The Itchies Are Back!

[sallyandtex]

With spring comes allergies.....

Does anyone have tips for itchyness?

I have had some success with dilute apple cider vinegar washes and calendula tea.

[DobieMum]

For my boy, when I wash him, I wash him in Head and Shoulders (the human shampoo), works wonders with the itches.

[sallyandtex]

Really!!! I'll have to try it. Must be an anti-fungal in it or something.

Thanks

[Erny]

In my personal opinion it is best to avoid shampoos where you can and, in particular, to not use human shampoos on dogs. They strip the skin of the oils it needs and change the pH balance. Might appear to ease the itchies but the skin goes into over-drive to correct the counter-balance the shampoo has sent it in and the pendulum to recovery goes way too far the other side. Before you know it, there's the big chance that you'll be thinking you need to shampoo again.

Calendula Tea - get it from your Health Food Store and brew it up as a dab/spray on (if there are just select areas of skin that is dry and/or irritated) or as a mini-bath, where you can wet your dog all over. Calendula Tea is antibacterial, soothing, antifungal and does not alter the natural pH level of the skin. Many are quite surprised at the beneficial effects of this otherwise benign sounding and looking treatment.

If you haven't already, you might like to take the opportunity to explore why your dog's system is sensitive to seasonal allergens and perhaps discover things that can help to strengthen your dog's body's resolve to cope with them better. Diet can be one thing. Sometimes thyroid is another. There are more and sometimes it can be (too) difficult to work through, but it is worth (IMO) giving some thought to as any improvement has to be a bonus .

Edited September 17, 2011 by Erny