Does your dog suffer from dry skin. This natural remedy can help!

It’s that time of year again! Have you noticed your dog itching just a little more than usual lately? Dry skin season is upon us as well as our doggies. Did you know that itchy, dry skin can affect your dogs’ personality and general overall state of mind. Prolonged itchy skin can cause so much discomfort in your dog that they may become irritated, frustrated and downright upset. Their aggravation can manifest in many ways which may be incorrectly interpreted by us and lead to incorrect conclusions.

So, if your dog has the “itchies”, and you’ve already determined that it’s not due to other health issue such as poor circulation, poor diet or other environmental toxins, there’s a good natural remedy that you can try.

The basics of this great mix are Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Cofrey and Calendula. These four “wonders” work together to create a great remedy for your dog.

ALOE VERA

This should be used as the base of your cream. This wonder contains many nutrients which help with numerous skin conditions and allergies. It can reduce redness and swelling. Aloe Vera contains acemannan. Acemannan acts as an immune booster and helps with many skin conditions. Aloe Vera also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. I recommend something like Aloe Gelly which can be found at http://www.my-aloe-vera.com/aloe-vera-gelly.html

VITAMIN E

This is an antioxidant and has been deemed useful by holistic practitioners in improving immune function. It has been used as an important ingredient in helping to care for rashes and skin irritations.

COMFREY

This is a plant native to Europe. It is most often used for skin irritations and contains the active ingredient allantoin which can speed cellular healing.

CALENDULA (aka POT MARIGOLD)

This herb has often been used as an anti-inflammatory and an antibacterial. The oils in the flowers work to aid in cell healing and can decrease bacteria and fungi in wounds. This has often been recommended for dogs with ringworm.

The MIX

1 cup of aloe vera gel (Aloe Gelly)
2 whole gel caps of Vitamin E oil

2 tsp powered Comfrey
2 tsp powdered Calendula

In a bowl, add 1 cup of aloe vera lotion. I would suggest Aloe Gelly.

Slice open the gel caps of Vitamin E oil and add it to the aloe vera gel. Mix in 2 tsp of the powered Comfrey and add the 2 tsp of powered Calendula. Mix well and apply directly to the dogs skin as needed, depending on the severity of the itching.

Please keep in mind that Comfrey and Calendula should NOT be used on pregnant dogs as it may sometimes induce abortions.

Also, and most importantly, keep in mind that if your dog has any known health conditions or skin disorders, it is highly recommended that you consult your veterinarian BEFORE using this cream.

References:
The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats by Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M.
Jacqueline Lerche, Recipe for Dog Rash Cream

Watch out! Plants your dog should avoid...

There are many plants that are benefical to dogs.  Although there are many safe, non-toxic plants, there are some plants that you should keep away from your dog.  These plants are poisonous to dogs and if eaten, can be fatal.  Many of these plants are so common and seemingly innocuous that you would never suspect they are dangerous. You can check with your county health department for a list of poisonous plants that grow in your area but they most probably are also available online. 

Below are just some of the plants toxic to dogs:

• Autumn crocus
• Azalea
• Bleading heart
• Bulbs like hyacinth, narcissus and dafodil
• Cactus
• Chile peppers\
• Dieffenbachia
• Elephant ear
• Forglove
• Iris
• Jasmine
• Larkspur
• Laurel
• Lily of the valley
• Monkshood
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Wisteria
• Yew

Allergy or Intolerance?

Food allergies are very often confused with food intolerances. The difference is immunilogic. Food allergies are a reaction by the immune system to a specific food, like a protein such as beef. Food intolerance is a chemical sensitivity to something in their diet, whether it be a specific ingredient, preservative or additive.