The health of an animal is shown by the quality of its skin. Poor quality usually indicates another more serious underlying condition. Dog skin problems can have many sources. Among these are pest infestations; fungus, bacteria or yeast infections; and different forms of allergies. If any noticeable changes in the external health of a pet is discerned, a professional should be consulted. Leaving conditions untreated can further compromise a pets well being and pass infections to others, including humans.
Dog skin problems are discovered by simple observation. If a dog frantically scratches or frequently licks or chews itself, these are tell-tale signs something is wrong. Another behavior a pet performs to show its discomfort is rubbing against carpets or furniture. These behaviors should signal to owners that a closer look at their pet is necessary.
If there are any scabs, scaly patches, bald spots, rashes or lesions, a veterinarian should be notified. Other reasons for concern include redness, blood, pus, swelling, lumps or discoloration. There are many different conditions that can cause these symptoms and they are best detected by a professional.
Pests may be the culprit. Fleas can cause irritation with their bites and droppings. Allergic reactions to the saliva in a flea bite can also occur. Unfortunately, sometimes negative reactions can be the result of attempts to eliminate fleas. Certain powders, sprays and other formulas toxic to fleas can also be irritants to a pet.
Different infections can plague the skins surface. These include fungal, bacterial or yeast type infections. Fungal infections can include ringworm. Ringworm can result in the presence of scaly patches, baldness and irritation. Ringworm is particularly troublesome as it can be passed to other animals as well as people if left untreated. Bacterial or yeast infections normally occur only after the skin is compromised, further exacerbating the original problem.
Allergies also affect skin health. Allergies can flare due to irritants in the natural outdoor environment. Pollen, dust, mold or grass can all cause an unpleasant reaction in a pet. Generally symptoms improve or get worse with the changing seasons. Allergies due to food have some common sources. Usually chicken, soy, beef, wheat or corn based ingredients cause pets the most issues. Some additives, including food colorings, can be aggravating as well.
Problems can be behavioral in nature. Dogs that are stressed can gnaw on themselves or continuously lick their bodies. This may also be the symptom of feelings of profound boredom. Dogs should be allowed to exercise daily and be given plenty of attention to ensure that they are both happy and healthy.
A majority of these problems can be avoided. One such method is by using only gentle and dog intended products. Pets should be fed healthy and nutritious meals with limited artificial or nutrient empty ingredients. Hypoallergenic diets are highly recommended. Make sure the dog has a quiet, calm and clean environment. This will reduce stress and make it harder for pests to thrive. Veterinarians can also provide methods to prevent parasite infestations and to treat fleas.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
How To Cure Dog Hot Spots
Dog hot spots, sometimes referred to as moist dermatitis, are a common skin condition experienced by dogs, which is brought on by persistent licking and gnawing at an inflamed area that is causing it irritation. A small inflamed spot can rapidly flare up to cover a much larger surface area, and if left untreated can result in painful pussy lesions causing much discomfort.
Symptoms: Moist dermatitis can be recognized as a hot patch of moist, reddened skin, which is very obviously causing the dog much discomfort and distress. In extreme cases where the skin is broken, the area may be bleeding, and if left untreated can develop into pussy secretions as infection sets in.
Causes: Environmental allergies stemming from grass seeds, pollen, house dust, or reactions to fleas can all cause allergic skin reactions, whilst some dogs are allergic to certain types of foods, or to food additives, which can cause an allergic skin reaction. However, mange mites, anal gland impaction, and side affects from veterinary medicines or injections, may also cause allergic skin reactions in dogs. Dogs with sensitive skins may come out in a skin rash following grooming or shaving, which if aggravated by constant biting at the area could result in moist dermatitis. Moist dermatitis is common amongst all breeds of dogs, but Retrievers, collies and shepherds are more susceptible due to their long thick fur.
Treatment: To treat these types of skin allergies it is necessary to first treat the symptoms, and then to isolate and treat the cause of problem in order to prevent recurrence. When treating a dog at home, it may be necessary to restrain or even sedate the dog, as the skin my be painful to touch, causing him to show aggression when handled. After treatment an Elizabethan collar may need to be temporarily fitted to allow the area to heal without the dog interfering with the wound.
The following steps need to be taken to treat the affected area:
Firstly, the hair surrounding the inflammation needs to be clipped or shaved short so that the infected area can be properly treated.
Wash the affected area with a mild antibacterial soap or shampoo, then gently towel dry to ensure moisture removal, without causing further discomfort to the area.
Keep the inflamed area cool by applying cool compresses. Home remedies using tea bags as a compress to help cool down the skin also help to dry out the lesions.
