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

My Dog Has Itchy Skin, What Can I Do for Him?

If your dog is suffering from itchy skin and you know it's not a flea issue, here are some great home remedies that are sure to help and save you some time, money and trips to the vet.

1.  Epsom salts: You can give your dog a cool bath to provide the most efficient and effective relief from itchy skin.  WARNING: Please be sure that your dog does not drink this water. 

2.  Oatmeal: Yep, believe it or not...it's oatmeal.  You can add this to your dog's bath to help with itchy skin.  It is good for dogs with allergies as it is very soothing to the skin.

3.  Baking soda: You can mix this up with a bit of cold water and just spot wash the area where the dog is itching.  It will help to relieve the severity and let them get through their day with some relief.

4  Fish oil: This can be added to your dog's diet to help beef up your dogs imunity to allergens. 

5.  Emu oil: Although sometimes hard to find, this can also be dribbled on your dog's food.  Keep in mind that this is for severe bouts of itching. 

6.  Apple cider vinegar: This remedy also works but be careful that the skin has not been broken.  Although a bit on the smelly side, it does work but not one of my favorite mixes.  This can be applied directly to the skin.

7.  Asprin: You can mix a couple of asprin tables in rubbing alcohol, then prepare some chamomile tea with spring water.  Combine the two mixes together and apply them directly on the infected area with a cotton ball.  This works quite well and is proven effective.

8.  Essential oils: There are a number of oils that you can use for your dog to ease the itch.  Some are lavender, tea tree oil (highly toxic to cats but not dogs), white thyme, and almond oil to name a few.

Finally, you may wish to consider removing the fur from the affected area.  In very hot weather conditions it's just a good idea.  It will keep them from developing any type of fungus or attracting parasites that can cause harm to your dog.