Does your cat or dog have skin issues that are making them miserable? Itchy, flaky, or inflamed skin is one of the most common reasons for vet visits.
The skin is the largest organ in your pet’s body. Skin issues may manifest when your pet has a nutritional imbalance or when they have intolerances to substances in their food or their environment.
You can use holistic remedies — or even a combination of holistic and conventional treatments — to help your pet achieve clear, itch-free skin and a healthy coat.
When to See a Veterinarian
A veterinary visit is always in order when your pet is experiencing something out of the ordinary. A severe, acute flare-up of symptoms can be a sign of an emergency.
Even if your pet is not experiencing an emergency, it is still important to rule out other causes that may require veterinary treatment. Unusual growths, unexplained hair loss, skin ulcers, and lesions should all be evaluated by your vet.
Sometimes, dry, itchy skin, redness, and inflammation have simple, common causes such as an intolerance to a substance in your pet’s food or environment, dry weather, humid weather, or hot spots.
At home, you can use holistic remedies to manage bacterial or fungal overgrowth that can contribute to skin problems, and you can use nutrition to help their skin heal and stay hydrated.
Identifying Intolerances and Nutritional Gaps
If you suspect your pet has an intolerance, the at-home 5Strands Pet Intolerance Test is a good place to start. You will receive a detailed list of foods and environmental triggers to avoid. Keep in mind that when your pet has an intolerance, you may not always be able to eliminate all exposure — for example, if they are sensitive to grass or pollen.
When your pet’s diet does not include balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, their skin may be dry and slow to heal. Salmon oil and other fish oil supplements are an effective way to add more omega-3 fatty acids to their diet for healthier skin and a shinier coat.
Holistic Remedies for Pet Skin Problems
The following at-home remedies can help soothe and support your pet’s skin between veterinary visits:
- Holistic shampoo: Bathe your pet weekly — or more often as needed — with a cleansing, holistic shampoo such as Pure & Natural Pet Itch Relief. Organic peppermint, neem, calendula, and niaouli oils help control the bacteria and fungus associated with itchy skin, while aloe soothes and conditions the skin to promote healing.
- Calendula Cream: Apply to hot spots, wounds, and irritated skin to keep the area clean and hydrated. It is a must-have for your pet’s first aid kit.
- Apis Mellifica: This holistic skin remedy soothes itching caused by insect stings and bites and can also relieve symptoms triggered by pollen allergies. It is another essential addition to your pet’s first aid supplies.
You can find many of these products in the allergy and itch relief category at 1-800-PetMeds.
When Holistic Remedies Are Not Enough
If your pet’s symptoms do not improve or worsen, see your veterinarian for further evaluation. If you prefer a natural approach, consider seeing a holistic or integrative veterinarian who specializes in treating skin conditions with more natural methods.
