natural pet
Skin-Soothing Herbs for Dogs and Cats Simple Ways to Reduce Itching by Greg Tilford
F
will not likely address the root causes of a dog’s or cat’s skin ailment. For that, the situation must be approached from the inside-out with diet and several key herbs. Many cases of chronic skin issues in dogs and cats are either directly attributable to or strongly influenced by inappropriate and allergy-inducing ingredients in pet foods. Be critical about the quality of pet foods and avoid those that contain meat byproducts, artificial flavors and preservatives, as well as all grains, especially wheat and corn. It’s also important to give a good fish or krill oil supple-
svvvita/AdobeStock.com
rom allergies to liver deficiency, many factors can itch, inflame and irritate the skin of our pets. A dog’s or cat’s skin can become damaged or compromised because the skin is the first line of defense against attacks from external substances. Skin problems in pets have many causes, yet a variety of herbs can help a dog or cat feel more comfortable. While the catalysts of acute-onset skin issues such as insect bites or sunburn are obvious and can be dealt with directly, most forms of skin and coat disease are caused by deeper issues that can be extremely difficult to identify and address. Chronic or recurring skin conditions that cannot be attributed to influences outside the body usually point to deeper health issues, some of which can be serious or even life-threatening. The greatest mistake one can make when assessing a skin problem is assuming the problem is only skin deep. And while topical salves, liniments, shampoos or lotions can be quite effective in temporarily suppressing itching and pain, they
26
Indianapolis Edition
NaturalAwakeningsIndy.com
