Natural Eczema Remedies in Dogs

Eczema is a skin condition that is characterized by redness, itching, dryness, and general inflammation of a large patch of skin. The condition often returns multiple times to the same areas of the body - in dogs these are normally the paws, face, belly, and upper legs. There are several possible causes for an outbreak of canine eczema, ranging from parasites to simple allergies. However, whilst these can be dealt with by using synthetic drugs, many owners wish to opt for a more natural way of dealing with the problem. Because of this, a vet will usually recommend the use of several specific plants or supplements, chosen for their innate chemical properties. The main plants used are oatmeal and chamomile, both of which have potent anti-inflammatory capabilities. It should be noted that most vets will opt to use drugs to treat the underlying condition, though good results can be obtained with natural remedies if they are administered correctly.

The process of treating the affected skin can be quite time consuming, as each method is part of a long-term process to eventually resolve the underlying problem. For mites or fleas, the dog will have to be bathed in the vinegar or herbal solution every other day or so, in order to kill as many of the creatures as possible. After this, the dog can be washed as they normally would when taking a bath, which has the upside of preventing unpleasant odors from lingering. Determining the cause of an allergy will require the vet or the owners to place the dog in a strictly controlled environment before introducing them to possible stimuli. Alternatively, a patch of the dog's skin can be shaved and potential allergens applied to different spots in order to gauge any reaction that may take place. Finally, actual relief for the discomfort will require the owner to regularly rub a topical solution onto the dog in order to keep the affected area cool and moisturized. Food supplements will have to be carefully mixed into the animal's normal meals, in order to make sure the dog does not start rejecting the pills.

In all, the effects of natural eczema remedies tend to be satisfactory, though some breeds may have differing levels of receptiveness to the treatment. The permanence of any effects differs on a case-to-case basis, as different allergens may be harder to develop an immunity to than others, sometimes necessitating the use of antihistamine drugs. Alternative treatments such as synthetic drugs may yield better results for some dogs due to the concentrated nature of such medication. That said, it is important to make sure that the products being used are specially formulated for use on canines and do not contain substances they find toxic (such as zinc).

After an outbreak of eczema has been successfully treated, the dog will need a short period of rest in order to allow the skin to heal. In cases where the skin has actually become broken and sores have formed, it may be prudent to restrict the dog's outdoor activities so as to lessen the chances of an infection taking hold. It should be kept in mind that if an allergen in the dog's food is found to be the cause of the condition, then several weeks should be allotted in which to slowly phase out certain meals. The vet will usually not deem it necessary to book a follow-up appointment if the treatment is satisfactory, though complications such as badly broken skin may require another visit to the clinic.

The cost of the majority of natural remedies for eczema is minimal, with materials such as oatmeal, rosemary or chamomile usually commanding a price of just a few dollars. Additionally, most herbal remedies can be cultivated in one's own garden, allowing for both ease of access and an even further lessened financial burden. Supplements that can be found in pill form, such as omega oils and iodine, will often cost a little more. Though these will not be on the same expenditure level as man-made moisturizers and medication, which can be expected to cost in excess of $30 for a bottle of high-quality canine-specific product (such as a steroid cream). That said, a synthetic option may yield faster results, so may be worth the money in severe cases.

Whilst natural remedies for eczema are commonly quite effective, many owners worry that they can be less effective than the synthetic alternatives. This is true to an extent, as a severe case of eczema may need a fast-acting and powerful solution in order to resolve it. A weaker treatment method may not have much of an effect, potentially allowing mites and fleas to cause further damage and irritation, increasing the risk of infection. To make sure that a natural remedy is the appropriate approach for your dog, it is always wise to consult with a vet before deciding on a course of treatment.

In order to help your dog avoid eczema, there are a couple of basic steps that can be taken. The first of these is to avoid putting any form of grain in their food as much as possible. Although these plants form a core part of the human diet, they can be especially irritating to the guts of dogs, causing a slew of digestive problems that can result in malnutrition and allergic reactions that eventually go on to cause skin problems. It is also somewhat common for the condition to present itself during spring as a reaction to the high levels of pollen in the air. By walking the dog in the late evenings and early mornings, owners can avoid encountering the vast amounts of pollen that are released by plants in the daytime. Similarly, during winter, cold weather can provoke the condition due to dryness in the air. By keeping the dog hydrated and problem areas moisturized, owners can prevent eczema from flaring up.