Natural Cures for Skin Chewing and Itching

How To Treat A Dog That Itches and Chews Skin

Dogs and cats spend a lot of time grooming but when their skin is itchy or irritated, they won’t leave it alone. Eventually they chew away the hair and leave a red splotchy area that vets sometime call a “hot spot.”

Chewing usually begins when pets are sensitive to something in the environment, like pollen, fleas or chemicals in their food. Even when the original problem is gone they may keep chewing out of habit, especially when they are stressed or bored.

Skin problems can be complicated to treat, so talk to your vet if the condition persists. Here are some natural ways on how to treat a dog that itches:

Apply a soothing ointment – Hypericum, the active ingredient in St. John’s wort, may help reduce itching that causes skin chewing. Apply it to your pet’s skin twice a day. You can get this ointment at a health food store. We also like a product called Wound Dr. made by Native Remedies. Wound Dr. contains a blend of natural ingredients in a soothing herbal cream especially formulated to support skin health and soothe the skin. Wound Dr is formulated to be quickly absorbed into the skin and surrounding area, meaning that it can get to work quickly – before your pet licks it off! You can also use Wound Dr. for minor cuts and abrasions. It is a good first aid product to have in your medicine cabinet.

Rinse away the problems – Another way on how to treat a dog that itches is rinsing with cool water once a day will wash away dust, pollen and other substances that may cause itching and skin chewing. You can gently spray dogs with a garden hose or a spray nozzle in the bath tub. Holistic vets say it is especially helpful to wash their feet after they have been outside.

Use a natural shampoo - If a plain water rinse doesn’t stop the itch, you want to try a soothing all-natural shampoo. We like BeFree Flea Shampoo Not only does it have as its main ingredient rosemary oil which is known to soothe skin but it also contains citronella oil which helps deter fleas.

Use a natural pet food - Sometime artificial dyes and flavoring in commercial food cause itchy skin. You can buy all natural foods at some pet supply stores or online. Also your vet can probably recommend a good one.

Soothe skin with fish oil supplements - A final way on how to treat a dog that itches is with fish oil supplement. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help relieve irritation that can lead to skin chewing. Give cats and dogs weighing under 20 pounds 500 milligrams a day. Pets 20 to 50 pounds can take 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams a day. Dogs 51 to 80 pounds can take 3,000 milligrams. Larger dogs can have 4,,000 milligrams.

If you want to see know more about How to treat a dog that itches see our postHome Remedies for Dog Skin Allergies and Cat Skin Allergies

Omega-3 Supplements for Dogs

Cure Dry Itchy Dog Skin

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are a requirement in both human’s and canine’s diet. EFAs are not produced by the body so it must be added to the diet as a supplement. The two most commonly known fatty acids are omega 3 (linoleic acid) and omega 6 (alpha-linoleic acid). The diets of our pets, like people, tend to include more omega 6 fatty acids rather than omega 3. This imbalance can be remedied by the addition of omega 3 supplements.

Omega 3 fatty acids are good for us and our pets because they help with the proper formation of cell membranes, cardiovascular functions, nourish the lining of the digestive tract, and work to keep your pet’s skin and coat smooth, soft and shiny.

Omega 3 fatty acids also help decrease inflammatory problems in the body. You may notice that your pet’s coat is dull and brittle or if he/she tends to have dry itchy dog skin. It is possible this may caused by lack of this particular fatty acid. Using omega 3 fatty acids for dogs and omega-6 in the right ratio can reverse skin problems like dandruff and reduce itching caused by allergies.

Nearly all holistic veterinarians and an increasing number of mainstream vets are now recommending that dogs and cats be given vitamin C and E supplements. Both of the nutrients are powerful antioxidants that help decrease the effects of free radicals, harmful oxygen molecules which are bodies produce. Omega 3 supplements for dogs and vitamin C supplements can help slow the aging process so that our pets can live longer better quality lives.

Studies show though that omega 3 supplements for dogs don’t give quick results. Fatty-acid supplements may take a month or more before they cause significant improvements in dry itchy dog skin. Other supplements such as vitamin C work very slowly. You won’t really notice any big change in your pet but at the cellular level things will be happening. Changes will be happening in your pet’s body that will help keep your pet strong and healthy for their whole life.

Though omega 3 supplements for dogs are quite safe, they shouldn’t be used without consulting your vet. You, the pet owner may not be aware of the interaction between the supplement and other medications your dog or cat may be taking. Also, every dog and cat will have different needs and may require different amounts of the supplement. Don’t assume human doses are the right ones for your dog or cat.

