Just as aromatherapy has become very popular with people for treating various conditions, it has become popular for treating dogs with itchy skin and health problems. Essential-oil blends can be added to an organic shampoo base for dogs and will help to protect against fleas and ticks and alleviate itchy skin conditions. You can also make aromatherapy sprays using distilled water with essential oils to relieve itchy skin on dogs.
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Sprays and Rinses
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You can make simple aromatherapy sprays and rinses for your dog using essential oils. Simply spray the formula on your pet, dip or use as a rinse.
Yellow dock is an herb that provides itch relief for dogs. Simply add 1 tablespoon of dried yellow dock to 2 cups of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes, then cool completely. Strain, and rinse your dog with this mixture to provide cooling itch relief. This rinse can be used after a bath or without a bath.
Green tea makes an effective treatment for your dog's itchy skin. Steep a couple of green tea bags in 2 to 3 cups of water, depending on the size of your dog, for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags, and let the tea cool off. Once cool, pour the mixture over your pet for relief. Let your pet drip-dry.
If your dog is experiencing itchy, red skin, use a rinse of chamomile or calendula tea. The same procedure as above applies: Steep a couple of teabags or 2 teaspoons of dried herb in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water, cool, then pour the rinse on your dog. These herbs help to cool off hot, irritated areas of the dog's skin. Let the rinse dry on your pet.
To make an itch-relief spray, combine 10 to 15 drops of calendula tincture with 4 ounces of distilled water in a small spray bottle. Shake the mixture well, and spray on your dog's skin as often as needed.
Doggy Shampoo for Itchy Skin
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You can easily make a custom aromatherapy shampoo for your dog using a pre-made shampoo base that is organic, with no added dyes or perfumes. These are available at most health food stores or pet supply stores. To a standard 16-ounce bottle of shampoo base, add 2 drops of geranium essential oil, 6 drops of rosewood essential oil, 6 drops of lavender essential oil, 1 drop of Roman chamomile, 2 drops of carrot seed oil and 1 tablespoon of finely ground oatmeal. Shake ingredients together well. Bathe your dog as you normally would, rinse and dry.
Flea and Tick Relief
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Another way to relieve itchy skin on your dog is to prevent infestations of fleas and ticks. Make a flea and insect repellent shampoo by adding the following to a standard 16-ounce bottle of dog shampoo base: 4 drops of clary sage essential oil, 2 drops of citronella oil, 8 drops of peppermint essential oil and 4 drops of lemon essential oil. Combine ingredients well in the bottle, and shampoo your dog as you normally would.
Make an aromatherapy shampoo that specifically targets ticks. Combine the following with 16 ounces of dog shampoo base: 2 drops of geranium essential oil, 2 drops of rosewood essential oil, 3 drops of lavender essential oil, 2 drops of myrrh essential oil and 1 drop of bay leaf essential oil. Mix together well in shampoo base, and apply to your dog as you normally would.
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