HOW TO help your Bichon with itchy skin

[EDDEL]

This is another flyer I picked up at the MUD BAY pet store in Seattle .   I reckon it'd be beneficial for our bichon.ca members, seeing how our fluffernutters are sometimes or worse yet always itching, scratching, gnawing themselves.


HOW TO HELP DOGS WITH ITCHY SKIN
Written by the staff of MUD BAY


1. Feed a food that's good for your dog's skin

2. Safely eliminate fleas

3. Provide immediate itch relief

4. Consider supplements

5. Visit your dog's veterinarian regularly


Your dog's skin is the largest organ of its body.  It's also one of the first to show the effects of a food that isn't completely meeting your dog's nutritional needs.

Veterinary research has shown that most skin disorders in dogs can be eliminated or reduced by changes to their diet.  Eliminating fleas helps, too, provided this is done in a way that creates no additional source of irritation to your dog's skin, or otherwise compromise your dog's (or your) health.

In this flyer, you'll find effective long-term strategies for improving the health of your dog's skin.  You'll also find helpful information on choosing safe, topical remedies that will provide your dog with short-term immediate relief from itchy skin.



1. Feed a food that's good for your dog's skin
Many of us grew up thinking that all dog food is more or less the same.  Fifty years ago that was mostly true: dog food was made out of by-products and leftovers that weren't good enough to go into human food.  Even today, most commercial dog foods are made from the waste products of the milling and slaughtering industies.

But a growing number of companues, most of them small and fairly new, have begun producing much higher quality foods.  As a result, there are a growing number of healthy nutritional options for your dog.

The food that worked when he was three may not work when he's eight.  Every day, dog owners walk into MUD BAY solutions to their dog's skin problems.  We ask how long the dog has itched, whether the dog has been diagnosed with a veterinary condition and what the dog is eating.

"His diet can't be the problem," owners often tell us.  "He's been eating the same thing for years, and he's never had a problem."  Surprisingly, the diet that worked two years ago may not waork now.  Dogs age quickly and their digestive systems change with age.  Many older dogs are often less able to produce adequate quantities of the digestive enzymes that break down food.

Like a teenager who stays healthy despite a diet of junk food, your two- or three-year old dog may have survived on food that wasn't the best possible match fo this particular needs.  But at five or eight, his digestive system may no longer be able to deal with too many carbohydrates or a protein source that doesn't match his breed's needs or some other characteristics of his current diet.

Only 1 in 20 itchy dogs is truly allergic.  Owners of dogs with itchy skin sometimes think their dog is allergic to certain ingredients.  Often, they've come to this conclusion because they've seen an improvement in their dog's health when they've switched from a food that included the suspect ingredient to a food that didn't.

In a small number of cases, the allergy conclusion is correct.  But most veterinary nutritionists now believe that only about one in twenty itchy dogs is actually allergic to any of the ingredients commonly found in hihg-quality natural dog foods.  For the large majority of dogs with itchy skin, the problem is that the dog's diet doesn't meet all of its nutritional needs, not that the dog is allergic to a specific ingredient.

Get advice.  Be patient.  Be persistent.  To help find the right food for your dog, we recommend reading our flyer HOW TO CHOOSE A HEALTHY DOG FOOD.  We also recommend getting advice from your dog's veterinarian.

Most dogs show dramatic improvements in the health of their skin and coat two to six weeks after switching to an appropriate diet.  If their skin hasn't improved after six weeks, don't give up.  Bring the unused portion of the food(s) you've been feeding back to MUD BAY and ask a staff member to help you find a different food or combination of foods to try.  Sometimes it takes a few tries, but we can almost always find a food that improves the condition of a dog with itchy skin.



2. Safely eliminate fleas
The staff of MUD BAY have written a brochure entitled “How to Control Fleas Safely”.  It details healthy, natural approaches for eliminating fleas from dogs and cats, as well as from homes.
PS: Unfortunately, I didn’t pick up this flyer about flea control    In the interim, members can view this thread about flea preventive medication.



3. Provide immediate itch relief
If your dog is currently suffering from itchy skin, rashes, hot spots, hair loss or scabbing, then you’ll want to make it feel as comfortable as possible right away.  Although topical remedies are only temporary, they will help aggravated areas to heal while you make the dietary changes that are likely to result in long-term improvement.