Does your pet have dry itchy dog skin? With increase in chemical pesticides and additives in our foods sources and general environment there has been a steady increase in dog allergies and immune-system problems. Want to know the symptoms of dog allergies? Read our post Signs of Pet Allergies and find out if your pet has allergies.

Natural Cures For Your Pet

Common Dog Health Problems

Here is a clear and simple guide to which alternative remedies and lifestyle changes are appropriate for several common canine medical conditions (Source: Natural Dog Magazine:

ALLERGIES:

Natural Remedy - herbs, homoeopathics, fatty acid, antioxidants

Diet Change – avoid grains, processing and byproducts

Lifestyle Change - frequent bathing with an organic anti-itch shampoo; keep off grass that has been treated with chemicals

ARTHRITIS:

Natural Remedy – Chondtoitin and glucosamine supplements, acupuncture, enzymes

Diet Change – Natural diet, restricted calories if needed, fewer treats or low-fat treats

Lifestyle Change – Weight loss, controlled exercise

BAD BREATH:

Natural Remedy – Coenzyme Q-10, fatty acids, antioxidants, herbs, homeopathics

Diet Change – none

Lifestyle change – Brush teeth at home, provide dental treats

CANCER:

Natural Remedy - Fatty acids, antioxidants, herbs, homeopathics

Diet Change - Improve diet: lowered carbohydrates and increased proteins and fats, especially omega-3s

Lifestyle change – No vaccines

DIABETES:

Natural Remedy – Herbs, supplements made of extracts from glands such as thyroid medication, homeopathics

Diet Change – Increased fiber

Lifestyle change - Increased exercise, small, frequent meals

DRY SKIN, COAT:

Natural Remedy – Fatty acids, antioxidants

Diet Change - Natural diet, increased omega 3s

Lifestyle change – Frequent baths with natural or organic hydrating shampoo

EAR INFECTIONS:

Natural Remedy – Herbal ear drops, antibacterial and antifungal herbs, olive leaf extract

Diet change – Natural diet

Lifestyle change – Clean ears regularly, limit swimming

EPILEPSY:

Natural remedy - Choline, B vitamins, herbs, homeopathics

Diet Change - Natural diet; reduced-protein diets help some pets

Lifestyle change – No vaccines, eliminate seizure triggers if possible

HIP DYSPLASIA:

Natural remedy – Joint supplements, acupuncture, magnetic therapy, herbs, homeopathics

Diet Change – Natural diet, reduced calories if needed.

Lifestyle change – Weight control, controlled exercise (especially swimming)

HOT SPOTS:

Natural remedy - herbs, homeopathic, fatty acids, antioxidants

Diet Change – Natural diet

Lifestyle change - Eliminate possible causes, such as fleas or allergies

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE:

Natural remedy - Enzymes, probiotics, glutamine, herbs, homeopathics

Diet change - Natural diet

Lifestyle change - Eliminate possible causes, such as food intolerance, food allergies, infections

KIDNEY OR LIVER DISEASE:

Natural remedy – Herbs, homeopathics, fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics

Diet change – Natural diet, reduced phosphorus and protein if needed

Lifestyle change - Fluids administered at home as needed.

SEPARATION ANXIETY:

Natural remedy – Flower essences, herbs, theanine, homeopathics

Diet change – Natural diet

Lifestyle change – No vaccines; behavior modification

URINARY TRACT INFECTION:

Natural Remedy – Herbs, homeopathics, olive leaf extract

Diet change – Natural canned food or natural moistened dry food

Lifestyle change - Feed a moist diet to encourage frequent urination

Dog Dehydration and Feline Dehydration

Signs of Dehydration

With summer coming soon, it is time to post information about dehydration in pets. According to the vets writing in The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats by the editors of Prevention Magazine Health books it is important to maintain constant fluid levels. Symptoms of dehydration include a dry mouth, sunken eyes, loss of elasticity in the skin and extreme exhaustion. This condition always requires a veterinarian’s care. So to prevent your pet from getting dehydrated this summer follow these tips:

Always have water available – As you may or may not know, pets do not really sweat. Most of their water is lost through panting. The vets recommend keeping two bowls filled with water in case one gets knocked over when you are not around.

No guzzling – If your pet has gone for a long time without drinking, letting them drink lots of water all at once may result in vomiting. Vomiting will cause your pet to lose even more fluid. Take the bowl after your pet has a had a few laps. Wait a minute or two and let them have some more.

Give electrolytes – Dehydration can cause your pet to lose electrolytes (minerals such as potassium and sodium that transmit electrical impulses throughout the body). You can give your pet an electrolyte rich drink such as Pedialyte or get an electrolyte solution at your local grocery store or drug store.

