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If your pet has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (an itchy and inflamed skin resulting from a sensitivity to environmental allergens, and 12 weeks supplementation with PEA and Insect plus Itch Relief hasn’t significantly improved skin comfort, the next step in tackling this very difficult problem is to follow the guidelines in What Can I Expect When Giving PEA?
If food trials and supplementation with Immunity,Vitality, algal oil,Digestion and Bio-cultures plus the elimination of all sugars and carbohydrates from the diet hasn’t helped, all that remains apart from resorting to anti-inflammatory drugs, is reducing exposure to as many potentially allergic substances inside and outside the home as possible.
The challenge
Countless chemicals and materials can irritate the skin, and unfortunately many of these are everywhere.
This makes determining and avoiding those that are responsible for an itchy skin, extremely difficult.
Despite this an affected dog can often be helped by:
1. Keeping a skin diary to identify substances / materials which increase irritation / inflammation or trigger flare ups so they can be avoided.
2. Reducing contact with irritants and allergens commonly found in the home, which includes:
- dust
- dander
- mites
- moulds
- household chemicals
This can be done by implementing the 4 'C's;
- clutter clearing
- cleaning
- cotton sheets
- cutting chemicals
Clutter clearing
i) Keep surfaces and flooring free from unnecessary items which collect dust, dander, mites, moulds, household chemicals, plus other irritants (and allergens).
These include:
- knickknacks
- ornaments
- books and magazines
- piles of clothing
- toys – especially if soft or stuffed
ii) Store anything not in daily use in a cupboard or sealed plastic containers.
iii) Give away things no longer wanted.
Cleaning
Vacuum thoroughly several times weekly using a good quality cleaner (preferably one certified as asthma and allergen friendly).
Pay particular attention to underneath furniture (beds, tables, chairs), the edges of rooms, nooks and crannies of furnishings, mattresses, and curtains.
Empty the dust collector outside.
If possible, take up all rugs, as these are magnets for dust, dander, mites and moulds. And the deeper the pile the worse they are.
Remove furniture throws, drapes, non-essential soft fabrics and stuffed toys.
Wash bedding regularly.
Clean kitchen surfaces, window sills, lino flooring etc. using white vinegar (diluted with an equal part cooled, boiled water) in place of chemical agents.
Keep areas where condensation occurs clean, dry and well ventilated to prevent mould forming.
Stop using washing powder, fabric conditioners and similar products to launder blankets, bedding, furniture throws, and any other fabrics which contact your dog’s skin. Instead, use the hottest wash option advised by the manufacturer for the material concerned, without adding anything at all to the wash.
Cotton sheets
Place a plain, white cotton sheet underneath your dog whenever and wherever they lie down, to prevent direct contact with the surface beneath (and any irritants or allergens that may be present there). This includes on sofas, chairs and sections of carpets habitually lay upon.
(Due care should be taken not to trip over these, if they are left down.)
Undyed, natural cotton is best (unless a reaction has previously been observed), as it tends to be far less allergenic or irritating than manufactured fabrics, and natural fibres such as wool.
Cutting chemicals
Stage 1
The following steps significantly reduces levels of common irritants and allergens in the home, without breaking the bank. For some dogs, these will have a marked impact on skin comfort.
a) Cleaning:
Use white vinegar (diluted with an equal part of boiled, cooled water), as an alternative to commercial household disinfectants, sanitisers, wipes and cleaning agents.
b) Food and water bowls:
Switch from plastic to stainless steel or ceramic dishes, if these are not already being used.
c) Toys:
Replace those made of rubber or plastic with natural, untreated, undyed cotton rope alternatives.
d) Dog beds:
Wash frequently, vacuum weekly and cover in plain, white cotton sheets to begin with, but aim to replace those made of fabric as soon as practical, as these tend to harbour high levels of dust, dander, mites, moulds, household chemicals, plus other irritants (and allergens) - especially if they are stuffed with a soft filling, and have been in use for a year or more.
e) Dog wear:
Harnesses, collars, coats, body suits etc, are best made from natural cotton where possible, instead of manufactured fabrics and fibres such as wool – which can irritate sensitive skin.
f) Pet care:
Avoid using any health care products containing chemicals of any kind.
This includes, flea and worming preparations, shampoos, ointments, balms, wipes, coat conditioners, sprays and colognes.
g) Aromatics:
Remove strong smelling products from inside the home, such as air fresheners, reed diffusers, scented candles (even if never lit), aromatherapy oils, plug-ins, potpourri and similar items.
Prevent direct exposure to perfumes, aftershaves, shower gels, shampoos and body care products used by family members (blocking access to areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms where these are most often applied is a good idea).
Relocate low level indoor plants, along with any that are fragrant or flower. This is especially important if any are potentially harmful (check this list) or shed leaves / pollen.
Also keep an eye out for flare ups following contact with flowers, shrubs or trees in the garden or elsewhere.
h) Cigarette smoke and vapes:
Ensure any rooms used for smoking or vaping are kept off limits to dogs with skin problems.
i) Building work:
If home improvements are planned which are likely to create dust or fill the air with fumes from paint and other materials, sending a dog to stay with a relative, dog minder or kennels until everything has settled, will reduce the risk of aggravating a sensitive skin.
Cutting chemicals:
Stage 2
Replacing household items and furnishings are an additional option, but given the expense involved it is best considered only if a sensitivity to a particular item such as a carpet has been confirmed, and nothing else - including medication if necessary – has worked.
Pollen, grasses and plants
If walking or rolling on grass provokes itching or inflammation, preventing access to lawned areas in the garden, and restricting exercise outside to paved areas, sandy ground and similar terrains can help.
Keeping doors and windows closed and walking at dawn / sundown when pollen counts helps to reduce itching in pets with seasonal allergies.
A cotton bodysuit can significantly ease irritation for those pets who are sensitive to a wide range of environmental irritants / allergens.