An increasing number of pets are being diagnosed with Canine Atopic Dermatitis, the technical name for itchy skin. This condition is most often caused by a hypersensitivity to either food or environmental allergens, including pollens, molds, dust mites, and insect antigens (Becker). Some animals suffer with itchy skin and lesions while others don’t, and there could be many reasons as to why this happens. However, it has been found that it may have to do with how well the skin functions as a defensive barrier against allergens. Epidermal barrier defects caused by loss of structural proteins in the outermost layers of the skin are thought to play a significant role in the development of atopic dermatitis in dogs and other animals (Becker). Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are
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Dogs can be given capsules designed for animal or human consumption as long as the dosage is correct, although there has not been a perfect dosage amount figured out. It has been suggested that one 1500mg capsule should be given to a 20 pound dog (Weil), or that they can be given 22-40mg of EPA per kg of body weight per day (Coates). The easiest way to administer Omega-3’s to smaller dogs is to puncture a capsule of the correct dosage and empty it onto their food. Larger dogs can be given whole capsules if they are able to swallow them. It has also been shown that fatty acids can work synergistically with antihistamines (Dermatology) and other drugs such as oclacitinib and, as mentioned above, glucocorticoids and cyclosporine to help reduce allergic skin inflammation and itching. Omega-3 fatty acids are relatively safe, but when given in extremely large doses can lead to gastrointestinal upset, problems with the blood clotting system, and immune dysfunction (Coates), and may not be appropriate for use in pets with medical disorders such as high cholesterol or clotting problems
Dogs can be given capsules designed for animal or human consumption as long as the dosage is correct, although there has not been a perfect dosage amount figured out. It has been suggested that one 1500mg capsule should be given to a 20 pound dog (Weil), or that they can be given 22-40mg of EPA per kg of body weight per day (Coates). The easiest way to administer Omega-3’s to smaller dogs is to puncture a capsule of the correct dosage and empty it onto their food. Larger dogs can be given whole capsules if they are able to swallow them. It has also been shown that fatty acids can work synergistically with antihistamines (Dermatology) and other drugs such as oclacitinib and, as mentioned above, glucocorticoids and cyclosporine to help reduce allergic skin inflammation and itching. Omega-3 fatty acids are relatively safe, but when given in extremely large doses can lead to gastrointestinal upset, problems with the blood clotting system, and immune dysfunction (Coates), and may not be appropriate for use in pets with medical disorders such as high cholesterol or clotting problems