Itchy Skin Conditions
Nothing Worse than an Itch
If there is any one thing
that frustrates a dog owner more than anything, it is that wretched
persistent scratching and itching of their dog. This manifests
itself in all sorts of unpleasant situations from merely white
scurfy residue, to nasty, weeping red raw skin. The frustration
is enormous.
I am not a skin specialist
nor am I a vet but I am a hairdresser and I have seen this kind
of thing for over 30 years and I do work with a fantastic chemist
for all our preparations. There are many causes ranging from the
genetic to the environmental. One can spend squillions trying
to find the cause and still not get an answer.
I am resolved to not getting
answers but endeavouring to address the external symptoms and
alleviating the worst of the aggravation. One would like to think
there are easy solutions to finding cause, however, I seem to
see much of it in certain breeds and often it is just a breed
problem. Some breeds are certainly worse than others.
I am a firm believer in doing things as gently and naturally as
possible. I always hated those coal tar based preparations for
people and am not any more enamoured of them in dogs. This is
just my opinion and probably based more on the evil smell of them
than anything else and that they are not particularly good on
the actual coat.
Most skin disorders tend
to be detected by a fine powdery white residue that appears like
a fine flaky dandruff. The dog has been bathed but the white powder
persists. Firstly one has to ask if the shampoo has been properly
rinsed from the coat and that it isn't just solid shampoo content
we are seeing. To be on the safe side, always dilute shampoo
at least 3 parts water to one part shampoo. Make sure it is thoroughly
rinsed and removed.
Having done that, then it is fairly certain there is an allergy
of some sort whether it is from within or without, and that is
debatable. Seek help by all means from a professional person but
there are things you can do to alleviate the symptoms if not solve
them and get the dog looking good.
I will make a Special Formula
Shampoo plus a Conditioner if required that consist of a nice
benign base and some great extracts that are shown to help suffering.
I find that Lichen extract is of particular help to fungal conditions
and Arnica to help weeping or red sore skin. There are a few other
niceties I put in as well and you may or may not choose to have
a fragrance. Sometimes it is the fragrance that can upset a dog
though the ones we use tend to be fairly safe and do smell great.
All Plush Puppy Shampoos
and Conditioners are naturally sourced and are as kind as man
can possibly make. The regular range will not aggravate a dog's
skin condition and the Special Formula will help sooth and heal.
Our Plush Puppy Sensitive Skin Shampoo is based on my formula recipe.
I know how horrible psoriasis and red raw skin conditions look.
It takes forever if you can find a cure to get the dog's coat
back in shape for a show. It's hard enough to find a good dog
let alone have one and then discover there is a skin problem.
Weepy, crusty, flaky, dandruffy, scurfy, broken skin, no coat
etc all can be symptoms of allergies resulting in itchy skin.
You've made sure there are no fleas, no residual shampoo solids,
it's not a hot spot and you are at your wits end.
I don't claim or profess
to have the answers but I can help a little with a good gentle
bit of assistance. All you need to do is email me or Plush Puppy
and we will get a Special Formula Shampoo to you. Tell us what
breed of dog and just how bad or slight the problem is.
There are several vets
now using and selling Plush Puppy as an alternative product to
their clients. I have had incredibly good results from the Special
Formula Shampoo and many loyal and happy customers. I hope I can
help you.
CHERYL LECOURT
