Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats

Atopy, also called Atopic Dermatitis or Inhalant Dermatitis is an allergic reaction to a substance that is inhaled, such as dust, dust mites or pollen. Dogs or cats with atopic dermatitis become extremely itchy and will scratch or lick themselves excessively to find relief.

A holistic approach to treating a dog or cat with atopic dermatitis include:

• Identify the source of the allergen (dust, mold, pollen, etc.) and reduce your pets exposure to it.
• Bathe pet weekly with an anti-itch moisturizing shampoo or lotion
• Provide omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation
• Support the immune system
• Feed a high protein, low carb, moderate fat diet.

Symptoms of Atopy in Pets

Dogs and cats may have the following symptoms:

• Licking, scratching or biting of the skin around the face, feet, armpits, and ears.
• Red, scaly, raised areas of the skin
• Head shaking
• Staining of the skin from salivia
• Thickened skin
• Increased skin pigmentation

Natural remedy for cats and dogs with atopy

While many pet owners turn to steroids and antihistamines to help their dogs or cats with skin allergies, supporting your pet's immune system may help reduce the occurence of flareups and allergic responses. A strong immune system clears out allergy response cells like histamines.

Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the amount and effects of histamines that are released during an allergic response. They help to reduce inflammation and improve your pet's coat quality by creating a protective barrier in the skin to block out irritants and infections . Most dogs and cats respond well to omege 3 fatty acids with noticeable improvement within a month. For more information on fatty acids, visit The Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Dogs and Cats.

Dietary Recommendations

Food allergies may be present in dogs with atopy and can increase the scratching and itching. Commercial pet foods are often the culprit to a range of health issues, so a good starting point for promoting health and wellness in animals is to feed a high quality diet - one with high protein, low carbohydrate, moderate fat.

The following companies produce high quality pet foods which can be purchased at many local pet shops. Visit their websites to purchase online or locate retailers in your area:

• Innova
• California Naturals
• Solid Gold
• Life4K9

Also, a good reference book for preparing a homemade diet is "Home-Prepared Dog and Cat Diet, The Healthful Alternative," by Dr. Donald R. Strombeck.

Educational Video:

Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats

Natural remedies for atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats:

New - Animal Essentials Fish Oil Plus

Allergy Itch Ease

Ultimate Skin and Coat

Super EPA

Kelp Help

Omega Gel Caps

Immugen

Shampoo for Pets with Atopic Dermatitis

Dr. Shawn's Itch Relief Shampoo

Septiderm Bath

Septiderm Lotion

Septiderm Spray

Animal Essentials Fish Oil Plus

Animal Essentials Fiish Oil Plus provides a healthy, well-balanced formula of Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, derived from sustainable wild caught fish. Containing higher levels of Omega 3s, this formula is helpful for pets with flea allergies and chronic skin problems.

To purchase or learn more about Animal Essentials Fish Oil Plus...

Allergy Itch Ease from PetAlive

Allergy Itch Ease from PetAlive is natural remedy that relieves itchy skin in dogs and cats. It helps dogs and cats stop scratching and soothes the skin by supporting the health of all cells and layers of the skin.

To purchase or learn more about Allergy Itch Ease...

Immugen from Thorne Research

Immugen's unique formula combines vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanicals and other nutrients for optimal immune system functioning. This powerful formula contains the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, Zinc, NAC, Thymus, Reishi Mushrooms, and the herbs Echinacea, and Astragalus which are known to help the immune system fight bacterial and viral infections as well as reduce inflammation associated with allergic reactions. Reishi Mushrooms work as an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine to relieve allergy symptoms and asthma.

To purchase or read more about Immugen..

Super EPA from Thorne Research

Super EPA is a fish oil concentrate that is a superior source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s work as an anti-inflammatory for skin diseases, asthma, allergies and kidney inflammation. Omege-3s reduce the effects of histamines and are needed to help prevent skin from drying and cracking.  Super EPA will improve the quality of your pet’s coat and reduce the swelling and wounding associated with biting and scratching.

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Septiderm-V Bath from GreenTree

Relieves itching due to skin problems that may be caused by hot spots, flea bites, dermatitis, rashes and skin allergies.

In addition to its antiseptic action, it is a very effective deodorant shampoo and excellent grooming aid.

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Ultimate Skin and Coat Supplement

A high quality dietary supplement with Omega 3, 6 & 9 Fatty Acids from natural sources and fortified with biotin for healthy skin and a glossy coat on your pet. Relieves itching, dull coat and excessive shedding when caused by dietary (fatty acid) deficiency.

Contains no hormones or antihistamines and may be fed as needed to control itching, or every day for a beautiful coat.

To purchase or read more about Ultimate Skin and Coat Supplement...

Kelp Help by NaturVet

Kelp Help combines the benefits of natural Omega 3, 6, and 9 Fatty Acids for healthy skin and a glossy coat, as well as being fortified with ESSENTIAL vitamins and minerals important to maintain normal digestion and proper vitamin utilization.

To purchase or read more about Kelp Help...