Step 0: Support a normal Inflammatory response

Goal: Minimize flare ups

Skin-focused nutraceuticals are commonly used to support a normal inflammatory response.

Calm-focused nutraceuticals may also be included to help reduce stress-related flare ups.

How Supplements may be used

Maintenance use

• Given daily at the standard maintenance amount
• Intended for long-term use as part of a consistent routine
• Helps support skin resilience and normal inflammatory balance over time
  

During flare-ups or higher-risk periods

• The daily amount is temporarily increased
• Commonly increased to twice the maintenance amount, and in some situations up to four times the maintenance amount, for a limited period
• Typical higher-risk periods include seasonal changes, increased allergen exposure, routine disruption, early signs of skin irritation, or increased scratching or licking
  

Once the skin settles and routines feel stable again, the amount is reduced back to the regular maintenance level.

BSAVA principle: Support of normal inflammatory processes and stress modulation.

Discover Skin Supplements

Step 1: Avoid the itch-scratch cycle

When itching lasts over time, repeated scratching and licking can damage the skin. Once the skin barrier is weakened, itching can continue even if the original trigger is under control. That’s why protecting the skin and limiting self-trauma are key parts of long-term care

Goal

Support the skin barrier and reduce sensitivity by protecting vulnerable areas and avoiding unnecessary irritation

This step focuses on everyday care that helps the skin cope with normal activity without becoming further irritated. The aim is not to do more, but to do the right things consistently.

Helpful habits

• Be aware of commonly sensitive areas such as paws, belly, armpits, ears, and skin folds
• Brush regularly to remove loose hair and surface debris without irritating the skin
• Keep nails trimmed to reduce skin damage from scratching
• Use mild, fragrance-free grooming products and avoid harsh shampoos or frequent product changes
• Avoid repeated touching, rubbing, or checking of mildly irritated areas
• Consider applying a protective skin balm to high-contact or friction-prone areas when needed

BSAVA principle:

Skin barrier integrity and prevention of self-trauma

Protecting the skin barrier and reducing repeated mechanical irritation helps prevent ongoing skin damage that can maintain itching over time.

Step 2: Reduce Itch Load After High-Risk Exposure

Goal

Reduce cumulative itch by limiting how long irritants and moisture remain in contact with the skin after high-risk activities.

Habit: Provide Targeted Post-Exposure Care

After certain activities, environmental residue and moisture can stay on the skin and continue to trigger itching. Gentle, targeted care after these moments helps reduce how long the skin remains irritated, without overwashing.

Practical habits

• Rinse high-contact areas such as paws, lower legs, belly, or chest after muddy, dusty, or high-pollen walks, only when needed
• Gently towel-dry skin folds and between toes after wet exposure, avoiding rubbing
• Towel-dry thoroughly after swimming or rain and avoid leaving the coat damp for extended periods
• Allow the skin and coat to settle undisturbed after drying rather than repeatedly handling or checking

BSAVA principle: Reducing cumulative pruritic load

Limiting contact time with environmental irritants and prolonged moisture helps reduce additive itch stimuli that can push the skin beyond its tolerance threshold.

Step 3: Consider Stress as a Contributing Factor

Goal

Acknowledge and address stress as a factor that can influence allergy flare-ups.

Habit: Recognise the Role of Stress During Flare-Ups

Stress does not cause allergies, but it often contributes to flare-ups. Increased arousal, routine changes, or reduced ability to settle can lead to more licking, scratching, or rubbing, which may aggravate already sensitive skin and prolong recovery.

During flare-ups, supporting emotional balance alongside skin care can help reduce compounding factors that influence skin comfort.

For dogs where stress appears to play a role, refer to our Anxiety Support protocols for dogs for practical, step-by-step guidance.

BSAVA principle: Interaction between stress, behaviour, and skin health.

Behavioural and emotional factors can influence self-directed behaviours that worsen skin irritation during allergy flare-ups.

Step 4: Observe skin signals and adjust early

Goal

Identify early changes in skin comfort so timely, low-impact adjustments can be made before itching escalates.

Habit: Monitor Patterns and Fine-Tune Daily Care

Chronic itching usually changes gradually. Recognising early shifts allows small, sensible adjustments that reduce skin stress without reacting aggressively or adding unnecessary interventions.

Practical habits

• Notice changes in the frequency or intensity of scratching, licking, or rubbing over several days
• Pay attention to recurring problem areas such as paws, ears, belly, or armpits
• Compare current skin comfort to the previous week rather than reacting to single moments
• Temporarily reduce exposure to known high-risk activities when early worsening is noticed
• Reinforce existing protective routines rather than adding new products or increasing washing
• Allow the skin time to respond before making further changes

BSAVA principle:

Pattern recognition and graduated adjustment

Early recognition of change and measured adjustments help prevent escalation of pruritus while avoiding unnecessary or excessive intervention.

Step 5: Know when to move to the acute itch episode protocol

Goal

Recognise when ongoing maintenance is no longer sufficient and a short-term flare-up approach is needed.

Habit: Switch Early When Signs Become Persistent or Escalate

Even with good maintenance care, some flare-ups cannot be prevented. Knowing when to switch from maintenance to acute support helps reduce prolonged discomfort and supports a smoother recovery.

Consider moving to Acute itch episode protocol if you notice:

• Itching, licking, or scratching that becomes persistent rather than intermittent
• Redness, irritation, or discomfort that does not settle with routine adjustments
• Repeated attention to the same areas such as paws, ears, or belly
• Skin changes that worsen despite increased support during higher-risk periods

Switching early allows flare-ups to be addressed promptly, rather than waiting for symptoms to become more severe.

BSAVA principle: Timely escalation of supportive care.

Responding appropriately when signs intensify helps limit ongoing skin stress and supports a return to baseline comfort.