Is your dog scratching, biting and licking himself excessively? Then he might have Atopic Dermatitis or Inhalant Dermatitis. This is when your dog has an allergic reaction to something that he’s inhaled such as dust, dust mites or pollen. He becomes extremely itchy.
What are some of the symptoms of a dog that has Atopic Dermatitis? You may see your dog licking, scratching or biting his skin around the face, feet armpits and ears. You may notice red, scaly, raised areas on his skin. He may shake his head a lot. You may see staining of his skin from his saliva where he’s been licking himself. His skin may thicken and he may have increased skin pigmentation.
If you are looking to treat your dog naturally this is what is recommended: First identify the source of the allergen (pollen, mold, dust, etc.). Then reduce your dog’s exposure to it. Next bathe him weekly with an anti-itch moisturizing shampoo. Make sure you provide him with omega fatty acids to help reduce the inflammation. Support the immune system by feeding him a high protein, low carb, moderate fat diet.
Many dog owners will use a steroid or antihistamine to help with their animal’s skin allergies. However a more natural approach may be to support his immune system by reducing the occurrence of flare-ups and allergic responses. Having a strong immune system helps clear out allergy response cells like histamines. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the amount and effects of histamines that are released during an allergic response. They help to reduce inflammation and improve your pet's coat quality by creating a protective barrier in the skin to block out irritants and infections.
Along with the Atopic Dermatitis, your dog may also have food allergies. Many times commercial dog foods are to blame for a range of health problems so feeding your dog a high quality food or raw diet is essential to his well being.
Why are Fatty acids essential for a healthy skin and coat for your dog? Omega 3 essential fatty acids play a vital role in your dog’s overall health and are very beneficial for his skin and coat. Omega 3’s help create a protective barrier in the skin to block our irritants and infections and it also reduces inflammation. A deficiency in certain types of fatty acids can result in a dull coat and dry itchy skin. This makes the skin susceptible to irritations and allergic episodes.
Extensive research indicates that omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation—which many experts consider to be the root cause of most chronic diseases. However, it is very important for your dog to maintain a balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in its diet since omega 3s help reduce inflammation, while an over-abundance of most omega-6s tend to promote inflammation. Consequently, an inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to health problems, while a proper balance helps maintain and improve your pet's health.
Supplementing your dog’s diet with Omega 3 fatty acids can prove very beneficial in inflammatory disorders because it regulates your dog’s eicosanoid production which means your dog may find relief from itching and the pain associated with it.
Dogs need essential fatty acids just like us humans do. Neither one of us can live without them! They are critical to every cell in the body and regulate nearly every bodily function. They help build muscle mass and strong bones and teeth. They nourish the skin, hair, mucous membranes, nerves, thyroid, adrenals and much more. They also keep the gastrointestinal tract lubricated and aid in smooth, efficient digestion and elimination. They control the way cholesterol works in the body and play a key role in the functioning of the brain in regulating inflammation and healing and immune, digestive, reproductive and cardiovascular functions.
What is an Omega-3 fatty acid? They include: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA can be found in cold-water fish such a salmon, mackerel, halibut and herring as well as fish oil supplements. ALA can be found in dark leafy greens and in soybeans, walnuts, flaxseeds and flaxseed oils as well as canola oil.
In scientific studies the Omega 3 fatty acids have demonstrated that they: support healthy brain development, exert positive effects on inflammatory problems which may include stiff and aching joints, lower risk of heart disease and cancer, support healthy blood lipid levels and blood viscosity, and provide high levels of vitamin A and D which is necessary for the development of strong bones, teeth and healthy skin and mucous membranes as well as healthy nigh vision.
Studies have shown the positive effects that Omega 3’s have on heart health. It has been shown to stabilize irregular heart beat, reduce blood pressure, reduce clotting of blood platelets which means lower risk of stroke and reduce abnormal heart rhythms. These fatty acids may also help heal tissue lining the heart has suffered by the damage caused by heartworms and help animals with congestive heart failure live longer.
Although studies are still being performed, some have shown that they may reduce cancer risk by reducing and stopping the growth of tumors as well as the reduction of skin damage from radiation treatment. Omega 3’s are also beneficial in helping stop cancer cachexia (weight loss).
Omega-3s increase prostaglandins that reduce inflammation in the kidneys and improve blood flow to them. Since omega-3s also support healthy blood lipids, and dogs with kidney disease often have elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, this is a double benefit.
Preliminary research suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may decrease inflammation and improve lung function in pets with asthma.
There are many natural and holistic products on the market that can provide your dog with the Omega 3’s that are vital to his health.
My rating: Omega 3's: (4)
Review of "GRIZZLY SALMON OIL ALL-NATURAL DOG FOOD SUPPLEMENT" (there are 89 customer reviews on this outstanding product)....Derived from wild Alaskan Salmon, this nutrient-rich 100-percent pure salmon oil provides essential building blocks dogs need for a healthy heart and strong immune system. In addition, it helps relieve dry itchy skin, reduces shedding, makes fur soft and velvety, and helps keep the heart, eyes, and joints healthy. The all-natural supplement contains over 15 beneficial Omega 3, Omega 6, and Arachidonic fatty acids, plus a fresh fish flavor. To use, simply pump the salmon oil onto the dog's food directly from the convenient 32-ounce pump-bottle dispenser. A handy weight chart on the label displays the correct amounts to use.
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