If you have a dog that experiences upset stomachs and skin sensitivities, we know how worried you are about making your pup feel better. After all, pets aren’t just objects, they’re family. And like our human friends, it’s devastating when dogs experience discomfort. Symptoms of stomach issues in dogs can range from minor tummy aches to more serious digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
Skin sensitivity issues can include dryness and itchy spots on the skin, which can range in severity from just one spot to many spots. If left untreated, these conditions could worsen with time and even lead to secondary infection or internal organ damage. Luckily there are steps you can take to help your dog feel better and control existing symptoms of allergy-related skin sensitivity or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Let’s dive into some tips for easing your pet’s discomfort below.
Identify the Problem
Food sensitivity is the most common culprit when it comes to skin issues but other factors can also play a role. Environmental irritants like pollen or dust may be a problem for your dog’s skin. If you see your pet scratching frequently and/or licking his paws, you may want to consider getting him checked out by the vet. He or she can help identify what’s causing the itchiness and recommend solutions for soothing itchy skin.
The flea allergy season tends to peak during warm weather months (spring and summer), so if this sounds like your dog, keep an eye out for symptoms that indicate he might have fleas. Frequent grooming sessions in which he licks his paws more than usual, constant itching, bald patches on his body where fur has been rubbed off due to excessive scratching or licking, etc.
Determine the Cause
It’s important to determine the cause of your dog’s stomach and skin sensitivities. The first step is to check for flea or tick bites, which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. If this doesn’t seem to be the issue, it’s time to look at food allergies, food sensitivities, and intolerances. All of which are different problems that may require slightly different treatments.
- Food allergies are a reaction by the immune system that causes inflammation in certain parts of the body when an allergen enters through ingestion (eating). Common allergens include chicken, beef, pork (and other meats), dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, grains like wheat gluten, and more.
- Food sensitivities result from an immune response similar to an allergy but without causing inflammation, they just make your stomach feel bad. Common symptoms include gas pains after eating certain foods along with diarrhea or vomiting immediately after consuming them
Try a Vet-Recommended Food With Real Meat as the First Ingredient
If your dog has skin and stomach sensitivities, the first thing you should do is try a vet-recommended food with real meat as the first ingredient. This can help minimize their food allergies and make them feel better overall. One of the best vet-recommended dog food is Purina Pro Plan Salmon & Rice Formula. The following tips will help ensure that your dog’s diet is healthy and well-balanced:
- Make sure it’s grain-free. Dogs don’t need grains in their diet, so removing them can help relieve allergies and other problems associated with eating too much starch.
- Look for foods made without artificial preservatives or colors. There are plenty of brands out there that don’t contain these chemicals. However, keep in mind that some manufacturers have been known to sneak these substances into their products anyway; so always check labels carefully before buying anything new.
Talk to Your Vet About a Skin Allergy Medication Your Dog Can Take Every Day
To find an effective skin allergy medication, you should talk to your vet about the possibility of a prescription shampoo. If a shampoo is prescribed for your dog’s skin sensitivities, try to use it at least once per week. Make sure that the shampoo you choose is formulated specifically for dogs and contains ingredients like oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal, which are anti-inflammatory.
If your dog has severe allergies or other health problems that require more than just a medicated shampoo, ask your vet about how often it’s appropriate to bathe him in this special solution. You may need to take him in every few weeks—or even once per month—for treatment with these special shampoos.
Keeping your dog healthy is one of the most important things you can do as a pet owner. We hope that this article has helped you figure out what to look for when choosing the right product to keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe.
