Categories
Ears Itchy Skin & Allergies

Home Remedies & Preventatives For Itchy Dogs

by Cate Burnette, RVT

While we always recommend seeing your veterinarian for any skin or ear infections, there are some home remedies that can help your dog prior to going to the vet, or after taking all medications. While they are not meant as a substitute for veterinary treatment, some of these remedies can also be used as preventative measures to keep your dog healthy.

Bathing –

Essential Oil Shampoo – Add a few drops of eucalyptus or pennyroyal essential oil to natural shampoo or castile soap. Rinse your dog with clear water. Rinse again with vinegar-water (1 tbsp. to 1 pint warm water). This easy-to-make shampoo and rinse removes soap residue and prevents the dandruff that can result in itchy skin.

Rosemary Conditioner – Steep 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary) in a pint of boiling water for 10 minutes, covered. Allow the rosemary water to cool to body temperature and pour it over your dog after her final rinse. Rub the mixture in and towel her dry without further rinsing. The rosemary in the conditioner repels fleas while promoting a soft, glossy coat.

Dry Shampoo – If your pooch hates getting into the water, an all-natural dry shampoo can keep her skin healthy and coat smelling good. Spread ½-cup to 1-cup of whole bran, uncooked oatmeal, or cornmeal on a cookie sheet and warm in the oven on low heat for 5 minutes to bring out the natural oils in the grain. Grab a handful of the grain (leaving the rest in the oven to stay warm) and rub it into your dog’s fur and skin with a towel, concentrating on the greasy, dirty areas. Then thoroughly brush the areas to remove all the grain. This dry shampoo exfoliates the skin while removing any nasty residue from your dog’s coat.

Flea Control –

Herbal Flea Powder – Combine one part each of as many of these dried and powdered herbs as you can find: rosemary, fennel, eucalyptus, rue, yellow dock, and wormwood. Put this mixture in a clean, dry shaker-type jar, like one used for parsley flakes or Parmesan cheese. Apply the flea powder sparingly to the base of your dog’s coat by brushing back the hair first, then sprinkling in small amounts around the neck, belly, and back. You’ll need to use the powder several times a week for a severe flea infestation, and place your pooch outside in they yard so the repelled fleas don’t end up in your home. Remember, this powder only repels the pests…it does not kill them.

Natural Skin Tonic – This lemon-based tonic not only repels fleas, it works as a general skin toner for itchy pets. Thinly slice a whole lemon, including the rind, and steep it overnight in a pot of boiling water. The cooling water draws out d-limonene, vitamin C, and other healing ingredients found in the whole lemon. The next day, sponge it on your dog’s skin and let the solution air-dry. You can use the lemon tonic daily for cases of heavy flea infestation.

Skin Conditions and Hair Loss –

Ringworm – Clip the hair around the bare spot and about ½-inch beyond it to keep the fungus from spreading. Take about a quarter cup of a whole plantain (Plantago major), chop it up, and place in one cup of spring or distilled water in a glass or enamel pot. Boil the concoction about five minutes and let the brew steep for three minutes covered. Strain and cool the liquid. Massage the plantain mixture onto the lesions once or twice a day until the condition clears.

You can also make an infusion of Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) by adding one rounded teaspoon of the powdered root stock to a cup of boiling distilled water. Let the mixture stand until cold, pour off the clear liquid and massage it into the lesions once or twice a day.

***Note: Please see your veterinarian for a clear diagnosis of ringworm before attempting this home treatment.

Skin Irritations – To heal minor skin infections, ringworm and other skin problems, you can apply essential oil of sandalwood or unrefined sea salt (mixed into a paste with water) to the affected areas as a way to enhance skin cell repair. If your dog has smelly skin and fur, mix one part whole cloves, one part broken cinnamon sticks, two parts myrrh gum (a tree resin), and two parts dried thyme. Rub into the hair and skin, and brush out thoroughly.

Hot Spots – Hot spots need to be healed from the inside and on the outside of the dog. On the outside, apply a warm, wet black tea bag to the affected spot. The tannic acids in the tea have a soothing, itch-relieving effect. Hold the bag on the skin for 4 to 5 minutes twice daily for three days. Following the tea bag treatments, apply aloe vera gel either directly from an open, fresh leaf or from a purchased gel. This speeds the healing process.

For the inside of the dog, you can supplement with vitamin B6, a natural antihistamine, or Rhus tox, a homeopathic remedy for irritated, red and itchy skin. Check with a holistic veterinarian for dosages for your dog when using these two products.

