How To Help Your Animal's Skin Health Naturally

Skin conditions affect many animals at some point during their life. In fact, research suggests: "Dermatological problems are one of the most commonly reported and hardest to resolve problems encountered by veterinarians in small animal medicine" (Scott et al., 2001).

There can be lots of different causes - including:

• Food allergies
• Allergies caused by the environment (e.g. smoke, pollen, dust, etc)
• Fleas and mites
• Ticks
• Fly bites
• Hormonal imbalance
• Injuries (e.g. wounds)
• Plus many others too!

If your animal has any kind of skin complaint, then you should seek professional veterinary advice. Some conditions can be easily confused with another. So it’s always essential to know what the problem is, which a veterinary surgeon can help you with.

How Will You Know Your Animal Has a Skin Condition That Needs Treating?

There can be many symptoms, such as:

• Itching and scratching
• Licking/over-cleaning the skin
• Raw, red or sore spots.
• Flaky skin
• Bald spots
• Bumps and spots

These can all be potentially distressing for your animal. Some animals are more sensitive than others. But even what looks like a mild symptom, can develop to be more serious if not identified and treated sooner rather than later.

How To Help Your Animal With a Skin Condition Holistically?

1. Immune health
My number one tip is to ensure your animal has a healthy immune system as possible. This can be overlooked, but is a basic of good health. As I talk about in my immune health for animals advice page here, “wounds that won't heal and repeated illness. All of these can be signs of an immune system that's being challenged, and needs some support.”

2. Herbal Health - Aloe Vera
My second tip, but is linked to the first one is use Aloe Vera daily as a part of overall health. Why you might ask? Well I’ve used Aloe Vera for myself and my animals for over 20 years, both as a supplement (to help promote good immunity) and also as topical skincare. Get more information at my aloe vera for animals here. And if you’d like to buy then as I sell a large range of pure aloe vera skin and health care please email me with any queries at info at taranet.co.uk.

3. Other Herbs for Your Animal's Skin Health
There's a large range of herbs to help your animals skin health. Read about 4 popular herbs in my Natural Pet Health Blog post here.

In choosing a herbal skincare product for your animal, check the ingredients. The quantities and composition can vary a lot. Some herbs can be taken as a supplement or a topical skincare lotion, or both.

4. Veterinary Homeopathy
There are many veterinary surgeons around the world who've completed additional training in homeopathy. So either ask your own vet for their advice or ask to be referred to a specialist homeopathic vet for a consultation. You'll find many different remedies that can be used to help with skin health, the most suitable will depend on the presentation of your animal, and what symptoms he or she has.

There are some specific conditions that manifest as serious skin ailments. These include:

• Equine Sweet Itch

So How Can A Holistic Approach Help Your Horse Pony or Donkey With Sweet Itch?

This is distressing condition can affect horses, donkeys and ponies. As I mention in my summer healthcare for animals advice page “Every equine is different - some will experience sweet itch more severely than another, and some will respond to a treatment more quickly and more effectively than how another horse, pony or donkey will.” There’s a range of holistic approaches to help manage sweet itch naturally which you can learn more about here.

• Ticks

These little critters can cause severe skin irritation and even srious illness. So must be taken seriously. Get advice on how to help manage ticks for your dog holistically, with my blog post here.

• Mud Fever

This can affect all kinds of horses, ponies and donkeys and can be extremely painful and distressing. Even causing apparent lameness if the irritation and soreness is such that putting the leg to the ground hurts. Get tips on how to help manage equine mud fever holistically here.

In conclusion - there are many ways a holistic approach can help your animal have healthy skin. Hopefully this has been helpful. You can find information on a large range of complementary therapies here at Taranet.

Even modalities such as massage can help with skin health, by removing toxins from the body. So please explore this website to learn more about how a holistic approach can help your animal, large or small.


Veterinary Skin Health Research

• Scott, D. W., Miller, W. H. and Griffin, C. E. (2001). Small Animal Dermatology. (6th edn.), W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia. cited Khurana et al
• Find information on other veterinary research looking at holistic approaches here - with my research page.

Finally….Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

Exciting News About This Natural Pet HealthCare Blog
It's been selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 UK Animal Blogs on the web. Check out this here

About the Author
Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse

Puppy Portraits: Unleash Your Inner Photographer with These Doggone Good Tips

Pet photography has become a cherished pastime, with platforms like Instagram serving as the perfect stage to showcase our four-legged friends. Capturing stunning, memorable images of your dog that stand out in a crowded social media feed requires more than just a smartphone and a cute subject. A touch of expertise can elevate your photos from adorable yet amateur, to professional and truly captivating. In this article shared below by Taranet, we'll cover some essential tips to help you achieve just that.

