When treating skin problems in pets, there are a variety of factors to consider. It is sometimes a difficult problem to cure. Maintaining a regular treatment regimen is important.
Things You'll Need
- Flea shampoo or medication
- Healthy dog food without artificial coloring
- Omega-3 oils: fish oil, flax seeds or oil.
- Skin oils or creams such as neem oil
Instructions
Treating skin problems in pets
Get rid of Fleas. Make sure that your pet is free of fleas. Many animals are allergic to flea bites. They can irritate their skin with repeated scratching and biting. Bathing the pet with flea soap and combing them out can rid them of fleas. You may also use one of many types of flea drops on the market. If flea products have been used previous to the skin irritation, check with you veterinarian to see if your pet may be allergic to the irritants in the flea products that were used. Some of these products can contain pyrethrins that can cause itching and skin irritation. .
Get the pet tested for allergies, and make sure that your pet does not have mange. Pet allergies can cause various problems including skin irritation. Mange can cause both skin and fur problems. The vet can prescribe medications that can help to remedy these problems. Sometimes a pet is allergic to its food. It could be as easy as changing the pet's diet because some foods can contain pet allergens that can cause skin problems. Do not give the pet junk snacks and avoid artificial food coloring in its diet.
Omega-3 fish oil or flax seed oil maintains healthy skin and fur. Omega-3s encourage the production of compounds that help control inflammation and the immune system. The dosage depends on size. The suggested regimen is one dose daily, depending on the pet's weight for the first six weeks. After six weeks, reduce dosage to one-third to one-half. Allergic pets can also benefit from these fatty-acid supplements. Mixing chia seeds with the pet's food also provides essential fatty acids.
Use skin ointments containing healing aloe vera, calendula, flax seed oil or neem oil. These ointments must be used at least once a day in order to relieve the itching and heal the skin. Aloe and calendula creams are both known for healing skin problems. Neem oil is an excellent antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Flax seed oil replaces the oils in dry and irritated skin, and the antioxidants speed healing.