Allergen Removal. Common allergies in dogs and cats include things that are everywhere in the environment such as dust mites, danders, pollens and molds. Allergy symptoms in dogs have now been shown to be caused predominantly by percutaneous (through the skin) absorption. In other words, a dog or cat lays or steps on a potential allergen in the environment and absorbs it through the skin resulting in the allergic reaction and skin irritation/itching. This is very different from the main mechanism of allergy in people, which starts with inhalation. Because allergic reactions are triggered by absorption through the skin, bathing can be very helpful in that it allows for physical removal of the allergens from the skin. This removal prevents or dampens the allergic reaction and results in an improvement of allergy related symptoms such as itching. Because your pet can quickly be re-exposed to the allergens in the environment, the benefit of bathing is typically temporary and needs to be repeated frequently. Giving your pet a cool bath can be one of the best ways to quickly calm down an allergy flare and keep them comfortable.
Reduction of bacteria and yeast on the skin. Bacterial and yeast infections/overgrowth are commonly seen in pets with skin allergies resulting in odor, crusting, redness and itching. Some studies report up to 85% of patients with skin allergies will have secondary skin infections when they present to their veterinarian. The incidence of resistant skin infections in dogs and cats is on the rise, and in some cases there are limited (or no) oral or injectable antibiotics that will work to kill the bacteria. In some patients, topical therapy alone must be used to resolve the infection. You can directly access the bacteria and yeast causing skin infections with topical treatments like shampooing. In most cases, you can achieve much higher levels of antimicrobials applied directly on the skin than you can ever achieve with oral administration, making topical therapies very effective for skin infections. In the day and age of bacterial resistance, it is best to avoid continued exposure to oral antibiotics as this has been shown to promote resistance. Relying on topical antimicrobial therapy is an effective method of both treating active skin infections and in preventing their recurrence.
Moisturizing and improving barrier function of the skin. There is growing evidence that people and dogs with skin allergies have physical defects in the barrier function of the skin. These defects cause water loss from the skin resulting in dryness and also allow allergens to penetrate the skin. Frequent bathing has been shown to help hydrate the skin and restore a more normal barrier function, keeping possible allergens out.
How often should I bathe my pet with itching and allergies?Generally speaking, bathing for skin allergies is most effective when done at least once to twice weekly, or as directed by your veterinarian. The shampoo should be gently massaged and lathered into a damp coat. As a general rule you should allow a 5-10 minute contact time of the shampoo with the skin before rinsing well. Cool water is recommended as water that is too hot can actually exacerbate skin itching.
In general pets with allergies can be sensitive to certain active or inactive ingredients in shampoos. It is important to monitor your pet for any increased itching, redness, scaling or any new skin lesions after bathing, as these may be signs of irritation from the shampoo. If shampooing seems to irritate the skin, always discontinue and check with your veterinarian. In pets that are irritated by shampoos, you can attempt to gently rinse your pet with cool water as this will still allow for removal of allergens from the skin.
What are skin allergies in dogs?
Allergies are common in both humans and animals, and can occur for a variety of reasons. An allergy is when the body’s immune system responds inappropriately to a substance, causing a reaction to something which normally would not pose a threat to the body.
The substances which trigger an allergic reaction may be different types of food, insect bites, medications, or environmental triggers such as dust or pollen. The allergic reaction to this substance can cause a wide range of symptoms which may affect different body systems including the skin.
Skin conditions are one of the most common reasons that owners seek veterinary attention for their dog, and skin allergies are the most common type of allergic reaction in dogs.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BATHE YOUR ITCHY DOG?
It’s tough to watch your dog scratch and whine because they are suffering with skin allergies. Washing can be a very useful tool in managing this unfortunate condition and, if done correctly, can become a pleasant experience for both pet and owner.
Bathing your dog with skin allergies once or twice a week with a suitable shampoo can be a useful way to help alleviate symptoms such as inflammation and itching.
However, it is important that this is done correctly to avoid making your dog’s condition worse.
Skin allergies in dogs can be difficult to treat, and veterinary advice should always be sought if your dog’s condition is not resolving or is worsening.