Allergy Care for Horses, Cats, and Dogs – Guide to Managing Sensitive Skin
Common Symptoms of Allergic Skin in Animals
Itchy skin is often the first and most noticeable sign of an allergic reaction in pets. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, triggering unnecessary inflammation that can damage healthy skin and tissues.
Typical signs of allergic skin include:
Itching and scratching
Redness and warmth
Swelling, thickening, and hardening of the skin over time
Pets can worsen these symptoms through excessive licking, biting, or rubbing of the affected areas. Persistent itching increases the risk of secondary infections and long-term skin damage.
Common affected areas by species:
Dogs: paws, stomach, ears, groin, face, and in between toes
Cats: ears, face, wrists, ankles, armpits, groin, and between toes
Horses: areas prone to summer eczema, including the mane, tail, and flanks
Causes of Allergic Reactions
Allergic skin reactions in pets can be triggered by:
Insect bites (mosquitoes, midges, etc.)
Certain foods
Sun exposure
Chemicals and harsh cleaning products
Allergies often appear early in life and may worsen without proper management. Sensitive allergic skin requires gentle handling and minimal mechanical or chemical stress.
Tip: Consult your veterinarian to identify the specific triggers for your pet. Avoiding exposure is the primary preventive measure.
Safe Skin Care Practices for Allergic Animals
Choosing Skin-Friendly Products
When caring for allergic skin, it is crucial to select products that minimize irritation:
Avoid shampoos with harsh, anionic detergents such as sulfates
Avoid unnecessary chemicals and strong preservatives
Check purity and concentration of natural ingredients; high concentrations of active compounds may irritate sensitive skin
SOLHEDS Derma products are specifically formulated for sensitive and allergic skin, providing an eco-friendly solution for natural animal skin care. They minimize chemical irritation and are safe for regular use.
Risks in Animal Care Products
It is important to note that with all topical care products, individual reactions and side effects are possible. Even natural products can provoke allergic reactions. Common risks include:
Resin-based products: high natural resin content may trigger allergies
Pitch oil and tar: contain PAH compounds, which are carcinogenic
Essential oils at high concentrations: can irritate sensitive skin
Selecting products from a knowledgeable manufacturer ensures ingredient safety, proper formulation, and skin compatibility.
Veterinary Guidance
A veterinarian is the best resource for assessing your pet’s overall condition and recommending the most appropriate treatment. All skin care, grooming, and washing routines should take your animal’s allergies into account.
Print instructions in PDF format:
Video instructions
SOLHEDS Natural Products for Managing Allergic Skin in Dogs, Cats, and Horses
Using SOLHEDS Products for Allergic Skin Care
Cleansing the Affected Areas
Wash symptomatic areas with Derma1 Skin Care Shampoo as needed, leaving it on for approximately 3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. In many cases, simply rinsing with water or brushing away loose debris is sufficient. For most animals, washing 1–8 times per month is enough. Derma1 shampoo:
Soothes and cools irritated skin
Reduces microbial load and risk of secondary infections
Calms inflammation
Topical Care for Allergic Skin
Apply Derma2 Calming Serum or Derma11 Anti-Itch Spray to clean, dry skin 1–2 times daily. These products:
Relieve allergic itching
Support the skin barrier
Reduce redness and irritation
Facial Care for Dogs:
Derma11 Anti-Itch Spray is odorless and quick to apply, making it ideal for sensitive facial areas.
Secondary Skin Infections
Allergic animals are prone to secondary infections. Use Derma5 Germ Fighting Cream as a local treatment for affected areas. It is particularly effective on thickened “elephant skin” caused by constant rubbing.
Consistency and Long-Term Care
Allergic skin care is long-term and often lifelong. Some allergies are seasonal, while others persist year-round. Effective management requires daily commitment and consistent care:
Treat seasonal flare-ups preventively to support skin health
Dogs and cats are easier to manage at home
Horse owners may need to organize a daily care schedule involving multiple caregivers
Chronic allergies require regular, thorough maintenance therapy
Important Notes for Cats
Natural products can be harmful to cats, so even SOLHEDS Derma products should be used with caution. Always follow instructions carefully. More information on feline skin and product suitability can be found here.
General Care for Dogs, Cats, and Horses with Allergic Skin
Allergic Skin Management: Strategies and Treatment Options
Avoiding Allergy Triggers
The primary approach in managing allergic skin is avoiding the causative allergens whenever possible. Examples include:
Summer eczema in horses: Avoid biting insects such as midges and flies.
Food allergies in dogs: Systematically eliminate allergenic ingredients from the diet.
In some cases, complete avoidance is not possible. Immunotherapy (desensitization to the allergen) can be considered. While not universally available, it is often more accessible for dogs and small animals.
Maintaining Skin Health in Allergic Eczema
Since the skin is the primary affected organ in allergies, supporting skin health is central to care. Effective management includes:
Keeping the skin clean
Maintaining moisture balance using appropriate topical products
Reducing allergic inflammation
Proper topical care supports overall wellbeing and prevents secondary infections.