Purchase Top-Quality Gear

When setting up to capture those perfect moments, don't overlook the tools of your trade. An adjustable tripod can provide the stability you need, ensuring that your shots are not compromised by unwanted shakes or tilts. Additionally, consider utilizing a remote shutter, which enables hands-free photography. This allows you to interact with your dog, drawing out those charming expressions without being tethered to the camera.

Turn Your Photo Into a Poster

Creating a stunning poster is another effective way to showcase your dog and make your photos truly unforgettable. An online poster maker offers an expansive platform for featuring your favorite photographs, allowing you to highlight your canine companion in a visually compelling format. Photoshop can be a huge help here – especially when you use Advanced AI features for image editing. This digital tool opens the door to endless creative possibilities – and the result is a personalized piece of art that not only amplifies the charm of your dog but also serves as a striking visual centerpiece for any setting.

Other Ways to Showcase Photos

To showcase photos of your dog creatively, consider creating a dedicated social media account that highlights their adventures and daily life, allowing you to share their charm with a wider audience. Another engaging way is to print your favorite images on high-quality paper or canvas, creating a personal gallery at home or custom gifts like calendars and greeting cards. Additionally, digital photo frames can offer a dynamic display, cycling through a curated selection of your dog's photographs, keeping the visuals fresh and engaging in your home.

Become a Master of Lighting

If photography is painting with light, then understanding how to use it is vital. Natural light, when harnessed appropriately, gives your photos a vibrant, organic look. However, direct sunlight can create harsh shadows, spoiling the overall effect. Opt for soft, diffused lighting, especially during the "golden hours" of early morning and late afternoon, to give your photos a professional, Instagram-ready sheen.

Choose Between Indoor or Outdoor Locations

Choosing between indoor and outdoor locations for photographing your dog hinges on several factors, including the dog's personality, the desired backdrop, and lighting conditions. Indoor settings offer a controlled environment where lighting and background can be manipulated, making it ideal for capturing detailed portraits without distractions. Conversely, outdoor locations provide a natural, dynamic setting that can capture your dog's adventurous spirit and interactions with the environment, though it requires more adaptability in terms of lighting and weather conditions.

Take Good Action Shots

To capture stunning action shots of your dog, it's crucial to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion, ensuring sharp images even when your pet is moving quickly. Pre-focusing on the area where you anticipate your dog will move through can help you capture the perfect moment, as it reduces the camera's lag time in focusing. Additionally, shooting in burst mode allows you to take multiple shots in quick succession, increasing the chances of getting that perfect, dynamic action shot amidst all the movement.

Pick the Right Spot

The setting in which you photograph your dog plays a significant role in the final product. A comfortable, familiar environment helps your pet relax, allowing their natural charm to shine through. Imagine a photo taken in a cozy room or a well-loved park; your dog’s expressions in such familiar settings are bound to make your photos more engaging and true to life.

Master the Right Angles

Capturing your dog from the right angle can make a world of difference. Different angles provide varying perspectives, making your photos unique and intriguing. Imagine a shot taken from ground level, capturing your dog's viewpoint; it offers a refreshing take compared to the standard overhead shots, making your Instagram feed all the more captivating.

Engage Your Dog's Attention

A great photograph requires the subject's engagement, and dogs are no exception. The use of toys can go a long way in drawing your dog's attention towards the camera. A well-timed squeak or a tempting treat can elicit that captivating gaze or cheerful smile that could become your next viral hit.

Practice Patience for Perfect Shots

Great shots often come to those who wait. Exercise plenty of patience and take multiple shots to widen your selection pool. The more photos you take, the better your chances of capturing that one perfect moment. Your patience will pay off, as sifting through various shots often reveals unexpected gems.
Capturing Instagram-worthy dog photos is achievable with the right blend of technique and creativity. From investing in quality equipment to mastering lighting and angles, these strategies lay the groundwork for extraordinary pet photography. So, why wait? Implement these tips and start sharing your stunning dog photos with the world.

Taranet is here to help you provide the care your pets deserve. Feel free to check out our Animals Naturally podcast, as well!

About The Author

This is a guest post by Cindy Aldridge