Her Magazine

Her Magazine October/November 2012

Her Magazine is New Zealand’s only women’s business lifestyle magazine! Her Magazine highlights the achievements of successful and rising New Zealand businesswomen. Her Magazine encourages a healthy work/life balance.

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:itchy & scratchy dogs The itchy & scratchy show Is your dog itchy & constantly scratching? IS YOUR DOG'S CONSTANT itching and scratching driving you crazy? Maybe you are wondering if it is caused by allergies or something in the food. It is certainly unpleasant to watch and distressing for your dog. Natural remedies could be the answer. Natural remedies and herbal treatments can offer a gentle, non invasive solution to this problematic condition. Dogs with itchy skin are one of the most common complaints vets will see in their clinics. There are different reasons though that your dog is itchy and it is important to know why and what is causing the problem. Armed with this information, you can then tackle the source. Pollen and dust are inhaled by dogs just as they are by humans, but instead of producing sinus congestion and a sore throat, they can cause the skin to itch, the hair to fall out, and prolonged scratching. A flea or two can also add to the misery if your dog is allergic to flea bites. Some breeds of dogs seem to be more prone to allergies, but all dogs can be affected. 72 | www.hermagazine.co.nz There are usually four main reasons why your dog could be suffering from itchy skin: 1. ALLERGIES These can be inhalants such as pollen and grasses. Symptoms usually show up in the form of itchy feet. Your dog will be constantly chewing and scratching. 2. FLEA ALLERGY This is usually seen on the back of the dog and above the tail region. 3. FOOD ALLERGIES Again seen in itchy feet or on the face. Beef and dairy are common food allergies for dogs. 4. SCABIES OR MITES These are highly contagious and need to be treated by your vet to prevent infection and spreading. When you know what is causing the problem, you can then look to natural remedies to see what is available. Nature provides some very helpful herbs which can make a huge difference to your dog's itchy skin. Herbs can help with minor skin problems and aid you to achieve the best dog grooming results. A dog's outward appearance is an indication of its internal well-being and health condition. Most skin treatments that are applied externally to the skin ignore the internal state of health. Herbs work inwardly by restoring, strengthening and nourishing the whole body and therefore help create a naturally glossy coat and healthy skin. If your dog is itchy, you can start by boosting his or her immune system. Herbs such as rosehips, kelp and garlic are great for general well-being. Herbs can; • • • • • Provide essential vitamins and minerals Help deter natural nuisance insects and fleas Soothe minor skin irritations Enhance the digestive system De-sensitise nervous behaviour due to itching Herbs can also soothe and de-sensitise the nervous system if an allergy is causing your

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