Hair Loss – Treat areas of hair loss with a blend of six parts wheat germ oil, three parts essential oil of lavender, one part each of rose geranium and rosemary essential oils, and 12 parts St. John’s Wort Oil (that is, olive oil infused with St. John’s Wort blossoms, not the essential oil). Spray the oil blend on the affected areas of hair loss and massage into the skin. These oils help improve circulation and stimulate the elimination of toxins by correcting body imbalances.

Ear Cleaning Solutions

***Note: Use prescribed veterinary medication on any diagnosed ear infections to rid your dog of the fungus or bacteria causing the problem.

To clean healthy ears and ears prior to medicating, wipe the inner ear with cotton balls soaked in a mixture of either one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to one quart of distilled water. As an alternative to the vinegar astringents, you can puncture a small hole in a vitamin E capsule and place a few drops on a cotton ball to clean your dog’s ears.

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Itchy Skin & Allergies

Prednisone and Other Steroids:Do They Do More Harm Than Good?

by Cate Burnette, RVT

Veterinarians typically prescribe topical and oral steroids as the first line of defense to combat your dog’s skin allergies and all the itching and scratching that comes with them. Atopy (a reaction to airborne allergens), plus food and flea bite allergies have all been shown to be lessened by the use of particular steroids. However, giving your dog these medications in large amounts and over an extended period of time can lead to dangerous, and often life-threatening side effects.

Finding a more natural, organic-based anti-inflammatory treatment is an option pet parents need to consider if a dog has been allergic for a long time.

PLEASE NOTE: we urge you to NOT take your pet off steroids, or lower the amount per dose, without discussing this issue with your veterinarian first.

How do steroids work in my dog’s body?

Glucocorticoid steroids, such as prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone, are derived from cortisol, a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, tiny organs that sit on top of the kidneys. Cortisol – and steroids – works much the same way as adrenaline, regulating the absorption of glucose in your dog’s body and working to maintain high energy levels, particularly in times of stress or during exercise. At the high dosage levels prescribed by veterinarians, steroids minimize the inflammation associated with an allergic response.

How long should my dog be on steroids?

Veterinarians know that many dogs treated for extended periods of time with oral steroids tend to suffer from side effects, so if your pooch is on them for a time period longer than 2 to 3 weeks, you should be instructed to give the meds every other day. There are usually no side effects if the drug is given for a shorter time span. To combat the negative effects of the drugs when coming to the end of the prescription, most veterinarians recommend that your dog taper off the medication, giving less and less each day until the pills are all gone.

What are some side effects of steroids?

There are numerous side effects possible from giving your dog anti-inflammatory steroids, the most common of which is an increase in thirst and appetite. This, in turn, is followed by increased urine production and possible weight gain. Panting can be a common side effect and, just as in humans, steroids have been known to cause mood alterations in some animals – changing a normally placid dog into an irritable, snapping pet.

Long term steroid usage can lead to an overproduction of your dog’s own natural body steroid, cortisol – a condition known as Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s requires specific veterinary treatment to lower cortisol levels. Without that treatment, your dog can suffer from red, angry skin lesions, hair loss, and thickening of skin in the affected area. Diabetes, the over-abundance of glucose in your pet’s system, can also be caused by long-term use of glucocorticoids.

Are there any natural alternatives to steroids I can use to treat my dog’s skin problems?

The colloidal oatmeal in some organic, all-natural shampoos relieves the itching and inflammation seen in allergic dogs. Additionally, ultra-rich deep conditioners with shea butter plus oatmeal moisturize and condition your dog’s fur while healing her dry, flaky skin. Because so many skin allergies are caused by flea bites, all-natural flea protection sprays can help keep those unwanted pests away from your pooch. Those sprays containing peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil have been shown to be effective in repelling mosquitoes, fleas, and other bothersome insects.

To get more tips on how you can stop your dog’s constant scratching, click below to get our free ebook. Written by vets and holistic pet practitioners, it’s jam packed with ideas and solutions to make your dog’s life more comfortable.

itchy skin ebook lar2

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Itchy Skin & Allergies

OTC Drugs to Relieve My Dog’s Allergy Symptoms: What Can I Use, and What Is Best Left On The Drugstore Shelf?

by Cate Burnette

All that itching and scratching from allergies can drive both you and your dog crazy during warm weather months. You know that over-the-counter Benadryl works for you – will it work for your dog as well? And what about ibuprofen? Can either of these drugs relieve the itching and swelling associated with canine skin allergies?

