Dog Eczema

Dog eczema is a general term used to describe a number skin disorders in our dogs, and more often than not, chronic skin disorders are an indication of a deeper internal problem.

Of course, we should also try to alleviate the symptoms of dog eczema by using safe and natural ways. It is, however, not advisable to use drugs to suppress the symptoms since it is not curative and the problem will only move deeper into the body and will re-surface later on in a more serious manner.

The best approach to tackle dog eczema is to work with your vet to find out the underlying cause of the skin disorder. Only after the underlying cause has been identified can we really deal with the problem.

Possible Causes of Dog Eczema

There are numerous possible causes of skin disease and diagnosis can be extremely complicated, and it can be frustrating and time consuming to identify what causes your dog's skin disorder. But don't despair! Be patient and work like a detective! Identifying the cause is essential to curing your dog so work closely together with your vet.

Here are some possible causes of dog eczema:

Food

Poor-quality commercial dog food is a common cause of eczema in dogs. If you have been feeding your dog commercial dog food, try switching to a better-quality brand, or better yet, try giving your natural, home-made raw food.

Toxicity

Dogs may develop chronic skin disorders if they are continously exposed to environmental pollutants such as pesticides, flea chemicals, exhaust gas, chemicals from household cleaning materials, synthetic furnishings, and so on.

Over vaccinations

Over vaccinations may weaken the dog's immune system, thereby inducing immune disorders which may be manifested as skin diseases.

Psychological issues

Some dogs may develop chronic skin disorders as a result of psychological problems, such as boredom, frustration, depression, anxiety, or anger.

Common Symptoms of Dog Eczema

• extremely dry, flaky skin
• redness
• irritation
• itching resulting in excessive scratching, licking, and biting
• blisters
• discharge of blood or pus
• formation of scabs or crusts
• hair loss
• foul skin odor

Conventional Treatment of Dog Eczema

However, more and more evidence (both scientific and anecdotal) shows that these approaches are ineffective because they fail to tackle the true, underlying cause of the problem(s). By using stronger and stronger drugs to suppress the symptoms, the dog will eventually get weaker and will become even more susceptible to succumbing to chronic diseases, such as allergies.

Topical Herbal Remedies for Eczema in Dogs

Topically, a herbal poultice can be applied to skin areas that are red, itchy, and inflammed. Herbs that have astringent, anti-bacterial, and wound-healing properties are ideal for such a purpose.

Oat

If your pet has extremely itchy skin but the skin shows no reddness or other visible change, try using an oat poultice on the affected area to relieve itchiness. Cook some oatmeal into a paste. Allow it to cool and then apply liberally to the affected areas.

Giving your pet an oat bath can also relieve itchiness. Boil about one pound of organic oat straw in 2 quarts of water and add this to your pet's bath water. The salicylic acid in the oat can provide a soothing and itch-relieving effect to your pet's skin.

Calendula

If your pet's skin is red and itchy, then try using a calendula tea rinse. Calendula has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties and it is very effective in wound-healing. To make a calendula rinse, steep a handful of calendula flowers in a cup of hot water and let the tea cool down. Use the tea as a rinse, apply it to the affected area, and let it drip dry. Repeat two to three times a day.

Green Tea

A green tea poultice can be applied topically to badly inflammed areas after the dog is shampooed and the skin is dried off. Green tea contains tannic acid which can dry up moist areas caused by inflammation.

To make a green tea poultice, steep a couple of green tea bags in a cup of hot water and let the tea cool down. Use the tea as a poultice and apply it to the affected area. Repeat two to three times a day.

Chamomile

If your pet has inflamed lesions on her skin, try using a chamomile tea poultice. Chamomile also has calming effect on the animal even if applied topically. A chamomile poultice can be made in the same way as a green tea poultice.

Yarrow

For skin with open scratches, scabs, or oozing wounds, use equal parts of yarrow and calendula tea to make a rinse. Yarrow is a very effective healing herb and when used in combination with calendula, the mixture will speed up the healing process and inhibit bacterial infection.

Internal Herbal Remedies for Dog Eczema

Here are some herbs that can safely be used as tonics on a daily basis:

Burdock root

Burdock cleanses the blood and helps eliminate toxins in the urine and sweat, and is good for dry and scaly skin.

Dandelion

Dandelion aids the liver which is a main toxin-removal organ.

Cleavers

This herb improves lymph circulation, therefore helps remove waste and toxins from the body.

Echinacea

This herb is very effective in enhancing the immune system, strengthening the body in resisting infections.

Garlic

Garlic has antioxidant properties and it supports the liver and the immune system.

Licorice root

Licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is similar to corticosteroids. Glycyrrhizin helps stimulate the adrenal glands to produce its own natural corticosteroids which give anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, immune-supporting effects on the body. As a result, licorice root can give relief from the itching and inflammation without seriously compromising the autoimmune system.

Nettle

Nettle is used in many herbal treatments for allergies. It stimulates blood circulation, has antibiotic properties and is effective in treating such skin problems as eczema.

Red Clover

Red clover has antioxidant properties.

Sarsaparilla

This herb is antibacterial and is good for chronic skin conditions.

Yellow Dock

Yellow dock is good for the liver and helps eliminate toxins.

Other Remedies for Dog Eczema

• Vitamin E (5-10 mg/lb daily)
• Vitamin C (10 mg/lb, 2-3 times a day)
• Flaxseed oil (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoonful per 10 pounds, 1-2 times daily) Flaxseed oil provides omega-3 fatty acids and can be very effective in easing an itch. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include pumpkin seeds and fish oil such as salmon oil. You can also use commercial omega-3 supplements available at health food stores.

Read more about different natural supplements that can help your dog's skin here.

References

D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
Pitcairn & Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).

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