Witch Hazel Is Great For Skin Allergies

[Jazz of PetBrags.com Pet Community]

Every year, around this time, my Jazzi gets a terrible skin rash. Westies are notorious for acquiring skin allergies. She's always been highly allergic to all sorts of things, including most dog foods. She's on a special allergen-free food by Wellness. So, we're good there. She doesn't have any fleas. But, still, she suffers from itching, and scratches her skin until it's red and in a rash.

I've tried everything to help this situation, from steroids prescribed by the Vet (which I don't like, but they do help a lot), several Benadryl pills a day (amount given by weight of doggie - - ask your Vet), hot spot cream, Oatmeal bathes, soaking in Baking Soda water - - you name it. All of these are good to help, too. Try to stay away from steroids when possible. I have learned though, after 25 years of having Westie kids, sometimes you have to give into the steroids, just to break the cycle of itching and allergies. I try to dodge this route, unless I can't get it under control.

I have discovered a good old-fashioned remedy. It's not a cure-all. But, wow, does it help. It gives her instant relief. It's nice and cheap, no dyes, nothing that could hurt her, even if ingested. I bought a huge bottle of pure 100% Witch Hazel. It costs a whopping $2.45. I squirt it all over her tummy, neck and legs, and rub in gently. Don't rub much if you try this. Rubbing can increase itching. And, it's really helping the healing process, and keeping the itching way down. I'm not shy about the amount. I saturate her pretty good. She seems to enjoy the good belly rub, LOL. I'm applying morning, noon and night. I also read that Witch Hazel will kill bacteria, which of course, helps to prevent infection.

I'm impressed. And, I wanted to share this little inexpensive and safe, home remedy with other pet-lovers: GOOD OLD FASHIONED WITCH HAZEL!

Information on Jazzi's Dog Food
Wellness Simple Food Solutions - Rice and Duck flavor

The Natural Solution for Dogs Suffering from Food Allergies or Intolerances
Intolerance to commonly used proteins and food additives can result in gastrointestinal upsets and chronic or recurrent ear infections, hair loss, excessive scratching, hot spots and skin infections. Simple Food Solutions is designed to aid in the nutritional management of these issues.

The 5 Key Ingredients:
Both Simple Food Solutions Formulas have only 5 main ingredients carefully chosen for their quality, nutritional value and their ability to nourish with simplicity:

• Ground Rice with the bran layer removed, this quality carbohydrate source is highly digestible.
• Deboned Duck OR Deboned Venison are chosen as “novel” protein sources due to their unique amino acid profiles.
• Rice Protein Concentrate is a highly concentrated, easily digestible protein source specifically selected as a unique protein complement to duck or venison.
• Sunflower Oil is a high quality fat source rich in Omega-6 fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Ground Flaxseed is an outstanding fiber source for healthy digestion. A naturally rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

I pay around $14.50 for a small bag, so it stays fresh. It lasts Jazzi 3 weeks to a month. It's so worth it!

Best to you all,
Bragger

[iadybug423]

I love old fashoned remedies that work. Aloe detox may not be bad either...We use it for birds and humans. Kind of helps heal some things, not sure about skin allergies but something you may want to tryout sometime. I think it is George's Aloe detox. Will try witch hazel on my Shelby when her allergies flair again.
Thanks Bragger

[JACQUE]

Love this blog Bragger!!! Gonna go get me a bottle of whitch hazel just to have on hand in case i ever need it! It is also good for people as an astringent after cleansing your face. I learned that in Cosmetology school years ago.