Does your cat or dog have skin issues that are making them miserable? Itchy, flaky, or inflamed skin is one of the most common reasons for vet visits.
The skin is the largest organ in your pet’s body. Skin issues may manifest when your pet has a nutritional balance or when they have intolerances to substances in their food or their environment.
You can use holistic remedies, or even a combination of holistic and conventional treatments to help your pet achieve clear, itch-free skin and a healthy coat.

What’s Itching Your Pet?
A veterinary visit is always in order when your pet is experiencing something out of the ordinary. A severe, acute flare-up of symptoms can be a sign of an emergency.
If your pet is not experiencing an emergency, it’s still important to rule out other causes that you may need to have treated by your veterinarian. Unusual growths, unexplained hair loss, skin ulcers, and lesions should be checked out by your vet.
Sometimes, dry, itchy skin, redness, and inflammation have simple, common causes like an intolerance to a substance in your pet’s food or environment, dry weather, humid weather, or hot spots.
At home, you can use holistic remedies to manage bacterial or fungal overgrowth that can contribute to skin problems. You can use nutrition to help their skin heal and keep it from drying out.

Holistic Remedies For Skin Problems In Pets
If you suspect your pet has an intolerance, the at-home 5Strands Pet Intolerance Test is a good place to start. You’ll get a detailed list of foods and environmental triggers to avoid. When your pet has an intolerance, you may not be able to eliminate exposure to all allergens, for example, if they’re allergic to grass or pollen.
When your pet’s diet does not include balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, their skin may be dry, and it may take longer for it to heal. Salmon oil is one way to add more omega-3 fatty acids to their diet for healthier skin.
Bathe your pet weekly or more often as needed with a cleansing, holistic shampoo like Pure & Natural Pet Itch Relief. Organic peppermint, neem, and calendula, niaouli oils control bacteria and fungus associated with itchy skin. Aloe soothes and conditions the skin to promote healing.
You can use Calendula Cream on hot spots, wounds, and irritated skin to keep the area clean and hydrated. It’s a must-have for your pet’s first aid kit.
Apis Mellifica is another first aid must-have. It’s a holistic skin remedy that soothes itching caused by insect stings and bites, and it can also relieve allergies caused by pollen.
If your pet’s symptoms do not improve, or worsen, see your veterinarian for more help. If you prefer holistic treatments, you can see a holistic or integrative vet who takes a more natural approach to treating skin conditions.