Your pet might have atopic dermatitis, a genetic disease that affects the skin barrier and causes inflammation, trauma, and water loss. The more inflamed the skin becomes through the immune response and trauma due to scratching, the more the skin barrier gets broken down and results in water loss of the skin, causing the skin to becomes dry and flaky. This is a vicious circle that repeats itself over and over.
Atopic Dermatitis is mainly caused allergens in the environment such as:
– Pollen
– Dust mites (indoors & outdoors)
– Molds – Grasses
– Trees
While you can’t eliminate all allergens, you can take these steps to minimize their impact:
• Focus on
– Helping the skin barrier
– Reducing the water loss through the skin
– Limit exposure to allergens
• Consult with your Vet who can assist you with an effective treatment plan to minimize the effects of Atopic Dermatitis
Your veterinarian can also prescribe medication to modify the immune response/immune system to not over respond to ‘normal’ things in the environment. Sometimes your pet will also get a secondary infection that will have to be treated in order to have a positive response to the treatment.
Atopic dermatitis is a lifelong condition and requires continuous treatment and maintenance. As a pet owner, you can take the following steps to manage your pet’s Atopic Dermatitis.
• Make use of a topical treatment (shampoo) which has been proven to have many benefits including:
– Assisting in restoring the cement between the barrier cells in order to prevent the allergens penetrating deeper into the skin as well as preventing excess water loss
– Has a soothing effect on the skin
– Washes off all things that you cannot see – Improves the hygiene of the skin and reduce the microorganism load
Can you prevent Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic Dermatitis is not preventable – it is a condition your pet is born with and they will always have this condition. During the initial stages of treatment your pet will still have red/inflamed skin. Taking these steps will help make your fur baby feel better and improve the condition of the skin, and their quality of life.
– Proper flea control will also reduce the prevalence of flare-up episodes
– A good quality food eg. food developed for skin problems will also benefit your pet by reducing the inflammation in the skin.
– The Veterinarian must decide whether it is best to put your pet on oral cortisone (side effects need to be considered) or on a topical cortisone spray with no/little absorption into the body’s systems and therefore eliminates the side effects of cortisone.
Allermyl® Shampoo is a dermatological shampoo for use on dogs and cats. It aids in the management of Atopic Dermatitis. This shampoo combines the latest technology that provides skin barrier protection, softness and vitality to sensitive and irritated skin. It cleanes, soothes, protects and moisturises irritated skin. Allermyl® Shampoo is available from your local Vet or online Vet store.
For more information visit : bit.ly/3ZDTgdGAllermyl