PawLux.com: A day in the life of an eco-dog

Is your dog having a itchy frenzy? Well, if his hind leg is whirling like a windmill, then it is no surprise that there is a whole lot of scratching going on. Your dog has probably even gotten the nickname Itchy & Scratchy.

If you haven't already realized getting to those hard to itch places can be a quite a challenge due to your pups lack of opposable thumbs. So instead, a dog may itch, lick or bite the bothersome itchy area. Like humans, dogs can develop issues with their skin and are not immune to eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or the itches.


The incessant scratching, gnawing & biting can be irritating and unbearable for you to watch, but even more so irritating for your pup to experience first hand. They just can't help but scratch away! So you may be wondering what can cause your pup to go in a scratching frenzy.

Well, allergies, fleas or even hot dry weather can trigger an outbreak of canine eczema (or what some dog owners call red mange), which can lead to itchy, scabs, red patches of dry, flaky skin and even an infection. Here are a few tips to help you get your dog's itchy, inflamed skin under control.

1. Seek Vet Help! Take your dog to veterinarian if experiencing constant skin problem. It is important that your dog can be diagnosed properly & treatment can begin. Its vital for the vet to rule out any other underlining problems like parasites, fleas or mange.

2. Fight the War on Fleas- Flea infestation is one of the most common causes of eczema in dogs. Apply an all natural topical flea treatment to the dog that does not contain toxic chemicals but will do the job. Keep in mind that commercial flea repellents can be just as harmful to your dog as the fleas that plague them; sure they may get to the bite of the problem & work fast. But the down side is that commercial flea repellents contain chemicals and insecticides, which are toxic to your dog and can cause serious illness. This is especially true for sensitive dogs who sometimes suffer from skin irritations and allergic reactions.

Also, give your house & yard a flea free green clean sweep by treating your flea ridden home with all natural flea traps, safe eco-friendly insecticides, & eucalyptus leaves. Don't forget to wash your dog bedding in hot water with strong soap, and vacuum the entire house, paying particular attention to the corners and baseboards, where fleas like to hide. But like anything, the key to flea control is prevention, so ready your arsenal of natural flea repellents, sprays & shampoos!

3. Snoop in Your Dogs Dish! Sometimes, eczema can be caused by an allergic reaction to specific dog food or ingredients. It would be a good idea to change your dog's diet for 3 to 4 weeks, to see if the skin issue will go away. Sticking with simple ingredients will make the ruling out process even easier. Boiled and shredded meats with rice and mixed vegetables is a tail wagging pleasure. Then, when your pup returns to their normal diet, be as watchful as a guard dog for signs of recurrent eczema symptoms. If the symptoms reappear, that will be a sure sign that you need to permanently switch to a different brand of dog food.

4. Suds up & groom your Pup w/ soothing hypoallergenic, all natural spa products. Wash the dog in a gentle shampoo & conditioner that are not only sensitive to your pup but the earth. Choose a shampoo specifically formulated to relieve itchy skin or that is labeled "for sensitive skin". After the bath, make sure the dog is dried properly and brushed well. Remember, that to many bathes can dry out your pups skin & coat and cause your dog to itch like crazy. So, only bath your muddy paw dirty pup when necessary. Bathe your dog less often in the winter, and remember to keep them well brushed.

5. Natural Remedy. Apply aloe vera gel to inflamed areas. Alternatively, you can make a tea from marigolds and apply it to the dog's skin to reduce the itch, soothe irritation and promote the growth of healthy skin. The tea is made by placing 3 flowers in 1 cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to stand for 10 minutes. Remove the flowers and wait for the brew to cool. Swab the tea over the affected area with a cotton ball.

6. Get out the clippers & trim your dog's toenails. By making the nails blunt, you reduce the risk of your dog making things worse by constantly scratching an itchy area. To much scratching can rupture your pups skin infected area and slow the healing process.

7. Take Vitamins & Supplements. To keep a dog's skin healthy, look into giving your dog an anti inflammatory supplement such as omega 3. This powerful fatty acid can do wonders for keeping eczema under control, and a dog's skin soft.

Since eczema can be caused by allergies, here is a helpful diagram below that will help you recognize allergy symptom & determine if your dog has an allergy.






















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