Dog eczema is a skin condition that is characterised by an inflammation of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. Eczema and dermatitis are virtually the same thing, as is any inflammation of the skin. Although annoying and unsightly, skin conditions are not serious. And they can be resolved with a system of natural dogs health care.
Dog eczema can be triggered by many factors, but the causes are less numerous. Common triggers include allergies, medications, vaccines, environmental factors, shampoos, etc. Allergies are all about a compromised immune system. Improve that and the allergies disappear, clearing up the skin disorder. This is treating a problem at the causative level, rather than masking over the effects.
Apart from the eczema, your dog may suffer hair loss. The skin inflammation may be itchy, even painful. Scratching is common, as is rubbing themselves on something, constant licking, sometimes chewing on their feet.
The skin can be red or normal colour, flakey and dry or moist and oozing a fluid that crusts. Or none of these things. There is just an itch. Often fleas are considered the problem. Before reaching for the toxic flea preparation, check your dog’s coat. If there are very few or no white flecks (flea eggs) or black specks (flea faeces), then fleas are not the problem.
Veterinarians can easily diagnose eczema in your dog, but not so easily offer a permanent solution. So they will often prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines and steroids. However, these medicines don’t address the cause of the problem. All they do is to silence your dog’s immune system, by masking the symptoms. They are also immune suppressive and liver toxic, creating the potential for further problems in the future.
One of the main causes of dog eczema is diet. Commercial dog food is, almost exclusively, nutrient poor and high in chemicals. The chemicals, the colourants, the flavours, those used to make a pleasing texture and appearance and those that ensure a long shelf life are toxic to your dog. Although your dog seems to cope with the food initially, over time, they take their toll. Add in to the mix a steady stream of medication and environmental factors and your dog’s health starts to waiver.
The skin is the first organ the body uses to throw out toxins. So the good news is that your dog has only reached the first level of ill health. The first step on the ladder.
The single act of changing your dog’s diet to a quality, natural one may be all that is necessary to clear up the eczema. This may take time, as the toxins are only released slowly, at a manageable rate.
The essence is to find the cause. Resolving the cause will stop the effects.
