Dog Scratching: Alternative Treatments For Itchy Dogs

By Seram Marquis

If you are interested in alternative treatments for itchy dogs, there are several things you can try. Fish Oil and GLA (Omega-3 and Omega-6, respectively) fatty acids keep the skin of your dog healthy and will relieve itchiness and baldness. You can use the supplements you consume or purchase tablets specifically produced for canines, such as Nordic Naturals or Animal Essentials. Dogs with allergies may need higher dose than healthy dogs. You can use the dose as prescribed by the medicine vendor or by your vet.

Something else which dog owners need to bear in mind is that a dog's skin can also be affected by things which come into contact with it. For example, hard water tends to dry out the skin which then of course results in excessive itching. Aloe Vera and Calendula, in either cream or gel form, can usually be applied directly to the affected area in order to provide relief. When it comes to giving your dog a bath, you should only ever use shampoos designed specifically for dogs, and if you choose to use a regular type of shampoo, you should only use the gentlest ones, such as baby shampoo for example.

Dogs that are fed a natural dog food diet also tend to experience less itching. You can also try adding in some probiotic foods, yogurt, and some multi-vitamins. Many dog owners also swear by the BARF (Bones and Raw Food) diet, but you need to bear in mind that even though this diet is natural, you could still find yourself having to deal with a dog food allergy, in that it all depends on what types of food your dog is allergic to.

An interesting alternative treatment for dry dog skin is UVAB light therapy, which has been shown to reduce light to moderate eczema by as much as 70%. And of course there are commercial medicines such as Skin-eze and Atopica tablets that are specifically designed to reduce dog skin itching.

There are some important points to remember when trying alternative remedies for dog itch. First, not every remedy works on all dogs. Every dog is an individual and you may have to try several remedies before you find one that words. Also, don't try everything together. Try one or two remedies at a time so that you can determine whether something works or not. In the interests of economy, buy a small pack when using any remedy for the first time.

Contrary to what many people believe, emotional factors can also have a significant impact on dogs, and as such, you should try to provide your dog with plenty of tender loving care in order to help reduce stress. Remember that it may take several weeks or months before you begin seen any positive results. One other thing to remember is the fact that many alternative forms of treatment can be included in your dog's daily routine in order to ensure long term health, and as such, you may want to consider going ahead and trying some of these alternative remedies. - 29953

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