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Herbal Medication for Dog Skin
Allergy
Herbal medicines are traditional treatments for various
ailments which often work gently and effectively. In many cases,
they are gentler than their conventional counterparts, but this is
not always the case. If you're looking for herbal medication for dog
skin allergy, there are a number of herbs that are effective to use
for skin disorders.
Herbal baths are not hard to do. Simply take an ounce of the desired
herb, pour over a pint of boiling water and let it steep for 15 to
30 minutes. Add this strong tea to the rest of the dog's bath. You
can also dilute the brew and use it for cleansing hot spots and
sores. Frequent bathing has often been thought to irritate dog skin,
but the fact is, they need to be clean, too. They especially need to
have their wounds kept clean. Some herbs that are healing to the
skin are comfrey leaf, yarrow, shepherd's purse, and low mallow.
A discussion of herbal medication for dog skin allergy would not be
complete without mentioning aloe vera gel or juice. A leaf of this
common houseplant can be broken and the healing sap used to dress
the dog's skin problems.
Dogs can also be given herbal medicine by mouth to help them with
their skin allergy problems. Herbs should be ones that improve the
immune system and that act as antihistamines. A few herbs that are
sometimes found in these types of herbal medication for dog skin
allergy are ephedra, mullein, marshmallow root, and chickweed.
For the health of the haircoat, there are powdered supplements you
can add to the dog's food which contain botanical ingredients like
seaweed and flaxseed meal. An herbal tincture formulated to improve
the skin and coat might include red clover, nettles, burdock, lady's
bedstraw, and yellow dock. If nerves are making the dog itch more,
you might try skullcap and chamomile.
To fight infection and support the immune system, dogs can be given
tinctures of golden seal, echinacea, and spirulina. It is thought
that allergy symptoms of all types are caused by the immune system
overreacting to allergenic substances. Supporting the immune system
is therefore an important part of treating an allergy.
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