One of them is commonly used in veterinary medicine and one is definitely NOT recommended. Read on to find the one that can work for your dog, but remember to ALWAYS see your veterinarian before giving your pet any human medications.

How does Benadryl work in my dog’s body?

Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, blocks the action of histamines in your dog’s body. Histamines are organic proteins produced by white blood cells in a response to certain allergens. They trigger the inflammation that allows your dog’s immune system to combat the irritants that are causing the problems.

When your dog ingests the Benadryl, the cells that cause the puffiness, redness, irritation, and pain of inflammation don’t respond to the stimulant – and the swelling and itching goes away.

What dosage can I safely give my dog?

Over-the-counter Benadryl comes in two forms – a tablet and capsule. For your at-home pets, it’s probably best to purchase the 25mg. tablet because it’s easier to break into portions when you need it.

Typically, veterinarians recommend that you give your dog 1mg. per 1-lb. of body weight twice a day for one week. A dog 10 pounds or under can safely ingest half of a 25mg. tablet at a time with no ill effects, while a dog 10- to 25-lb. should be fine on the full 25mg. per dose. If your pooch weighs more than 25 pounds, you’ll need to go up in dosage to adjust…so a 50-lb. pooch would get 2 full tablets twice a day, and a 60-lb. dog would receive 2 ½ tablets two times daily.

Are there side effects of Benadryl?

There are no known major side effects for occasional, normal dosing of Benadryl. Your dog may appear drowsy or sedated after taking the drug…you may also notice dilated pupils and increased bowel movements.

However, over-dosing or giving the drug for extended periods of time longer than one week has been shown to cause bradycardia (a slowing of the heartbeat) in some dogs, so it is not recommended for use in dogs with heart problems.

Are there any natural alternatives to Benadryl?

You can try bathing your dog in an all-natural, oatmeal-based shampoo. The colloidal oatmeal found in some canine shampoos is FDA-approved to help relieve the itching and inflammation associated with allergies. Unlike the ingredients in other doggy shampoos, the oatmeal also naturally moisturizes and rejuvenates skin tissues.

If your pooch is itching in particular areas, consider using an organic, anti-itch spray that goes directly to the parts most affected. The ingredients in these all-natural sprays, including oat extract, aloe vera, and litchi, work to soothe irritated skin, while other components, including boswellia serrata and calendula, can reduce redness and swelling.

Can I use ibuprofen to help with the inflammation from all that scratching?

Veterinarians DO NOT suggest using over-the-counter drugs containing ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin) to your dog for any reason. Ibuprofen has been shown to lead to gastrointestinal upsets, bleeding stomach ulcers, and, if given over an extended period of time, kidney failure. The signs of ibuprofen toxicity include:

  • Vomiting
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Vomiting blood
  • Lack of appetite
  • Abdominal pain
  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Dehydration

If you suspect your dog has eaten any ibuprofen, we recommend seeking immediate veterinary care.

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Hot Spots

How Can I Cure My Dog’s Hot Spots?

by Cate Burnette, RVT

That open sore on your dog’s skin that he constantly licks and gnaws is called a lick granuloma, or a “hot spot.” Characterized by a lack of hair and irritated skin, a hot spot starts with a small, but noticeable patch of red, shiny skin. These lesions, called “acral” lick granulomas when found on your dog’s ankles or wrists, can occasionally be found on the flanks, the tail, or in the groin area.

As your pooch continues to lick at that spot, the skin becomes infected and ulcerated, typically oozing a clear liquid called an “exudate.” As the problem worsens with constant licking, nerve endings in the lesion become inflamed and extremely pruritic (itchy), to the point where your pooch CAN’T stop licking. By this point, the cyclical condition is chronic, and extremely difficult to control and cure.

Eventually, through continuous licking, the skin becomes thick, hard, raised, and unresponsive to pressure. The wound remains moist and can break into open, bloody sores because of the licking. Without treatment, the hot spot can continue to grow larger and larger, until quite a bit of hair is gone and the lesion becomes infected.

What causes hot spots on my dog?

Anything that can cause your dog to lick obsessively can create hot spots on his skin. These factors include:

Boredom or Stress – For a long time, veterinarians thought that hot spots were a way to relieve boredom for inactive, under-exercised dogs. Most commonly seen in large, shorthaired dogs like the Doberman pinscher, Labrador retriever, certain bird dog breeds, and Great Danes, it is typically the Dobies and the Danes that lick for this reason creating the problem.

Allergic dermatitis – Related to food allergies or airborne allergies, the skin itching and licking becomes chronic if the allergy is not alleviated.

