Why Avoid Drugs Where Possible
The foundation of health is nutrition. Nutrition provides the nutrients needed for the body to continuously repair and regenerate used and damaged cells.
Remember, the body is made of cells, each with its own special function. For example, liver cells are all clustered together in an orderly manner to form the liver, each cell performing its task in conjunction with other liver cells.
Poor nutrition over a lifetime leads to a slow degeneration of the body
If the nutrients consumed are of poor quality, the repair and regeneration of cells will be of the same poor quality, so the body gradually degenerates. The regulatory mechanisms also start to malfunction and all sorts of bizarre reactions result, allergies being one such reaction.
It is not natural for cats to have fleas nor is it natural for them to have a violent reaction to a flea bite, which can lead them to lick off their own fur and scratch themselves raw.
These symptoms are evidence that something is desperately wrong, so something has to change!
What Are Allergic Dermatitis
Purebred cats have a higher rate of reported dermatitis than mixed breed cats, but this condition can affects all felines. The most common symptom associated with allergic dermatitis is chronic pruritus manifesting in self-traumatizing licking biting and scratching. Allergic dermatitis can be caused by any element in the area that the felines immune system views as hazardous, but fleas, mites, lice and pollen are the typical culprits. Allergic dermatitis in cats can progress from mild to severe in a short period of time, resulting in secondary skin infections and health conditions, so a feline with suspected allergic dermatitis should be treated by a veterinary professional.
Allergic dermatitis in cats is known as feline atopic dermatitis. Feline atopic dermatitis is the term veterinarians use to describe a pruritic disease of a hypersensitive reaction to environmental or inhaled allergens. A hypersensitive immune system creates specialized antibodies to destroy a potentially harmless element, characterized as an allergy. Although a feline is born with a naturally hyperactive immune system, hypersensitivities often go unnoticed until the cat reaches adulthood.
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Useful Home Remedies For Dogs With Eczema
There are various home remedies that may help with eczema and allergic dermatitis in people. Most of these are plant oils that are applied to the skin, and they work because they possess specific antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-swelling, and/or anti-itch properties.
These remedies have not been evaluated much in dogs yet, and so scientists dont know if most of them will work the same way as in people. However, this is an exciting area of future research for scientists and veterinarians alike. They include:
Hemp Seed Oil
In people, there is some evidence that dietary hempseed oil can help reduce clinical signs of allergic dermatitis.
Shea Nut Butter
When applied to the skin, this rich balm acts as an anti-swelling and antioxidant. The fats in shea butter can also help protect the skin from the elements and external irritants.
Grape Seed Oil
This hasnt been thoroughly evaluated in people yet, but scientists have found that grape seed oil contains high contents of good fatty acids, vitamin E, and phenolic compounds, which may act as antioxidants when applied onto peoples skin.
Coconut Oil
Jojoba Oil
This is an anti-inflammatory oil that can help heal dermatitis. You can apply it to irritated skin to boost moisture and restore the natural barrier.
Colloidal Oat Extracts
Tea Tree Oil
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Dermatitis Caused By Disease
Apart from allergies, dermatitis in cats can be a symptom of underlying disease. Skin damage caused by sunburn is common in white cats. If you notice any crusty skin on your cats ears you need to get her seen by a vet. Skin cancer is frequently diagnosed in pure white or albino cats.
Arthritis is a common health problem in elderly cats just as it is with people. If your kitty is a senior, she may be finding it hard to groom herself. Poor mobility and painful joints can make it difficult for her to reach her back. Matted fur can cause skin irritation.
Natural Treatment For Dermatitis In Cats
As cat parents we all want to use natural remedies whenever possible, and treating skin conditions is no exception. One of the most soothing treatments is an oatmeal bath. You dont need to immerse your cat in water as most will run off in horror! Instead create a solution of oatmeal flakes with tepid water, and gently dab onto the affected skin. Leave for about ten minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Youll need to repeat the process daily until you see any improvement. Dont expect instant results! Omega 3 found in salmon oil is a proven remedy for dry skin. Its not only beneficial for us, but our feline friends as well. Adding it in supplement form to your kittys diet may show an improvement. Dont expect fast results as it can several months. However, there are so many benefits including improved skin condition, shiny coat, and stronger immune system.
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Managing Atopic Dermatitis In Cats
Atopic dermatitis is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that your cat has consistently been on flea preventatives, has completed a food trial, and is still very itchy. At this point, the treatment options include:
-
Continuing to use corticosteroids
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Using an immunomodulatory medication like Atopica
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Blood testing for allergies to start immunotherapy
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatories, which means that they reduce the inflammation associated with cat skin allergies. Commonly used corticosteroids are prednisolone and triamcinolone.
