Natural Remedies To Help Your Dog's Itchy, Allergic Skin

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When your dog has sensitive skin or allergies, you will want to help alleviate his suffering. However, you don't always want to use harsh chemicals or drugs when something natural will work. Just like humans, dogs can get relief from a variety of natural home remedies and foods administered in the proper way. Here are a few suggestions on how to keep your pet from suffering from annoying skin problems. One caution, however, since you know your dog has sensitive skin and allergies, be sure to test these remedies in small amounts at first.

Yogurt:

You may have wondered if yogurt is OK for your dogs, but not only is it OK, it can help strengthen their immune system and fight and control yeast which can cause skin problems. Make sure your yogurt contains acidophilus cultures which are the beneficial active ingredients. Plain yogurt is best as other kinds have loads of unhealthy sugar. Just mix a small amount, about a teaspoon for small dogs and a tablespoon for large dogs, into their food. Give smaller amounts if they've never had it before.

Oatmeal bath:

Some natural dog shampoos contain oatmeal as an ingredient as their polysaccharides help prevent dryness and itching. However, you can also either use oatmeal directly in the bath water, or rub oatmeal directly on your pet to relieve itchiness. Use small amounts, at first, and build up to about a cup of finely cut, uncooked oatmeal dissolved in water, and pour it over your dog by the cup full. With the rub-on method, put the oatmeal in a piece of cheesecloth and rub it over the recently rinsed skin and fur.

Soak in Epsom salts:

Epsom salts work great in treating open sores, dry skin, and other causes of itchiness. Simply run a warm bath and throw about a handful in the water. For directly treating open sores, a topical cream is available. These salts are also great for reducing swelling and minor aches and pains, especially around the feet. However, it's very important that your dog not consume any of the salts internally as it can cause serious stomach problems.

While these home remedies are great for everyday skin problems, talk to your veterinarian before trying to treat your dog for any health condition. It's also important to get a diagnosis first to rule out potentially serious health issues. If your dog has a serious wound or infection, then skip the home remedies and see a veterinarian at a clinic like Moon Mobile Veterinary Services LLC right away. Bacterial infections can sometimes spread quickly and require more intensive treatment.

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18 January 2017

Happy, Healthy Pets: Everything You Need to Know

Hello, my name is Katrina, and I love my dog. We live out in the country, so he is able to run a lot. He even has neighboring dogs who come to see him and play. However, fresh air and exercise are not the only things he needs. He also needs a healthy diet, the right shots, and care for his mental health. If you are a pet owner, you will love the tips that I plan to include in this blog. I'm going to focus these posts on everything you need to know to keep your dog happy and healthy. I hope these ideas help you, and I wish you and your pet many years of happiness and good health together.