Arthritis – If the joints in the area of the lesion are painful, dogs will often lick at them as a way to relieve pain.

Neuropathies – This inflammation of nerve endings just under the skin can be caused by trauma or disease, with the resulting pain causing a dog to begin licking.

Ectoparasites and Fungal Infections – Mange mites, fleabite allergies, and even ringworm can initiate the itching that leads to a hot spot.

How does the vet diagnose and treat the hot spot?

Because they see so many of them, many veterinarians will identify a lick granuloma just using a physical examination. The predisposition of certain breeds to hot spots, like the ones mentioned earlier, and the age of the dog are factored into the diagnosis. If your dog is older than 5 years of age and a German shepherd, boxer, Dalmatian, shar pei, or Weimaraner, hot spots can be a common occurrence.

Veterinary testing often includes scraping the skin to look for parasites, fungal cultures to check for ringworm, and a skin biopsy or fine needle aspiration to determine if skin tumors are the cause. Your vet may also want to test your pet for allergies if he or she suspects that is the cause of the problem.

Veterinary treatment typically revolves around long-term use of antibiotics to deal with any secondary infection, and corticosteroids to minimize swelling and licking. Depending on the cause of the itching, your pooch may be placed on anti-fungal medications, allergy shots, and/or topical medicines to ease the itching and the pain.

All of these treatments, if used long-term, can have side effects that potentially harm your dog. Many holistic veterinarians are now recommending all-natural, organic skin products to help shorten the length of medical dosing, to help heal the open sores, and to decrease the chances of lick granulomas reappearing once they’re gone.

What natural ingredients can I use on my dog to stop the licking and itching?

Many natural pet products contain herbal components and organic compounds that can help stop itching, and cease the incessant licking that causes hot spots.

Colloidal oatmeal, an ingredient in some organic, all-natural canine shampoos, has been shown to soothe inflamed, itching skin, while sealing in moisture to protect hair and skin cells. By including oat solids in a liquid suspension, these shampoos can provide quick, long-lasting relief.

Grapefruit seed extract found in some anti-itch sprays, is known for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. By spraying an organic anti-itch spray directly on the hot spot, you can bring immediate, fast-acting relief, reduce inflammation, and prevent serious skin infections.

Shea butter in an ultra-rich conditioning treatment can reestablish hair growth, moisturize dry, flaky skin, and restore softness and shine to damaged hair coats.

Please note: See your veterinarian if your pooch shows any signs of a lick granuloma to avoid possible skin infections.

Categories
Itchy Skin & Allergies

My dog keeps scratching. Why does this happen and what should I do?

by Cate Burnette, RVT

With the advent of warm weather, many pet parents notice their dogs begin to itch and scratch consistently, often licking and biting their paws, ears, and bellies to the point where there is significant hair loss and open wounds on the skin. Living with an allergic pup can be a constant battle with skin infections, sores, and hot spots – unless you can learn why they occur and what you can do to help prevent them.

What are the causes of the different types of canine skin allergies?

There are several types of skin allergies that can affect your dog and cause her pain and itching.

Atopic dermatitis, called canine atopy, is fairly common, affecting approximately 10 percent of all dogs, most particularly Golden and Labrador retrievers, Lhasa apsos, Dalmatians, poodles, boxers, bulldogs, West Highland white terriers, wire fox terriers, and Irish and English setters.

Dogs afflicted with atopy react first to air-borne pollens, which explains why your pooch may be itchier in the spring and fall months when pollen and ragweed are at their highest levels. Eventually, your dog will show signs of allergic reactions to mold, dust, feathers, and wool – all of those same airborne allergens that can affect you. The constant itching and scratching can lead to hair loss, with her skin becoming flaky and thick. You may even notice signs of a runny nose and eyes and frequent ear infections.

Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin allergy seen in dogs. Often, just the bite of a single flea can cause a pup sensitive to certain substances in flea saliva to break out in red, inflamed bumps on the skin and severe itching. This type of reaction is at its worst in high summer when fleas are most common, but can last all year round if you don’t have good flea control in your home.

Once the fleas have been eliminated, your dog may need topical and oral antibiotics to clear up any secondary skin infections and natural grooming products to bring her coat and skin back to normal. An all-natural flea spray containing no pesticides or poisons can keep the pests away while restoring your pet’s hair and skin to its optimal condition.

