Holistic Treatment of Chronic Skin Infections/ Hot Spots in Dogs
This information is compiled through research and not the original thoughts of the writer. This information is supplied on the understanding that it is not designed to take place of your Vet. Its aim is to supplement your Vets advice and guidance. Diagnosis of a medical or surgical condition in your dog should only be carried out by your Vet. Shirley Krishna is a Wholistic practitioner qualified in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a herbalist and nutritionist for companion animals and not a Vet.
Hot spots are also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis or superficial Pyoderma and commonly seen as inflamed, infected skin.
How Hot Spots Develop
Hot spots are created when your dog’s natural bacteria overpopulates parts of his skin. When an infection arises from a dog’s own bacteria, there is almost always a root cause. Chronic Hot spots often occur in dogs with underperforming immune systems.
Hot spots in dogs are painful, itchy, angry looking sores, and often seem to pop up over night. They are characterized as being red, hairless, inflamed wet areas of skin that are warm to the touch and very painful, quite sensitive to the touch. They’re fairly easy to spot as most often the area exudes pus and can be foul smell. You’ll probably notice your dog obsessively itching, licking and biting at the area.
They’re also recurrent so once you see one; your dog is likely to suffer from other hot spots over time. Hot spots can come on very quickly. You might leave your perfectly healthy pup one morning to go to work, and by the time you return home that evening, they are completely preoccupied with an area of skin that is irritated, inflamed and oozing.
Symptoms of Hot Spots in Dogs
• Scratching, licking or chewing at skin
• Scabs
• Redness, inflammation and wet sores
• Hot Spots (one particular area where itching is intense)
• irritated skin
• Hair loss, bald patches
• Rashes
• Lesions
• Drainage of blood or pus
• Swellings, lumps or skin discoloration
Any dog can develop hot spots, but they’re much more common in dogs with thick coats, dirty and/or moist skin, and dogs with allergies, including fleas.
Let’s say your dog jumps into a pond of dirty water on a hot, humid summer day, then gets out and lays in the grass under a tree for a nap.
This activity has created a dirty, damp, warm, very hospitable environment for your dog’s natural skin bacteria to overgrow. It’s a set-up for a potential full body allergic reaction, including multiple hot spots, on your pet’s skin.
Preventing Hot Spots
Regular grooming and checking your dog’s skin
Always dry your dog thoroughly after swimming and bathing
Treat any and all skin sores immediately
Use natural, soaps and shampoos products recommended for use in dogs.
Brush your dog regularly to prevent matting of hair.
Switch from feeding dead foods (tinned and kibble) to a healthy, raw species appropriate diet or BARF diet
Regularly clean and vacuum your home
Provide calm stress-free living conditions for your dog.
If your canine companion develops a hot spot, you’ll need to do two things:
• Treat the wound
• Identify the underlying cause
Treating Hot Spots –Hair Removal
To treat the wound, the first thing you need to do is remove the hair on, in and around the affected area.
You may not want to do that, because, for example, you show your dog in the ring.
But if you don’t remove the hair, it will become trapped in the wound by the pus and you’ll have a much harder time healing the hot spot. In fact, hair in and around the affected area can create a perfect environment for the wound to get bigger and the infection to get worse.
A suggestion is to shave the area of the hot spot, and then mark the edges of the lesion with a Sharpie type pen so you can tell if the infection is expanding.
If the infection appears to be spreading, you know you’re not treating it effectively at home and you should get your pup to your Vet as soon as possible.
Some hot spots can result in fever and serious underlying skin problems, so if you see the wound growing rather than improving after a couple of days, it’s time to seek veterinary care.
Disinfecting the Wound
Once you’ve shaved the area and identified the margins, clip the hair back until you see healthy skin. Then you can begin gently disinfecting the wound with a solution that will remove bacteria.
Using Colloidal Silver or salted water, to disinfect the skin using a spray bottle. Spray the wound and allow the fluid to run through the wound removing any debris that is stuff to the wound.
