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Itchy Skin In The Dog - Seven Greatest Natural Treatment Mistakes

2016/5/4 10:25:22

There are many self proclaimed experts all too willing to give advice on itchy skin in the dog.

Underdosing is the first common mistake. Many natural treatments can be useful and beneficial if given in the correct dose rates. However, a very common mistake is to recommend doses that are too low to be of benefit. The most common of these is the chronic underdosing of the omega-3 EPA from fish oil. Fish oil used at the correct dose rate can benefit itchy skin in the dog.

Overdosing is the second common mistake. Some herbs can be toxic to your dog's liver and kidneys if used in excess. It is frightening how little most naturopaths and holistic medicine "experts" actually know about the remedies they are prescribing.

The wrong dagnosis is probably the single most common mistake made by holistic hobbyists. Misdiagnosing the cause of the skin problem. Most naturopaths and holistic medicine advisers are hobbyists and have zero training in dermatology and canine medicine. If you don't actually know what the disease process is, you can't treat it effectively. Dog wellness depends on correct diagnosis. Anatomy, physiology, function of skin are among the serious aspects of medicine that are not adequately examined in 'natural medicine' study courses.

Number four is prescribing treatments that damage the skin barrier. Hobbyists, breeders and unqualified people often do not understand the anatomy, physiology and function of the skin. As a result, they often prescribe treatments that are likely to cause more harm to a dog with skin problems than they fix. Shampoos and acidic products like tea tree oil are BAD for inflamed, irritated skin of a dog with allergic skin disease.

Number five involves using unproven remedies that have absolutely no proof that they work. Home-made herb-based remedies cannot be standardised for correct dose. Even commercial preparations are unproven, as almost all natural therapies companies do not conduct research to scientific standards, nor do they document results. Cynically, most natural products companies claim that because their products are not proven to exhibit any clinical effects, they are therefore exempt from Therapeutic Goods testing and standards!

Number six involves using antiquated therapies.Treatments that were originally outlawed decades ago because of serious adverse effects are rehashed by the misinformed. Colloidal silver is a classic example. Human medicine banished colloidal silver to the dustbins of history back in the 1940's because of serious side effects. Colloidal silver is a solution of silver particles. Heavy metals can be toxic if ingested. In animals and humans, silver accumulates in the body over time. Silver is a heavy metal and is toxic!

The recommendation of remedies that are irritant to regenerative tissue. Regenerative tissue is healing tissue. If regenerative tissue is irritated by remedies wound healing and skin regeneration is delayed. Applications of remedies such as iodine can delay healing. Natural or ?alternative? remedy advocates also often recommend ear remedies that will damage your dog's ear drum and even cause serious vestibular disease like head tilt and loss of balance. Ears are delicate, and need to be managed correctly!

Number eight is a special bonus. Breeders particularly indulge in the myth that their breed has different skin or particular treatment needs. However, dog skin is essentially the same in physiology between the different breeds. Once a correct diagnosis is made, a particular dog does NOT need varying treatment according to its breed.

Don't waste money trying to save a dollar with unqualified 'therapists'. It is not fair on your pet who pays with their health.

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