Itchy dogs are uncomfortable and unhappy. To feel better, they need a visit to the veterinarian and, possibly, a daily dose of natural anti-itch supplements. Underlying conditions that cause dogs to itch include: environmental - these dogs are physically and nutritionally normal, but experience hair loss and skin irritation; parasites; allergies - triggers are food ingredients, fibers, medications, plants and dust; and infections - skin pathogens, e.g., bacterial, fungal and yeast organisms cause itchiness. You can prevent some dermatological problems by feeding a healthy diet with nutritional supplements, such as wafers.
Instructions
Diagnosis
Observe your dog to see when she becomes itchy and what might trigger the itchiness. Determine what part(s) of your dog's body are itchy and if there are any other symptoms.
Take your dog to the veterinarian if the itching persists. Show the vet where your dog has been scratching or licking and describe what might be triggering his itchiness. Your veterinarian will examine your dog and deliver a diagnosis.
Your veterinarian will provide a treatment plan. She may prescribe traditional medications and recommend alternative methods for treating the root causes of the itchiness and alleviating the discomfort your dog is experiencing.
Ask your vet about the use of supplemental wafers that are formulated to deal with causes of canine itching.
Treatment
Fill any medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
Order supplemental wafers formulated to ease the discomfort of itchy skin in dogs. Some of the different wafers are: NuVet Plus Wafers, available at http://www.nuvet.com/, are formulated with a variety of human-grade quality vitamins, minerals, enzymes and herbs, which provide a powerful synergistic defense against the harm caused by pollutants and toxins found in pet food; and KR Sulfa Derm Wafers, available at www.naturalpets.net/krpet.shtml or http://www.kvsupply.com/Shop, are a sulfa-amino-based skin formula that provides nutrients to rebuild damaged coats, specifically formulated for animals with chronic skin problems.
Start giving your dog the vet-prescribed treatment while waiting for the anti-itch wafers you ordered to arrive. Both NuVet Plus and KR Sulfa Derm can be taken safely with other medications, so you can begin giving your dog the proper dosage of wafers as soon as you receive them.
NuVet Plus: One wafer per day for dogs 5 lbs. and over, 1/2 wafer for dogs under 5 lbs.
KR Sulfa Derm: One wafer per day for a dog weighing 40 lbs. or less, two wafers for a dog weighing 40 lbs. or more. Divide the dose between breakfast and dinner. The dose can be doubled initially as needed for chronic or severe skin ailments.