Try a sports drink – If your pet is uninterested in drinking, you can try giving them a sports drink that contains electrolytes such as Gatorade. Vets say some pets like sweet, fruity flavors.

Try ice – Pets that have gone too long without water may have trouble keeping fluids down. You know how when you having been throwing up, you eat ice chips until your stomach can tolerate liquid? It works the same for pets but you use an ice cube they can lick. That way your pet takes in fluid slowly.

Check the mouth – Sometime dogs or cats will not drink because something hurtful is stuck in their mouth, like a burr. If your pet is not drinking take a careful look (don’t get bit). If you can’t get the thing out, call the vet for advice.

Keep water with you at all times - You can get a no spill water bowl or keep a collapsible pet bowl that fits inside a pants pocket as well as variety of spill-proof containers. Check online sources and local pet stores.

Quick test for dehydration – Gently lift the skin along your pet’s back. If it snaps back into place your pet is okay, if it stands up in a ridge it is an emergency. Take your pet to the vet immediately.

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Getting Rid of Burrs in Your Pet’s Coat

Skin Irritations

Burrs are the rough, prickly seedcases of certain plants, and they seem especially fond of hitching a ride on your pet’s coat. When they lodge in their coat they can cause matting, skin irritation or infection. Burrs can be terribly hard to remove. Here are some tips from various vets writing in the book The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats by the Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books:

Look for hideaways – Burrs can stick anywhere so you want to examine your pet closely for these hidden prickly intruders. Check between each of their toes, on top of the feet, around the testicles and in the armpits. Check all little crevices.

Make sure your pet doesn’t get wet – The tangled hair around the burr shrinks when your pet’s hair gets wet and makes it more difficult to remove the burr.

Use your fingers – If the burr has only just lodged, you may be able to get it out with just your fingers or a pair of tweezers. If it has been in there awhile, it may be tangled inside a hair mat. To undo the mat you must pull it apart with your fingers bit by bit, working from the end of the hairs down toward the roots. After you get the burr out, use a comb or brush through the hair to really smooth things out.

Use vegetable oil – When a burr is really tangled, using a little vegetable oil will help loosen it. You can also you pet detangling spray which you can find at pet stores. If you are working on a cat, make sure you check to see the spray is safe for cats.

Cut it out with scissors - If you can’t get it out any other way, use a pair of blunt tip scissors and cut perpendicular to the mat, not parallel. Make sure you are cutting fur and not skin.

Be patient - Removing burrs can take a long time. Take frequent breaks if your pet has a bunch of burrs so neither of you gets frustrated. Work for no more than ten minutes at a time. Praise your pet and reward them with a toy or treat.

Keep your pet’s coat short – Keeping your pet’s coat short will help make it easier to remove burrs and they won’t stick so badly (not so much hair to tangle in).

Avoid the prickly – If you have had a lot of burrs after walking in a particular place try to avoid that area next time.

To learn about the dangers of Foxtail and other Grasses to your pet check out this post on Foxtail Grass and Pet Health

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Ear Infections In Dogs And Cats

Dog Ear Infections

Dog ear infections and cat ear infections can look and smell awful, but they usually affect only the outer part of the ear and aren’t too serious. If you dog or cat is tilting their head frequently, being unusually clumsy, walking in circles or has drooping eyes, your pet may have an inner ear infection. If this is the case you must take your pet to the vet for treatment. Outer ear infections though can be treated with home remedies.

Here common signs of an ear infection in your dog or cat:

Your pet shakes her head or holds it to one side.

She is scratching or rubbing her ears, or she is rubbing her head against the furniture or carpet.

There is a yellow, brown or black discharge in one or both ears.

The ears smell bad or are tender or red.

According to New Choices in Natural Healing For Dogs and Cats by Amy D Shojai and the editors of Prevention For Pets here is what causes ear infections in our pets:

Cause: “Humans can hear sound waves traveling at 20,000 cycles per second, while dogs hear sound waves traveling at 100,000 cycles per second. Cats can hear even higher frequencies; it is what enables them to detect the ultrasonic squeaks of mice.

To protect this sense of hearing, their ear canals are L-shaped, which helps prevent damage to the eardrum. The weakness in this design is that it also allows the ears to trap moisture, debris, earwax, and parasites-any one of which can lead to ear infections. Cats often get infections because of ear mites, and up to 80 percent of ear problems in dogs are linked to allergies, adds Allen M. Schoen, D.V.M., director of the Veterinary Institute for Therapeutic Alternatives in Sherman, Connecticut, and author of Love, Miracles, and Animal Healing.”