Food allergies occur when some substance in your pet’s food causes her body to react in the way it does with airborne allergens. Common triggers include wheat and corn products and protein-heavy foods, such as meat/beef, dairy, and chicken. In many cases, a dog can go for years eating the same kind of food without a reaction, and then develop a sudden sensitivity to it.

Typical symptoms of food allergies include facial itching, foot or leg chewing, recurrent ear infections, and belly itching. You can suspect your pup has food allergies if the itchiness is not a seasonal problem like atopy, if she isn’t responding to cortisone-types of veterinary medications, and if her skin issues developed after the age of 5 or 6.

Contact dermatitis is a fairly uncommon disease caused by direct contact of your pet’s skin with certain plants and grasses, medications, and particular chemicals. Humans are much more susceptible to contact skin allergies than canines because a dog’s hair coat works as a barrier to the allergen. However, if your pooch is sensitive to certain irritants or chemicals like those found in flea collars or particular grasses, you’ll notice the signs on the parts of her body making direct contact with the substance – around her neck, on her belly, legs or feet.

Depending on the substance, you’ll start to see red, itchy bumps appear within 24 to 48 hours after contact with the offending substance if your dog is allergic. If she experiences an irritant reaction, the signs are almost immediate, with painful blisters and ulcerations appearing on her skin. She is liable to develop secondary bacterial skin infections due to the subsequent inflammation and trauma.

How can my veterinarian tell what is going on?
Your veterinarian will want a complete history during his or her initial examination of your pet to rule out any food or contact allergies. You may be asked to stop feeding your dog her normal food and give her several different specially-formulated hypoallergenic diets to see if the itching abates while she’s eating one of them.

Typically, veterinarians take hair and skin samples to look for bacterial and yeast infections, and, if the irritation is particularly widespread, may ask to draw a blood sample to check a white blood cell count and prescribe appropriate antibiotics.

Your vet may also suggest that you take your dog to a veterinary dermatologist for a series of skin patch tests to determine which allergens are specifically causing her problems.

What are the veterinary treatments for skin allergies?
Traditional veterinary treatments typically revolve around removing the irritant from your dog’s presence. You’ll need to change her to an all-natural, hypoallergenic diet if food is determined to be the cause of her itching. You may have to clean and wipe her feet if grass is the problem, and in the case of air-borne allergens, your vet may suggest keeping her inside during times of high pollen counts or other irritants.

Veterinary shampoos containing antibiotics are often prescribed to help the skin heal and your pet may be given systemic antibiotics to clear up any lingering skin infections. Typically, veterinarians also prescribe either oral or injectable steroids to be given over a period of 1 to 2 weeks to help stabilize your pet’s immune system.

How can I treat my dog’s itchy skin with natural ingredients?
Once you’ve gotten a diagnosis and treatment from your veterinarian on any secondary skin infections, you’re left with the problem of your dog’s itchy, flaky skin. All-natural topical treatments, including organic shampoos and conditioners, can reverse the skin and hair damage caused by biting and scratching without the side effects of chemicals. Look for these types of ingredients in doggy bath products to return your pet to her healthy, happy self.

The following organics are just a few of the ingredients that can help keep your dog from itching:

Aloe Vera maintains the natural pH balance of your pet’s hair and skin, while encouraging cell growth. Aloe vera’s amino acids protect against skin damage, aid in preventing recurring flare-ups of inflammation, and soothe the skin.

Organic Chamomile reduces inflammation, strengthens your pet’s skin, and softens and smooths skin roughened by incessant scratching and biting. A shampoo or leave-in conditioner containing chamomile can keep your dog’s hair shiny and clean, while moisturizing her skin at the same time.

Organic Coconut Oils contains naturally occurring vitamins, anti-oxidants, proteins, and fats to protect your dog’s hair and skin. Absorbing quickly into your dog’s skin cells, coconut oil will leave her hair supple and shiny, and can guard against sun damage.

Organic Oatmeal is a natural moisturizer and anti-inflammatory, reducing the redness and itching that comes with skin allergies. An oatmeal-based shampoo during bath time can bring relief for dogs suffering from skin irritations and hot spots.

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Flea Treatments

Citronella Oil & Dogs

When you think of citronella oil often times you imagine a candle burning on a humid summer’s evening keeping mosquitoes at bay. But it does come at a price as you must endure the overpowering scent of citronella. While citronella does ward off insects it might also ward off your friends too!

Citronella comes from the lemongrass family which is why it smell so bright, but it’s actually that same smell that wards off the insects. The distinctive scent makes it difficult for insects to locate you.

