[Gpdd] HEALTH: Sneezing and Itching

[Susan Eastin]

(I don't think my previous posts made it through, but if I repeat myself,
forgive
me!) I, too, have received some of those error messages that my post was not
accepted, but referred to a different url.
Anyway, one thought I'd like to add about the sneezing.  Probably no matter
where
you are right now, you are either running the heat or air conditioning, and
air
blowing affects us all.  My sinuses always act up when the central air
starts blowing, be it warm or coldd air. With piggies having such delicate
respiratory systems, I would also check to be sure they are not in the 'line
of fire' and thus breathing in dust particles, etc.
On the itchy skin, of course you need to determine the cause, and treat (and
prevent) that, but it sounds like the symptoms need immediate treatment as
well.
How about aloe vera as a topical treatment?  There are undoubtedly a number
of good creams and ointments as well, maybe a vitamin rich one like A&D
ointment.
Again, dry air from our heating systems will contribute to skin problems, so
avoiding the direct air will help, as will the same types of things we use
on our
sensitive skin and scalp. Just dry, itchy can get infected easily from
scratching.
What about something like Scalpicin, maybe diluted, to apply to the skin?
It is
good for conditioning the skin, healing some, as well as helping the itching
to subside.  There are a number of products similar to this, both as a
shampoo and
as a treatment to leave on.  Just be sure it is piggie friendly first, maybe
test it
on a small area and be ready to wash it off with cool water if it is
irritating.
I bathe my piggies once or twice a month (or more if needed), in a small bit
of warm water in the sink, using shampoo for rabbits.  They are always a bit
apprehensive at first, but love the warm water and massage. After a thorough
rinse with clean, warm water, I fluff them dry with a towel, then use the
hair dryer on low, at a distance, and spritz them with a bit of my hair
conditioner.
It makes them smell nice, and keeps their hair from drying out.
Even after they're 'dry' I keep them bundled up in a towel for a while.  In
between
baths, I wipe them or spot-clean them with a warm, wet washcloth.  Before I
took them to the vet last week for their 'manicure', it was too cold out for
a bath, but
I held them over the bath water and washed their hands and feet, as well as
a couple other 'areas' in need of freshening.
Diet can help with skin condition in humans, probably applies to piggies
too!
Lots of water, healthy foods with vitamins (dark green leafy veggies! orange
or
red colored things like pumpkin, sweet potato, fruits - yea! just what they
like!)
Just some ideas . . . who has had experience in successfully treating this?
Susi and the OP's