Traditionally vets give antibiotics or antifungals drugs or other medications for ear infections. The problem with this approach is that it upsets the normal chemistry inside the ear, possibly making the infection worse says Ihor Basko, D.V.M., a holistic veterinarian in Honolulu and Kilauea, Hawaii. He advocates dealing with the underlying allergies and strengthening the immune system so it  can battle bacteria and other germs before they cause infection.

Ear Dr. is great at preventing and healing ear infections. Ear Dr. keeps ear canals clear and free of blockages and helps maintain health and harmony in the middle ear structures. Additionally PetAlive Ear Dr. soothes and conditions ear passages to prevent common itching and scratching. Ear Dr. also helps maintain a normal balance of flora in the ear canal thus preventing infection. PetAlive Ear Dr. contains a blend of natural, herbal ingredients in a medicinal olive oil base, all specially selected to support the health of the skin and structures inside the ear.

See our next post Natural Treatment for Ear Infections

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Tags: all natural pet allergy treatments, dog ear infection, dog ear infections, dog ear yeast infection, ear infection remedy for dogs, ear mites dog natural, ear mites dogs natural, ear mites in dogs, natural cures for allergy ears in dogs

Natural Treatment for Dog Ear Infections

December 12, 2008 by admin · 6 Comments
Filed under: Dog health, Pet health, cat health, pet allergies 

Natural Cures For Allergy Ears In Dogs And Cats

Many dog ear infections and cat ear infections can be traced to allergies. If your pet has an ear infection which is usually characterized by head shaking, scratching or rubbing ears, discharge from ears, bad smelling or tender, red ears here are some natural cures you can try from New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats by Amy D. Shojai and Prevention for Pets:

Clean the ears with vinegar - If your pet’s ears are filled with brownish-pink wax, there is a good chance that allergies have triggered a yeast infection. You can clear up yeast infections by cleaning the ears thoroughly. Vets often recommend white vinegar because it remove dirt and debris and helps restore a healthful chemical balance in the ears, says Anne Lampru, D.V.M. a holistic vet in Tampa, Florida. Pour a small amount of white vinegar into the ear canal, massage the area, then gently wipe the inside of the ear with a cotton ball. Do this once a day until the ear is better.

Reduce inflammation with vitamin C – The adrenal glands produce a natural steroid that can help reduce inflammation when ears get infected. Gvining pets vitamin C can help the adrenal glands work more efficiently. Cats and dogs weighing under 15 pounds can take between 100 and 250 milligrams a day, and larger dogs can take 250 to 500 milligrams two or three times a day, says Dr. Basko. Vitamin C can cause diarrhea, so you may have to cut back the dose until you find an amount that your pet will tolerate.

Eliminate toxins with a healthful diet - Giving your pet a healthful, homemade diet or high quality commercial dog food or high quality commercial cat food that doesn’t contain additives or preservatives can vastly reduce the amount of wax that the ears produce, while also helping the immune system work well.

Air out the ears - Increasing air irculation inside the ears can control the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, say Dr. Lampru. Periodically trimming or plucking hair inside the ears will allow more air to get inside.

Ofcourse the best thing would be to prevent the dog ear infection or cat ear infection in the first place and there actually is a natural herbal product available. Natural care for pets has been increasing in popularity and companies are responding with products. PetAlive Ear Dr. for Ear Infections and Ear Mites.

Ear Dr. is great at preventing and healing ear infections. Ear Dr. keeps ear canals clear and free of blockages and helps maintain health and harmony in the middle ear structures. Additionally PetAlive Ear Dr. soothes and conditions ear passages to prevent common itching and scratching. Ear Dr. also helps maintain a normal balance of flora in the ear canal thus preventing infection.

PetAlive Ear Dr. contains a blend of natural, herbal ingredients in a medicinal olive oil base, all specially selected to support the health of the skin and structures inside the ear.

Native Remedies’ products are created using our Full Spectrum Approach (FSA), a set of standards and processes that combine the best quality, laboratory tested, raw ingredients, Good Manufacturing Practices and a Full Spectrum manufacturing method to guarantee you products of the highest quality, safety and effectiveness, all backed by our One Year Unconditional Money Back Guarantee.

Native Remedy products contain no animal products, gluten, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, are suitable for lacto-vegetarians and are not tested on animals. Individual ingredients are well-researched and are natural, safe and effective.

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Tags: all natural pet allergy treatments, dog ear infection, dog ear infections, dog ear yeast infection, ear infection remedy, ear infection remedy for dogs, ear mites dog natural, ear mites in dogs, natural cures for allergy ears in dogs

Top Holiday Dangers For Pets

November 30, 2008 by admin · 1 Comment
Filed under: Pet Safety, Pet health 

What does your pet want for Christmas? Not a trip to the emergency room. Give your pet the gift of safety and take care they have a safe and happy holiday:

Holiday Hazards For Your Pets

Christmas-tree water, which may contain fertilizers and bacteria that can upset the stomach if ingested.

