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SKIN PROBLEMS - Getting the relief your dog needs
| Step1: Eliminate and Repel Pests |
Parasitic pests are the bane of many of our four legged friends. Not only can their bites cause irritation, but also many pets are allergic to flea saliva, which causes a condition called flea dermatitis. In the case of a flea saliva allergy, one flea is enough to cause your dog great discomfort, resulting in hair loss, hot spots, etc.
Ridding your dog of these pests is paramount in obtaining optimal skin health. An effective plan involves three steps:
- Treat infestations - using only natural products
- Provide nutritional support to repel pests
- Adequate grooming to keep pests away
For further information on how to eliminate and repel pests naturally, see Eliminating and Repelling Parasites.
| Step 2: Proper Diet and Essential Supplements |
Fortunately many skin problems can be remedied through proper nutrition and supplementation. The first step is to evaluate your dog's food. Dogs fed a high quality diet, free from chemicals and by-products tend to be healthier and exhibit healthier skin too.
Most commercial dog foods, especially the dry varieties, contain too many grains. It is important to note that ingredients like wheat, corn and soy (present in large amounts in dry dog food) tend to increase inflammation and aggravate conditions like skin problems, ear infections and arthritis.
 If a raw or home-prepared diet is impractical, look for high quality commercial brands that list meat as the first ingredient, do not contain animal-by-products and do not contain artificial colorings or preservatives.
Some lean ground beef, lamb, chicken or turkey (cooked or raw) added to a high quality commercial diet is a worthy compromise. In addition, try adding some finely chopped or pulverized fruits and vegetables. Spinach, broccoli and blueberries all have anti-inflammatory properties to help with skin issues. Serving the fruits and vegetables raw with their nutrients and enzymes in tact is the best for skin health.
As discussed in the Eliminating Parasites section, adding specific supplements to your dog's diet not only helps repel pests, it improves skin health and boosts the immune system. Dogs that experience skin and coat problems are often lacking in some key nutrient.
 Nupro has been the gold standard in pet supplements for over 18 years. In addition to being rich in vitamins, minerals,enzymes and amino and fatty acids, Nupro also contains nutritional yeast (vegetable source, not grain source) and dry garlic, which has been shown to successfully repel parasites. It includes everything your pet needs to maintain a healthy coat and skin, while boosting their immune system. No dog should be without Nupro. Click here to learn why the ingredients in Nupro are so important.
 As a further boost, many veterinarians recommend adding additional amounts of long chain fatty acids, found in the highest concentrations in fish oil. Fish oil not only helps maintain a healthy coat and skin, it also reduces inflammation, reduces itching and has the added benefit of supporting kidney function, the cardiovascular system, the digestive system and more. Extra amounts of these fatty acids may also help dogs that have difficulties with allergies while further strengthening the skin from parasite attacks.
Nutri-Vet Wild Salmon Oil comes from 100% wild salmon, not farmed sources. Wild salmon has higher levels of beneficial omega-3 and lower levels of saturated fats.
Adding these essential supplements to a high quality diet is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. It's easy, affordable and your pet will thank you for it.
| Step 3: Rule Out Allergies - a potential cause of skin problems |
Fortunately many skin issues are solved through proper nutrition alone. That is why it is best to start with the supplements in the Essential Skin Kit as a first line of defense.
However, if your dog . .
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Has not responded to the supplements in the Essential Skin Kit after 30 days . . .
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Responds to a degree, but after 60 days has reached a plateau . . .
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- You may be dealing with an allergy. For additional support with allergies, see the Allergies section of this site.
The supplements in the Essential Skin Kit are helpful for dogs with allergies and are part of an allergy protocol, but for best results the allergen(s) should be identified and eliminated whenever possible.
Allergies that can affect your dog are varied and can be difficult to uncover without a systematic plan. The Allergy Detective Guide is an effective tool at helping isolate allergens that affect your dog. This guide is included in the Essential Skin Kit.
For additional information on allergies and the allergy protocol, consult the Allergy section of this website.
The starting point for healthy, pain-free skin
and a gorgeous coat. Contains the supplements
and information you need to address your dog's
toughest skin issues.
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