Atopic dermatitis (skin allergies) is the second most common form of skin conditions in pets (the first being flea allergies).
The causes of Canine Atopic Dermatitis vary greatly, but there is an inherited tendency to develop the antibodies (which are known as IgE) in certain breeds. This is especially true for Staffordshire terriers, Boxers, retrievers, Shar Pei's, Beagles, and even Irish Setters.
Mixed breeds are also known to contain the antibodies of atopic dermatitis, but they can be carried by any species.
Symptoms and Diagnosing
Symptoms of atopy usually appear between ages 1 and 3, often as a combination of rash, hay fever, asthma, food allergies, eczema, or conjunctivitis. Other signs of atopic dermatitis may include:
How It's Diagnosed
When diagnosing canine atopic dermatitis, veterinarians often look for a triad (three or more) of the following symptoms:
- Itchy skin (Pruritus)
- Sores around the lips, face or paws
- Thickening or hardening of the skin (lichenification) around the ankle (tarsal joint) or the extensor surface of the carpal joint
- Chronic or chronically relapsing dermatitis
- Individual or family history of atopy (a genetic predisposition of allergies)
- Breed predisposition of allergies
Treating Atopic Dermatitis with DERMagic
Step 1: Shampoo Your Pets
Bathe your dog with DERMagic Peppermint and Tea Tree Shampoo or the award-winning organic DERMagic Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar.
Note: Clip your dog’s hair if it is long. If the hair is very long, please cut it close to the skin (but do NOT shave).
Step 2: Condition Fur
After rinsing shampoo from fur, apply DERMagic Peppermint and Tea Tree Conditioner, then rinse conditioner from fur and towel dry your pet.
Note: The liquid conditioner can be diluted. You should experiment with it to reach the consistency and strength that works best for you and your dog.
A less expensive and much more eco-friendly option is to use the DERMagic Solid Conditioner Bar for Pets. Just one bar is equivalent to three bottles of liquid conditioner! Here is how to use our incredible conditioner bars:
Step 3: Skin Rescue Lotion
Massage DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion deeply into the affected areas of the skin.
Apply lotion twice daily for 1-3 weeks, then once every day.
Apply DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion as you would lotion on yourself—just enough to avoid greasy or wet skin. The lotion penetrates deep to target mites, fungus, and bacteria. Put a T-shirt on your dog to keep the lotion in place and prevent licking; if licked, the product is safe and harmless.
Repeat these instructions each week. Bathe weekly for the first month, then twice monthly or as needed. Do not bathe too frequently! As your pet's skin and fur returns to health, it will begin to balance it's own pH levels.
Step 4: Cell Restoration Creme
As your pet's skin begins to heal, begin to apply DERMagic Cell Restoration Creme. This specialized creme helps facilitate growth and encourages healthy new cells to regenerate while keeping skin soft and conditioned.
Once you have completed treatment, continue with DERMagic shampoo and conditioner bars for each bath. This helps keep your pet's skin at optimal pH levels and will help prevent your pet from regressing.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
The DERMagic Skin Care System begins working quickly, but it will still take some time to see the results. Recovery depends on how advanced the condition became before treatment, your dog's diet, and the frequency of treatment.
You will see an immediate response after your first treatment as itchiness subsides and your pets begin to feel better. Most pets show immediate relief as their skin relaxes and becomes less itchy.
Full recovery usually averages 2-3 months. Your pet may recover much faster (as early as a few weeks) or it may take much longer before their fur completely grows back in (up to eight months).
Remember, it took time for your dog to develop this disease and it will take time to grow back. Be patient and consistent in treatment.