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: Break the Itch–Scratch Cycle

Itching is a self-reinforcing loop: scratching damages the skin barrier, increases inflammation, and sensitises nerve endings, which intensifies itch perception.

Even short periods of repeated scratching can be enough to maintain this cycle, making early interruption essential.

Helpful habits

• Supervise high-risk moments
  Scratching often peaks during rest, after walks, or in the evening. Staying nearby during these moments allows gentle interruption before scratching escalates.
• Distract, don’t punish
  Calmly redirect your pet when scratching starts by calling them over, offering a calm activity, or engaging them briefly. The goal is to shift focus
• Reduce access to trigger surfaces
  Many pets rub against carpets, sofas, or rough bedding. Temporarily limiting access to these surfaces or switching to smooth, soft resting areas can significantly reduce mechanical irritation.
• Limit damage by keeping nails short
  Keeping nails short reduces skin trauma if scratching occurs, without restricting normal movement or behaviour.

BSAVA principle: Interrupting self-perpetuating cycles

Step 2: Reduce itch load after high-risk activities

Goal

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

High risk activities

• After muddy, dusty, or high-pollen walks: Gently rinse with wter or wipe high-contact areas (paws, lower legs, belly, chest) with a damp cloth or pet-safe wipe
• After swimming or rain: Gently towel-dry skin folds and between toes, avoiding rubbing and avoiding leaving the coat damp for extended periods
• After drying: Allow the skin and coat to settle undisturbed, rather than repeatedly handling or checking
• After exposure to shared canine environments (dog parks, daycare, grooming): remove surface allergens and moisture from high-contact areas such as paws, lower legs, belly, chest, skin folds, and around the mouth and ears with a whipe or by rinsing with lukewarm water

BSAVA principle: Reducing cumulative pruritic load

Step 3: consider stress as a contributing factor

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.

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 protoc 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.