Oils For Flea Prevention
If you are reluctant to use conventional flea prevention products, you might have looked into natural options. There are a lot of recipes out theresome good, some bad, Morgan says. Essential oils can be very effective, she says, but must be diluted so they do not cause harm to the animal.
Morgan likes coconut oil, which you can either give your dog orally or apply externally on his coat. The higher the lauric acid content in the oil, the more effective it will be, she says. Many inferior coconut oils have very low lauric acid content. Coconut oil can also be used as a carrier oil for essential oils.
After using a dog flea comb daily to help remove fleas from a dogs coat, Integrative Veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne recommends bathing your canine companion with a natural pet flea shampoo. Start, for example, with a pint of organic oatmeal shampoo, and then add two tablespoons of either neem or tea tree oil, shake well and begin bathing. Pets may be bathed weekly or as needed. Keep in mind that improper dilutions of tea tree oil and other essential oils can be toxic for pets, so consult with your veterinarian first. And while natural options like these may help repel fleas, they are unlikely to solve a full-blown infestation on their own.
Harmful Effects Of Avoiding Medical Treatment For Your Dog
When considering integrating herbal remedies into your dogs care, it is important to note that both herbalists and scientists understand the scarcity in research regarding treatment efficacy. In fact, certain herbs actually induce adverse effects that may harm your dog and/or cause a possible infection to proliferate.
For example, a concerned pet owner may google scholarly articles and happen upon a recently published review looking at the use of essential oils in veterinary medicine to combat bacterial and fungal infections . In this review, the authors note the antibacterial benefits of cinnamon essential oils in fighting E. coli, Salmonella enterica, and P. aeriginosa, all while inhibiting biofilm formation . On paper this sounds promising, except that further research would clarify that in dogs, cinnamon causes peripheral vasodilation, can affect blood pressure, and is an irritant .
It is worth noting that visiting a veterinarian before your dogs condition progresses to a condition like superficial pyoderma may end up being more cost-effective. Progression of a pruritic skin condition to severely pruritic pyoderma infection is also painful for your dog, and so consultation with a veterinarian is recommended.
Natural Remedies For Your Itchy Dog
As a child, you were probably told that scratching an itch would only make it worse. And its true
Scratching irritates mast cells, which produce histamine during inflammatory and allergic reactions. And these histamines are what make you itch! Thats why scratching intensifies the problem its a vicious cycle.
To make matters worse, dogs have ten times as many mast cells in their skin as you do. And theyre spread all over a dogs body. That means your dog experiences a lot more itching with any kind of allergic response.
Its too bad that dogs arent very amenable to the same kind of advice our mothers gave us.
The good news is that there are many readily available natural topical products that will do the job well. In fact, you may have many of these itch fixes in your home.
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Itchy Itchy Scratch Scratch: Natural Home Remedies For Dogs With Allergies
By Darlene Stott
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When your dog has allergies, it is not only uncomfortable for them, but it can also be distracting to you, as their owner. You see your pet licking, scratching, and biting their feet, limbs, and tail and you feel helpless in your efforts to stop the itch. Often called Canine AD, Canine Atopic Dermatitis shows itself in the form of scaly, dry skin, scabbing of the inflamed area, and hair loss. Your dog may have ear infections and be rubbing their face and eyes. Secondary infection can set in if your pooch digs and scratches too hard, and this can lead to more pain and a long recovery period.
Your dog may be allergic to something in their environment such as pollens and grass, or cedar chips in their bedding. Contact allergens can cause skin reactions, too, and can be products like the carpet deodorizer you use or medications like pyrethrins in flea collars. An allergy to an ingredient in your dog’s food can cause symptoms like diarrhea along with skin issues. Flea allergy dermatitis is another instigator of inflamed itchy skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Vitamin E and Fish Oils Combo
Oatmeal Bath
Yogurt
Chamomile Tea
Epsom Salts
Coconut Oil
Food Additives
Licorice Root For Itchiness
No, this is not the same as the licorice candy you eat. Licorice root is actually a form of cortisone, and cortisone relieves skin irritation and reduces the urge to scratch, says Osborne, who practices in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
You may see bottles of licorice root in stores that sell health products. Pet supply stores also offer licorice products formulated for dogs. Some dog-specific products designed to treat allergy symptoms in dogs may also include licorice root.
If youve given your dog a flea bath and dip and shes still itchy, Osborne suggests the following herbal, home remedy: Take five drops of licorice root, five drops of dandelion root, and five drops of cats claw. Mix all three together and give five drops of the final solution to your canine by mouth, once daily for 14 days in a row.