Corticosteroids (Glucocorticosteroids)
The most effective medication for controlling allergic inflammation is glucocorticosteroids, commonly known as cortisone. Cortisone works as a powerful anti-inflammatory, suppressing the allergic skin reaction.
Administration options:
Topical: Creams or ointments applied directly to affected areas
Systemic: Oral or injectable courses
Corticosteroids can have serious side effects, so treatment should always be under veterinary supervision. When properly managed, cortisone is safe and often the fastest way to relieve acute allergic skin reactions.
Additional Medications
Allergic skin care often combines systemic medication with topical treatment:
Established therapies: Cortisone-based treatments and fatty acid supplements
Antihistamines: Effectiveness in animals varies, but some pets benefit
Homeopathy: Certain cases have seen symptom relief
Important: Systemic medication alone is not always sufficient. In such cases, regular topical skin care is necessary.
Washing and Topical Care for Allergic Pets
Regular washing is an important part of the care routine for dogs and cats with allergic skin.
Washing goals:
Remove allergens from the skin
Reduce microbial load and risk of infection
Soothe and support skin health
For frequent washes, plain water is often sufficient, which spares the skin from unnecessary stress caused by strong detergents or additional chemicals. The care routine should also include the use of creams or ointments that soothe and moisturize the skin and support the skin barrier.
Avoid thick or greasy products, as they trap dirt and block the skin, creating a risk of inflammation, particularly from anaerobic pathogens.
Preventing Secondary Infections and Wounds
Common allergic complications include:
Secondary infections from microbial overgrowth
Wounds and abrasions caused by scratching or rubbing
Proper treatment follows guidelines for infected skin or damaged skin/wound care. Complete symptom elimination is impossible if the animal continues to be exposed to the allergen:
A horse with summer eczema will react while exposed to biting insects
A wheat-allergic dog will react if exposed to wheat in the diet
Comprehensive and Ongoing Management
The goal of holistic allergic skin care is to minimize symptoms and maintain skin health. Key strategies:
Consistent daily care
Clean and moisturized skin
Minimized exposure to known allergens
Regular and thorough management helps keep the allergic skin of dogs, cats, or horses as healthy as possible, reducing the risk of secondary infections.
Typical challenges in allergic skin management:
Inconsistent or irregular care
Lack of anti-inflammatory treatments in the care routine
Care not reaching the skin effectively
Poor hygiene
Not addressing all affected areas
Itching is a common sign of allergic skin disease in dogs. If the allergen is known, it should be avoided.
Keep the skin clean: In most cases, washing with water is sufficient, but if there is a risk of infection, use the antiseptic Derma1 Skin Care Shampoo. For regular washing, SOLHEDS Derma4 Gentle Shampoo is gentle and does not dry out the skin.
Support skin barrier and immune system with fatty acids, both internally and externally: Derma2 Calming Serum and Derma11 Anti-itch Spray soothe itching and strengthen the skin barrier.
Work with your veterinarian to identify the allergen and determine if medication is needed.
Itching can be caused by allergies or skin inflammation.
Identify the underlying cause and use the correct treatment: washing, topical care (moisturizing or protective products), or medication.
Treatment and prevention: If needed, gently wash the area with SOLHEDS’ antiseptic Derma1 Skin Care Shampoo and support skin barrier and immunity with Derma2 Calming Serum or Derma11 Anti-itch Spray, which are suitable for these skin issues and relieve itching.
Dogs can react to food, grooming products, dust, pollen, mold, or other environmental factors.
By systematically eliminating possible allergens and working with a veterinarian, the cause of the allergy can be determined.
As needed: If the skin is scratched or irritated, the risk of infection increases, and antiseptic washing is recommended. Derma1 Skin Care Shampoo disinfects the skin preventively and does not dry it out.
For regular washing, Derma4 Gentle Shampoo is mild and maintains skin moisture.
The primary concern—reduced skin barrier function—can be supported with topical care. Derma2 Calming Serum and Derma11 Anti-itch Spray soothe itching and strengthen the skin barrier.
Itching is a common sign of allergic skin disease in horses. If the allergen is known, it should be avoided.
Keep the skin clean: In most cases, washing with water is sufficient, but if there is a risk of infection, use the antiseptic Derma1 Skin Care Shampoo. For regular washing, Derma4 Gentle Shampoo is gentle and does not dry out the skin.
Support skin barrier and immune system with fatty acids, both internally and externally: Derma2 Calming Serum and Derma11 Anti-itch Spray soothe itching and strengthen the skin barrier.
Work with your veterinarian to identify the allergen and determine if medication is needed.
Itching can be caused by allergies or skin inflammation.
Identify the underlying cause and use the correct treatment: washing, topical care (moisturizing or protective products), or medication.
Treatment and prevention: If needed, gently wash the area with Derma1 Skin Care Shampoo and support skin barrier and immunity with Derma2 Calming Serum or Derma11 Anti-itch Spray, which are suitable for these skin issues and relieve itching.