Longer evenings, more walks outdoors and flowers in bloom are lovely, but rising temperatures also increase the prevalence of pollen, causing irritation and skin disorders for dogs. We believe it’s important for owners to understand the different types of disorders, what can cause them and, most importantly, how to help your dog deal with them.

So, what actually is a ‘skin disorder’?

A skin disorder is simply when the skin reacts to an internal or external factor. This could be due to an external factor like pollen or internal such as a mild food allergy. However, because different parts of the body have different types of skin, some disorders may be isolated or area specific. Whatever the cause, skin issues are very common but equally complex and can leave you, as an owner, scratching your head and feeling increasingly frustrated.

Some commonly seen symptoms related to skin disorders can be itching or scratching, redness and inflammation, sores and ulcers, to dry or flaky skin. 

But don’t lose hope, something can be done. Although there is never a quick fix, there are ways to make a considerable difference in the short term. We have put together an easy 4 step guide on how to improve skin disorders with natural skin remedies for dogs.

Step 1: Bedding.

Look at the role your pet’s bedding and environment plays in their overall health. After all, dogs spend more than 10 hours per day sleeping so it’s understandable that where they sleep plays a large role in their skin health.

It may sound obvious but wash your dogs’ bed! They are a haven for dust and associated dust mites which are a common trigger for skin disorders.

Bedding can also accumulate allergens such as pollen as they are transferred from their coat when out on walks or in the garden, so washing regularly has a two-fold benefit. Don’t use fabric conditioners and wash at a good hot temperature. Remember human beds are too hot for our furry companions, so let them sleep in their own bed.

Step 2: Grooming with Natural Dog Shampoo.

Now that summer is well underway, take the time to thoroughly groom your pet. A consistent and effective grooming regime can help reduce skin disorder symptoms and maintain healthy skin and coat. The skin, being the largest organ of the body, is often the first place any indications of poor health materialise. By checking your pet daily you will easily and quickly notice any changes to the skin and coat.

Even in short-haired breeds, brushing your pet regularly is important to maintain healthy skin and coat. It helps to boost circulation, remove old skin, dirt and moulted hair which in turn allows circulation of air over the skin for new hair and skin to grow.

Don’t forget to bathe your dog regularly using natural dog shampoo, it’s free of chemicals and will help wash away allergens and dirt. Soothe & Calm Shampoo is the perfect dog shampoo for itchy skin. We have put together some tips on grooming and washing your pet.

Step 3: Feeding

Another step is to look at your dog or cat’s nutrition and its role in skin health. It’s often said, ‘you are what you eat’ and this applies just as much to your pet as it does to your own diet. Nutrition can impact on the overall health of their skin.

The skin and coat are visible indicators of health and with a fresh, natural and balanced diet our pets can avoid the junk food and support healthy skin. Avoid giving any ‘treats’ containing colourings, additives or synthetic ingredients.

Step 4: Improve symptoms with Herbal Medicines for Dogs

Carefully formulated and properly regulated herbal medicines for dogs have proved over many years to often be the more permanent answer to many non-specific skin conditions. By using the whole plant in medicine, we obtain the benefit of many thousands of chemical compounds in each plant, and these work together in a synergistic natural way to provide a balanced and effective approach to treatment for your dog.

Our Garlic And Fenugreek Tablets For Dogshave been consistently one of our top selling medicines as they are multi-functional with many different benefits for our pets. With antihistamine and anti-inflammatory compounds as well as being anti-bacterial, these tablets clear up minor skin infections and relieve the symptoms of skin conditions.

Often given in conjunction with Garlic and Fenugreek Tablets for Dogs is Green Releaf® Tablets For Dogs. This herbal pet remedy contains 5 well known potent herbs: Watercress, Celery seed, Horseradish, Celery plant and Parsley. There combination of analgesic, antioxidant and antihistamine compounds improve symptoms of skin itchiness and help to remove toxins from the system for on-going relief and management of the condition.

For maximum benefit, start giving both Green Releaf® Tablets and Garlic and Fenugreek Tablets at the treatment dose for one month to relieve symptoms. Then reduce the maintenance dose to keep any problems under control.

Find out more about Dorwest Herbs and our herbal remedies for dogs to improve their general health. If you have any questions about dog coat supplements, one of our experienced advisors would be happy to help. Please get in touch on 01308 897272 or use our contact form. Plus, get free UK delivery on orders over £50.

Please remember, you should always consult a vet if you are concerned about your pet’s health.