In the beginning – at least days one and two of the disinfecting routine – while there’s a lot of oozing from the wound, you’ll want to repeat the disinfecting procedure as often as necessary to keep the area clean, dry and pus free.
Your goal in managing your pup’s hot spot is to keep the area clean and dry at all times, so the first couple days you might need to disinfect the wound as often as every two hours.
Depending on the severity of the infection and the amount of pus the wound is producing, disinfecting two times a day should be an absolute minimum. Remember – a consistently clean and dry wound is critical to healing the infection.
Applying a topical Solution
After you clean the wound you can apply a topical solution like raw aloe vera gel, a thin layer of Manuka honey or Calendula infused oil. You can also use a cool chamomile tea bag against the wound to provide a soothing effect.
Don’t use anything with stinging or astringent properties on an open, raw wound. Anything with alcohol and solutions like vinegar or tea tree oil, while anti-microbial, are really painful when applied to an open, raw wound, so I don’t recommend you use those types of aggressive solutions when you are treating an infected hot spot.
Repeat the disinfecting procedure and application of a light, natural topical soothing gel afterwards until the wound shrinks in size, the infection clears and your pet is no longer bothered by the hot spot.
Keeping your dog away from the Wound
Insuring your pet leaves the hot spot alone is critical to healing. You’ll probably need to put a lampshade collar on them to prevent them from licking and biting the affected skin.
If your pup continues to re-traumatize the wound, the infection won’t clear up and the hot spot will get bigger.
As an alternative to the Lampshade collar, you might be able to manage the wound by applying a light wrap or putting a t-shirt on your pet, as long as you are sure they are leaving the wound alone.
Finding the Root Cause of Your Pet’s Re-Current Hot Spot
The second step in managing hot spots is to identify why they happen.
Chronic Skin Infection & Hot Spots
Skin Infections may be caused by or closely connected to several of these reasons:
Improper diet/biologically inappropriate Diet and/or Food Allergies many dogs develop allergies to common ingredients in dog foods, such as beef, chicken, wheat, corn or soy. Even fillers and colourings can be seen as foreign by your dog’s immune system and lead to itching and rashes.
Allergies –Environmental or Seasonal
Weakened Immune system function
Overgrowth of bacteria or yeast infections
Long term exposure to household indoor and outdoor chemical toxins, pet toothpaste, shampoos rinses, medications, pet toys, chemical cleaners such as bleach, floor cleaners, laundry powders and chemical based insecticide sprays, pesticides, lawn weed sprays.
Repeated and long term use of cortisone and antibiotics causing bacterial resistance and severe deep seated infections
Frequent and overuse of Vaccinations
Frequent & repeated use of chemical based insect, parasite and heart worm preventatives
Parasites and fleas
Poor Grooming
Underlying Ear infections
Constant licking and chewing brought on by stress or boredom. A dog may lick her skin (especially her legs) excessively for many reasons. Some lick when not given adequate opportunity for activity or mental stimulation.
Other disorders -Metabolic or hormonal problems: Several common hormonal problems can cause change in skin colour, coat consistency, thickness and distribution.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Flea allergy dermatitis is also a major reason why animals get hot spots. You might not even be able to see the fleas, but if your dog is sensitive, the bite of just one flea can cause a raging hot spot. Check your pet with a flea comb for fleas and flea dirt regularly.
There are many natural food and herbal alternatives which can be used 365 days a year on your pet so there is no excuse for using conventional chemicals or not doing anything at all. Fleas will attach the weakest animals first and therefore as a pet owner it really important that you keep your dog’s immune system functioning at optimum levels.