Possible side effects include increased thirst and kidney injury. In cats, corticosteroids are usually quite safe, but they must be used at a dose that is as low as possible while still controlling your cats skin disease.
Atopica
Atopica, also called cyclosporine, suppresses the immune system cells that are associated with allergies so there is less inflammation. Possible side effects of cyclosporine are stomach upset and diarrhea, but it is generally considered safe in cats.
Allergy Shots
The final possibility for atopic dermatitis is immunotherapy, or allergy shots. Immunotherapy means that we are trying to change how the immune system sees the antigens so that it no longer reacts.
This starts with a blood or skin test to figure out exactly what environmental antigens your cat is reacting to. Once the test has shown what your cat is allergic too, a laboratory makes a serum of the antigens.
Scabs Caused By Fleas
Flea prevention methods are the first line of defense against these scabs. Flea collars and homemade flea powders are your best friend.
You can make a homemade flea powder by mixing one part baking soda and one part salt. Sprinkle this on your carpets or other areas your cat frequents. The mixture dries out larvae and eggs, significantly reducing the number of fleas in your cats domain.
Its known fleas dislike the smell of cedar chips. So, scatter cedar chips in plants you keep inside, around their play and sleep areas, and in your backyard.
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How To Utilize Cbd Oil
Let us say you make the decision to give your pet CBD oil, not just to treat his dermatitis yet promote his overall general health. There are a variety of businesses which sell those products. However, its better to go with a highly rated and respected company which is able to give you the highest quality supplements.
Innovet Pet Products offers a variety of products with CBD products which are soothing, safe, and natural for your dog. These products are available on the internet by ordering through the products page.
Is It A Flea Allergy
While FAD is fairly common in cats, food or other environmental allergies can cause similar symptoms. According to The Merck Veterinary Manual, most FAD cases occur in late summer, which is the peak season for fleas. It is also rare for a cat to develop FAD before 1 year of age. If you do have evidence of fleas, either on your cat or in your home, and have ruled out other possible causes, the cat most likely has FAD. Remember, if your cat is excessively licking his fur, you might not find actual evidence of fleas on his coat because hes licked them all off!
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Can A Cat Be Allergic To A Flea
Cats also can be allergic to fleas. Overview: Animals that have flea allergy dermatitis are hypersensitive to the saliva a flea passes into the skin when it bites. The bite from a single flea will have a minimal affect on a normal animal, but animals with flea allergy will experience immediate itching, redness and swelling.
Luckily, there are a number of home remedies you can use to treat flea allergy dermatitis and help your pet find relief. An animal with a poor immune system is more likely to have an allergic reaction to flea bites than an animal with a strong immune system.
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Cat Skin Allergies: Knowing The Signs & Symptoms
One of the most common causes of feline skin problems is allergies. However, the challenge is determining the allergens affecting your cat. Typically, your vet will run a series of tests to determine the source of your cats skin condition. Once your vet has ruled out other possible cat skin diseases, the next step is identifying what type of allergy your cat suffers from.
There are a number of common cat allergies pet owners should be aware of, including:
Food allergies: Just like their owners, cats can experience food allergies, too. Some of the symptoms include:
- Frequent ear infections
- Red or inflamed patches of skin
- Rubbing or persistent scratching
Some of the foods associated with allergic reactions include wheat and yeast, soy, dairy products, beef, fish and poultry, among others. While it is tricky to figure out the exact foods your cat is allergic to, your veterinarian will screen your cat through a series of lab work to ascertain the results.
Once you know which types of foods to avoid, an elimination diet may be a course of action worth exploring. In this case, pet owners must become diligent label-readers and check for ingredients that may cause a reaction. One of the easiest ways to avoid mistakes is to bring a list of your pets known allergens to the pet store where you purchase your cats food if you are unsure as to the most appropriate brand, a staff member can usually be of assistance.
Tell-tale symptoms include:
- Diabetes
- Ringworm
- Seborrhea
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Home Remedies For Itchy Cats
Homemade baths are a huge help in relieving a cats itch. Adding peppermint, pennyroyal, and rosemary is proven to soothe itching caused by fleas and dry skin. If your cat hates water, adding catnip or aloe can help them stay still. Keep in mind that essential oils may be dangerous to cats if they ingest them, so only use small amounts and monitor their reactions carefully.
Aside from dips and baths, getting your cat more exercise and providing them with mental stimulation helps relieve their stress. Play with them and keep them busy with toys so they dont resort to licking and scratching.
Burrs In Fur: Tips For Grooming
- For dogs, comb the burrs in their fur with a metal comb immediately. If burrs are badly tangled, rub vegetable oil on your fingers and work the lubrication slowly through the fur until you can pull the burrs out.
