We know that skin conditions are common, and research has shown that they are related to 40% of visits to the vet.¹ Some allergies can be difficult to diagnose, and dogs with food allergies may be clinically indistinguishable from those with canine atopy.

There are many causes of allergies in dogs, with two main ones being:

• Environmental allergens – fleas, insects, seeds, weeds, grass, pollen and dust mites
• Food allergens – such as beef and chicken

Only 10% of dogs with allergies are experiencing food allergies. However, concurrent allergies are common. Dogs with adverse food reactions have a 20-30% higher risk of developing concurrent allergies.² These allergies are typically environmental allergies.

For dog owners, traditional derm diagnostics can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive. This leaves them feeling frustrated and leaves the dog suffering from continued itching, tiredness and pain.

The right nutrition can help

There are many ways to manage skin issues, with a multimodal approach often having the best effect. One thing pet parents often overlook is their pet’s diet: the right food can play a key role in soothing a pet’s skin from the inside out.

Prescription Diet Derm Complete

The only clinically proven nutrition for both food and environmental allergies.³ This is the primary choice for any new canine derm patient. It helps to address the two primary causes of itching with:

• A breakthrough formula with bioactive and phytonutrients to help manage a dog’s response to environmental allergens.
• Egg as the novel protein that avoids 96% of food allergies^4.
• Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to help support healthy skin, which is a barrier against potential environmental allergens.

Available in a mini and normal-sized kibble, as well as a tasty canned variety

Prescription Diet Derm Defense

For long-term management of dogs with suspected Atopic Dermatitis due to environmental allergy, no GI signs and a history of seasonality.

• Hill’s first defense against future allergy outbreaks with Histaguard Complex, a proprietary blend of bioactives and phytonutrients
• Continuously normalises immune response to allergens with natural sources of polyphenols
• Supports skin rejuvenation with vitamin A, zinc and essential fatty acids

Available in a normal-sized kibble.

Prescription Diet z/d

Clinically proven to reduce skin & digestive signs from food intolerances. z/d is recommended for dogs showing no positive response to Derm Complete, where there is a suspected food allergy.

• Highly hydrolysed animal protein to help minimise adverse food reactions.
• Increased levels of essential fatty acids & high levels of vitamin E help promote a healthy skin barrier, plus fibre for firm stools.
• Clinically proven to improve GI signs in 21 days4 and derm signs in 30 days^5.
• After the resolution of clinical signs indicating a food allergy, skin conditions can be managed long-term on Prescription Diet z/d or d/d.

Available in a mini and normal-sized kibble, as well as a tasty canned variety.

Prescription Diet d/d

Hypoallergenic nutrition is clinically proven to help avoid adverse food reactions and improve digestion and skin health. d/d comes in one novel protein formula, Duck, and offers a more affordable cost per day when compared to z/d.

• Single intact novel protein & single carb source limits risk and signs of recurrence of adverse food reactions.
• High levels of omega-3 & -6 fatty acids support skin health and break the cycle of inflammation.
• Helps reduce allergic reactions to food and supports skin health^6.

Available in a normal-sized kibble, as well as a tasty canned variety.

Visit www.ItchyPets.co.za for more information or contact Hill’s toll-free on 0800 228 783.

1. O’Neill DG et al. Prevalence of Disorders Recorded in Dogs Attending Primary-Care Veterinary Practices in England. Plos One 9(3): e90501.
2. Concurrent allergies may occur in up to 20% – 30% of cases in dogs and cats with adverse reactions to food (SACV 5, pp. 630, English language version; Verlinden A, Hesta M, Millet S, Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2006;46(3):259-73.)
3. The only dietetic nutritional solution for both food and environmental allergies.
4. Loeffler A, Lloyd DH, Bond R, et al. Dietary trials with a commercial chicken hydrolysate diet in 63 pruritic dogs. Vet Rec 2004; 154: 519–522.
5. Hill’s data on file
6. Hill’s data on file.