There are so many types of skin complaints that it is sometimes difficult even for professionals to identify the cause even with the benefit of a skin scrape or biopsy undertaken by the vet. Many of these non-specific skin conditions are attributed to an allergic reaction and these are particularly difficult to control unless the actual cause of the allergy can be identified. Obviously the first check to be made is to ensure that there are no parasites on the skin, particularly mange mites which will need veterinary treatment.

However, having eliminated this as a cause, the other most common forms of skin problems in dogs and cats are dermatitis, pyoderma and eczema, or conditions known simply as non-specific skin allergies, or overheating, which is common in some breeds. The symptoms are typified by inflamed hot skin, itchiness and a redness that can be seen under the armpits and on the belly where the coat is thinner. Hair loss can result from the continual scratching carried out by the dog or cat to relieve the intense irritation. Herbal medicines have proved to be particularly effective in controlling these conditions by dealing holistically with the problem.

To treat the condition give the treatment dose of Garlic & Fenugreek tablets to deal with any minor infection on the skin and also give the treatment dose of Mixed Vegetable tablets to relieve the irritation and cool the skin. This should be continued for at least one month, reducing to the lower maintenance dose as the condition improves. Easy-Green® is beneficial for cooling the skin and should also be added to the daily diet of animals suffering from skin problems.

It is important to try and deal with the cause and firstly the diet must be considered as this often affects the condition. Experience shows that during the initial one months treatment period the ‘Cleansing Diet’ described in our Special Diet section should be followed giving only white meat or fish with the addition of boiled rice to provide the carbohydrate content of the feed. Later a good quality biscuit meal can replace the rice with other items being introduced gradually into the diet, depending on the improvement noticed. It is advisable to avoid high protein foods, red meats, and foods containing colouring and flavouring agents. All these have been found to be responsible for an allergic reaction in some animals. For dogs and cats who are susceptible to skin problems it is sensible to keep to a white meat diet to reduce the likelihood of the condition recurring and to continue with the maintenance dose of tablets as a preventative measure. These can be continued indefinitely if required for susceptible animals.

If hair loss has occurred as a result of scratching this can be improved by giving Evening Primrose Oil capsules orEvening Primrose Oil liquid which is an excellent supplement for animals with skin problems that can either be given with the herbal medicines from the start of the treatment or when the condition is improving to encourage coat re-growth and maintain the skin. Organic Comfrey & Calendula Balm is suitable to use externally to soothe dry, sore, scaly or damaged skin during treatment.

Don’t forget you can contact Dorwest on 01308 897272 for advice on treatment for your dog or cat.

*“Our Labrador bitch, Tess, suffered for several years with hair loss on her flanks and endured several skin tests and biopsies at Liverpool’s Veterinary Hospital costing in the region of £4500, courtesy of PetPlan, thank goodness! The conclusion was cyclical flank alopecia / atopic dermatitis. Tess was put on a concoction of drugs, some of with very unpleasant side effects, and with no improvement. Tess has been on three weekly injections following a specific immuno-therapy vaccine. This has helped with the scratching but the hair loss continued and she began to look terrible. We were told that she still had a good quality of life, and she would bald would remain bald! I contacted you in May and spoke to a very knowledge person and followed his natural diet plan and put her onto Keepers Mix, Garlic & Fenugreek tablets and Mixed Vegetable tablets. I really can’t believe that each day she has new hair growth! We are considering breeding from her again as she looks and feels great and again you advised Wheatgerm Oil. Our other dog, her daughter, is also now on Keepers Mix and looks fantastic. I will be sending Liverpool Vets the pictures of her and let them know what I have been giving her. There may be lots of other dogs who may benefit from this natural way of treatment.“ Mrs Wright, Lancashire *