Allergic Sensitivity -Environmental
Environmental allergies can also cause hot spots. Ragweed, grasses, pollens and moulds are typical allergens, but it can also be polluted water or even toxic air that causes a secondary hot spot on your pet. You’ll need to evaluate not only your dog’s diet, but also her environment to search for sources of allergens that could be causing hot spots. If your dog is reacting to environmental allergens it is time to detox their body and in particular the liver. More on this later.
Allergic Sensitivity – Food
Allergies, from food can cause hot spots. What are your pets eating on a daily basis? It is healthy giving or a slow poison? Commercial pet food diets are notorious for causing food allergies due to a high percentage of grain, soya, rice and wheat content and less of any good quality ingredients. Changing your pet’s food from dead foods (tinned and kibble) to raw (species appropriate or BARF diet) is in order and vital for healing. A clean protein alternative should be used such as kangaroo meat which due to its nature is wild and organic.
The Infected Ears
Most people see skin infections as a problem that relates only to the skin however if your dog has chronic ear infection, they are all related. The ears are a signal that the whole body is out of balance, toxic and in distress. An infection in the ears is like the bodies ‘alarm bells’ that something is not right on the systemic level and the immune system must be paid attention to and healing must occur from the inside out meaning with good nutrition, herbs, homeopathic and nutriceuticals.
Fungal Skin Infections
Skin infections are either bacterial or fungal.
The most common cause of fungal skin infections in dogs is yeast. Yeast is constantly present on the bodies of animals, but when the immune system isn’t in prime condition, yeast can overgrow and cause an infection.
If the problem seems chronic or there’s a persistent infection that just won’t go away, it’s very likely there’s an underlying immunological cause which must be identified and resolved from the inside out using natural diet, natural herbs and supplements.
Anti-Yeast Baths and Rinses
If your dog has yeast overgrowth on their skin, disinfect the entire body with a natural, anti-fungal shampoo. And yes, you can do this as often as necessary.
Since carbohydrates and grains ultimately feed yeast overgrowth, it’s not recommended you use oatmeal-based shampoos. Oatmeal is a grain which provides a food source for that yeast on your dog’s skin. Use an anti-fungal shampoo such as tea tree oil or an herbal blend. These will help control the amount of yeast growing on your pet.
Anti-fungal rinses are also recommended during the summer months, from one to three times per week after shampooing. Take 4 litres of water with a cup of vinegar or a cup of lemon juice. You can also use 20 drops of peppermint oil. All three will make your pooch smell nice. After shampooing with tea tree shampoo and rinsing thoroughly, follow with one of these natural anti-fungal astringent rinses to knock down the amount of yeast.
You should never pour these rinses over your dog’s head or into her eyes. Pour from the collar, back and rub it into her coat and skin, focusing on body parts that tend to grow yeast — armpits, feet, groin area and around the tail. Then towel dry without rinsing. Your dog will not only feel better, the yeast won’t replicate as quickly.
Caution when using lemon juice, they can bleach a black dog’s fur. If you have a black coated dog, you should go with vinegar to avoid a lightening effect.
Bacterial Infections
Just as common as fungal infections of the skin are bacterial infections. Bacteria are classified as either pathogenic or non-pathogenic.
Pathogenic bacteria are abnormal inhabitants of your pet’s body, picked up from an outside source, for example, contaminated pond water. It is recommended that you thoroughly wash and dry your dog afterwards.
Non-pathogenic bacteria are typically staph bacteria that are normal inhabitants of your dog’s body. Occasionally these bacteria can overgrow and take over the ear canal. Any sort of normal, helpful bacteria can grow out of control and cause an infection in a pet with a compromised immune system in which case again the problem can be successfully resolved using natural diet, natural herbs and nutriceuticals.
Foundation of Good Health for You Pet Dog
1. Switch from dead Foods (kibble & Tinned) to a raw (living food) such as Species Appropriate Foods or BARF diet
Improving the quality of your pet’s diet is always the best thing you can do to improve well-being and longevity. If your dog is on a diet that truly and fully supports a strong immune system and good overall health your dog’s chance of acquiring any type of skin disorder dramatically decreases. Without any doubt the root cause of most illness is inappropriate ingredients in dog food and overall diet. Choose natural food such as species appropriate diet or BARF diet for your dogs. Did you know that species appropriate diet or BARF diet is also anti-inflammatory and anti-yeast diet that your dog requires to eat to get better.
