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 health problem. This page looks at the causes, symptoms, and treatment of canine eczema. In addition, it provides information on using natural remedies such as herbs and supplements that can alleviate the skin problems and strengthen the dog's immune system.

To rid your dog of eczema, it is important to look beyond the skin disorder itself - try to work with a holistic vet to find out what, if any, the underlying health problem your dog is suffering. Only after the underlying cause has been identified can we really deal with the problem.

Of course, we should also try to alleviate the symptoms of dog eczema because skin irritations can cause a lot of discomfort and stress to our dogs. Natural remedies such as herbs and supplements are milder and safer options in this respect.

Conventional medications frequently being used to suppress the symptoms include anti-inflammatory drugs like steroids. Antibiotics are also often used to treat secondary infections. While these drugs are fast-acting and can bring about short-term positive results, it is not advisable to over-use them since they can cause numerous side-effects. In addition, they are not curative and the problem will only move deeper into the body and will re-surface later on in a more serious manner.

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 dog natural, home-made food.

Toxicity

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

Airborne Allergens

Airborne allergens and irritants such as pollens, house dust, cigarette smoke can also cause skin problems in dogs (atopic dermatitis), often manifested as skin irritations with eczema-like symptoms.

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.

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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

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Topical Herbal Remedies for Dog Eczema

Herbs can be used, both internally and topically, to treat skin disorders such as dog eczema.

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. Get a natural oatmeal shampoo such as Doc Ackerman's Herbal Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo. This wonderful shampoo contains 3.8% colloidal oatmeal, which is simply oats ground into an extremely fine powder. It also contains other herbs such as green tea, aloe vera, calendula, etc. that soothe and heal the skin.

(Note: You should NOT use oat if your dog has yeast infections on her skin. Oat is a grain which has a high source of carbohydrates (sugars), and yeast thrives on sugars!)

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.

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Internal Herbal Remedies for Dog Eczema

Many of our pets develop chronic skin disorders when their waste-removal and immune systems are weakened. It is therefore essential that these vital organ systems (the liver, kidneys, lymphatic and immune systems) be supported and nourished by herbs that are nutritive. Even if we may not be able to clearly identify the underlying cause of our pet's skin disorder, tonic herbal therapy can be used, safely and effectively, to strengthen our pet's overall health.

Here are some tonic herbs that are particularly effective in cleansing and purifying the blood and strengthening the immune system:

Burdock root: Burdock cleanses the blood and helps eliminate toxins in the urine and sweat. It supports the liver which is a main toxin-removal organ. Burdock is good for dry and scaly skin.
Cleavers: This herb improves lymph circulation, therefore helps remove waste and toxins from the body.
Echinacea: In addition to having blood purifying functions, this herb is very effective in enhancing the immune system, strengthening the body in resisting infections.
Licorice root: Licorice root is often referred to as "natural steroids" because it contains a compound called glycyrrhizin which helps stimulate the adrenal glands to produce its own natural corticosteroids. As you know, corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory. In other words, licorice root can produce the same effects as those produced by synthetic corticosteroids - giving relief from the itching and inflammation. The good thing with licorice is, unlike synthetic corticosteroids, it is immune-supporting and does not cause side effects.
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, a blood purifier, and is good for chronic skin conditions.
Yellow Dock: Yellow dock is good for the liver and helps eliminate toxins.

A Good Natural Herbal Blood Cleanser and Immune Booster
Only Natural Pet Blood and System Herbal

This herbal supplement contains some of the herbs mentioned above and more, and is extremely useful in toxin removal, blood cleansing, liver and immune support. If your dog has skin problems such as dog eczema, use this supplement to cleanse the systems and help treat the skin problem from the inside out!

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Other Remedies for Dog Eczema

Adding dietary supplements is also important to help relieve your dog's itch and improve his skin conditions.

Vitamin E (5-10 mg/lb daily)
Vitamin C (10 mg/lb, 2-3 times a day)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Fish oil such as salmon oil provides omega-3 fatty acids and can be very effective in easing an itch.

Read more about different natural supplements that can help your dog's skin.
Also use the navigation bar on the left of this page to find more information on other skin problems and common allergies in dogs.