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Natural Relief from Skin Allergies
Skin complaints are extremely common in pets today, and it's not just fleas that are causing the problem. It is becoming increasingly common for domestic pets to have skin allergies or sensitivities. They may react to anything from fleas, grasses, weeds, shampoos, household chemicals, chlorinated water, preservatives or certain foods.
Skin problems can show up as excessive itching, dry and flaky skin, hot spots, eczema, dull or greasy coat, dandruff, excessive licking, chewing at paws, fur loss or smelly coat.
External parasites can also be a major cause such as mites, lice, ticks, fleas or fungal conditions like ringworm.
Some dogs can be covered in fleas and still have a perfect coat, while others may get one flea on them, and it will set off a scratching frenzy, where they will bite and chew at themselves until bleeding & bald patches are visible. This allergic condition is often treated with cortisone, which is only symptomatic treatment and does not cure the problem. There is always an underlying reason why the animal is reacting to something which would not normally cause this sort of irritation.
Natural treatment of most skin conditions is aimed at detoxification, followed by good nutrition and natural remedies to strengthen the animal's immune system.
The majority of animals with skin complaints are fed some, if not totally on processed food. The most common being dried food. Dry pet food is very convenient, not messy or smelly and most pets love it, so it's no wonder it is so widely used. But at high cost to your pet's health
Highly processed food is not natural for animals and they will never obtain optimum health when fed this type of diet.
Fasting is the most effective method of detoxification and when used in conjunction with herbs or homeopathic remedies, can bring about excellent results. Most healthy pets can safely fast for two days or longer under supervision, (animals suffering from diabetes, cancer or other serious health conditions should not be fasted). Fasting is not starving your pet, as many people believe. It may be saving its life! During the fast you can give fresh vegetable juices or broth -made from vegies and bones (Do not add any seasoning). During the fast, spend extra time with your pet, giving plenty of affection, go for a walk at their usual mealtime or play their favorite game to take their mind off food.
Most pets cope quite well, it's the owner's that find it hard.
Herbs such as dandelion, red clover, milk thistle, burdock, nettle, chickweed, yellow dock, alfalfa and parsley are all beneficial for skin complaints and can help during detoxification.
Homeopathic remedies can also be used during detoxification and to aid in the healing process.
Flower essences can often help when the skin conditions stems from an emotional cause, which is often more common than you would imagine.
Good Nutrition plays a major part in treating skin conditions.
A natural diet, free from preservatives and processed foods is an essential requirement. Nutritional deficiencies are often associated with poor quality coat and skin, especially Zinc, EFA (essential fatty acids), Vitamins A, B complex, C & E.
It is not necessary to bath your pet too often, as this can contribute to skin dryness, especially if using medicated shampoos. A mild shampoo or soap is just as effective to clean their coat and will cause less irritation.
Herbal infusions of chickweed, nettle, calendula or elder flower can be used to soothe irritations, & help to relieve itching.
Apple cider vinegar diluted in water 1/4 cup to a bucket of warm water can be poured over coat as a final rinse.
A simple lemon rinse can be made up using lemon peels. Using about 10 lemon skins in 1 litre of water, bring to the boil. Simmer until mushy, strain and cool before pouring over pet's coat. Herbal dermal ointment can be used for skin irritations, hot spots, fungal & other skin complaints.
Many flea & tick treatments are quite toxic to both pets and their owners. Anything that is not safe for human skin contact or inhalation, I believe, is not safe for your pet either. Fleas are also becoming resistant to many of the current chemicals used, requiring stronger chemicals to be developed.
There are many non-toxic pet shampoos, sprays and herbal products available that are safe and effective, so you don't have to risk your pet's health to overcome these conditions.
For most skin allergies, a consultation is necessary to work out the most effective treatment program for the individual animal
There are many non-toxic pet shampoos, dermal sprays and herbal pet collars available that are safe and effective.
This Web site is intended for Australian residents and is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Information and interactions contained in this Web site are for information purposes only and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Further, the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information available on this Web site cannot be guaranteed. Lifestyle Home Services, Its Affiliates or agents do not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information made available via or through this Website whether arising from negligence or otherwise.
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