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Conventional and Natural Treatments for Allergic Dermatitis

Conventional therapy for atopic dermatitis relies on corticosteroids and antihistamines. Corticosteroids can be given by injection, by mouth, or by both routes. The most commonly used corticosteroids are prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone.

Conventional Medications for Atopic Dermatitis

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory and analgestic (pain-relieving) medications. They decrease inflammation, swelling, pain and itching.

While very effective when used to control itching and inflammation, corticosteroids have both short-term and long-term side effects. Short-term side effects include increased water intake, increased urination, increased appetite, and destruction of joint cartilage. Long-term side effects are numerous and include suppression of the immune system, infections, diabetes, liver disease, joint problems, obesity, glaucoma, cataracts, high blood pressure and stomach ulcers. When needed, short-term use of fast-acting corticosteroids is preferred. Depot injections are not usually recommended for dogs, but are commonly used in cats.

For the above reasons, holistic doctors prefer not using steroids for long periods of time unless it is absolutely necessary. In pets with allergies, antioxidants, fatty acids, hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners and herbal remedies can decrease itching and inflammation.

Natural Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis

Principal natural treatments include topical decontamination with frequent hypoallergenic shampooing and conditioning, omega-3 fatty acids, and natural diet.

1. Topical decontamination with frequent hypoallergenic shampooing and conditioning is important in removing foreign proteins from the skin and coat of allergic dogs. Shampoos and conditioners with aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal are usually tried first and work on most pets if they are bathed every 24 or 48 hours until itching decreases. If these products do not help decrease itching, medicated products containing antihistamines or corticosteroids can be tried.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids- Omega-3 Fatty Acids - eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - are derived from fish oils, algae and flaxseeds. Omega-3 fatty acids are benefitial by regulating the production of chemicals causing inflammation (prostaglandins). DHA is required for proper mental and visual functions. Large doses (2 to 4 times the label dose) have been shown effective in treating allergic dogs and cats. Fatty acid supplements often allow doctors to lower the dosages of corticosteroids or non-steroidal medications.

In allergic pets, fatty acid supplements were effective in 11 to 27% of dogs and over 50% of cats. Unlike fish oils, there is little evidence that flaxseed oil is effective for any therapeutic purpose. However, flaxseed oil can be used as a coat conditioner. Fish oil appears to be safe. The most common side effct is a fish odor to the breath or the skin.

3. Natural Diet- Feeding natural, holistic diet is recommended for several reasons:

• Some pets experience dramatic improvement in their skin disorders (less itching, less flakiness, less redness, less body odor etc.) when fed wholesome diet free from additives, chemical preservatives and hormones. Many commercial pet foods are processed at temperatures higher that 400°F which increases level of trans-fatty acids.
• Common chemical preservatives used in commercial pet foods, such as BHA, BHT, sodium metabisulphite can cause liver and kidney problems and brain damage in people. While the use of these chemicals has not been proven to cause specific diseases in pets, there is no confirmed data on whether or not they may cause chronic skin disorders when ingested long-term. Therefore, whenever possible, the most healthful alternative is to use the natural diets that do not contain these chemicals.

Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.