Since cortisone is a type of steroid, its important to talk to your veterinarian before giving these products to your dog to prevent any potential cross reactions and/or side effects with any other medications your pet may be taking, Osborne advises. Also, some licorice root formulations have been associated with low blood potassium levels, muscle breakdown, and kidney damage. Make sure you are working with a veterinarian who is well-trained in holistic medicine before you reach for any herbal remedy.
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Directly Apply An Aspirin Mix
While this home remedy should not be ingested by your dog, it can work wonders for your dogs skin when directly applied. The aspirin will help soothe any sores and inflammation your dog may be experiencing from the scratching. This home remedy will work best when used alongside other home remedies.
Required Ingredients:
Process:
- Crush the aspirin tablets and combine them with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
- Place the mixture directly onto the affected areas and allow it to absorb in your dogs skin for at least five minutes.
- Rinse the mixture from your dog. .
- Repeat each day while your dog has any sores, redness, and/or inflammation caused by scratching.
Notes: Do not allow your dog to lick the mixture.
The Big Picture Of Home Remedies For Itchy Dogs
We all want our dogs to be happy, and nothing is worse than seeing our pup miserable with a problem we cant solve. If the sound of constant scratching is keeping you up at night, its time to take action to relieve Fidos itch.
Luckily, many of the most effective home remedies itchy dogs love can be found in your home right now. With some simple steps, you can help relieve your dogs itch so he or she can get back to their happy, playful self.
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Should I Go To The Veterinarian For My Dogs Itching
Yes. If you think your dog is suffering from itchy skin, please consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. As has been previously mentioned, the potentially multifaceted nature of your dogs itchy skin results in a complex diagnostics/treatment process that is only further complicated by delaying care. Consequently, having a solid understanding of the potential bacterial presentations in your pup is crucial.
Increasing contemporary evidence has begun to acknowledge the shortcomings of culture-based diagnostic testing, as the microbiome is much more complex than has been identified with previous culture-based studies . Several studies have revealed unculturable bacteria have been underestimated, while bacteria with high proliferation rates are possibly overestimated . Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies allow metagenomics analysis and have provided exciting and practical opportunities for dysbiotic skin interventions.
If you would like to read the full study, please follow this link:
Diy Home Remedies For Dry Itchy Skin
May 05, 20213 min read
Dry, itchy skin can leave your dog feeling miserable and you going crazy over your dogs incessant scratching. All this scratching can be unbearable to watch and give you the itches.
To remedy the situation, try these easy, safe and natural remedies to soothe dry, itchy skin and give your dog some relief.
1. Vinegar & Water
Vinegar and water is a great option for DIY itchy skin relief. Calm the itch by mixing a solution of half vinegar and half cold water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the affected areas as needed. This works well on dry, itchy skin or poison ivy but do NOT use on open cuts or raw skin. Vinegar has antifungal properties and is effective in killing bacteria and microbes.
2. Oatmeal
Another home remedy for an itchy dog is to put a half cup of oatmeal in a quart of water, bring to a boil, strain, and let it cool to room temperature. Pat the mixture on the itchy spots and let dry.
Alternatively, you can draw a warm bath and sprinkle in raw oats. Let your pet sit in the water for ten to fifteen minutes.
3. Olive Oil & Lavender
Oils can be used as a home remedy for dry, itchy skin. Mix ½ cup of olive oil with ½ teaspoon of lavender essential oil. Dip a cotton ball in the oil mixture and rub on the itchy areas.
You can also add a little bit of olive oil to your dogs food. One tablespoon of olive oil a few times a week should help your dogs skin and coat. Omega-3 fatty acids are great for getting rid of dry skin.
4. Fish Oil
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Directly Apply A Natural Skin Tonic
This natural skin tonic is lemon-based, which is great for repelling fleas. It will also act as a gentle, yet powerful skin toner to bring balance back to your dogs irritated skin.
Required Ingredients:
- Slice the lemon into thin pieces.
- Add the slices, with the rinds, to a pot of water.
- Bring the water to a boil and allow the lemon to steep in the boiled water overnight.
- Once the water has cooled in the morning, you can dip the sponge in the water.
- Directly apply the sponge to your dog and allow the lemon-infused water to air dry.
- Repeat once per day until your dog no longer has fleas or is itchy.
Coconut Oil For Itchy Dogs
If you have been asking yourself, “What can I give my dog for itchy skin if nothing else is working?” then coconut oil may just be the perfect remedy for your pup. Its high viscosity immediately soothes, while its other components help to calm the skin right away.
- The best oils for dogs are those that offer the kind of viscous protection needed to create a natural barrier between angry skin and the environment. For this reason, coconut oil is among the best oils for canine skin, which is why so many products for pups use it as a key ingredient.
- Many natural beauty products now contain coconut oil because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also an excellent moisturizer for canines, as the oils can penetrate fur for direct contact with the skin. Dogs who are suffering from eczema, allergies, yeast infections, and even insect bites and stings can all benefit from direct application of coconut oil.