Most of the best topical remedies include tea-tree oil (also called oil of melaleuca).  Other effective anti-itch ingredients include chamomile, aloe vera, oatmeal, avocado, and calendula.




4. Consider supplements
Modern, cooked dog foods create a higher demand for digestive enzymes than did the raw diet of our dogs’ ancestors.  Additionally, the cooking process kills off bacteria, including the beneficial ones that would help to repopulate a dog’s intestinal flora.  Adding a digestive supplement that contains enzymes, probiotics or prebiotics may help a dog digest its food better, making more nutrients available for skin and coat maintenance.

Some dogs require balanced fatty acids to keep their skin healthy.  Feeding an essential fatty acid supplement may help these kinds of dogs.

Most dogs benefit from the addition of small amounts of fresh, raw foods to their diet including vegetables, fruits and raw meat.  Keep these additions below 10% of the dog’s total diet.



5. Visit your dog’s veterinarian regularly
Please feel free to ask a member of MUD BAY’s staff if you have any questions we haven’t answered here.  Of course, the information, experience and opinions we offer shouldn’t be a substitute for a visit to your dog’s veterinarian.  In some cases, itchy skin in canines may be caused by a veterinary condition.  Only your dog’s vet can diagnose and treat these conditions.  Regular visits to your dog’s vet can help in early diagnose and treatment of such conditions.




Hope this helps

[BenjisMommy]

Wow DEL.. you are awesome.... Thanks so much for sharing this info with us.. you're the best 

[Karen xo]

sooo informative!!!

Good job Mz Delphine  

[Theresa]

BRAVO Del for yet another must-read, must-sticky post!

You're such a treasure.

[EDDEL]

        The pleasure was all mine Jane, Karen and Theresa.

I had read some information about skin conditions..... will post those after I've organized it somewhat

[brendakay]

I noticed that Mattie was scratching allot and I changed her dog food and I also have been giving her baths with oatmeal shampoo hoping that this would stop her from scratching well it didn't. I than took her to the vet and he gave her a shot and said it should help but, it could last up to 3 weeks and he was right so now she is now taking Prednisolone pills. I'm hoping this will help.

[Terri]

I must have missed this post. 
I'm just glad I found it now.
There is so much to know about this subject.
I don't want to deprive Belle from anything.
Even though she isn't itching now, doesn't mean this won't be an issue for her in the future.
I actually had stopped giving her raw veggies when her bald spot came,
but I've started giving her some, mostly when I'm cooking.
Thanks Del, I'm thankful for the research you do. [/size]

[EDDEL]

I noticed that Mattie was scratching allot and I changed her dog food and I also have been giving her baths with oatmeal shampoo hoping that this would stop her from scratching well it didn't. I than took her to the vet and he gave her a shot and said it should help but, it could last up to 3 weeks and he was right so now she is now taking Prednisolone pills. I'm hoping this will help.

Brenda, to hear Mattie is feeling discomfort (scratching).  Hugs for Mattie!!
You brought up points which are exactly what I'm gonna be covering in my subsequent post. 
I hope you read on

Even though she isn't itching now, doesn't mean this won't be an issue for her in the future...... Thanks Del, I'm thankful for the research you do. [/size]

So true Terri!  Having read some of the things I've read, I find myself that much more 'ready' to combat such itchy problems.
And for your kind words..... I'm happy to share what I've learnt with my Bichon friends!!

[EDDEL]

As promised ..... more information


ITCHY SKIN can be the result of skin infection, excess oil accumulation, yeast infection, even parasitic bites/infestation . The list goes on .  Too often owners point the finger at food, when sometimes all their Bichon(s) need is a fatty acid supplement or change of shampoo.  You hear "(I think) he's allergic to xx food"  phrases all the time, but what exactly is an allergy?

Defined by medical dictionaries as "a hypersensitive state acquired through exposure to a particular allergen", allergies are often manifested as itching & scratching.  And while pinpointing offending allergens (especially food proteins) is like searching for the proverbial needle in the haystack (quick but expensive way is taking a serologic test), the easiest thing we could do (as custodians of our Bichons ) is understanding why it happens and the various remedies available. 