If you are still giving your pets any commercial processed pet foods & treats, you are undoubtedly giving them a dose of chemical additives, artificial colours, flavours, grains, cereals, starch, pasta, rice, soya with every bite. Commercial food and treats have plenty of these toxic indigestible ingredients, along with poor quality proteins and fillers that tax your pet’s digestion and increase the toxic load on their bodies. 70% of vitamins and minerals are lost in the cooking water for dogs that are mainly fed home cooked meals plus cooked meats and fats are one of the causes of pancreatitis attacks. These dogs miss out on the important nutrients for growth, repair and healthy immune system function and overall good health.
BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw food diet. BARF diet is all about feeding dogs properly and returning them to their evolutionary diet the way our dogs and cats have eaten for millions of years for health, happiness and longevity. Wholistic Pet Food BARF dog food is tailored made for your dog and consists of raw whole foods similar to those eaten by the dogs’ wild ancestors. The food is 100% raw and contains such things as muscle meat, raw bones, fat, organ meats, whole eggs, natural yoghurt, pulped vegetables and a small amount of fruit plus healing herbs as Dandelion, Milk thistle, Spirulina, Burdock, Alfalfa, Chlorella, Nettle, Turmeric, ginger, garlic and fresh parsley just as mother nature intended them to eat.
The diet contains no grains, cereals, starch, pasta, rice, soya and cooked food as contained in the pet foods manufactured by pet food companies. Grains contain natural sugars which yeasts feed upon and multiply rapidly. These foods were never intended to be eaten by dogs which prevents your dog from ever recovering completely. BARF dog food is high in good quality proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, trace-minerals, enzymes and amino acids everything your dog needs to keep a strong immune system. A strong immune system is the best defence against skin infection for your dog.
If dog has had been on antibiotics, supplementing the diet with Saccharomyces Boulardii, a healthy yeast to correct dysbiosis and then supplementing with a probiotic will help maintain and populate balance of good bacteria in the dog’s system. Live-cultured natural yogurt as part of your dog’s daily food can also help to offset the side-effects of antibiotic therapy.
Choose treats wisely as well. Natural air dried meats, raw bones, fruit and vegetable pieces treats are far healthier for your dog then baked biscuits and treats that have low quality processed ingredients with artificial flavours and preservatives in it. Note where the treats you buy for your dog is manufacturer. Treats made in China are highly suspicious containing chemicals and contaminants which are not regulated by law in their country.
Beware if your Vet prescribes prescription dog food. Your dog’s health may be placed in further jeopardy as many commercial prescription foods are actually not health supporting. In fact many Vets prescribed ‘anti-allergen’, ‘limited ingredient’ diets contain toxins that are known allergy triggers. These diets also tend to be inflammatory as the bulk of the ingredients are carbohydrates – often corn and soy, rice and grains. These are inexpensive fillers and fibre such as cellulose (wood pulp), etc. These foods can also be dangerously low in protein and what protein they do have can be of very questionable quality.
2. Offer Plenty of Purified Filtered Water to Your Pet
While the water that flows through your household pipes may be technically “fit to drink,” it contains enough toxic mineral and metal levels, chemicals like fluoride and chlorines to damage your pet’s health. Your pets deserve better, and so do you. Water filtration units are readily available and you don’t have to spend a lot to get a good one. It’s well worth the investment – and after all, what’s more valuable than the health of your companion.
