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Dog Dry Skin Allergy
What can you do to help your pet if it has a dog dry
skin allergy? You see it scratching and can tell it is going through
torment. Is there anything you can do to relieve its suffering?
Fortunately, there are several things you can do.
Any dog with dry skin should be bathed less often than one that has
normal skin. Frequent bathing dries out the skin, especially if you
are using harsh shampoos. You might be tempted to use your own
shampoo for dry hair on your dog. Don't. Dogs' skin has a different
pH from what human skin has, and should be treated with special dog
shampoos formulated for dry skin. There are also moisturizing rinses
you can use when you have to bathe your dog.
Another helpful tactic when you have a dog suffering from a dog dry
skin allergy is to make sure the dog is getting good nutrition.
Fatty acid supplements are excellent for improving the coat of any
dog. You can even pierce a capsule or two of your own fish oil
supplement and squeeze it onto your dog's food.
Of course, the first thing to do is to try to eliminate the source
of the allergy. Dogs can have skin problems from a variety of
allergens. Perhaps it is a household cleaner or insecticide that is
setting off your dog's allergy. In fact, many dogs are allergic to
pollen just like people are, but their symptoms tend to show up as
an itchy coat and skin.
It's possible that a pet has dry skin because of other problems,
too, so an accurate diagnosis is needed for treating a dog's
allergies. Other disorders that can cause dry, itchy skin in a dog
include adrenal or thyroid gland disorders, or problems with the
liver or kidneys. Don't overlook fleas as a possible irritant. Many
dogs are allergic to flea bites.
Some people think their dogs are licking and chewing on themselves
because they are nervous. This is not usually the case, however.
Veterinarians also caution people against the use of home remedies,
and say that in some cases these can slow down progress in treating
a skin problem.
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