Citronella has been found very effective on a species of mosquito, called Aedes Aegypti whose bite causes the dreaded Yellow Fever. However, it’s also effective on fleas, ticks and all types of mosquitoes.

Dirty & Hairy OUTDOOR has managed to create products that contain citronella so they ward off insects, but to the human nose they have a lovely fresh smelling green tea and lime smell. Spray it on your legs or on your dog and up goes that anti-insect force field

The best part? According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) citronella oil has little or no toxicity when used as a topical insect repellent.

Advantages of Citronella oil over Insecticides
Insecticides like Permethrin can be used to repel insects. Permethrin is highly effective against ticks and mites, but at the same time may have harmful side effects for humans and animals. Likewise, the biggest disadvantage of DEET is that it is toxic. DEET goes into the bloodstream through skin and hampers the body’s nervous system.. On the other hand citronella oil has no side effects, and is considered very safe. Also citronella uses water as a carrier, as compared to alcohol which is used in DEET. The natural insect repellents are safe to use for all ages and pets.

Citronella Oil and Dogs
Outdoor insects are more prevalent in the summer which is the same time that dogs are the most itchy—hmmm… not a coincidence! Flea Allergy Dermatits (FAD) is the most common inflammatory skin disorder in dogs. Although all dogs can become infested with fleas not all dogs will develop FAD. This condition only arises in certain dogs that have an allergy to the flea’s saliva. When fleas bite your dog, they inject their saliva into his skin. In dogs that are prone to FAD, this sets off an allergic reaction, causing the dog to irritate the wound even more than expected. Dermatitis results and the damage to the skin allows for bacterial invasion. Now the problem snowballs even more due to this secondary bacterial infection of the wound. What is a dog owner to do?

Remove the live fleas and prevent new fleas from jumping on board. There are countless over the counter products like Advantix to help kill live fleas on your dog. They are relatively safe but not for every animal. If yours is older, or battling an acute disease, don’t use it. We recommend trying natural products that contain citronella first like Dirty & Harry OUTDOOR spray.

Other Ways to Manage Flea Allergy Dermatitis

  • Feed a healthy diet. Dogs are less likely to be flea magnets and they will be more resistant to the flea bite.
  • Wash your dog with a colloidal oatmeal-based shampoo to break the cycle of itching and use topical sprays
  • Treat your environment Remember too that the flea’s life cycle involves some time spent away from the dog’s body. So don’t forget to take the necessary precautions to treat his environment in the home as well
  • Fish Oil has been shown to help with itching and also has anti inflammatory qualities.
  • Cover it up! If your dog is scratching the same spot over and over, cover it up with a doggie Tshirt or doggie booties or lick strip. By placing a barrier between your dog’s claws and the abrasion you allow the irritation to heal.
  • CHILLAX! Your dog may be working himself into a frenzy and the scratching becomes a nervous habit. Sleepytime Tonic won’t cure the itchy skin, but it WILL relax and calm
  • Spot On! If your dog has a particular part of his body he’s really scratching or chewing at, consider using Itchin’ For Relief . This is a convenient, easy to use spray with a unique nozzle to direct the spray to where it’s really needed.

As a last resort…

  • Allergy Shots. A vet gives your dog very small doses of that allergen, and gradually increase the dose over time. That way his immune system gets used to the allergen, and is less likely to react to it. Relatively good success rate however it’s expensive and it isn’t a quick fix (1 month to 1 year)
  • Antihistamines. Effective in about 30% of dogs, most are the same as those used in humans (Benadryl)

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Uncategorized

Could You Welcome a Homeless Dog into Your Family?

by EcoWellDog– The Natural Leader in Grooming & Wellness

If you met Leo, you’d find it hard to believe he has no home and no family. Leo is a beautiful 12 month old Border Collie mix with the sweetest nature. He loves cuddles, and all he wants is to be someone’s best friend. Leo is currently living with a foster carer until his new forever family comes along.

There are lots of adult dogs like Leo in animal shelters and foster homes all around the country. When you are thinking of bringing a dog into your family, why not contact your nearest rescue group and give a dog like Leo a second chance at life?

Choosing Your Dog

One of the benefits of adopting an adult dog is that there are few surprises. You know how big he will get, and how long his coat will be. This allows you to make the right choice of dog for your family.

Leo has the typical Border Collie coat, and needs regular brushing. He loves to go for runs and walks so is best suited to an active family who loves to go hiking or running. Anyone who adopts a dog that loves the outdoors as much as Leo does, really needs to have the Dirty & Hairy OUTDOOR spray. Regular use will keep his long coat clean and smelling fresh between baths. You may not be into exercise, and be reluctant to spend more time on your dog’s hair than you do on your own. If that’s the case, then think about adopting a quieter dog with a short coat that is easier to look after.