- Put coconut oil in the fridge or a cool, dry place so it turns completely solid. For quick relief to dry skin, massage the oil into the coat and on the skin of your dog. Over time, you’ll notice your dogs coat improving, along with relief from constant itching!
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Directly Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy cure-all. In the case of herbal remedies, apple cider vinegar works in multiple ways. It can soothe your dogs skin as well as fight against any bacteria that could be causing the itch.
Required Ingredients:
- Mix 50/50 of the water and the apple cider vinegar into the spray bottle.
- Shake gently to combine and spray directly onto the affected areas of your dog.
- Repeat twice per day until your dog is no longer itchy.
Administer An Epsom Salt Soak
Epsom salt will help to soothe your dogs itchy skin, as well as reduce the swelling caused by sores and any inflammation. Epsom salt will also help increase the recovery time of your dogs itchy skin, especially when it is combined with other home remedies.
Required Ingredients:
Process:
- Give your pup a warm bath and add one heaping cup of Epsom Salt.
- Make sure you place your dog in the bath and allow them to soak for at least five minutes before rinsing. This will help remove any dirt or residue that may be on their coat, giving it a nice shine!
- Repeat daily until your dog is no longer itchy.
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Preventing Itchy Skin In Dogs
- Bathe your dog regularly to help keep the skin healthy. If your dog hates getting into the water, you can use dry shampoo.
- Brush your dogs coat daily.
- Wash your dogs bedding at least once weekly.
- Avoid exposure to possible allergy triggers.
- Give your pet the right diet to help it remain healthy and strong. Look out for food allergies.
It is recommended to identify and deal with the problem as soon as possible. Delay in treatment may make it worse. To help calm your dogs irritated skin and stop the constant scratching, you can try some simple and effective home remedies.
Natural Remedies For Dog Allergies
You’ve seen symptoms like intense itchiness, sneezing, and irritated skin, and your vet has confirmed it’s an allergic reaction. What do you do next?
If the problem isn’t necessarily severe enough to warrant medication, you can ask your vet about natural remedies or DIY solutions. Once you have the go-ahead from a vet, you can try some of the following home remedies for dog allergies:
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What To Feed Dogs With Itchy Skin
If your pup has sensitive skin, its best to research and get the best dog food or try making a homemade meal for your pup. It should contain only safe ingredients that dont trigger reactions. Also, look for those that combine fish oil, coconut oil, and digestive enzymes to fight inflammation.
Other home remedies for dog skin allergies itching that you can add to your pups diet include oatmeal, Quercetin, Yucca, sweet potatoes, and salmon. These will take care of your dogs overall skin health and help with itching and dryness.
Can I Give My Dog Benadryl For Itching
When youve got the seasonal allergy thing going on yourself its logical to wonder if your dogs scratching could be related. Answer? Quite possibly, yes. If you notice your dog itching or scratching more during the spring and summer, this may be indicative of atopic dermatitis which is the equivalent of hay fever in humans, says Dr. Lee. In humans, we sneeze and get cold-like symptoms from hay fever, while dogs itch and scratch instead.
OK, so youve both got seasonal allergies. Cute. From there, its not such a big leap to ponder whether your antihistamines might also be effective for your pooch. Benadryl is a leading allergy medication for humans should you try it on Fido? Not so fast, says Dr. Lee. I hate to break it to you, but Benadryl is not so effective in dogs that are itching, she confirms. There are much better antihistamines for dogs and better prescription medications that we recommend that are more therapeutic.
Whats more, Benadryl is not intended for long-term use, cautions Dr. Gardner. And because it only treats very specific symptoms related to seasonal allergens, youd need to know for certain your dogs itching is related to pollen. You cannot treat food allergies by giving a dog Benadryl, she points out.
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When Should You Call The Vet
Mild itching every now and then usually isn’t a sign of serious health conditions, but if your dog starts to develop other symptoms like frequent or persistent itching or licking, difficulty getting comfortable or restlessness from itching, loss of appetite, or a depressed mood, talk to your vet ASAP.
It’s important to treat the underlying cause of your dog’s severe, chronic itchiness to avoid the development of open wounds, hot spots, or infections in the skin. Depending on the cause, your vet may prescribe oral medications, medicated shampoos, prescription ointments, or other drugs and/or treatments to relieve the underlying cause of the itch while soothing the inflamed skin.
If your dog’s itchiness is occasional or mild, however, there are plenty of totally safe, all-natural ways to treat occasional or mild itching at home. In fact, you probably already have most of the remedies in your pantry. Read on for seven simple remedies that can give your itchy pooch some real relief.
Consult your vet before starting any skincare regimen for your dog, and stop the treatment if your dog’s symptoms remain the same or worsen.