Skin and Allergy Problems
Contributed By: Patti Marks
W.H.W.T.C.A. Health Committee

Skin problems are usually caused by an allergic reaction to something in the environment, whether it be fleas, mold, dust, pollen, grass, food or chemicals that cause the dog to itch. Itching in turn Causes the dog to scratch. Constant and continued scratching will cause a breakdown in the skin that generally leads to bacterial infection, hence the skin problem.

Allergies are an indication of a compromised immune system. We unfortunately can not rid all allergens from the dog's environment, but we can control some. We can eliminate fleas, adjust the diet and boost the immune system.

First, if your dog has FLEAS it is IMPERATIVE to Treat the DOG and the ENVIRONMENT. One flea can wreck havoc on a dog with a flea allergy.

The next very important issue is dealing with infection. If your dog has one or more of the following symptoms, you will have to treat for secondary bacterial infection. Look for the following symptoms:

  • Hair Loss
  • Scaling Flaky Skin
  • Open Sores
  • Greasy Skin & Coat
  • Thick Black Skin
  • Pimples
  • Moist Puffy Skin
  • Chronic Ear Infection
  • Odor
  • Red Swollen Feet & Pads

    All of these symptoms indicate infection that will require antibiotic treatment. The length of antibiotic therapy will depend on how long your dog has been experiencing these symptoms. Many chronic cases require antibiotic treatment anywhere from 2-6 weeks, along with topical treatment. The type of antibiotic used is extremely important. This can not be stressed enough. Equally important in treating skin infection is to keep the SKIN CLEAN. The type of shampoo and the frequency of bathing depend on the specific symptoms present. Medicated CORNSTARCH with ZINC is very effective in healing and soothing the skin.

    We must next deal with the prednisone issue; should we or shouldn't we use it? For many years, this was though to be the only way to treat the chronic allergy/skin condition. Thankfully in recent years this has been found to be untrue. Prednisone can be used in combination with other therapy to treat allergy and skin problems, but with care. Prednisone suppresses the immune system which will give the dog temporary relief of the allergic reaction of "itching", hence the scratching subsides. However, the prednisone WILL NOT do anything for the skin infection. That is why it is so important to also treat with antibiotics. Many veterinarians are using antihistamines to relieve the itching associated with allergic reactions.

    Diet in the allergic dog is extremely important. The following is a starting point; the diet often needs to be adjusted to the individual dog. If you are not using a lamb and rice food, switch to one of GOOD QUALITY, preferably without soy, wheat, corn, beet pulp, fillers, beef products, animal by products of any kind and preservatives. READ THE LABELS! It may become necessary to switch to a fish and potato food or you may choose to prepare your own food, which many people are now doing. You will find additional information on diets for Westies on our web page, including an article on ARF, an all raw food diet.

    Adding additional Vitamin C, E, Zinc, and Omega 3 & 6, fatty acids are very useful in returning the body to a healthy state. "Dermapet" makes these supplements all in one gelcap. It is also recommended to add "Prozyme", a digestive enzyme, to the diet of dogs with compromised health and immune systems.

    Finally, all skin conditions are NOT allergy related. This must not be overlooked. It is very easy to look at a Westie and say "allergies. There could be an underlying thyroid condition, or the dog could have lice, sarcoptic or demodetic mange mites. Blood tests, skin scraping or biopsies may be required to diagnose these problems.

    Whatever the cause, dogs with chronic skin problems need to have an ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS and APPROPRIATE TREATMENT.

    If you need additional information to assist you in treating your Westie, please contact me Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday evenings 7:30-9:30 p.m. EST. at 215-657-6085.

    Please have your record of treatments, diagnosis, and current medications in front of you when you call.


  • ***Disclaimer***

    Any information contained on this site relating to various medical, health, and fitness conditions of Westies and their treatment is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing a Westie's health - you should always consult your own veterinarian.


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