.  It promotes a healthy skin and coat. Supports a healthy immune system and stops cell damage by reducing oxidation of fats from free radicals.  Veterinarians report low blood serum levels of vitamin E in dogs with demodectic mange. It is recommended, along with other antioxidants, for this condition by veterinarians.

5.  Zinc:  An antioxidant that is an essential for the synthesis of bone, healthy skin and resistance to disease.  Zinc is an important mineral that is found in every cell in the body. Linked to a healthy immune system.  Important for protein synthesis and metabolizing carbohydrates.

6.  Alpha lipoic acid:  An antioxidant that helps restore and recycle other antioxidants including vitamin C, E and glutathione.  Its ability to fight both water-soluble and fat-soluble free radicals makes it very beneficial. Alpha lipoic acid is an important part of the process that turns sugar into energy in the body.  For active dogs this benefit is crucial.

7.  Spirulina:  A green food that contains many essential amino acids, antioxidants, minerals, B and E vitamins, choline and essential fatty acids.  Spirulina is highly absorbable in the digestive tract.

Itchy Dog Skin & Coat Formula will help keep your dog’s skin and coat in great condition.  It will help with mild or moderate itching, keeping your dog focused on fun, not scratching.  The antioxidants, EFA’s and spirulina will also keep their immune system healthy, helping them fight viruses and bacteria, along with supporting optimal health overall.

Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

Q. How long before my dog feels better and stops scratching?

A. Most dogs will start to improve in 2 to 3 weeks, with best results usually seen after 4 to 6 weeks.  If your dog is doing a little better after several weeks of use, try adding one more tablet to improve the results.

Q. What should I do if my dog gets worse during allergy season?

A. It is best to use the maintenance amount all year to keep your dog’s skin & coat healthy and have the active ingredients ready to fight allergy symptoms when they start.  You can double the daily amount during times when allergens are high to help your dog feel better during allergy season. The antioxidants and EFAs will also support healthy joints and a healthy immune system, benefiting your dog all year.