Dealing with dog skin allergies and ailments can be extremely frustrating. You can’t ask your pet how she/he feels; you can only observe his/her behavior and treat the outward symptoms. As a pet owner we want our pup feeling great even when suffering with allergies. If you are accustomed to seeking out natural remedies for yourself, it won’t surprise you to know that pet skin disorders can also be alleviated with the use of natural products. Here are some of the common problems found in dogs and how you can use natural remedies to deal with them.
Dry skin
Dry Skin is a major problem for our pets; on a dog this can indicate problems with the diet, or reactions to environmental factors. One solution that has been shown to help is using Coconut oil on the dry areas and also, adding coconut oil to the dog’s diet. You can ask your vet about how much to give per meal based on your dog’s weight. In addition to coconut oil, an Epsom salts bath while more of an undertaking can also help. To do this, mix two cups of Epsom salt and half cup of any oil to a tub of hot water. We like coconut oil. Place the dog in the water for ten minutes, followed by a thorough rinse.
Rashes and / or Incessant Scratching
Another major symptom are rashes and/or incessant scratching. Rashes can be caused by poison ivy and poison oak, as well as by insect bites. Your dog’s incessant scratching is annoying to watch and can lead to infection as well as open sores if it continues. While there are pharmaceuticals that address the problem, owners worry that they may have long term detrimental effects. Instead soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, aloe vera or milk of magnesium and dab it on the pretentious areas to help promote healing. Several supplements can be added to your dog’s food to promote great skin and reduce scratching. A healthy mix of Omega-3 fatty acids, garlic and brewer’s yeast can prove incredibly beneficial. Coconut oil is another great way to get a healthy dose of fatty acids. Omega-3 provides fatty acids can be found in salmon oil, flax seed oil, safflower oil and linseed oil. Any of these can help promote the well-being of your pet’s skin while keeping it moist and supple.
On a side note – Apple cider vinegar can also be used as an ear wash and can also be added to the dog’s water to be ingested and acts as a natural flea repellent. You can look up dosing for the water bowl, online.
You can also use equal parts white vinegar and water mixed together as a cleanse when you bathe your dog. This will ensure you have deactivated the shampoo upon your final rinse. One of the most common skin irritations when bathing is not thoroughly rinsing shampoo out of the coat! As with anything dealing with your dog’s health, make sure to contact your veterinarian with any questions or concerns about natural remedies or ways to take care of your dog’s skin.
Have any other natural remedies that help dog skin allergies? Feel free to comment below.
