Skin problems occur in dogs typically due to allergies. The cause of the skin allergies vary from a flea infestation to an environmental response to a reaction to food. While a diagnosis should be made by your veterinarian, there are natural remedies and treatments you can do at home to help relieve your dog's discomfort.
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Prescription and Essential Oil Flea Treatment
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One of the most common, and sometimes overlooked, causes of itching in dogs is a simple flea infestation. The reason a dog itches from living with fleas is due to an allergic reaction to the fleas' saliva when they bite the dog's skin. Treatment with a prescription flea medication is enough to solve your dog's problem, but you can help prevent an infestation by using essential oils. Lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, cedar and citronella can provide relief. Mix a few drops into a spray bottle of water and mist your dog's legs prior to walking through flea-prone areas.
Baths, Supplements, and a Clean Environment
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Most environmental allergens are seasonal, so do your best to keep your dog comfortable during the offending time. Cool baths help relieve itching, and using a soothing shampoo with oatmeal, aloe vera or eucalyptus can help your dog as well. Supplement your dog's diet with omega fatty acids to encourage good coat and skin health. Dust and vacuum any areas your dog has access to and wash its bedding often to help reduce its contact with allergens.
Change of Diet
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Dogs suffering from skin problems might have food allergies. Sometimes changing the type of food your dog eats is enough to solve the issue. Switch from a beef- or chicken-based food to one made from venison or salmon. Change the main grain source as well, such as moving from wheat to rice. If switching the type of kibble your dog eats doesn't improve its skin condition, you might want to try feeding it a home-prepared diet. Raw or cooked meat, vegetables and grains can all be prepared in your kitchen and fed to your dog. By feeding a home-prepared diet, you can more easily control the amount of preservatives and fillers your dog consumes that might otherwise be present in store-bought kibble.
Keep Skin Clean and Dry
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Treat any found hot spots by trimming the surrounding fur as short as possible to lessen the risk of the infection spreading. Wash the entire effected area with water and a mild soap and pat your dog dry with a clean towel. Do not apply oils or creams as this could seal in the infection. If keeping the area clean and dry does not solve your dog's skin problems, take it to your veterinarian for treatment.
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