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[D559]Dogs With Itchy Skin

by Amy Nutt, Amy

Dog allergies are fairly common and can be the cause of dry, itchy skin. If your dog is scratching a lot, he could be suffering from environmental allergens like pollen and dust, or even from inflammation caused by flea bites. Another source of itching could be the shampoo or grooming products used on your pooch.

This is because a dog's skin is ten times more sensitive his caretaker's. This makes them highly susceptible to the irritants found in their surroundings.

Getting to the heart of the matter may take a multi-pronged approach due to the numerous causes for canine itching. Making time to do this however, will be essential in diagnosing and subsequently curing your dog's skin ailment.

Proper Grooming

While dogs often run away from the dreaded bath or flea dip, most do not mind being brushed. This is because loving pet parents who know what they're doing can make it an enjoyable experience. With the proper products, habitual grooming may even make a dogs skin healthier. Keeping the skin healthy is one significant way to keep itchiness to a minimum.

If you find you rarely have time to groom (or don't know how to do it properly) take your doggie to a pro.

Groomers use products that help a dog maintain a healthy coat, which is gained from healthy skin.

Provide a Skin Protective Diet

Just like human beings, dogs may be susceptible to food allergies. Even organic pet food or treats can have ingredients in them that cause the dog's skin to be dry and flaky.

To uncover the offending item, try changing the foods your pet eats. If and when you find the suspect ingredient, remove it from your pet's diet. This could in turn alleviate your dog's dry itch.

Also, be sure to scan future purchases to ensure new products are free of this particular allergen.

Bathing and Dipping

Some dog owners may be over washing their pet, which can lead to dryness, especially if the products being used are chemically based. This is due to the fact that many chemicals found in maintenance products can be extremely harsh to a dog's skin. However, even with organic pet products, over washing is not a good idea.

Washing once a month is always best.

If fleas are the cause of the itching, then a dip could be the solution. Taking your pet to the vet would be the best course of action, but if you insist on doing the dip yourself, look into organic products that won't irritate the dog's skin further. As a matter of fact, if your pet suffers from chronic dry, itchy skin, you should look into an organic line of grooming and maintenance product anyway.

Remember to use lukewarm water when bathing your pet as well and towel dry your dog as opposed to blow drying him or her. These all important steps will continue to keep the skin from over-drying.

When to visit the vet

Realistically speaking, your dog itchiness can be a reaction to any number of things, including the mange. If you have tried to figure out the source of your dog's condition and come up empty, it may be time to take them to the veterinarian.

A vet can do a ton of diagnostics that will aid them in determining the factors that are contributing to the skin problem.

They will also be able to employ a variety of solutions, like steroid injections, topical or oral cortisone and/or antihistamines.

Once you uncover what is behind yours dogs dry and itching skin, you can take the steps necessary to protect them. The health of your dog and his quality of life could very well depend on what you do in the regard and your loyal and adoring companion is worth all the effort.

One natural remedy for itchy skin is oatmeal, but not the oatmeal so commonly eaten for breakfast. The oatmeal used to relieve itching is colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is still made from oats, but it is prepared differently than breakfast oatmeal. With colloidal oatmeal, the oats are ground very finely or even pulverized.

Grinding the oatmeal helps it absorb liquid readily. When it is added to water, it almost instantly produces a milk-like substance that gives the water a slimy consistency. This is because the oatmeal acts as a colloid, which means the molecules spread through another substance and permanently change its consistency. In this case, the molecules of oat spread through the water and permanently change the consistency of the water. Since the two substances combine together permanently, no oatmeal particles sink in the tub or float on the top of the water.

Oats have long been used for skin care treatment. The Egyptians and the Arabians used them as a skin beauty treatment as early as 2000 BC. The ancient Romans and Greeks also used oat baths to heal skin problems.

Oats are great for treating skin because, when colloidal oatmeal covers the skin, it actually binds to the skin. This binding helps it moisturize and soften the skin, as well as help protect it. This is because the water is attracted to the skin and held there by the colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is also beneficial because of its natural ingredients, which include cellulose and fiber. All of these characteristics combined also are why colloidal oatmeal is able to make the skin softer and more elastic.

Conditions that respond well to a colloidal oatmeal treatment include eczema, chickenpox, shingles, sores, sunburn and insect bites. Other skin irritations, such as that created by poison ivy, can also be relieved with a colloidal oatmeal bath.

Colloidal oatmeal can be made at home using regular oatmeal. To do this, oatmeal purchased from the grocery story should be placed in a food processor, coffee grinder, or blender. Using one of these kitchen appliances, the oatmeal can be ground finely into colloidal oatmeal. This process can be somewhat tricky, though, because ground oatmeal that is too coarse will sink to the bottom of the bathtub rather than act as a colloid.

Regardless of if the colloidal oatmeal is homemade or store bought, directions for its use are the same. A lukewarm bath should be drawn. It should not be hot because hot water will irritate the skin further and the water will absorb moisture from the skin instead of lubricating it.

After the water is at the correct temperature, several cups of oatmeal should be added to the bath as it fills. Once the tub is full, soak in the water for 10 minutes. Afterward, pat the skin dry. Do not rub it, as this will also irritate the skin and can potentially cause the itchy area to be torn open. This process might need to be repeated several times, perhaps even three times per day, if the itching is severe.

When getting out of the bath after colloidal oatmeal soaking, it is important to be cautious. The skin can become very slippery from this type of bath, making it easy to slip on the side of the tub or on the floor after getting out of the tub. In addition, using a colloidal oatmeal bath to relieve itching can sometimes leave a sticky feeling on the skin afterward. If this happens, the skin can be rinsed with a few cups of fresh warm water.

When taking a bath with colloidal oatmeal, it is important to make sure it does not get into the eyes. This can cause irritation. Also, if the itchy area is highly inflamed, it is best to avoid taking a colloidal oatmeal bath.

Colloidal oatmeal is a highly beneficial natural treatment that can work wonders toward stopping itching and irritation from a wide variety of skin problems and irritants.

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Both Amy Nutt & James Calvin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Amy Nutt has sinced written about articles on various topics from Culture and Society, Recreation and Sports and Women. Find all wholesale dog supplies for your canine friend; from to. Amy Nutt's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.

James Calvin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Direct Marketing, Advertising Guide and Criminal Defense Law. Are Taking the FUN OUT OF LIFE? Who Else Wants To Learn One Simple Way To Totally Eliminate Asthma And Allergy Attacks, ALL Without Using Dr. James Calvin's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.