Bringing Him Home

If your dog was kept in a shelter environment, his coat may be dirty and have a bad smell. A dog that has been living with a foster carer tends to be cleaner because he has been allowed inside their home. Either way, it’s a good idea to give him a bath before you bring him indoors. A gentle wash with Bubbles n’ Beads will clean his coat, and the micro beads of conditioner will leave it soft, shiny and healthy. Give him an after-shampoo massage with Ruff to Smooth leave-in conditioner and your new dog will smell and feel great, and be a delight to cuddle.

Easing the Transition

Leo is a very even tempered, adaptable dog and nothing seems to faze him. However, your new dog may have quite a different temperament. Don’t be surprised if he is a little nervous at first. This is not the time to throw a welcome home party for him; that can wait until he is more comfortable in  his new home.

Keep a bottle of Sleepytime Tonic on hand for those first few weeks, and put a few drops of this honey flavored liquid in your new dog’s mouth twice daily. Its all natural herbal ingredients and Bach Flower Remedies will reduce any anxiety and help him to settle quickly into his new family.

If you can give a forever home to Leo or a dog like him, you’ll be rewarded every day with a loving loyal companion who seems to really appreciate what you have done for him.

Categories
Odor/Smell

What to do if your dog gets skunked!

by EcoWellDog– Natural Leaders in Grooming & Wellness

Skunks are a part of our natural environment, and we have to learn to live with them. That’s not always easy when your dog has an encounter with one of these striking little black and white creatures. They can spray your dog with a liquid that smells horrible, and once it is on his fur, it isn’t easy to remove.

Apart from the smell, skunk spray can have a few adverse effects on your dog’s health.

Skin Irritation

Skunk spray contains some very irritant chemicals in it. This means that any area of your dog’s skin that comes in contact with the spray can become red and inflamed. It is likely to be itchy, so he will scratch at it and make it even worse. This is more likely to happen on the sensitive hairless parts of his body, such as his nose and eyes.

Anemia

In some cases, a dog can develop anemia after being exposed to skunk spray. This is rare, and usually results from either repeated sprays in the face without good ventilation, or being sprayed right in his mouth. It’s important that you keep a close eye on your dog for 48 hours after his altercation with a skunk, and watch for increasing lethargy.

Dealing With That Offensive Smell

There’s no way you’ll want to go near your dog until the skunk spray has been removed or neutralized! Even after you think the job is done, you may find he still has a faint skunky odor when he is damp.

You need to be careful what you use to clean your dog after an encounter with a skunk. Some products can irritate his skin and cause redness and scaling.

There are plenty of anecdotes about what does and doesn’t work when it comes to removing skunk smell.

What doesn’t work:

  • Tomato juice or tomato sauce applied to your dog will leave him messy and smelly.
  • A Coca Cola rinse won’t do much except make his coat sticky.
  • Spraying him with perfume won’t cover the stench, and the combination of fragrance and skunk odor is likely to smell even worse!

What does work:

  • Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover has been found by many to work well when it is used according to the directions on the label.
  • Vinegar and water used as a rinse and left to dry on your dog’s coat can neutralize the skunky smell. Mix 2 to 4 ounces of vinegar in 2 quarts of warm water and use a spray bottle to apply it all over. Alternatively, you can purchase a vinegar and water douche from the drug store and use it in the spray bottle.
  • One of the most effective recipes is to combine 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda and a couple of teaspoons of Dawn liquid dish soap. Mix these ingredients thoroughly and pour over your dog. Make sure you have disposable gloves on, and rub it into a lather. Leave it on his coat for ten minutes, and don’t let him lick his fur as the mixture could make him vomit. Rinse him thoroughly and repeat if necessary.

This mixture doesn’t keep so use it up within an hour of making it. Don’t smoke while you are washing your dog, as it is flammable. You may find it will lighten the color of black dogs and fade your clothes but it will definitely get rid of the skunk smell.

Skunk odor is not nice at all, but armed with these recipes you can make sure your dog smells sweet again before you cuddle up close to him.

Categories
Activities & Fun Arthritis & Hip Dysplasia

Give your dog a job!

Dogs play many roles in our lives. They are our friends, our confidantes and our companions as we set out on life’s adventures. It’s no surprise then to learn that they also have jobs where their role is to help us and to look after us.