Electrical cords

Ribbons or tinsel, which can cause intestinal obstruction – this most often happens with kittens.

Batteries

Glass ornaments

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Nosodes – An Alternative To Conventional Dog Vaccines

November 6, 2008 by admin · 1 Comment
Filed under: Pet health, Vaccines 

Nosodes – Homeopathic Canine Vaccines

If have read the latest research and are uncomfortable giving your pet conventional vaccines you might want to consider nosodes. Nosodes, homeopathic remedies made from diseased tissues or discharges from an infected but unvaccinated and untreated animal. Nosodes can also be used therapeutically (in order to treat a disease) as well as prophylactically (in order to prevent a disease).

Nosodes work in a similar way to regular vaccines. According to Celeste Yarnell, Ph.D. author of Natural Dog Care, “though nosodes do contain a causative organism, their efficacy doesn’t depend on the presence of the organism itself. It is the substances formed by the animals immune system in reponse to invasion by bacteria or viurses that make nosodes effective.”

As with conventional vaccines, nosodes should be adminstered only to healthy animals when used preventatively. When they are given to sick animals (even those with only subtle symptoms such thirst, a red line on the gums, or a dry coat), some may actually exhibit deeper signs of existing illness.

If you are interested in learning more about nosodes consult with a holistic vet.  

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Rabies Shots And Other Dog Vaccines – Are They Safe For Your Pet?

October 23, 2008 by admin · 1 Comment
Filed under: Dog health, Pet health, cat health 

Pet Health – Pet Vaccines

If you are a pet owner, I’ll bet you never considered that pet vaccines might be bad for your pet. I was very surprised to learn that holistic pet health practioners do not approve of   most conventional pet vaccines. The most common vaccinations  for dogs are  rabies virus, canine distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus cough, parainfluenza, parvovius, and leptospirosis. Dog owners are also encouraged to vaccinate against Lyme disease, corona virus, and Bordetella. Legally, pet owners are required to vaccinate their pets against rabies.

Holistic vets consider what the vaccine does to the animal’s immune system. They argue that statistics indicate overall pet health is declining, pets are living shorter life spans and having small litters. Holistic pet health practitioners also say new diseases have appeared even since we started vaccinating so heavily. 

W. Jean Dodds, D.V.M., from Cornell University College Of Veterinary Medicine says that because we innoculate dogs with all the different viruses at once, we may be weakening their immune system hence weakening their overall health. Dr. Pitcairn, author of Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats goes further and says “The effect of vaccination, besides the physical effects of stimulating an antibody response, is to establish a chronic disease… resulting in mental, emotional, and physical changes that can, in some cases, be a permanent condition. If you knew, asks Dr. Pitcairn, that by giving a vaccination you might save an animal from an acute disease but would also be sentencing him to a lifetime of chronic disease, would you still vaccinate?”

Celeste Yarnell, Phd. quotes the English homeopath C.E.I. Day, M.A., Veterinary M.B., M.R., C.V.S. as saying ” there is an awakening recognition among veterinarians of the connection between immunization and various illnesses” and conditions including bloat, stained teeth, ulcers, chronic gastroenteritis and seizures. Yarnell says though most people with chronically ill animal companions believe the animals were always sick,  in reality, often the problems can be traced to the time of vaccination (or to their parents’ having been vaccinated).

Given all this information, what is pet owner to do? Here are Yarnell’s Guidelines for Vaccination:

1. Use a holistic vet.

2. If you choose to vaccinate, do only the ones required by law. Inquire about using “killed-virus” vaccines rather than modified live ones.

3. Don’t get combination vaccines.

4. Yarnell says to keep in mind vaccines are supposed to provide lifetime protection and she cautions against repeating the vaccine annually.

5. If you must bring a sick animal to a vet who wants to vaccinate, Yarnell says you should refuse and remind the vet of the manufacturer’s instructions accompanying the product that says it is to be administered to healthy animals only.

6. Do not vaccinate animals during any time of stress on the immune system, such as when you have to board your animal at a kennel.

For pets who have already been vaccinated, Yarnell says please don’t feel guilty – “Remember that you did your best, based on the advice of experts, the veterinarians to whom you entrusted the care of your animal, and that they too, were only doing what they were taught was appropriate.

In our next post we will discuss “nosodes” a homeopathic vaccine. 

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