Dogs with atopic dermatitis have very dry skin. A defective skin barrier leads to moisture loss from the skin. This manifests as dry, flaky skin that sheds as “dandruff.” These dogs scratch all the time. The defective skin barrier allows allergens to pass through the skin and trigger an immune reaction that causes inflammation and erythema (itchy red skin).
There are several ways that the skin barrier can be repaired with nutritional supplements. There are several ways to protect the skin barrier. It is important that you learn how to protect and replenish the skin barrier if you have a dog with atopic dermatitis.
Food allergy is not uncommon in dogs. Every itchy dog needs an elimination test. If you have a dog that never stops scratching no matter what he does, consider a food allergen as a possible cause. Adverse food reactions cause intense itching and self-mutilation. Dogs will destroy themselves by scratching and rubbing, as this self-mutilation is the only way to stop the itch. These dogs need the allergen removed from the diet. How do you know what it is? You do a food elimination test and a sequential rechallenge.
Flea allergy is such a common cause of itching and scratching in dogs. Dogs are mutilated along the upper back around the base of the tail.
Regardless of the cause of the itch, it is possible to stop scratching quickly and effectively, in the comfort of your own home right now. You can do it by yourself.