Preventing Skin Problems in Dogs
Preventing skin problems in dogs: the skin barrier and how to feed it
Skin is the most common reason a dog sees a vet. Much of it comes down to a barrier that has been let down by parasites, allergy or nutrition. Here is the prevention side.
The skin barrier
Healthy skin is a wall: tightly packed cells, held together by fats, topped with a layer of oil and the right bacteria. When the wall is intact, pollen, mites and bacteria bounce off it. When it is short of the fats that hold it together, they get through, and the itching starts.
What the skin needs from food
The fat that holds the barrier together. Dogs cannot make it; it has to come from the diet, from sources such as sunflower and rapeseed oil. Deficiency shows as dry, flaky skin and a dull coat within weeks.
From fish oil and linseed. Damps down the inflammatory response, which is why it helps itchy dogs and speeds skin repair.
A cofactor in fat synthesis and in the enzymes that rebuild skin. Zinc-responsive skin disease is well documented in some northern breeds.
A for a regulated skin turnover, E as the antioxidant that limits damage in inflamed skin, B vitamins for a coat that is not dry and flaky.
These are added to every Happy Dog recipe after cooking, in the oil coating, so they survive. For dogs that need more, the Skin & Coat snack and Medidog paste add concentrated omega fatty acids, and VET Skin is the dietetic food for diagnosed skin conditions.
The three things that break the barrier
Parasites. Fleas and mites are the most common cause of itching, and flea allergy takes only one bite. Year-round prevention is the single most effective skin measure. Environmental allergy. Pollen, dust mites and moulds, often seasonal at first. Managed with the vet; diet supports the barrier but does not fix the cause. Food allergy. One to seven per cent of dogs, mostly to everyday proteins, diagnosed by an elimination diet. The full guide.
Habits that help
Rinse or wipe paws and belly after walks in pollen season. Bathe only with a dog shampoo, and not too often; over-washing strips the oil layer. Dry thoroughly between the toes and in skin folds. Check ears weekly. Keep the coat brushed so the skin can breathe.
Skin & Coat Care SnackSkin and coat snack
Medidog Skin & Coat PasteOmega paste
VET Snack Skin ProtectVet skin snack
Ostrich Dry Dog Food (Africa)Ostrich, for reactive dogs
- itching lasts more than a couple of weeks or keeps returning
- there are hot spots, scabs, hair loss, or a smell
- ears are red, waxy or painful
- the skin is broken or bleeding from scratching
Based on "Derma special: what role does nutrition play in wound healing?" by Pascale Huber, veterinarian, and "The search for the right diet" by Cornelia Günther, veterinarian, Happy Dog veterinary team. General information, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
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