How to treat skin irritation in dogs

(December 31, 2009)

Skin complications are a very common problem when it comes to dogs and can be caused by a number of factors including environmental conditions and parasitic attacks. Given the fact that the skin and fur play a very significant role in the aesthetics of the animal, taking care of it is essential in the overall well being of the animal. Most new dog owners and newbie’s will almost always assume that the dogs coat can be maintained simply by proper grooming. However, it is important to remember that the condition of the animal’s coat is one of the foremost indicators of the animal’s overall health. This is primarily because of the fact that the skin is the largest organ of the body and its main function is to protect the internal organs as well as muscular tissues from bacterial invasions while also providing a means to control the body temperature during changes in the environment and prevention of dehydration. Healthy skin is free of flaks, irritation, sores, lumps or parasites and has very good hair growth. Badly maintained skin or a dog suffering from some sort of severe internal medical condition will possess skin that looks rather damaged and flaky, while the hair may seem to be rather dull and brittle.

Allergies arising out of an irritation caused by grass, dust or certain types of food are the most likely cause of temporary irritation in an animal. However, an accurate identification of the irritant would require you to visit your veterinarian and run some tests on your pet. However, it is essential that this is done as it would help you keep your dog away from any irritants in the future. Irritable skin is also likely to be caused by the presence of fleas and ticks, which are parasites that live off the animal. You need to clean your pet on a regular basis in order to minimize the amount of irritation experienced as a result of these parasites.

Giving your dog a cool bath is one of the most effective treatment options for your pooch. The best method to do this is to add some amount of Epsom salts to increase the effectiveness of the bath. Oatmeal is another option if you find Epsom salts hard to come by. Just like with human beings, apple cider vinegar is extremely beneficial when dealing with any type of skin irritation. The mixture should be applied to the affected area of skin with the help of a clean cloth for best results.