When choosing a dog to bring home, you may consider breed temperament, energy levels and size, but common skin conditions may not be on your radar. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of conditions that your dog may be prone to, so that signs and symptoms can be recognised quickly, and the condition managed with the necessary medication and skincare. Some dog breeds are more prone to skin conditions than others, but managing them doesn’t have to be difficult. From the wrinkles of shar peis, to the allergies of retrievers, there’s a perfect Anicura product out there to soothe your dog’s skin.
Spaniels
Spaniels are loved for their long floppy ears, but those same lovely ears are also prone to infections. Keep them clean with Anicura’s natural Shampoo! Make sure to avoid the inner ear, by mixing the Shampoo with water in a bowl, and gently cleanse using a flannel or cotton pads. For any sore spots, apply a layer of our antibacterial Gel, again, being careful to avoid the internal ear structure.
Shar Peis, Bulldogs and Mastiffs
Wrinkly dog breeds are much loved, but their adorable wrinkles can cause irritation. Where the skin folds, their short hairs can press into the skin, leading to friction and sores. Simultaneously, between the folds can get warm and damp, allowing bacteria to thrive. Keep their wrinkles clean with our natural Shampoo, again, best used diluted in water and with cotton pads or a flannel, to make sure you get between the folds. Make sure to rinse to prevent residual Shampoo getting trapped in the folds! After their bath, make sure they dry properly then apply a protective layer of our Gel to keep them clean and comfortable.
Frenchies and Pugs
Alongside the same skin-fold irritation that other wrinkly dogs experience, pugs and Frenchies can often suffer with skin allergies. To soothe and calm their skin, our Spray works twofold. Initially, it breaks the itch-scratch cycle, stopping your dog from licking or scratching the affected area and exasperating the issue. Secondly, the 15 oils and extracts in the Spray support the skin in regaining its natural balance. For extra powerful support, try our Chews, which contain fish oil, colostrum, zinc and probiotics for healthier skin from the inside out.
Golden Retrievers and Labradors
These lovable family dogs are sensitive souls, and are prone to both food and skin allergies. To keep them healthy and happy, it’s important to first remove allergens from their diet. Try an elimination diet, removing common allergens from their diet before reintroducing them to pinpoint reactions (read more here). Alleviating skin allergies can be a little trickier, but our allergy-friendly products are a great place to start. Our Anicura Dog Chews not only support allergy-prone skin, they also improve your dog’s gut and immune health – all super important for healthy skin. Plus, they’re incredibly tasty, so your will LOVE taking their daily supplement! In addition to the Chews, we’d also recommend our Spray to soothe any remaining itchiness, and our soothing Gel for actively inflamed, rash-y and sore patches.
Dobermans
This breed is prone to hypothyroidism. This leads to dry, flaky skin and a patchy coat. If you suspect your Doberman has developed hypothyroidism, it’s important to consult a vet and get the necessary medication to manage the condition. However, alongside the appropriate medication, our Dog Spray can help to hydrate the skin and feed it with the necessary nutrients to support it back to its healthy balance again.
Dachshunds
Dachshunds are prone to environmental allergies, and their short legs mean that they are closer to the ground and lots of potential allergens, such as pollen, grass and dust mites. Reduce skin contact with allergens by giving them a wash or wipe down with our Shampoo after walkies. With its gentle formula, our Shampoo is perfect for sensitive skin, and will gently cleanse the skin of allergens, preventing irritation. Actively inflamed or irritated skin can benefit from our Spray, which breaks the itch-scratch cycle and restore the skin to a healthy balance.
German Shepherds
German shepherds are known for their intelligence and gorgeous double coats, but skin conditions are some of their most common health issues. Often, they suffer with hot spots. Hot spots are areas of inflamed and infected skin as a result of licking and scratching irritated areas. Our Gel is the soothing solution to hot spots, and it works in two ways. Firstly, the Gel forms a protective layer over the irritated area. Secondly, the antibacterial Apple Cider Vinegar and skin-boosting Sea Buckthorn in the Gel soothe and restore the skin back to health.
Westies
This snow-white breed can suffer with food allergies that cause skin irritation. The result is often brown or pink staining on the fur, from excessive licking of irritated areas. Elimination diets can rule out the specific causes of irritation, and our topical skincare can help soothe in the meantime. Wash your Westie back to white with our Shampoo for sensitive skin, and spritz the skin afterwards with our Spray for a cooling, conditioning treatment. To support the skin from the inside out, supplement their diet with our Chews, which are designed to reduce inflammation, skin irritation and itchiness, plus aid digestive health and help detoxify the gut.
Conclusion
If you suspect your dog has a severe medical skin issue, always contact your vet. If you have any questions about our dog skincare for problem skin, feel free to contact us here, and we will advise on the best Anicura products for your dog!