- Cats typically will want to take care of their own grooming, but you can help by gently working through the mess with a wire brush. Most cats wont let you cut the fur or lubricate it the way a dog will.
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Finding A Treatment That Finally Clears Up Your Cats Dermatitis
Know you know how to treat dermatitis in cats, its time to decide which product or method to use. All products Ive reviewed here are completely safe and claim to improve your cats skin. That being said, you may find one works extremely well, while another has little effect. My advice is to try one and see how it goes.
As well as ways to treat your kitty for dermatitis weve also looked at some of the causes and signs. Always see your vet if symptoms persist and he or she will test your cats urine and blood. Most likely any patches of dermatitis or sore skin will be a result of an allergy, but its always best to check
If youve enjoyed reading this post and found it useful, please share. Id also love you to share any experiences youve had, and leave your comments below.
Wishing you a purrfect day:)Kathy
What Causes Itchy Skin In Cats
There are many reasons why your cat could be experiencing itchy skin. Fortunately, many of them are not serious or symptomatic of a worrisome condition. But its always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian if youve noticed changes in your cats health or behavior or before trying anything new.
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Promoting Lifelong Health & Vitality With Elk Velvet Antler
At Wapiti Labs, were dedicated to helping you keep your furry friend happy and in peak physical condition. Thats why weve carefully crafted a variety of natural supplements that support the ongoing health of your cat. Our Chest formula for cats promotes respiratory health and can be beneficial for cats experiencing occasional allergies.
We know you want your cat to feel good every day, and we share that wish. If youre interested in learning more about making our supplements part of your healthy cats routine, feel free to reach out. Were always happy to answer any questions you may have.
What Causes Cat Scabs
Flea bites, allergies, and stressful or overzealous grooming are the most frequent causes of cat scabs. Excessive scratching, licking, and biting in one specific area is a sign of irritation on your cats skin. Affected cats usually have scabs around the neck and along their back
The five most common types of scabs that can affect your cat include:
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Can I Use Human Hydrocortisone Cream On My Dog
This steroid cream is a corticosteroid that is used for topical applications in humans in order to address skin issues caused by infections, allergies, and other problems. It is not an approved medication for canines, but it can be used in small quantities on dogs if they have inflammation and itching of the skin.
The Endocannabinoid System: What Is It
The Endocannabinoid system first was discovered by researchers who were carrying out studies into why cannabis has an impact on humans that it does therefore, the name Endocannabinoid System. Endo involves an abbreviation of endogenous, referring to something which originates inside the body. Cannabinoid involves the word utilized to describe the compounds which has the job of activating the endocannabinoid system.
The Endocannabinoid system includes the biological system thats responsible for the effects cannabis has, the physical and psychosocial alike. It also has been found that the endocannabinoid system plays a huge part in regulating several critical functions inside a pets body.
The dogs Endocannabinoid system recently has become the topic of much research, due to the many impact it has on the body and potential for utilizing the stimulation of the system in order to treat disease. Researchers know the endocannabinoid systems basic function, yet theyre uncovering more exciting therapeutic usages of the system each day.
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Diagnosis Of Feline Miliary Dermatitis In Cats
The vet will rely mainly on the cats medical history and the clinical signs of the condition to make a diagnosis. If they know, for instance, that the cat has experienced food intolerance or food allergies, they are more likely to tell the cats owner that the cat has developed feline miliary dermatitis.
Its not easy to spot fleas on a cat, but if the vet sees flea dirt or feces on the cat, they are also likely to provide this diagnosis. The cause may be determined as a flea allergy, but if it doesnt respond to a flea treatment and anti-itch medicine, the vet will run additional tests to narrow down the diagnosis:
- Serum IgE allergy testing
- Hypoallergenic food trial
- Fecal examination to look for intestinal parasites
- Biochemical profile
- Biopsies
- Referral to a veterinary dermatologist
Veterinarians take into account the locations of the rashes and lesions in making their diagnosis. They will also measure the size of the lesions and determine what kind they are.
How To Treat Dermatitis In Cats: What You Need To Know
If you want to know how to treat dermatitis in cats keep reading as I share proven tips. Discovering your precious kitty has sore itchy skin is upsetting. You feel like a bad pet parent, but really you shouldnt! There are many reasons why cats get dermatitis, just as there are with people. In this post youll discover what causes dermatitis in cats as well as some of the best ways to treat it. As youll find out, there are different types of dermatitis, and not all as a result of allergies.
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How To Identify Flea Bite Allergies On Humans
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Symptoms Of Flea Allergy Dermatitis In Humans. Purple rash is another symptom that may develop at the site of bite but after few hours may spread to nearby area. Flea allergy rash is accompanied with severe itching. Scratching makes the condition worse. Flea allergy dermatitis usually begins within 12 to 24 hours after the bite.