Pets have skin problems for a number of reasons, but most commonly they occur due to fleas, exposure to chemicals in shampoos or perfumes or allergies to certain ingredients in pet food such as corn or soy. Products sold to treat pet skin problems can be expensive, and many home remedies are available at a low cost or may already be present in your home.
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The Basics
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To avoid skin problems and rashes on your dog, get rid of fleas. Some dogs actually develop flea allergies, but others cause skin problems by simply scratching and picking at fleas on their body. Secondly, bathe your dog. Bathing helps eliminate fleas and can assist with resolving skin discomfort. However, a dog should not be bathed often enough to cause dry skin. For best results, use a shampoo made of natural ingredients and avoid one that contains many chemicals or deodorants that could produce allergies and rashes. Thirdly, pay close attention to the food your dog eats, as the food may cause an allergic reaction.
Treating Hot Spots and Itching
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Hot spots can cause illness in dogs and are most commonly brought about by fleas. Boil 1-1/2 cups of water. Remove it from the heat, and add two teaspoons of oatmeal. Next add 1 teaspoon of chamomile, one teaspoon calendula flowers and one regular Lipton type tea bag. Allow the mixture to cool, then strain through a double cheesecloth. Spray the mixture on the affected area as often as needed.
Another method of treating hot spots includes three capsules of sage, 1/4 teaspoon of epsom salts and 2 cups of water. Combine all ingredients, and bring the mixture to a boil. Cool to room temperature before straining out the powdered sage. Store the mixture in a spray bottle kept in the refrigerator for the sake of freshness and use on hot spots, insect bites or other skin abrasions that can cause rashes or skin discomfort, as many times a day as possible. In three days, the problem should be healed and a new hair should appear in a little over a week.
Treating Summer Skin Itch
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To stop summer skin itch and promote healing and hair growth add 1 teaspoon of apple cider to 10 mililiters of colloidal silver (anti-fungal, virus or bacteria medication). Add about 20 drops of Calendula Tincture, and place in a 1 liter spray bottle. Fill the bottle with distilled water, and spray the mixture on the problem area three times a day until the problem is resolved.
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