In continuing this HOW TO HELP YOUR BICHON WITH ITCHY SKIN thread, I'm compiling hereunder, information I've gleaned from various reading materials and websites.  Specifically, courses of action your vet and YOU will/can take in helping your Bichon relief that itch!

• [1] STEROIDS
• [2] ANTI-HISTAMINES
• [3] FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTATION
• [4] TOPICAL PRODUCTS
• [5] IMMUNOTHERAPY
• [6] HYPOALLERGENIC DIETS
• [7] HYDROLYSED PROTEINS

[/size][/color]


[1] STEROIDS
For rapid relief of itch and inflammation, nothing matches the corticosteroid hormones such as

• cortisone
• hydrocortisone
• prednisone
• dexamethasone

How often have you brought your 'allergic' Bichon to the vet only to have your Bichon injected and/or prescribed[/color] PREDNISONE.  What are these 'steroids' and how effective/harmful are they   CLICK HERE to read a comprehensive article from PetEducation.com  Most of the injectable forms of steroids also come in a tablet form (eg: PREDNISONE) THIS WEBPAGE talks about chronic steroid use.  Therein, click on the PREDNISONE link to learn the uses, side effects, concerns with PREDNISONE.[/size]


[2] ANTI-HISTAMINES
Histamine is what's released to the surface of the skin thus causing the intense itching characteristics.  Anti-histamines are thus often prescribed.  Usually an oral medication, antihistamines block the action of histamines are released by the body during allergic reactions.  Examples of anti-histamines include: -

• diphenhydramine ie. BENADRYL
• clemastine fumarate ie. TAVIST
• hydroxyzine ie. ATARAX
• chlorpheniramine ie. CHLORTRIMATON

From the same webpage about chronic steroid use, click the[/color] PREDNISONE link, and thereafter scroll the navigation bar on the left, and click on BENADRYL to read about this commonly prescribed drug.[/size]


[3] FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTATION
(essential) Fatty Acids have been recommended for years to improve coat quality and shine.  Recently, new research has shown that certain fatty acids - the omega-3 fatty acids - are also very beneficial in the treatment of allergies in dogs and cats.  Omega-3 fatty acids work in the skin to help reduce the amount and effects of histamine and other chemicals that are released in response to allergies.  Not every allergic Bichon responds to omega-3 fatty acids.  Some Bichons show improvements, others have a complete cure, and others show no change after being on the omega-3 fatty acids.  Most Bichons need to be on the omega-3 fatty acids daily for several weeks to months to notice significant improvement.  CLICK HERE to read the comprehensive article from PetEducation.com
PS: before supplementing, please read about the relationship between Omega-3 and Omega-6


to be continued.....

[EDDEL]

[4] TOPICAL PRODUCTS
Topical Treatments such as hypoallergenic shampoos, emollients, and moisturizing rinses are also popular, and sometimes effective.  Products such as colloidal oatmeal shampoo are readily available in stores.  When using creams or salves, or sprays, be vigilant.... you don't want your Bichon licking off these preparations .  Topical therapy offers immediate, but short-term relief.

Topical solutions containing hydrocortisone offer some relief.  When used in moderation, do not create long-term side effects or problems associated with injectable or oral steroids. One such product available for the relief of inflammatory pruritis is BUR-O-CORT 2:1.  This ready-to-use formula contains Burrow’s Solution 20mg/ml as a drying agent and hydrocortisone 10mg/ml for inflammation and itch.   CLICK HERE to read this great article at PetEducation.com about some of the ingredients (& its function) found in your Bichon's shampoo.


[5] IMMUNO-THERAPY
For Bichons that suffer year-round and do not respond to conventional therapy, or cannot tolerate the various medications, immunotherapy (more commonly referred to as hyposensitization) can bring relief.  Affected Bichons are given a series of injections containing allergens that their tests have shown to be the worst offenders.  A Bichon must undergo intradermal skin testing prior to hyposensitization.