3. Avoid steroids! Use anti-inflammatory alternatives
The symptoms of irritable bowel can be very debilitating on the health and well-being of your dog. Conventional treatments consist of steroid and antibiotic that give people the illusion that all is better. However, steroids only suppress the immune system response, decrease the body’s ability to resist infections and absorb in the blood stream and affect the whole body. Over time steroids push the disease deeper into the body making the condition more chronic and harder to treat. You may consider using Cortisone alternatives such as Betasitoserol which are plant sterols that naturally curb inflammation. It is useful in many other condition such as chronic itchy skin condition, ear infections, skin disorders, allergies, arthritis but without the side effects of steroids drugs or prescription animal NSAID’s.
Another great natural alternative to conventional anti-inflammatory is Traumeel drops. Traumeel is a homeopathic remedy great, a natural anti-inflammatory and an immune-modulator containing 12 botanicals such as Arnica, calendula, chamomile, hypericum and Echinacea to relief aches and pain and reduces deep seated inflammation in the whole body.
4. Eliminate Pain & Discomfort
If your dog has a painful spot on his body and he starts digging and chewing at the area, he can create a hot spot. For example, if you have an older dog that has never suffered from hot spots but suddenly starts bothering the skin over a hip joint, it could be a response to underlying pain. This can bring on a secondary infection of a hot spot. In this case there’s no underlying allergic condition, but rather an underlying muscle, nerve or bone problem. Make sure any painful conditions are treated.
Hot Spots can be very uncomfortable and large wounds can be especially painful. Recent research has shown that chronic pain is destructive to your dog’s body. Pain unleashes a cascade of harmful hormones, such as cortisol, that adversely affect the immune system and kidney function. A very effective remedy is Traumeel a natural anti-inflammatory which is also an effective pain-reliever. Choices of botanical herbs that are effective include White Willow, Boswellia, Turmeric, Chamomile, Ginger, Devils Claw and St. John’s Wort.
5. Avoid Conventional Antibiotics Switch to Antibiotic Alternatives
Casual antibiotic use promotes the ever growing problem of antibiotic resistance, giving rise to the so called “superbugs”. Some choices of natural antibiotics include Colloidal Silver, Organic cold pressed Coconut oil, oil of Oregano, fresh Ginger and fresh Garlic in your dogs food, Grape seed extract, Olive leaf extract, Manuka Honey, Pau’d Arco, Oregon Grape Seed Extract and Echinacea are your best natural antibiotics from Mother Nature.
6. Support the Liver to eliminate toxin Overload
The Liver is a master elimination organ which controls all elimination in the body and together with the bowels needs support. The liver has a mutual function with the bowels of the body in that it detoxifies toxins such as yeast, bacteria and food allergies while the gastrointestinal tract physically removes it out of the body. If the Liver is sluggish or overburdened with toxins it cannot perform its function of elimination and therefore build-up of toxins will occur. Liver supportive and detoxifying herbs include milk thistle, dandelion, nettle, burdock and alfalfa herbs. Wholistic Pet Foods BARF already contains liver supportive herbs so if you are feeding your dog our BARF diet then you do not have to add additional herbs. Hepeel a homeopathic medicine greatly improves liver function as well as Turmeric an herb that improves liver function and immune system the main ingredient been Curcumin. Golden Turmeric Paste is made of 4.5% curcumin turmeric powder, organic cold pressed coconut oil & olive oil and black pepper. Golden Turmeric Paste can be added to your dog’s raw food and most dogs love the taste of it.
7. Support the skins elimination function & restore skin condition
Dogs with hot spots have thin, red itchy Inflammed skin and successful treatment requires that the skin allergy and irritation is treated along with the infection. Herbs such as red clover, yellow dock, burdock and in particular Nettles are great for healing and detoxifying the skin plus allergies. Stingy Nettles- the infamous weed has been used for centuries to treat seasonal allergy symptoms. It contains biologically active compounds that reduce inflammation. Nettles have the ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen. Nettles not only help directly to decrease the itch but also work overtime to desensitize the body to allergens, helping to reprogram the immune system.
