Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that is common among dogs and humans. The characteristics of this disease are the same for all, and so are most of the natural treatment methods. The condition is the sudden growth of the skin cells. Read on to know all about Natural Remedies For Dog Psoriasis. You will also find why Dogs lick their psoriasis.
The dog immune cells-particularly T-cells that take months for its growth would grow in a matter of few days causing some bumps of skin. This skin layers can later be dry and flaky. It appears as dandruff on the surface.
Though it starts as small patch somewhere on the skin, it soon spreads to other parts as well. These skin patches get dry over the time and can be extremely itchy for the dog’s comfort. It can scratch it too vigorously leading to secondary infections also.
In some dogs, the psoriasis is localized to a specific area or areas only, but in others, it can spread to all over. It is not a contagious disease or dangerous in any manner to other dogs around. But the secondary infections around the psoriasis are another matter. The main focus should be on preventing the secondary infection and reduce the itching.
The exact cause is not yet known. The immune system of the dog behaves abnormally and create this inflammation like a situation that leads to this condition. The T-cells in the immune system would grow uncontrollably leading to this condition.
The cause of this disease is entirely on the genes. It is the reason why some dog breeds are more vulnerable than others. Breeds like West Highland terrier or the Golden retriever are the most affected. In others, the dog that has its immune system compromised somehow tends to get psoriasis. Dogs that are less exposed to sunlight or have poor hygiene and type of breed are all reason why one would get psoriasis.
The sad part is that there is no complete cure for this. It can come back later; there is no complete eradication. But treatment is most important to prevent the itching and scratching. The itching can be too intense to drive the doggy to distraction.
The usual treatment includes topical application of creams and some medication to boost the immune system. Since the treatment may not be permanent, it is unhealthy to rely on such methods entirely. The best course of action is natural remedies for dog psoriasis. There are a few lots of them.
Aloe vera is a universal cure for almost all kinds of diseases and particularly skin diseases. It is one of the excellent natural remedies for dog psoriasis. The aloe vera gel can directly apply over the affected skin area. It has soothing effects to relieve the itching. The anti-inflammatory property would check the cell growth. It is also hydrating to the skin. Since psoriasis can erode the skin off its natural oils, it can accept any hydration on it. The best option for all these would be aloe vera gel.
There is no harm in using the gel directly from the plant. Just ensure that you don’t mix latex with the gel. The gel can be used directly over the skin or mix with a little water and use as a skin wash or to soak the dog for a while.
Although aloe vera is safe to take internally to boost the immune system, it may not be advisable to use it on your own without consulting the vet. There are aloe vera supplements available for the benefit of the dog’s immunity. Aloe vera can bring good changes in the dog’s skin to help it fight diseases like psoriasis.
Moreover, applying aloe vera can prevent the possibility of secondary infections. In case there are any infections, the anti-bacterial property of aloe vera is enough to cure it. The wound healing ability can close the wound faster.
One of the cheapest and widely available natural remedies for dog psoriasis is sunlight. The UV rays in the sun are powerful to destroy the uncontrollable T-cells in the dog skin. The daily exposure to sunlight in the morning or the evening should be part of psoriasis treatment. Spend at least half an hour under the sun. Do avoid the peak hours as the dog might suffer sunburn.
Moreover, the sunlight makes a source or base of for the dos to make their own immune-boosting vitamin D. yes, same like us, the dogs also make their vitamin D in the presence of sunlight. But unlike us, their skin cannot absorb this vitamin. This created vitamin D gets its entry inside the dog’s body when they lick their fur. This vitamin D can help boost the immune system in dogs.
Most dogs that are suffered by psoriasis have a low vitamin D level. But studies show that this vitamin D creation by dogs is not enough, so try some other methods also to improve its immune system. Fish liver oil is an excellent source of this vitamin and suits the dogs well.
Turmeric is the next on the list of powerful natural remedies for dog psoriasis. This herb is safe to be used both internally and externally. The topical application of the fresh turmeric paste can cure all kinds of skin problems. It has anti-inflammatory property to start with and then there is this anti-microbial activity. Both of these are significant in dealing with psoriasis.
