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

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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