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties and a strong antioxidant. It also does a great job suppressing histamines release from mast cells and basophils. Quercetin also has some other wonderful properties. It inhibits the enzyme that increase the inflammatory cascade. Quercetin can inhibit the production of leukotrienes which is another way the body creates inflammation, and decreases the level of bronchoconstriction. Bronchoconstriction occurs in the lung fields as a symptom of asthma. Quercetin can actually suppress how much constriction occurs.
Homeopathic formulas such as Schwef heel and Cutis Compositum eliminate deep toxins and heal red itchy skin back to healthy. Organic raw apple cider vinegar and Omega 3 deep sea fish oil mixed into food daily will eliminate hot spots and reduce skin inflammation and make the coat shiny silky and healthy again.
8. Boost the Immune System to strengthen the body to help itself
Your pet’s immune system works in tandem with all the major organs the body to keep your pet well, and supporting immune health. This keeps your pet’s liver, kidneys, lungs, intestines and skin healthy so they can do their detoxification work and quickly scope out any invading or overgrowth of organisms in control. A depressed immune system is the culprit in long term skin infection. Immune-modulating herbs include Echinacea, Astragalus, Withania and Andrographis can help. Homeopathic remedies Traumeel and Engystol, Herbal Vitamin C can help to modulate the immune system.
9. Support Healthy Digestion & Repair Dysbiosis & Leaky Gut
Most of the toxins your pet’s body eliminates pass through the colon, and a healthy digestive system keeps toxins moving through before they can damage the intestinal walls and be reabsorbed. A sluggish bowel, may suggest that the microbe balance may be out of kilter, which complicates elimination of toxins. With constipation, toxic materials can be released back into your pet’s bloodstream before they pass through. Microbes out of balance such as bacteria and yeast can produce their own toxins. Supplements such as Probiotics, Digestive Enzymes, Colostrum & Lactoferrin, Omega 3 fatty acids, Raw Unfiltered Organic Apple cider Vinegar and herbs Slippery Elm, Licorice, Marshmallow and Homeopathic remedy Mucosa Compositum can all assist in eliminating leaky gut and help your pet’s digestion and immunity to come back to balance again.
10. Stop Vaccinations & Switch to Homeopathic Nosodes
We also suggest that you carefully consider the misguided notion that every pet requires annual boosters for vaccines. Stopping vaccinations will help stop the insult on the immune system and boost it naturally. Use homeopathic nosodes instead of injectable vaccines. Homeopathic Nosodes are an alternative to conventional vaccines and can be used safely as a preventative or prophylactically during disease. We have the following Dog Nosodes available, Parvovirus, Demodectic Manage, Distemper, Canine Heartworm, Canine Hepatitis, Canine Bordetella, Kennel Cough, Leptospirosis and Australian Paralysis Tick.
Nosodes are homeopathic medicines made from the products of disease, and have a long history of providing great protection against various infectious diseases in dogs. Dr Christopher Day, a British homeopathic veterinarian, has reported on the effectiveness of nosodes in kennel cough outbreaks in dogs, as well as use on other species. If you have to vaccine make sure your Vet runs a titer test a simple blood test to check for circulating antibodies for particular vaccines as most times puppy vaccines provide lifetime immunity. A titer test beforehand will confirm whether you need to vaccinate your dog or not. Again if you have to vaccinate, do not do it until your pet has fully recovered from any illness that they are suffering.
11. Reduce Stress & Promote Emotional Well-being & Balance
Sometimes there are underlying mental or emotional causes for your dog’s hot spots, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, separation anxiety, or even boredom. These behavioural issues can cause licking and chewing which creates hot spots. Long term stress from hot spots can be a significant drain on your dog’s immune system and sense of well-being. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and rest time too. Fresh air and sunshine are very therapeutic.
