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Dog EczemaDog 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.
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 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.
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Common Symptoms of Dog Eczema
Conventional Treatment of Dog Eczema
Convention treatment of skin disorders usually takes the form of anti-inflammatory drugs (steroids), antibiotics, de-sensitising regimes using vaccines tailored specifically
to the individual dog.
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.
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Topical Herbal Remedies for Eczema in DogsHerbs can be used, both internally and topically, to treat skin disorders. 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. TopInternal Herbal Remedies for Dog EczemaMany 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 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. TopOther Remedies for Dog EczemaAdding dietary supplements is also important to help relieve your dog's itch and improve his skin conditions.
Related Topics Dog Skin Irritations Natural Supplements for Dogs 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 and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). TOP of Dog Eczema |
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