The skin is the largest eliminatory organ in the body, which is why skin and coat problems are often the first indicators of poor health and care. Yet, almost every pet suffers from some sort of skin condition. Even veterinarians are lost when it comes to treating skin allergies and "hot spots” and many acknowledge the severity of this ailment. Treating with cortisone or changing to another flavour of food will not solve the problem

Skin allergies and conditions can be cured. All that is required is a holistic and natural treatment. In dealing with skin conditions it is important to avoid the use of chemical based shampoos and flea repellents. The latter is not only toxic, but poisonous and many of our pets have suffered severe sickness and death as a result of its application.

In fact, the pesticide used in flea collars and some dog shampoos was banned by The Department of Agriculture. But what about the Flea and Tick drops that we commonly use, nowadays. It is also a poison and is putting our pets and children in danger. The  poisonous active ingredient used in many flea and tick repellents is fipronil and permethrin, which is also the active ingredient in many household pesticides.

Many people have seen adverse reactions in their dogs after using permethrin-based flea and tick products. These reactions include any of the following: skin disorders (itchiness, redness, hair discoloration, hair loss, bleeding sores), lethargy, difficulty walking, loss of appetite, changes in behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death. 

I find it hard to believe that these products are not absorbed in to the tissues and organs of the animal, accumulating over time, with a consequent impact on the well-being of the pet. This certainly may be the contributing reason why so many of our pets struggle with skin disorders. 

The other major contributor to skin allergies and poor skin condition is diet.

Vondis five step solution to deal with skin conditions.

STEP 1 - Boost Immunity

Ensuring that your pet’s immunity is strong is the most important factor in dealing with skin. Healthy pets are less likely to be affected by viruses, bacteria, parasites and flea and ticks.

Solution: 

Diet - A natural diet that contains loads of fresh and raw blended green vegetables and herbs. A natural wholesome diet, with the correct preparation process, free of preservatives is paramount to your pet’s immunity and well being.

Supplementation – A natural probiotic would be recommended. 

Spirulina is rich in essential oils, anti-oxidants and vitamins .Whether you are trying to boost your pet’s immune system, improve digestibility or just enhance their well being and energy, Spirulina has it all.

Salmon Omega 3 Oils (or any marine based oil) is essential for skin conditions and general well-being. A small dog needs 500mg and a large 1000mg per day. This you can acquire at any health shop and at some vets.

It is extremely important that you use fish oil and steer clear of any product containing flaxseed oil.

STEP 2 – Soak your dog in a solution of Rooibos Tea

Solution:

Prepare a basin of Rooibos Tea. Add a quarter cup apple cider vinegar and quarter cup Vondis Khakibos spray.  Once the water has cooled and you have removed the tea bags, submerge your dog and hold him in this soothing water for 5 - 10 minutes. This will also help to drown the fleas. You may also wish to include chamomile in your Rooibos solution.

This you can do a few times a week, if necessary.

STEP 3 – Shampooing

One of the biggest mistakes we make is bathing our pets regularly and using harsh chemically based shampoos. We feel that we need to wash the redness and irritation away. This aggravates the skin even further and does more damage than good.

Solution:

Make sure that your shampoo is TOTALLY natural and contains absolutely no parabens or chemicals. We would recommend the use of a Buchu Scrub.  Buchu is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Buchu soap scrub alleviates the irritation and is perfect for dry and irritable skin. 

Khakibos shampoo is also a great option and is soft on the skin whilst also acting as a flea and tick repellent. We have also found that combined with a Ph balanced pure castille soap shampoo, it cools and conditions all pets hair beautifully. Free of drying chemicals, this soap is non-ionic, and less likely to damage the hair follicles with regular and extended use.

A natural shampoo containing Neem could also be recommended

STEP 4 – Absolutely NO flea or tick repellents

Whilst it is always tempting to use strong chemicals and poison to kill fleas and ticks, these products are also absorbed into the tissues and organs of the animal, accumulating over time, with a consequent impact on the well-being of the pet.

The skin is the largest eliminatory organ in the body, which is why skin and coat problems are often the first indicators of poor health and care and serves as a warning that we are doing something wrong.

Solution:

Regular grooming and bathing.  You can also soak your pet in a solution of Rooibos Tea, as mentioned in step 2.

Administer Aloe Ferox Bitter Crystals every third day. You need only hide a small crystal in a piece of meat or a natural treat for this to be effective. Alternatively, you may wish to include a ¼ t-spoon (small dog) or ½ t-spoons (large dog) of crushed garlic into your pet’s daily meal. 

Khakibos spray or powder has always proven to be a great flea and tick repellent. Many older folk will tell you stories of how they would cover their carpets and curtains with Khakibos in order to repel fleas and ticks. Spray or powder your dog or cat and sprayed directly onto your pet’s linen, this is a must for every household. 

STEP 5 – Natural supplements

If you are already preparing a natural preservative-free diet from home or using a natural diet then you may wish to supplement the food with a composition of blended cooling herbs - lemon verbena, lemon balm, borage, variety of sages and/or a variety of mints

Rooibos  extract is brilliant for alleviating skin allergies, scratching and skin irritation, especially if it is infused with chamomile,  spirulina and grape seed oil. Taken orally, it is easy to administer over food or directly into the mouth.

The medicinal and healing properties of rooibos and chamomile are well documented and are a must for all pets with skin related conditions.