Healthy conditioners for dogs’ skin and coat

Healthy conditioners for dogs’ skin and coat

Keeping your dog's skin and coat healthy and looking good can sometimes be a challenge, especially if your dog has skin problems. It is not uncommon for dogs to have dry skin, itching, or redness due to irritation or allergies. While it's always important to find the underlying causes of skin problems, and this may include working with your veterinarian to identify an allergy to fleas, there are some healthy rinses you can apply to your dog's skin and coat for temporary relief.

Herbal astringents are a good way to deal with many temporary problems. For example, if your dog is suffering from a few flea or mosquito bites, witch hazel - easy to find at any drugstore - is a good way to stop the itching. Witch hazel is made with isopropyl alcohol and you should make sure your dog does not ingest it. Only use a few dabs for one bite.

For hot spots, you can use FidoDerm Herbal Spray by Animal Apawthecary. It contains aloe vera and calendula to stop itching and promote healing, as well as antibacterial and antifungal essential oils.

For a dog with wet, runny wounds and oozing bites, you will probably need to use an all-over conditioner that contains aloe vera.

If your dog has dry, flaky skin, use products that contain botanical oils, collagen, and herbs that promote healing without stripping the natural oils from the dog's hair follicles. AvoDerm Collagen Spray from Breeder’s Choice is often recommended.

If your dog is itchy but you can't see any redness, bites, or sores, try rinsing him down with oatmeal from your kitchen. Cook it until it's in a fluffy, soupy state, let it cool, and then pour it (outside) over your dog. Let it stay on your dog for as long as possible before rinsing or brushing it out.

You can also use peppermint or lavender (or combine them) as a skin conditioner. Or you can also use rosemary. You can find these herbs in bulk at your local health food store. Pack it with a tea ball with the herbs and immerse it in a few liters of water that is about to boil. Then wait until it cools down. Pour it over your dog. Not only does this conditioner help your dog's itching, but it also smells really good.

If your dog has mild redness, you can do a daily rinse with chamomile, plantain, or calendula together or separately. Make a tea with these herbs, let it cool, soak your dog, and drain.

If your dog has wounds or scratches, you can combine comfrey and calendula with sage, bee balm, thyme and/or yarrow tea in equal amounts. This mixture is good for healing and helps stop any bacterial infection without irritating your dog's skin.

Of course, if your dog has serious skin problems or shows signs of infection, you should take him to the vet. However, these rinses help in many mild to moderate cases.

You can also use a nice conditioner to keep fleas off your dog unless there is a heavy infestation. Cut a lemon into segments and pour a liter of boiling water over it. Add a sprig of rosemary to the water and leave it overnight. Strain the water the next morning and you'll have a nice citrus rinse that you can pour over your dog to prevent fleas. This flush usually lasts a week or two. And your dog will smell very good.

Finally, just for a nice conditioner for your dog's coat, you can use rosemary. You can use a teaspoon of dried rosemary and pour half a liter of boiling water over the herbs. Let steep for 10 minutes, then strain or remove the herbs. Allow the liquid to cool. You're ready to pour the conditioner over your dog's coat after a bath. He will smell wonderful and his coat will be soft and easy to care for.