Dogs can suffer from skin allergies, just as many humans do, and your pup can be just as miserable. The question is, what might be causing your pup’s allergies and how can you help him feel better using holistic methods?
Skin allergies have three sources:
1. Nutrition
Food can cause skin allergies in your dog. “A person who is allergic to shellfish may experience throat swelling and a possibly critical or fatal reaction, but in dogs the allergy is expressed through the skin and seen most often as itch,” explains Dr. Adam Patterson, clinical assistant professor and Chief of Dermatology at the Texas A&M College of 
Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Small Animal Clinic.
Dog’s diets require higher amounts of quality protein and fewer amounts of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can come from both grains and produce if they are canine-appropriate. Allergens like wheat, corn, and soy tend to be added as fillers to dog food and often are a component of nutrition-based allergies. However, low quality and high quality foods can both cause allergies. Some dogs just develop allergies to particular proteins, like beef, or to certain carbohydrates.
If your dog is experiencing what you believe to be nutrition-based allergies, the following might be helpful to try: limited ingredient diets formulated for allergies, (Bake to Nature Fish & Sweet Potato line), unique protein sources, (Zignature Kangaroo line), single-source protein sources (Acana singles line), or adjusting the protein to carbohydrate ratio (high protein food like Orijen). All can be found at Three Dog Bakery on West McEwen Drive in Franklin.
2. Environment
Dogs can develop skin reactions to both topical and inhaled allergies in their environments. So that means the skin rash you’re seeing on Fido might not be from something he touched, but from something he breathed in. The good news is, you can manage environmental allergies before a skin irritation even begins.
If you’re aware that your dog has allergies in the spring, at the start of the season, get him a supplement such as Herbsmith AllerQi Bakery that boosts your dog’s immune system. Raw goat’s milk, which contains natural antihistamines, can also help strengthen your dog’s defenses.
To help prevent reactions from topical sources, you can wipe your dog’s feet with a grooming wipe each time they come into the house from outdoors. You can also limit you pup’s outdoor time when allergen levels are predicted to be high.
Skin rashes, hotspots, and itching can be treated using holistic methods. Soothing shampoos that contain oatmeal can provide relief from itching and help hydrate a dog’s skin. Three Dog Bakery carries a Skin Solution from Reliq that works differently than most. The volcanic minerals in the solution draw out toxins and allergens from the skin, rather than simply just relieving symptoms.
3. Other Skin Issues
Some skin problems aren’t the result of an allergy. It could stem from dry skin, shedding or dullness in the dog’s coat. Omega-3 is effective in lubricating dogs’ skin, and aiding with dryness and shine. You can also add fish oil or coconut oil to your dog’s food, which are great sources of Omega-3.
To relieve dry skin immediately or to soothe itching, you can simply rub coconut oil onto Fido. Yes, it’s a little messy but your pup will smell good. For your pup’s paws, nourishing oils like those contained in Reliq Paw Spa hydrates the pads of paws and eliminates paw soreness. Regular brushing, grooming for dogs who need it, and baths with high quality natural shampoos help remove dander and dense undercoat which are often the result of shedding or odor in a dog.
Supplements are a great preventative too. Even healthy dogs benefit from adding a product with antioxidants or nourishing ingredients. Many come in the forms of powders that you mix with food, which can be easier to administer than a capsule or tablet. Some treats even contain medicinal levels of supplements that support skin and coat health, like Bixbi Skin & Coat Jerky treats, found at Three Dog Bakery.
Located on West McEwen Drive in Franklin, Three Dog Bakery is adjacent to Whole Foods in the McEwen Shopping Center. To learn more about Three Dog Bakery, click here
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