Immunotherapy is not a cure but can significantly lessen symptoms caused by specific substances.  It is especially useful against inhaled allergens that are difficult to avoid such as pollen or dust mites.  By injection increasing amounts of substances your Bichon is allergic to, such as pollen and dust mite, the aim is to eventually build tolerance to these substances and prevent them from causing symptoms.  CLICK HERE to read this great article about allergy testing and immunotherapy at PetEducation.com


[6] HYPOALLERGENIC DIETS
To combat itchy skin (when suspecting food allergies), feeding trials, using so-called 'novel' proteins, can also be implemented by owners themselves.  Your Bichon should be fed only rations containing proteins that they have never eaten (such as venison, rabbit, turkey, and even kangaroo).  Such diets, theoretically are hypoallergenic (ie. very unlikely to cause an allergic reaction) because of the lack of prior sensitization.  If your Bichon shows at least a 50% reduction in symptoms (ie. itching & scratching), he/she is considered allergic to one or more of the proteins in the former diet.  A re-introduction of the former diet, with recurrence of allergic symptoms is sometimes done to confirm the diagnosis.

Note: More & more commercial dog food manufacturers are touting hypoallergenic formulas.  Remember, a food (eg: xx Brand, kangaroo + potato formula) is not hypoallergenic in itself.  Because it’s a 'novel' protein, it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in your Bichon.  Lamb was the 'novel' protein of yesteryear, but today, lamb diets/formula abound.

Owners are often not committed to feeding trials (because of its extended 'diagnosis' period) and prefer to change (brand) of food instead.  With the plethora of brands/formulas available on the market, owners are spoilt for choice.  Thing with changing one brand/formula to another is this..... without first having determined if it's food allergy, and specifically identifying which protein (could be chicken, could be soy, could even be ingredients such as kelp or brewer's yeast), you might very well have switched from a chicken formula to a lamb formula but the ancillary ingredients are still present in your Bichon's new food![/i][/size]


[7] HYDROLYSED PROTEINS
Another route that veterinarians commonly take in 'addressing' your Bichon's "itchy" problem is recommending prescription diets which contain hydrolysed proteins.  Remember, Prescription Diet itself is a brand name marketed by Hill's (along with Science Diet) and the company's primary marketing channel for the former is through veterinary clinics.  So it's no wonder Hill's Prescription Diet range of formulas/products are commonly recommended by vets.

• click here for a complete list of Hill's Prescription Diet formulas/products
• click here for product information (including ingredients list) for the commonly prescribed "z/d Ultra" formula for our allergic Bichons

Hydrolysate rations are foods that have their protein fractions already broken down to smaller peptides and amino acids, thereby eliminating their potential reactivity.  Examples of hydrolysates include some animal proteins, soybean, liver, oat, and pinto bean proteins.  CLICK HERE to read more about [6] HYPOALLERGENIC DIETS and [7] HYDROLYSED PROTEINS.[/color][/size]


Often we hear about holistic care (eg: natural diets, herbal supplements, homeopathic remedies, flower essences, etc) for pets, some manufacturers even 'producing' holistic food.  More than anyone else, I think we as owners are in good stead to provide holistic care... from our Bichon's nutrition needs to grooming needs (not forgetting physical exercise and mental stimulation).

Our Bichons are beholden to us – both beneficiaries and victims of our decisions.  Make yours an informed one

[JaBoogie]

Gawd Del!!!!

Thanks so much for all the work you do for all us Bichon crazies .....it must take you forever to not only find all this information but then type it all out for us and making sure we can understand it.

You really are a godsend

Of course I have no clue why I'm surprised.....just a couple of weeks ago I spent HOURS reading through your treatise on Bichons in Singapore and the Singapore Show Scene....I can't imagine how long THOSE must have taken you.

[BenjisMommy]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU 

[Raewync (Rae)]

Well you have excelled again Del.  I will read and re read all this so I take it all in.

[EDDEL]

    Don't mention Janine, Jane and Raewyn.

It started out as me wanting to know what exactly PREDNISONE and BENADRYL were.
And since I found the answers to my s, I thought I might as well share them (in a big-picture sort of way ).

.....just a couple of weeks ago I spent HOURS reading through your treatise on Bichons in Singapore and the Singapore Show Scene....I can't imagine how long THOSE must have taken you.

Janine for reading my 'formal exposition' about BICHONS IN SINGAPORE  
I thoroughly enjoyed the research work then.... gotta work on PART II one of these days .



.... last link for this topic..... article from BFCA's website on this same subject.

[SuperMax (Susan)]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this , Del!!!  

Thank goodness  Max hasn't had any problems "knock on  wood"  with itchy  skin .... but I am so grateful  that when/if that time comes  ... I will have this wonderful informative thread to peruse again!!!