Skin problems are the most common and frustrating ailment we try to deal with in our pets.  Because the skin is so visible, it can show the first signs of underlying problems- particularly those caused by inadequate diet.  The skin grows rapidly, making a whole new flourish of cells every 3 weeks and needs lots of nourishment.  When the diet lacks proper nutrition, the skin is one of the first tissues to break down and show abnormalities.

The skin is used by the kidneys to eliminate toxins inside the body.  Therefore, persistent skin eruptions- visible bumps, redness, swelling, hair loss, bleeding, dry skin and flakiness- can be a sign of an internal issue.
  
Here are some main causes of poor skin condition and chronic itchiness:
 

Poor Diet - Dry kibble and canned food are devoid of live enzymes and fresh, digestible nutrients.
Changing kibble or canned food to a natural, raw diet full of vitamins, fatty acids and live enzymes should promote positive results in 2-6 weeks. 

 Adding fatty acids - Omega 3, 6, 9 oils- to your pet's current diet along with a good enzyme supplement could also reduce inflammation and irritation.  As a bonus, the Omega fatty acids are also good for joint health.

 

Allergies -environmental and food related

Environmental - some pets are allergic to pollen, grass and other vegetation.  My dog, Bozworth, has scratched intermittently throughout the whole month of August every year since we moved to North Carolina.  However, I have noticed the length of time he scratches is decreasing each year.  My cat, Chicona, had a severe, unknown allergy before I started her on the raw diet 9 years ago. Her ears would get itchy and swell up.  She scratched them until they bled.  I took her to the Vet and the only option was a steroid shot. Even though at the time I didn't realize the negative consequences of steriods, it did temporarily work- then the other ear swelled.  Ho Hum.  After changing her to the raw diet, she never, ever had that problem or anything like it again.  Be aware, many medications given to alleviate itchy symptoms or other more serious conditions can actually create more skin problems by suppressing natural body functions established to alleviate such issues. 

Food allergy- The most common food allergens are: beef, wheat, milk, cheese, eggs, nuts, fruits, tomatoes, carrots, yeast and various spices and additives.  If you suspect a food allergy, use a simplified diet by eliminating some of the common food allergens from your pet's diet and see if they improve over a 4 -6 week period. Both of my dogs are allergic to the hormones injected in non-organic beef.  I found this out after an elimination diet ( I eliminated each item slowly over a period of 12 weeks until the red, swelling, itchy symptoms subsided)
 
Fleas, ticks, and mites-there are many safe herbal flea powders and collars on the market that use essential oils or powdered herbs such as rosemary, eucalyptus, fennel, yellow dock, worm wood and rue.  Lemon skin tonics can be used to repel fleas by boiling 1 lemon in 1 pint water and letting it steep overnight, strain, cool, then spray and comb the cooled liquid onto your pet.

 

Overbathing- As with humans, over bathing can wash away the natural oils on the surface of our pet's skin.  Bathing your pets not only rids the coat of dust and debris, it can wash away various toxic and unhealthful contaminants such as lint from synthetic fibers, tiny flakes of paint or debris from automobiles, asbestos fibers from brake linings, etc.  However, overbathing can cause dryness and itching.  Unless your pet is unsually dirty, a bath every month or two is plenty.  Also, using a good quality castile soap or natural shampoo can do wonders to maintain the natural health of their hair and skin.

 

Toxicity - environmental pollutants, household cleansers, medicated shampoos, commercial flea powders and collars, synthetic carpets and upholstery, pesticides.  These poisons could be absorbed through your pet's skin or paws causing severe itchiness or other more serious conditions. Consider using alternative, non-toxic cleansers and pesticides in and around your home, and ventilate your home as much as possible to allow any formaldehyde or other toxic chemicals in carpets or upholstery the ability to escape. 
 
Our pets depend on us to make appropriate choices for them especially during distress. My research and experience has shown that many of the above suggestions do work to assist in reducing skin irritations and keeping your pet in the best of health overall.  There are many resources promoting natural alternatives when determining a cure for your pet's discomfort.  This article was created from some of these resources( found below).  I would like to invite you to also investigate alternatives for you and your pets to promote great health!