One of the reasons for dog psoriasis is frequent exposure to toxins and thereby having a weak immune response in dogs. Interestingly turmeric has the s natural ability to detoxify the body and reinstate the immune reactions healthily. Including turmeric in the dog’s regular food and having the paste applied over its skin on affected areas and by adding a pinch of turmeric in its bathing water can help with psoriasis.
The antimicrobial property of turmeric prevents any bacterial infections on the scratched areas. The wound healing ability helps repair the damaged skin. The anti-allergenic nature reduces the itching, and the immune suppressant property of turmeric can make adjustments in the dog’s immunity to work accordingly and bring down psoriasis.
While applying the turmeric paste on the skin or adding it in the diet of dog does not need any meaningful consultation. Turmeric extract is available as capsules and if you want to give your pet thee tablets do consult with the vet.
Natural oils can be therapeutic for so many skin diseases, and psoriasis is no different. Psoriasis removes the natural oil from the dog’s skin and leaves it dry, brittle, and flaky. So applying natural oils on to the dog’s skin would be therapeutic as well as nourishing. There are a few natural oils that are nourishing and can cure psoriasis or provide relief from this skin condition. They are,
Warm bath
Nothing beats like a warm bath. It is one of the cheapest natural remedies for dog psoriasis. The frequent bathing can harm the dog’s skin, especially with hot water. What I suggest is to use ‘warm’ water that is just above the cold water. The warm water helps remove the flaky skin from the dog’s body and can also soothe them. The natural remedy for dog psoriasis comes here in the form of different ingredients used during this warm bath. You may use natural oils for massaging before the bath or use this oatmeal pack to reduce the inflammation and itch on the dog’s skin.
Oatmeal bath: Oatmeal can reduce the itch on the skin and is useful for all kinds of skin infections. Apply a generous amount of oatmeal paste made with powdered oats and some water. Apply this paste all over the affected area and let the dog take some rest in its tub. After 5-10 minutes, wash off the paste with some warm water. Drop in some neem shampoo or oatmeal shampoo for some extra effects. Oatmeal can balance the dog skin pH and reduce the occurrence of itchiness. It conditions the skin and fur also.
To treat psoriasis, you may have to make some significant changes in the dog’s diet. Sometimes the wrong food also is the reason why the immune system of your pet is acting weirdly. So, if your dog has psoriasis, then it means no raw meat or eggs for a while for them. The dog is not primarily a feral animal and need not be served fresh food all the while. It needs cooked meat and eggs, so help them prepared. It is also to be noted to avoid gluten, wheat, rice, cornmeal, etc. from the dog’s diet.
By changing the diet means to include all the healthy food as well. Add in some immune boosting foods for the dog. Include high fiber, protein-rich, and low carbohydrate food. Boost the nutrition of the meal with some omega fatty acids and its likes. Do not forget the vitamins and minerals as well. Pumpkin, carrots, and other veggies would also do some good. Try as much to avoid the ready-made food for a while and cook homemade food for the poor thing.
The belief that dog licking psoriasis or wounds goes back to Egyptian times. Wise claim it is one of the natural remedies for dog psoriasis. In recent times, you might hear a pet owner saying that dog licking their psoriasis or wounds help them heal. It is true to a fair extent. Your pooch carries antimicrobial properties such as Lysozyme, Histatins, Nerve growth factor, etc.
There are many reviews from pet owners that support this theory. However, dogs contain a bacteria called Pasteurella that can trigger skin infection that can worsen the symptoms.
The final resort is to give the dogs some immune boosters of any kind.
Additional immune boosting agents
Conclusion
Natural remedies for Dog psoriasis are around the corner. You don’t have to look very head. They are simple and easily applicable. However, many confuse and misunderstand psoriasis to be other types of skin diseases. Proper diagnosis is essential for all kinds of diseases. Though there are many natural remedies for dog psoriasis, one must consult with the doctor first and diagnose the problem properly. Do seek advice on how to go about with this natural remedy and treatment rather than deciding for yourself.
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