The summer season means dry skin for our pets causing itching, scratching, red and flaky skin. Here are the best natural ways to soothe your pet’s itchy skin.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a great moisturizer and contains antibacterial properties. Using an aloe vera shampoo on your dog’s itchy skin will help soothe their skin and help add some much needed moisture, especially to the underbelly which tends to show allergy symptoms first.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal shampoo is another great remedy for dry skin. The oatmeal contains cellulose and fiber which helps bind and hold moisture to the skin, and vitamin E found in the oatmeal nourishes skin while providing an anti-inflammatory property, according to Happy Tails Spa.com.
Fish Oil
For some dogs itchy skin can be remedied topically, as allergies to environmental elements may only last for the summer months when the weather is driest. For other dogs, dry skin may be a characteristic of a food allergy, most commonly to grain. If your dog’s food is the culprit to their itchy skin try adding fish oil to their new food. Unlike the other remedies mentioned, fish oil will moisturize and nourish from the inside out. Fish oil can be purchased at any pet store in tablet or liquid form. Always purchase fish oil that is safe for dogs. Supplements for people may contain preservatives in the oil or gel capsules that are not safe for dogs to ingest.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has long been known as an oil that provides anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties. It also shows to provide digestion support for dogs. When adding coconut oil to your dogs food it is essential to make sure the oil is organic, cold-pressed, and virgin oil. This oil is safe to eat and will provide health benefits. Never microwave the oil. This changes
the properties of the oil and defeats the purpose. To melt the oil place the recommended dosage in a heat-safe container and place the container in hot water. The oil will melt within a few minutes. Dogs Naturally Magazine recommends 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight twice a day.
Coconut oil also provides topical relief for dry or sensitive. The oil can be rubbed onto the specific area or the entire body. A great treatment is to first bathe your pet, then rub coconut oil over their entire body. This nourishes the skin, provides moisture to their coat, and even helps eliminate doggy odor. Just be careful not to let your pet hang out too long in the sun as the oil also acts as a natural tanning agent.
