One of the most common and most frustrating health problems experienced by dogs is a skin condition. These conditions are often exacerbated during the summer months, as canines spend more time outside and parasites are more frequent.
One of the more frustrating aspects of a dog’s skin condition is that often the exact cause of your dog’s malaise may not be diagnosed. A common treatment is the use of steroids, but routine use of steroids can cause long-term health issues for dogs.
There are some steps dog guardians can take to help ease their dogs’ discomfort, prevent skin conditions from flaring up and treat skin conditions naturally. In some instances, these measures may just let you and your itchy dog sleep comfortably through the night – until you can get to a veterinarian for more comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
• Follow strict flea control measures. Products such as Frontline and Advantage are applied topically once a month and are relatively safe and effective. In oral form is the monthly flea preventative Comfortis, which is available from your veterinarian.
• Feed your dog a good quality diet. Poor nutrition can lead to some skin disorders in dogs. Ensure your dog is getting the vitamins and minerals that promote skin and coat health. These include Vitamin A, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin E. Adding a couple tablespoons of olive oil or flake seed to your dog’s food a few times a week may also help to alleviate dry skin and dandruff.
• Brush your dog daily. This gives you the opportunity to notice your dog’s skin each day and to note any skin conditions as they are developing. Seeking treatment early may prevent problems from worsening to the point that major intervention is necessary. Brushing also helps to move the natural oils through your dog’s skin and will help with dry skin, and to remove flakes, loose hair and dander.
• Rethink bathing a dog with skin conditions. In some instances, more frequent bathing may help and in other instances, it may make the condition worse. Most dogs do not need to be bathed more often than monthly. Ensure you use a shampoo that is designed for dogs. If your dog has dry skin, do not rub the skin dry and do not use hot water. If you’re trying to provide an itchy dog with instant relief, a bath in cool water may help you both make it through the night – until a veterinarian can be consulted. You can add Epson salts, baking soda or colloidal oatmeal to the water. This should relieve itching for a few hours.
• Benadryl – the antihistamine Diphenhydramine – can provide some relief to an itchy dog in the short-term. However, it will likely make your dog sleepy. Be sure the product you use lists Diphenhydramine as the only active ingredient. Other ingredients common in human allergy medications can be toxic to dogs. The general dosage for dogs is 1mg per pound of body weight.
SOURCES:
Dog Skin Disorders, Skin Rashes
The Dog Health Guide: Disease and Conditions-Canine Skin
Vet Info: Skin Disorders and Problems of Dogs