Bach flower remedies provide psychological/emotional balance and support and can be given during times of stress such as for a dog in pain or suffering depression, separation anxiety, obsessive behaviours and dogs that may be fearful of human interaction.
These remedies can also be useful if your dog is in the past has suffered abuse, malnutrition, adjusting to a new home or welcoming new additional dogs to the family. Homeopathic remedy such as Nervoheel and botanical herbs such as Valerian, Lavender, Passion Flower, Hops and Chamomile have superb calming qualities for aggressive, nervous and fearful and stressed dogs.
12. Eliminate Household Chemicals
Besides the obvious chemicals in bug killers, household cleaning products bleach and solvents, beware of those found in perfumes, air fresheners, scented plug-ins, laundry products and even dryer sheets! These are laden with chemicals typically and are known to depress the immune system and cause or worsen respiratory conditions like asthma and cause chemical sensitivities, allergies and skin problems in your pet.
Look for 100% natural cleaning products to clean your floors, pet bedding and even when choosing shampoos and rinses for your pooch, consider the quality of the bath products you use, and choose natural grooming products that skip the toxic ingredients so your pet absorbs fewer toxins through the skin at bath time.
13. Exercise & Play with your dog daily
Your pet needs exercise as much as you do, and a daily workout has many benefits for your pet’s organs of elimination. Exercise improves the movement of waste materials through the digestive tract, and thereby reduces the toxic effects of a sluggish bowel. Exercise also improves circulation of blood and lymph fluid, your pet’s two primary means of moving micro-toxins and cellular debris through the body for elimination. Finally, exercise improves respiration and helps your pet remove excess mucus from the respiratory tract. Don’t let a dog’s bad walking behaviour prevent you from giving your pets the exercise they need. A walking harness can help curb dogs’ pulling tendencies, making walks easier.
14. Improve Air Quality in the Home
Indoor air pollution can come from household chemicals and it should be well understood that pets are affected by the toxins in cigarette and cigar smoke. Toxins in the air also come from gaseous chemicals emanating from new synthetic household items like flooring, carpeting, and furniture. If you have new household items that are giving off that tell-tale “new” smell, be sure to keep these areas of the house well-ventilated, keep pets off and out of these areas and consider using window fans or leaving windows open for some fresh air while the items are exuding high levels of chemical residues. Use bathroom fans to reduce chemical residues from spray-on cosmetic items like hair spray and perfume.
15. Minimize Exposure to Outdoor Pollutants & Chemicals
Pets that spend time outdoors will undoubtedly encounter chemicals used for pest control, weed killers, fertilizers and more. If your dog likes to munch on grass or other plants, keep a close eye on them when you are walking near neighbours’ yards and in public places like parks, where use of chemicals is common. Reduce or stop chemical use in your garden, there are many alternatives available such as sprinkling Diatomaceous Earth Powder and garlic oil which kills bugs and pests naturally outdoors.
16. Stop All Conventional Flea, Tick and Heartworm preventatives
Toxic compounds are plentiful in conventional flea and tick products, heartworm medications. These chemicals are poisons and will further poison and lower the immune system in your dog. If you have been giving these traditional preventative remedies to your dog this could be one of the many reasons their immune system has been compromised.
There are many natural food and herbal alternatives which can be used 365 days a year on your pet and so there is no excuse for using conventional chemicals. Human grade Diatomaceous Earth powder, small amount of fresh raw garlic mixed into food, pumpkin seeds, coconut oil, Omega 3 fish oil, grated carrots, pineapple, pomegranate are all antiparasitic foods for your dog. Antiparasitic herbs such as Cloves, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Cardamom and Fennel can also be safely added to your dog’s raw diet. A dog fed a species appropriate or BARF diet has less affinity with parasites then a dog eating mainly commercial kibble and tinned foods. Neem oil and pure essential oils such as Cedar-wood, Lavender essential oil and Orange essential oil are safe to be used externally brushed through their coat as natural flea repellents