Even though I'm taking good care of them... that stickiness might not be dirt? My dog's 🐶 skin troubles
6 years since being diagnosed with atopic dermatitis...
Even though I'm taking good care of them,
I've had many days where I worried
about why they were so sticky.
Through trial and error,
I've been facing the skin issues of my Shih Tzu.
There were many days when things didn't go well,
but I've started to understand things little by little.
Now,
by taking care of their skin before it gets worse,
the number of calm days has increased.
Even though I'm taking good care of them...
they feel a bit sticky,
a little dandruff-y,
or seem to be itchy.
Do you have days like that?
🗓 Common signs
What I've been feeling lately is
a state where they are sticky yet dry.
・Feels tacky when touched
・Dandruff appears
・Increased scratching behavior
This is often not just dirt.
🔍 The cause
What's involved is
a decline in the skin's barrier function.
Especially in spring,
・Pollen
・Temperature fluctuations
・Shedding season
Due to these influences,
the skin cannot retain moisture,
Dryness → Sebum increases to protect the skin
As a result,
dryness and stickiness tend to occur at the same time.
🫧 What to do on days like this?
・Remove excess hair and dirt by brushing
・Gently wipe with a damp towel after walks
・Don't over-shampoo (aim for once or twice a week)
And the most important thing is
moisturizing care.
Using a low-irritation lotion or spray for dogs
to gently condition their skin once or twice a day is great.
🌿 Sakurako's points
Just like human skin,
when it's dry, it produces more sebum to protect itself.
Therefore,
stickiness does not equal needing to wash it off,
but rather
stickiness equals needing to balance (moisturize).
It is important not to get this wrong.
🍽 A little internal care too
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) have
the effect of soothing skin inflammation,
・Reducing itching
・Supporting dryness
・Improving coat shine
and are said to be helpful for these things.
Furthermore,
they are essential nutrients
involved in maintaining the health of joints, heart, kidneys, and brain.
🏠 At our house, instead of giving grilled fish as is,
we sometimes lightly blanch it
to reduce the salt content
before adding a small amount as a topping. 🐟
Incorporating it in a way that you can continue without stress
is also one method. 😊
You can also incorporate supplements, fish (salmon, sardines, etc.), or fish oil.
The guideline is said to be about 20-50mg per 1kg of body weight, but
since it varies depending on constitution and condition,
do not overdo it, and consult a veterinarian if necessary.
※ Be careful, as taking too much can sometimes cause loose stools.
🏠 Environment is also important
Indoor dryness also affects the skin.
・Aim for 50-60% humidity
・Ease the burden with a humidifier
Sometimes just doing this can make a difference.
🤍 Today's charge
Increase the time you spend petting them a little
By touching them,
oxytocin is released, increasing their sense of security
Furthermore,
the function of serotonin is also supported,
making it easier to regulate the autonomic nervous system
As a result,
it becomes easier to maintain skin condition as well ◎
⚠️ Signs to watch out for
・Intense itching
・Redness
・Hair loss
・Scabs
If these symptoms persist,
there is a possibility of allergies or skin problems,
so please consider seeing a vet early
🐾 A quick note
There are days when things don't go well even though you're taking good care of them
But that is a sign
It's okay, there is a reason for it 😊
And another important thing is
👉 Not just today,
but continuing to face your pet every day, little by little
I am still going through trial and error myself,
but I hope this serves as a hint for those who are struggling in the same way 🐶☘️
Thank you for reading until the end 😊
If you'd like, please let me know with a 'like' as a sign that you 'get it...' 🫶
↓ Please check this out too 💁♀️