With summer approaching, this time of year brings about the common issue of itchy skin for dogs. Longer evenings, more walks outdoors and flowers in bloom are lovely, but rising temperatures also increase the prevalence of pollen, which can lead to skin irritation for your pet. We believe it’s important for owners to understand the different types of skin disorders, in order to offer the best treatment. Read on to learn what can cause them and how to help soothe their skin using natural skin remedies for dogs.
So, what actually is a ‘skin disorder’?
A skin disorder is simply when the skin reacts to an internal or external factor. This could be due to an external factor such as pollen or internal such as a mild food allergy. However, because different parts of the body have different types of skin, some disorders may be isolated or area-specific. Whatever the cause, skin issues are very common but equally complex. These can leave you, as an owner, scratching your head and feeling more and more frustrated.
There are many possible reasons for why your dog has itchy skin. Some common symptoms we see that are related to skin disorders can be:
- Itching or scratching
- Redness and inflammation
- Sores and ulcers
- Dry or flaky skin
But don’t lose hope, something can be done.
Although there is never a quick fix, there are ways to make a considerable difference in the short term. Whether it’s a dry skin treatment for dogs or allergy relief, there’s always a natural way you can help soothe them. The important factor is education and understanding. And as always, if you are unsure of what your pet's skin condition could be, always consult a veterinary professional.
We have put together an easy 4 step guide below of how to improve skin disorders with natural skin remedies for dogs.
Step 1: Bedding
Look at the role your pet’s bedding and environment plays in their overall health. After all, pets tend to spend more than 10 hours per day sleeping so it’s understandable that where they sleep plays a large part in their skin health.
It may sound obvious but wash your pet’s bed! They are a haven for dust and associated dust mites which are a common trigger for pet's skin conditions.
Bedding can also accumulate allergens such as pollen. These are transferred from their coat when out on walks or in the garden, so washing regularly has a two-fold benefit. Don’t use fabric conditioners and wash at a good hot temperature. Remember, human beds are too hot for our furry companions, so let them sleep in their own bed.
Step 2: Grooming with Herbal Dog Shampoo
Now that summer is well underway, take the time to thoroughly groom your pet. A consistent and effective grooming regime can help reduce skin disorder symptoms and maintain healthy skin and coat. The skin, being the largest organ of the body, is often the first place any indications of poor health materialise. By checking your pet daily, you will easily and quickly notice any changes to the skin and coat.
Even in short-haired breeds, brushing your pet often is important to maintain healthy skin and coat. It helps to boost circulation, remove old skin, dirt and moulted hair. And in turn, this allows circulation of air over the skin for new hair and skin to grow.
Regular baths (sorry, we know this can be less popular with some feline family members!) with a gentle herbal dog shampoo help to wash away allergens and dirt. Choose your favourite from our range of lovely natural dog shampoos and finish off with our gentle balms. Our Soothe & Calm Herbal Dog Shampoo is best recommended for those with sensitive skin.
You can also read our old blog to learn some tips on grooming and washing your pet.
Step 3: Feeding
Another step is to look at your dog or cat’s nutrition and its role in skin health. It’s often said, ‘you are what you eat’ and this applies just as much to your pet as it does to your own diet. Nutrition can impact on the overall health of their skin.
The skin and coat are visible indicators of health. Therefore, with a fresh, natural and balanced diet, our pets can avoid the junk food and support healthy skin. Avoid giving any ‘treats’ containing colourings, additives or synthetic ingredients.
Step 4: Herbal Support
The skin is a large and complex organ with many vital functions. Due to this, it takes a variety of essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins to keep it healthy.
At Dorwest Herbs, we have a specially formulated range of natural skin remedies for dogs. Our herbal pet care products, especially our Green Releaf® Tablets and Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets, are perfectly balanced to naturally support the skin from the inside out. We only use the highest-quality ingredients in our skin remedies for dogs, packed with powerful natural compounds. These help to nourish the skin, soothing sensitive areas and maintaining normal skin function.
TOP TIP - Using these two products together helps maximise the results. Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets work perfectly with our Green Releaf® Tablets to naturally soothe your pet's skin condition. As skin takes about three weeks to regenerate, it’s best to use these products for at least a month before expecting to see an improvement. Remember- it’s always important to speak to your vet if your pet has a skin condition, as there may be an underlying cause which requires treatment.
As well as fun in the sun, summer also brings high pollen counts, heat and prime conditions for parasites, which may mean your pet’s skin becomes more sensitive and so benefit from some additional TLC.
Our Soothe & Calm Dog Shampoo and Skin Balm are the perfect partners to use alongside our supplements, to ensure your pet’s skin is nourished from the inside and out. Both have been developed with sensitive skin in mind - packed full of specially selected botanicals, carefully blended to moisturise and help to maintain skin health. The Soothe & Calm Shampoo provides all over comfort, and helps to keep your pet’s coat free of allergens and dirt, while the Skin Balm provides extra nourishing support to the areas which need it most.
Herbal pet care you can trust
Find out more about our natural skin remedies for dogs or herbal pet care products that improve their general health. We have provided safe and natural products to pet parents from all over the world for over 70 years. If you have any questions about dog coat supplements, one of our experienced advisors would be happy to help. From herbal dog shampoo to dry skin treatment for dogs, discover our best-selling skin care products online today. Please get in touch on 01308 897272 or use our contact form. Plus, get free UK delivery on orders over £50!
Please remember, you should always consult a vet if you are concerned about your pet’s health.
