Do you have a dog with itchy skin? Does your dog allergy symptoms? Is he constantly scratching and biting himself?  Has he an itchy dry patch? Does he have itchy ears?  In dogs, skin allergies can manifest in various ways, including itchy skin irritation. While some dogs may have year-round allergies, others may only experience them during specific seasons, such as autumn, when certain allergens become more prevalent.

Seasonal skin allergies in dogs are immune system reactions triggered by specific environmental factors that are more prevalent at certain times of the year, such as in autumn, that trigger a response to allergens in the environment when a dog's immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen, mould, or dust, treating them as potential threats which can set your dog on a circle of itching and licking which may create sore patches and problems with healing because of itchy skin.

Seasonal Changes and Allergen Increase

Autumn brings an increase in mould spores and pollen from certain plants. The wet and decaying leaves provide a perfect breeding ground for mould, while some weeds release pollen during this time of year. The combination of these outdoor allergens can be particularly irritating for dogs with sensitivities.

Impact of Temperature Fluctuations

The fluctuating temperatures in autumn can also affect a dog's skin, making it more susceptible to dryness and irritation. Itchy dry skin may exacerbate the symptoms of allergies, causing your dog to scratch and lick excessively.

Common Dog Allergy Symptoms in Autumn

Understanding the common allergens present during the autumn months can help you identify potential triggers for your dog’s allergy and itchy dog skin symptoms. Here are some typical culprits:

Mould Spores

As leaves fall and decompose, mould spores become more abundant. These spores can easily be inhaled by dogs when they are outdoors, especially if they enjoy playing in leaf piles.

 

 

Pollens from Plants

Certain plants, such as nettles, release pollen during the autumn as well as spring, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs as well as atopic dermatitis. These allergens can cling to your dog’s fur and cause issues even after coming indoors.

Dust Accumulated in Central Heating Systems

After months of disuse, home central heating systems can collect dust and other particles. When the heating is turned on, these allergens are released into the air, potentially causing reactions in dogs.

Let’s look at the root of what is happening with your dog’s itchy skin and what you can do to prevent and help give your dog itchy skin relief, should an allergy or reaction occur.

The Skin's Role

The skin is the body's largest organ and is a complex system of specialised tissues. These include layers of dermis (creating the outermost barrier), hair follicles, nerve endings, fat layers, a rich blood supply and secretory glands.

Though dogs lack sweat glands, their sebaceous glands are crucial for skin health.

Beyond a physical barrier, the skin performs other functions. Beneath the visible epidermis and hair follicles lies a support system. The dermis is divided into three sections and provides:

• Sensitivity (nerve endings)
• Temperature regulation (blood and fat layers)
• An anti-allergic system (blood, sebaceous, and fat layers)
• A protective (shiny!) external barrier (sebaceous glands)

These support systems maintain optimal skin health and hair condition.

Allergies and the Skin

Allergies are conditions affecting the skin, lungs, and gut. They're a result of activity of the immune system. Allergens trigger the release of proteins called interleukins which play essential roles in the activation of immune cells and the antibodies produced by the immune system creating an inflammatory response.

Several inflammatory markers are involved, most importantly, histamine which has an important role linked with inflammation, gut physiology, and neurotransmission.

Regarding inflammation, four distinct histamine receptors exist, two of which seem specifically linked to allergy-related conditions. Histamine can have dual functions; in the skin, it can intensify dermatitis and itching while also regulating wound healing.

Sources of Skin Allergies

Skin allergies can stem from various sources. Inhaled and ingested allergens can affect the airways, gut, and skin. Ectoparasites, biting insects, and exotoxins (invasive allergens) can penetrate the external barrier. This penetration can occur through injection (from mouthparts of fleas, ticks, etc.) or skin damage. Additionally, itching leads to scratching, which exacerbates inflammation, damages the skin, and promotes the unwanted allergic response.

TurmerItch™ Paste

TurmerItch™ Paste is designed to address allergy symptoms in dogs and cats. While it doesn't directly target allergens, it supports the body's natural responses in several ways.

First, it maintains epidermal integrity. Proper nutritional input is essential for regenerating the outer skin layer. Linseed, an ingredient in TurmerItch provides amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids which promote skin regeneration.  

Second, it offers repulsion. Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in your dog’s skin and plays an essential role in maintaining dog skin health. This sebum stores essential oils, (found in TurmerItch™ Paste ingredients) which have been shown to repel parasites, particularly ticks and fleas. Turmeric essential oils can affect the ability of ticks on dogs to climb and attach themselves.

Third, it plays a role in the immune/inflammation cycle. TurmerItch™ Paste provides natural antioxidants, including curcumin from turmeric and quercetin from Apple Cider Vinegar. These antioxidants reduce oxidative stress neutralising free radicals. Inflammation and oxidative stress are connected. While not directly anti-inflammatory, naturally occurring antioxidants can support inflammation reduction, allowing the body to complete its healing response to allergenic proteins. Antioxidant-rich supplements can assist the allergic response and lessen symptoms.

Quercetin has been used in commercial preparations to reduce histamine production by targeting the cells that create it.

Dogs can efficiently absorb quercetin, feeding low-level daily amounts of Apple Cider Vinegar moderates the inflammatory cycles, including allergies and joint issues.

In conclusion, the complete blend of ingredients in TurmerItch™ Paste for Dogs & Cats including chamomile with its calming properties, milk thistle for liver support and skin health and red bush tea which is rich in antioxidants and helps dry and irritated skin, centred around the powerful properties of turmeric, provide further benefits that support the whole body's response to skin allergies and help give itchy dry skin relief.

We would always recommend that you visit your vet if you have any concerns over your pets health.