The Itches!
This post is for owners with confirmed allergy diagnosis from a licensed vet. There are many causes for extremely itchy skin that can be quite serious and should be confirmed and treated by a professional. These are just a few ideas that have helped our dog Gretchen get through her seasonal skin allergies.
Nothing is more stressful to a dog owner when their pooch is going nuts itching. The thumping of the back leg mimics someone knocking on the front door, the constant discomfort, and the helplessness one feels. Before you run to the vet, try some of these simple remedies. Unless your dog has open sores which can be staph infection and require antibiotics, try these options.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil that is organic and cold pressed can help in healing irritated skin. It is a good supplement when put into food, good topical itch reliever, and many times takes the red out of sensitive skin. I have used it for myself for years, made my spa coffee exfoliate for the shower, added calendula for a healing ointment, added lavender oil for a relaxing hydration treatment, and of course as a bath oil. When my dog Gretchen came down with her worst seasonal allergies ever, I thought why not? Due to mold and high pollen counts, she was absolutely miserable. Some good advice can be found here
Frequent Bathing
It is a myth that bathing your allergy ridden dog will cause dryness. It has been suggested that wiping legs, feet, and belly after being outside can help wash away the allergen that is brought in on the fur. Our dogs can bring them in, and we may have a reaction too. Get advice from your vet on a medicated hydrating pet shampoo that can be used frequently to alleviate that horrible itch. Do not use human products unless recommended by your vet.
Fish oil capsules
Adding coconut oil or a fish oil supplement to a grain free food can help irritated skin and relieve itching. While these treatments may take awhile to see results, the topical application does help almost immediately. Be prepared however to apply at least twice a day. We use the organic cold pressed coconut oil applied under her front legs, chin, and belly.
Check with your vet for dosages on the fish oil. We use 1000 IU of wild Alaskan salmon oil daily for maintenance. We give a higher dose when fighting her flareups.
Probiotics
It has been suggested by some professionals that a good probiotic can work wonders. We have just started using one, so nothing to report on this. If you have had luck with probiotics, I would love to hear your experiences. Please post in the comments section.
Benadryl
Benadryl should only be given under the advice of your vet. Dosage is critical to the size of the dog, weight, age, ect. My vet has recommended a specific dosage for our 55 lb. dog. I also read labels making sure the main ingredient is diphenhydramine. Other ingredients can be toxic to your dog.
We do not use for more than two weeks during her flareups, and only when necessary.
Grain free foods
My dogs have always done better on a fresh grain free diet. When in rescue, we had many dogs come in with various skin problems, stress, allergy, mange, and thyroid issues. I had a rescue that came in with extreme demodex mange....we did a raw diet of 6oz protein, organic vegetables, cranberry and blueberries, and an organic brown rice. In all cases, they did better being grain free. Now that there has been a definitive link to pesticides in grain being used in dog food, it may be best to eliminate grain all together.
Read about findings here
Humidifiers
Some pet owners simply must have a humidifier. Dry air can also irritate skin in many dogs. We use our wood stove almost exclusively in the winter, so put a pot of water on the top to combat overly dry air from the stove.
I do so hope some of these suggestions may initiate dialogue with your vet, or help those with confirmed allergy diagnosis. While we only have problems in the fall, allergies can be lifelong in many pets. Keep a journal of questions for your vet, observations, food you are feeding, ect.
Now I am praying for the first hard freeze!
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