Description
QUICK SUMMARY
This protocol helps with: chronic itching, eczema, bald spots, recurring skin infections and allergic skin complaints in dogs and cats. Skin problems are rarely purely local. Behind the itching there is almost always a systemic imbalance.
Why a protocol and not a skin ointment or antihistamine?
The skin is the largest organ of the body and at the same time the most visible expression of what is happening inside. Chronic skin problems in dogs and cats are almost never primarily a skin disease. They are a symptom of a disturbed immune system, a dysregulated inflammatory response or, in chronic cases, an increased intestinal permeability that allows allergens and toxins to enter the bloodstream.
Corticosteroids and antihistamines temporarily suppress this signal but do not resolve the underlying imbalance. As soon as the medication stops, the symptoms return. The NGD Care Skin Protocol tackles the cause: four complementary supplements that each address a different link in the system, from mast cell stabilization and histamine inhibition to immune balance and skin barrier repair.
How does the Skin Protocol work?
The protocol is used in two situations: for acute or seasonal skin complaints as an independent protocol, and for chronic or recurring skin problems in combination with the NGD Care Bowel Protocol.
Histamine Balance forms the antihistamine and anti-inflammatory basis. MSM provides bioavailable sulfur for collagen synthesis and keratin production and inhibits NF-κB-mediated inflammation. Quercetin stabilizes mast cells and inhibits histamine release, the central trigger in allergic skin reactions. PEA Complex modulates the deeper inflammatory response via PPAR-alpha activation and 5-lipoxygenase inhibition, without the side effects of long-term corticosteroid use. Calanus oil provides EPA, DHA, and stearidonic acid in combination with astaxanthin, strengthens skin barrier function, and modulates the arachidonic acid pathway with an anti-inflammatory net effect. Myco Immune Complex restores the Th1/Th2 immune balance via beta-glucans from medicinal mushrooms. In this way, it is not the symptom but the immunological root cause of the allergic overreaction that is addressed.
In the case of chronic or recurring skin complaints, the gut-skin axis is almost always a relevant mechanistic point of attention. Increased intestinal permeability allows allergens and bacterial toxins into the bloodstream, which permanently activate the immune system and become visible on the skin as itching, inflammation and eczema. In that case, the Skin Protocol will be combined with the NGD Care Gut Protocol for structural recovery of the intestinal barrier and microbiome. In addition, Liposomal Lactoferrin can be used to support mucosal immunity. For stress-related itching, Adaptogen complex, Myco Adaptogen Complex or CBD oil is a useful supplement. For acute eczema spots, the Ozone Olive Oil skin cream or the Colloidal silver-zinc spray is recommended as a topical supplement.
When do you see results?
The skin reacts faster than repairing deeper imbalances. The first improvement is noticeable via mast cell stabilization by quercetin. This is followed — especially with chronic use — by a deeper wave of recovery as the immune system rebalances.
Quercetin stabilizes mast cells. Less acute itching and redness noticeable. Animal is calmer.
Significantly less skin inflammation. Better coat. Fewer skin infections. Immune balance improves via beta-glucans.
Skin barrier strengthened. In chronic use: intestinal barrier restored, less dependence on medication.
Seasonal peaks are still possible, but milder and shorter. Long-term maintenance with calanus oil, MSM/quercetin and mushrooms.
Is the protocol different than expected? Schedule an intake with integrative veterinarian Stefan Veenstra for personal adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I combine this protocol with veterinary medication, such as corticosteroids?
Yes, in many cases this protocol can be used as a supplement to regular medication, and in the long run it can help reduce dependence on corticosteroids. Always discuss this with the prescribing veterinarian and never reduce medication yourself.
Do I always have to follow the acute and chronic part of the protocol?
No, in the case of one-off or seasonal complaints, the acute protocol is often sufficient. In case of recurring or chronic skin problems, supplementing with the Bowel Protocol and chronic support is recommended for a more sustainable result.
Why doesn’t a skin ointment help permanently with chronic itching?
A skin ointment or antihistamine suppresses the symptom locally, but does not address the underlying immunological imbalance or intestinal permeability. As soon as the drug stops, the symptoms usually return because the cause is still present.
Does my animal need to be examined by the vet before I start this protocol?
Yes, skin complaints can also have other causes such as mites, fungi or bacterial infections that require specific treatment. Always have your animal diagnosed by a veterinarian before starting this protocol.
Why the NGD Care Skin Protocol?
| Characteristic | NGD Care Skin Protocol | Standard approach |
|---|---|---|
| Tackling the cause | ✅ Systemic: immune balance, inflammation and skin barrier at the same time | Symptom suppression: temporarily inhibiting itching and inflammation |
| Sustainability effect | ✅ Structural: effect remains after the acute phase | Temporary: complaints return after stopping medication |
| Corticosteroids | ✅ Reduces long-term | Long-term use with known side effects |
| Scientifically substantiated | ✅ Yes: quercetin, beta-glucans, EPA/DHA, PEA | Variable |
| Developed by veterinarian | ✅ Stefan Veenstra DVM | Rarely |
| Personal guidance | ✅ Intake possible via Naturally Healthy Animals | ❌ Not available |
Is this protocol suitable for my animal?
This protocol is in addition to, not a substitute for, veterinary diagnosis. Skin problems can also have other causes such as mites, fungi or bacterial infections. Always have your animal examined by a veterinarian first.
Want to read the scientific background?
Stefan Veenstra DVM explains how the gut-skin axis works and why immune balance and inflammation are at the heart of chronic skin complaints in dogs and cats.
Supplements in this protocol
Developed and clinically substantiated by Stefan Veenstra DVM, integrative veterinarian. Stefan is the founder of NGD Care, NGD Care Academy and Integrative Veterinary Center Natural Healthy Animals. Read more about Stefan →
This protocol is educational in nature and does not replace a veterinary consultation. Always have skin problems diagnosed by a veterinarian first.
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