24th Oct 2008
Itching
Itching is often caused by food allergies, contact allergies, eczema, or parasitic infection. If you have excluded these causes or if you want to provide temporary relief from itching for animals that can’t scratch themselves (e.g., older rats with hind limb weakness), here are some natural home remedies for topical application.
Peppermint wash/bath
Honey and cinnamon paste (1:1)
Oatmeal in Luke warm water
Apple cider vinegar in water (0.5:1)
White vinegar in water soak
Aloe Vera (food grade): Out of the fridge, this often brings immediate relief.
Coconut oil and lime juice
Vitamin E (liquid)
Mixture of Aloe Vera, cod liver oil, lemon juice, vitamin E (liquid)
Neem oil
A good way to avoid food allergies is to avoid foods which contain ingredients that are not species-appropriate. An example for an ingredient that is not species-appropriate is animal fat in rabbit food - you may think I am exaggerating, but this is unfortunately sad reality thanks to one large pet food company. Other potential food allergens are isolated ”food fragments” such as gluten, grains that have not been properly prepared for carnivores, and in general ingredients of low quality which includes genetically engineered (GE) foods and conventional (i.e., non-organic) ingredients which are laced with toxins. Introduction of GE soy has been implicated in the significant occurrance of food allergies in Great Britain.
Note: The skin absorbs most topically applied substances. It is therefore advisable to only use organic topicals to avoid introducing new toxins that may aggravate the problem or cause other health problems for your pet.
Note: Most vitamin E supplements are derived from genetically engineered (GE) soybeans. GE soybeans have been shown to cause allergies in both humans and animals.
Note: Always check with your veterinarian to confim that a remedy is appropriate for your pet.
