Skin Irritation in Dogs
My dog is suffering from itchy irritated skin, what could be causing this?
The first thing to remember is that not all skin problems are food related. In fact, it is only approximately 1% of all skin problems in dog that are food related. There are many other causes of itchy, irritated skin, such as allergic reactions to dust mites, pollen or flea bites, which should be ruled out first.
Having established that your dog may be suffering from a food allergy we then need to look at the most suitable feed for him. There is no such thing as a universal hypoallergenic diet as not all dogs will be allergic to the same thing. However, the most common allergens for dogs are wheat gluten, soya, beef and dairy products, so the first step would be to use a feed which is free from these ingredients. Within the Chudleys range there are several feeds which are suitable for dogs which are prone to dietary sensitivity: Chudleys Sensitive and the Chudleys Choice range.
These products are fully balanced and all contain a high essential fatty acid (EFA) content, specifically Omega 3 & 6 oils, to benefit skin and coat condition and reduce inflammation. They also contain key nutrients, such as Biotin, to help promote healthy skin and QLC, our patented antioxidant package, to help support your dog’s own natural defence system.
The Chudleys range also contains several herbal supplements which may be used to benefit skin and coat condition: Chudleys Nettle and Chudleys Condition.
You should change your dog’s feed gradually over a period of 7 to 10 days to avoid upsetting his digestive system. If the itching and skin irritation continues once you have established your dog on his new diet, or you are worried about these problems, you should consult your vet immediately.