Assistance Dogs

You’d be most familiar with assistance dogs in their role as helping vision impaired people negotiate their day to day life. However, dogs can also help people who have hearing loss or physical disabilities and those with autism. It’s amazing to see a dog learn to pick up keys, turn the lights on and off, and even put laundry in the washing machine.

Although assistance dogs seem to really enjoy their work, I have known some that have become very stressed with the responsibilities placed on them, and turned quite anxious.

If a person is going to rely on their assistance dog, that dog has to be in the best physical and mental health. This is where Sleepytime Tonic is so useful. It doesn’t have any sedative effect so dogs can still be relied on to work well, However, the custom blend of natural anti-anxiety and calming ingredients reduce the stress and anxiety associated with being responsible for the well-being of their owner. You can rely on its Valerian to calm their nerves and the Cerato to increase their attention and ability to concentrate. The result is a service dog that is relaxed and focussed and able to do their job.

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs don’t have any special characteristics except that they love everyone and are happy to meet new people. Together with their owner, they visit residents of nursing homes and hospitals, to provide affection and provide a calming effect on their residents. Because these residents aren’t able to have a dog of their own, they really look forward to visits from their therapy dog.

Therapy dogs are patted and cuddled by all sorts of people during the course of their day, including those who are unwell. This means that it’s important that they are clean when they go out on their visits. If a service dog is bathed frequently, their owner needs to be very careful about what products they use on their dog’s skin and coat, to avoid a dry coat and itchy skin.

Bubbles n’Beads shampoo is an ideal choice for washing dogs, especially if they have frequent bath times. This shampoo contains tiny micro-beads that are full of vitamins which work their way down to the skin. There they release their nutrients at the base of the hair, right where they are needed. Regular use of Bubbles n’ Beads will result in a luxurious shiny coat that is a pleasure to touch. When they visit the nursing home or hospital, the residents will just love to cuddle up to them.

Historically, dogs evolved to work alongside humans. They are still working with us today, and making our life easier and more enjoyable.  We need to take care of their body as well as their mind so they can do their jobs to the best of their ability.

Categories
Arthritis & Hip Dysplasia Old Age

Massage Your Canine Senior Citizen

In simple terms, massage is the rubbing and kneading of muscles and soft tissues to relieve tension and pain. It is a well known treatment for people and it’s no surprise to learn that your dog benefits from it too.

There are two main techniques you can use to massage your dog, both of which have French names.

  • The first technique is known as effleurage. This is a long light gliding stroke along the length of a muscle. It encourages blood flow in the area, and helps your dog to relax. It also gives you the opportunity to feel for any areas of muscle tightness that will need more attention.
  • The second technique is called petrissage. This is the firm kneading and rolling that is more typical of a relaxing massage. It has the same effect on your dog’s muscles as it does on yours – improved blood flow and reduced muscle stiffness.
  • Another method of massage that is less commonly used in dogs is tapotement, where you use the sides of your hands or even your cupped hands to tap lightly on his body. This technique is also known as percussion.

What Does Massage Do?

Research has shown that like us, dogs respond to touch in a positive way. Stroking and massaging your own dog will reduce stress, decrease pain and increase flexibility. It increases dopamine and serotonin levels in his brain which makes him feel relaxed and help him sleep.

Massage benefits all dogs, but it is particularly good for elderly animals with arthritis.

When NOT to Massage

There are some circumstances in which you should definitely not massage your dog. If there is an area of active inflammation or even a fracture in a bone, massage will be painful and make his condition worse.

Dogs with bleeding problems should also not be massaged because the firm pressure on his muscles can cause further hemorrhage.

Caring for Elderly Dogs

Massage is a useful way of improving your canine senior citizen’s well being. It will make him physically more comfortable and mentally more relaxed. However it’s not the only thing you can do to care for him.

Other ways you can improve your dog’s quality of life are:

  • Provide a soft warm bed that keeps him off the hard floor. Make sure it is low enough for him to easily get in and out.
  • Keep his weight in check. His joints are more likely to be sore if they have to carry around a few extra pounds.
  • Give him Joint Resolution on a regular basis. It contains collagen, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin to improve joint health and mobility. A carefully selected blend of herbs reduce pain and inflammation, so he’ll feel better very quickly.

Apart from the obvious physical and emotional benefits of massage, don’t discount the positive effects on your relationship. What dog wouldn’t love some quality time with his much loved owner, while he is stroked firmly and his tired body rejuvenated with a massage. That is the absolute best part about spending an hour or so giving your dog a loving massage.