Natural Treatments on Skin Rashes and Hot Spots
Understanding the cause of your pet’s allergies and skin rashes will help you develope a treatment plan that goes beyond masking the symptoms to addressing the cause.
There is an interesting array of retail products, shampoos, creams and conditioners that make impressive claims to “fix” skin rashes or soothe and heal hotspots. This may well be the case, however, without making the necessary internal changes, these products will provide a temporary band aid, effectively masking the symptoms without addressing the actual cause of the issue. This is when a holistic approach to treatment becomes favorable.
What Causes Skin Rashes and Hot Spots?
Skin rashes can most often be attributed to an allergy of some sort. An allergy occurs when the immune system ceases to function properly and starts to attack seemingly harmless substances as though they were dangerous. It may be that your pet ingests, inhales or comes into contact with the offending substance and this triggers an exaggerated autoimmune respons, primarily skin itch, watery eyes, sneezing or respiratory distress. Digestive complaints are also common, due to the leaky gut syndrome (undigested food particles make their way into the bloodstream).
The Elimination Diet
A simple elimination diet may be effective in determining what ingredient may be causing the undesirable response. Sometimes trying a RAW diet or switching to a new protein source and reducing the diet down to one or two ingredients can be effective.
If you do not notice any considerable changes after modifying your pet’s diet, it may be that it is experiencing a reaction to a contact or inhaled allergen. In this case, you may want to reduce the overall chemical load by switching some basic household products, eliminating air fresheners and trying gentle, organic, non toxic cleaning products.
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies may be difficult to avoid, but can certainly be managed. Your pet may benefit from a daily bath to remove pollens and possible triggers from her coat. Be sure to use a hypoallergenic shampoo and a conditioner to seal in the moisture so that the skin does not dry out extensively, exacerbating the skin itch. An oatmeal or baking soda bath may also be soothing.
It can be helpful to think of your pet’s immune system as a cup. Each allergen it is exposed to adds more and more water to the cup until it overflows. This is when the allergy symptoms tend to peak and cause the most discomfort.
It is important then, to have the immune system functioning as strongly as possible. A Bee Pollen supplement is sometimes helpful, especially for combating seasonal allergies and will also strengthen the immune system. You will also want to consider supplementing with a high quality Omega 3 fatty acid (fish oil) and an Omega 6 oil (flax seed). Digestive enzymes and probiotics are essential for building and maintaining a strong immune system.
A Natural Approach to Symptom Relief
Avoid cortisones as they will further weaken the immune system. Instead, try a Licorice Root supplement, which acts as a natural cortisone, reducing swelling and redness.
Slippery Elm may be taken internally or applied externally as a poultice to areas of the skin that are red or raw.
Garlic will boost the immune system and will repel fleas, which may be another cause of skin itch.
Vitamin E may also be used externally to treat wounds or taken internally to treat skin conditions.
Finally, it’s important to note that our furry friends are very perceptive of our emotional state. As they are not able to verbalize their worries, sometimes, their concerns manifest as skin conditions. Pay very close attention to any household changes that may be a hidden cause of their distressed itching. Emotional support is key in achieving a holistic approach to healing.