As the weather warms up and
summer is approaching, every veterinary practice will soon be seeing increasing
numbers of dogs and cats with itchy
skin. This is partly because fleas and other parasites
begin to abound but also because skin allergic reactions become more intense.
Some of the commonest allergies,
especially in dogs, are to grass
pollens and tree pollens. Whilst these can cause symptoms similar to hay
fever, more often in dogs the allergic reaction is most obvious in the skin.
This often causes not just itchy skin, but hot, red, itchy ears; itchy feet
which are constantly nibbled and chewed; and itchy nose, face and 'rear end' –
base of tail and under the tail. Because the ears and area below the tail are
particularly sensitive, these are often the most itchy areas, so dogs are
sometimes described as having 'ears and rear syndrome' and so many hapless
dogs are brought into the veterinary consulting room shaking their ears,
chewing their feet, rubbing their muzzles and trying to turn far round to
nibble their rear ends. What to do? Most vets will
advise that, apart from making sure dogs and cats are free of fleas, itchy skin
is treated with antihistamines, or immune suppressants such as steroids. All
these drugs can cause side effects, as all drugs can
and do; which leads to the question, is there natural relief for the symptoms of itchy skin?
Skin Relief Spray is ideal to use as a
fast relief for hot, itchy skin. It contains 14 herbal extracts together with
propolis (made by bees) which between them act as anti-inflammatory and
antibacterial agents to cool and soothe irritated skin and also help keep
infection at bay. Propolis is a superb natural antibacterial, antifungal and
antiviral; other ingredients in the Skin Relief such as Marigold and Comfrey
are known for their soothing and calming actions, Geranium is antibacterial,
White Lily and Coltsfoot are natural cooling herbs and the whole combination
works synergistically to give rapid relief to dogs and cats that are itching
and scratching.
For more regular and more
preventive use, to help pets with long term skin irritations, Natural Sensitive Skin Shampoo is perfect. It
contains black soap with flaxseed oil, wheatgerm oil, avocado oil, olive oil
and several essential oils. This combination moisturises and softens the coat
and cools hot and itchy skin. It's rich in fatty acids, omega 3 and 6, vitamins
A, B complex, D and E, to help rebuild dry, flaky, damaged coats and keep skin
supple. It cleans and soothes without removing the natural oils from the skin,
and so is safe and effective when used regularly.
And now, the inside. I always say that skin issue is best treated from
the inside out, as well as the outside in. External treatment will help resolve
and relieve symptoms, but internal treatment will usually be necessary to
attain deeper and more long-lasting results. Itchy Skin Complex is a practical
way of achieving this. The granules in Itchy Skin Complex, which are simply
mixed with food, comprise herbs, algae and fish extracts that are powerful
natural aids to relieve itchy skin, seasonal irritation, hair loss, sore
patches, and redness. The Complex also contains the supplements Biotin and Zinc
which help strengthen weak and brittle nails. A wonderful all-round product for
all types of skin and nail conditions.
What else? I don't usually recommend giving many supplements on
a long term, permanent basis, but one supplement I do suggest giving long-term
is D-Dog Superfoods. This is a
supplement that is high in green superfoods like Spirulina and Chlorella, as
well as a wide range of vitamins and minerals that support the immune system.
It also includes omega 3 and 6 for optimum skin and coat condition and to help
prevent dry and itchy skin. D-Dog
Superfoods beta is a companion supplement that contains similar
ingredients but has extra beta carotene, which gives it stronger anti-oxidant
properties, and particularly helps improve coat pigmentation and colour. It is
particularly beneficial in returning skin condition to normal after a bout of
skin disease of any kind, including eczema.
There is nothing that can guarantee an itchy pet can avoid the use of pharmaceutical drugs for skin problems but using the products I have mentioned will reduce the likelihood enormously. And will be safer and better for your pet.
Article Author: Dr Richard Allport BVetMed, VetMFHom, MRCVS
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