La canine atopic dermatitis (DAC) is one of the most common skin conditions in dogs, causing reactions such as severe itching, scratches, rashes or redness of the skin. In this way, owners of atopic dogs must provide the animal with a specific dermis care to alleviate the symptoms produced by the pathology and promote their emotional stability, since constant discomfort can lead to stress and frustration in the dog.
El basic dog care with dermatitis includes modification of the diet, since proper nutrition can significantly improve clinical conditions and skin health. Therefore, in this article we will talk about the dog nutrition who suffer from atopic dermatitis and what to watch out for.
As a skin condition, nutrition can help boost the immune system and repair skin damage faster.
Because CAD causes intense itching, dermal redness, irritation, inflammation and multiple wounds as a result of excessive scratching, a improper nutrition can worsen the clinical picture, causing damage to tissues that are not repaired or adequately improve these reactions, in addition to producing dry skin and even peeling.
For all these reasons, here are the criteria to take into account when it comes to choosing a dog with atopic dermatitis and what to avoid so as not to aggravate the situation.
What should be considered when choosing a DAC dog food?
Altering the dog's diet with atopic dermatitis has three distinct goals: to help restore damaged skin tissue, reduce itching, and promote coat growth.
For that it is important check the composition of food and choose a diet designed for atopic skin, which helps reduce itching and restore skin health. It also contains alternative proteins that reduce the risk of allergic reactions and give it a good taste.
But what are the recommended components? How should the food be?
Rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids
La omega 3 fatty acid deficiency and 6 not only favor the development of canine atopic dermatitis, but also aggravates the dog's dermis and damages the health of their fur.
The use of these substances, therefore, helps relieve symptoms as irritation and itching, and helps to repair the injuries caused. Choosing a diet rich in omega 3 and 6 It is more than recommended, both for atopic dogs and for dogs without this skin condition.
The omega-3 fatty acids they are mainly found in oily fish such as salmon or trout, vegetable oils and green leafy vegetables. The Omega 6 it is also mainly found in vegetable oils.
With aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of the most popular plants worldwide for its healing properties, has the ability to maintain lipid balance of the patient's epidermis and in general, of keep the skin barrier in perfect condition. In this way, it favors the healing of scratched lesions and the correct regeneration of the skin.
Furthermore, the aloe vera is antibacterial, resulting in the prevention of possible topical wound infections. It also has important moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, so important in relieving the itching and irritations associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs.
Rich in biotin and collagen
Biotin, also known as vitamin B8, B7 or vitamin H, is a type of vitamin that is fundamental in the process of creating hemoglobin, the regeneration of skin tissue cells, hair and nails, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids.
Therefore, it is not surprising that a proper diet for dogs with atopic dermatitis contains biotin in its composition, since a deficiency of biotin can increase the hair loss of the affected dog and worsen the state of skin lesions. Where can we find it? On whole grain legumes, brewer's yeast, nuts, and other products such as carrots, potatoes, or salmon liver.