Dog Scratching: Alternative Treatments For Itchy Dogs
If you have a dog there’s every chance that your dog is scratching. If it’s driving you crazy, imagine how your dog feels! Here are some alternative treatments for dog scratching that may be worth a try. Fish oil and GLA both contain fatty acids which are essential in terms of keeping a dog’s skin healthy, and preventing baldness and itchiness. In fact, it’s not even necessary to buy these supplements specifically for dogs; you can give your dog’s the same supplements you take. If however you prefer to buy supplements designed specifically for dogs then you could always consider ones such as Nordic Naturals or Animal Essentials. Remember that dogs that are already suffering from an allergy will usually require a higher dosage than dogs which don’t have any allergy.
Something else which dog owners need to bear in mind is that a dog’s skin can also be affected by things which come into contact with it. For example, hard water tends to dry out the skin which then of course results in excessive itching. Aloe Vera and Calendula, in either cream or gel form, can usually be applied directly to the affected area in order to provide relief. When it comes to giving your dog a bath, you should only ever use shampoos designed specifically for dogs, and if you choose to use a regular type of shampoo, you should only use the gentlest ones, such as baby shampoo for example.
Feeding your dog natural dog food may also reduce itching. Try yoghurt and other probiotic foods, multi-vitamins (especially B-complex and Vitamin E with zinc) and the BARF (Bones and Raw Food) diet. However, keep in mind that just because the BARF diet is “natural do food” doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t trigger dog food allergy. It all depends what food your dog is allergic to.
Another relatively new form of alternative treatment for dry dog skin is UVAB light therapy. In fact, studies suggest that this form of therapy is capable of reducing eczema by as much as 70%.
There are some important points to remember when trying alternative remedies for dog itch. First, not every remedy works on all dogs. Every dog is an individual and you may have to try several remedies before you find one that words. Also, don’t try everything together. Try one or two remedies at a time so that you can determine whether something works or not. In the interests of economy, buy a small pack when using any remedy for the first time.
Emotional factors come into play as well. Try to de-stress your dog with lots of tender loving care (stress can trigger allergies which cause itch). And finally, remember that the results may take weeks or even months to appear; patience and trial-and-error is required. The good news is that many of these alternative treatments can actually be incorporated into your canine friend’s routine for long-term health. Go ahead and try some of these alternative treatments to ease your dog’s itching.
Looking to find expert advice on treating dog scratching caused by dry dog skin or dog allergies? Visit this site that has recommendations on treatments and hypoallergenic dog food.
