Keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy and looking good can be a challenge at times, especially if your dog has any skin problems. It is not uncommon for dogs to have dry, itchy, or red skin from irritation or allergies. While finding the underlying causes of any skin problem is always essential, and this may involve working with your vet to identify an allergy to get rid of fleas, there are some healthy rinses you can apply to your dog’s skin and coat. for temporary relief. .

Herbal astringents are a good way to handle many temporary problems. For example, if your dog suffers from some flea or mosquito bites, witch hazel, which is easily found at any pharmacy, is a good way to stop the itch. Witch hazel is made with rubbing alcohol and you need to make sure your dog doesn’t ingest it. Use just a few touches in one bite.

For hot spots, you can use something like Animal Apawthecary’s FidoDerm Herbal Spray. Contains aloe vera and calendula to stop itching and promote healing, as well as antibacterial and antifungal essential oils.

For a dog with liquid, wet sores and oozing bites, you will probably need to use a complete rinse that contains aloe vera.

If your dog has dry, flaky skin, use products that contain vegetable oils, collagen, and herbs that promote healing without stripping the natural oils from the dog’s hair follicles. Breeder’s Choice AvoDerm Collagen Spray is often recommended.

If your dog is itchy but you can’t see redness, bites, or sores, try rinsing him with oatmeal from your kitchen. Cook it until it is loose and thick, let it cool and then (outside) put it on your dog. Let it stay on your dog as long as possible before rinsing or brushing him.

You can also use mint or lavender (or combine them) as a skin rinse. Or you can also use rosemary. You can find these herbs in bulk at your local health food store. Using a tea ball, pack it with the herbs and steep it in a couple of liters of water that is about to boil, then wait until it cools down. So about your dog. Not only does this rinse help relieve your dog’s itchiness, it smells great too.

If your dog has some redness, you can use a daily rinse made with chamomile, banana, or calendula together or separately. Make a tea with these herbs, let it cool and soak your dog, dripping dry.

If your dog has sores or scratches, you can combine comfrey and calendula with sage, bee balm, thyme, and / or yarrow tea in equal amounts. This mixture is good for healing and helps stop any bacterial infection without irritating your dog’s skin.

Obviously, if your dog has severe skin problems or if he shows signs of infection, you should take him to the vet, but these rinses will help you in many mild to moderate cases.

You can also use a good rinse to keep fleas away from your dog, as long as there is no heavy infestation. Cut a lemon into wedges and pour a liter of boiling water over it. Add a sprig of rosemary to the water and let it steep overnight. Strain the water the next morning and you will have a nice citrus rinse to pour over your dog to prevent fleas. This rinse generally continues to work for a week or two. And your dog will smell great.

Finally, just for a good conditioning rinse for your dog’s coat, you can use rosemary. You can use a teaspoon of dried rosemary and pour half a liter of boiling water over the herbs. Let it steep for about 10 minutes and then strain or remove the herbs. Let the liquid cool down. You are ready to pour the rinse over your dog’s coat after the bath. They will smell great and their coat will be soft and easy to care for.