If you have a dog there's every chance that your dog is scratching. If it's driving you crazy, imagine how your dog feels! Here are some alternative treatments for dog scratching that may be worth a try. Fish oil and GLA both contain fatty acids which are essential in terms of keeping a dog's skin healthy, and preventing baldness and itchiness. In fact, it's not even necessary to buy these supplements specifically for dogs; you can give your dog's the same supplements you take. If however you prefer to buy supplements designed specifically for dogs then you could always consider ones such as Nordic Naturals or Animal Essentials. Remember that dogs that are already suffering from an allergy will usually require a higher dosage than dogs which don't have any allergy.
The things that actually touch your dog's skin can also affect itching. Hard water dries out the skin and can cause itching, so get your water tested and treated if necessary. Aloe Vera and Calendula cream, gel or lotion when applied locally on the affected skin can ease the itching. Calendula is also available as an oral medicine in homeopathy. When you give your dog a bath, use a gentle shampoo such as baby shampoo.
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.
Another relatively new form of alternative treatment for dry dog skin is UVAB light therapy. In fact, studies suggest that this form of therapy is capable of reducing eczema by as much as 70%.
Of course, if you intend using one or more of the alternative treatments for dry dog skin, there are certain factors you need to take into consideration. For example, every dog is a unique individual, so a remedy which works for one may not work for another. As such, you may have to try several different remedies before you find one which is effective, but even so, you should only ever try one of two at a time rather than trying several remedies together. Also, in order to save yourself some money, you should only purchase small quantities of each at first, until such time that you've determined which medicines work the best.
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.
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