Depending on the severity of the inflammation and infection, you may need to take a multi-pronged approach to treating the skin lesions. This may include administering oral antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection and antihistamines to reduce inflammation, or the application of a hydro-cortisone or anti-bacterial cream or ointment.
But no matter how successful your treatment, dog hot spots will recur unless the cause of the problem is addressed. You will need to ascertain whether the allergy is food related or caused by some stimulus in the environment, or whether there is some other underlying cause of the reaction. You will then need to take steps to prevent it from flaring up again as this will not only save you time and money, but will spare you and your dog further anguish as well.
Symptoms: Moist dermatitis can be recognized as a hot patch of moist, reddened skin, which is very obviously causing the dog much discomfort and distress. In extreme cases where the skin is broken, the area may be bleeding, and if left untreated can develop into pussy secretions as infection sets in.
Causes: Environmental allergies stemming from grass seeds, pollen, house dust, or reactions to fleas can all cause allergic skin reactions, whilst some dogs are allergic to certain types of foods, or to food additives, which can cause an allergic skin reaction. However, mange mites, anal gland impaction, and side affects from veterinary medicines or injections, may also cause allergic skin reactions in dogs. Dogs with sensitive skins may come out in a skin rash following grooming or shaving, which if aggravated by constant biting at the area could result in moist dermatitis. Moist dermatitis is common amongst all breeds of dogs, but Retrievers, collies and shepherds are more susceptible due to their long thick fur.
Treatment: To treat these types of skin allergies it is necessary to first treat the symptoms, and then to isolate and treat the cause of problem in order to prevent recurrence. When treating a dog at home, it may be necessary to restrain or even sedate the dog, as the skin my be painful to touch, causing him to show aggression when handled. After treatment an Elizabethan collar may need to be temporarily fitted to allow the area to heal without the dog interfering with the wound.
The following steps need to be taken to treat the affected area:
Firstly, the hair surrounding the inflammation needs to be clipped or shaved short so that the infected area can be properly treated.
Wash the affected area with a mild antibacterial soap or shampoo, then gently towel dry to ensure moisture removal, without causing further discomfort to the area.
Keep the inflamed area cool by applying cool compresses. Home remedies using tea bags as a compress to help cool down the skin also help to dry out the lesions.
Depending on the severity of the inflammation and infection, you may need to take a multi-pronged approach to treating the skin lesions. This may include administering oral antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection and antihistamines to reduce inflammation, or the application of a hydro-cortisone or anti-bacterial cream or ointment.
But no matter how successful your treatment, dog hot spots will recur unless the cause of the problem is addressed. You will need to ascertain whether the allergy is food related or caused by some stimulus in the environment, or whether there is some other underlying cause of the reaction. You will then need to take steps to prevent it from flaring up again as this will not only save you time and money, but will spare you and your dog further anguish as well.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
How To Recognize Dog Allergy Symptoms
Dog owners should learn to recognize dog allergy symptoms. In recent years there is increased incidence of allergic reactions. Being allergic means a person suffers a hypersensitive response to an allergen. An allergen can be any substance that is otherwise harmless.
When exposure to an allergen occurs, an antibody response is triggered in the immune system. With the next exposure, white blood cells wage war against the allergen. The severity may range from very mild to fatal. It can be the result of inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, injection, or absorption. This is true of both humans and animals.
The most common human response to allergens affects the upper respiratory tract. In dogs, sneezing and watery eyes may occur. But the most frequent, and serious, are skin conditions. They present as redness, rashes, and itching. As the animal scratches, bites, rubs, and chews the affected areas, infection is likely. Hair loss may be the result of infection, or from intense scratching. Hyperactive behaviours may also be seen.
Atopic allergies are the most common in dogs. It can be caused by airborne allergens. Ordinary items such as air fresheners, dust, smoke, mold, pollen, etc, can cause allergies. Some veterinarians believe it to be from a combination of airborne and skin contact sources. The presenting symptoms are the same with either source.
Contact dermatitis allergies are from direct skin contact with offending sources. Carpet fibers, grass, bushes, fabrics, lawn fertilizers, plastics, are possible allergens. Highly scented shampoos, or other topical applications may also cause allergic reactions.
Dogs do not have flea allergies. But they are allergic to a protein in flea saliva. However, those that are accustomed to fleas seem to have some degree of resistance to it. Those that are not accustomed, once exposed to them may develop sensitivity quickly. The bite areas become inflamed and itchy. Hair loss usually occurs.
People should refrain from sharing their food with pets. Many food items for humans are toxic to dogs. Grapes, raisins, chocolate, onion, and others can cause illness or death. All types of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and grains may be allergen sources. Some become allergic to dog food they have eaten for years. A good quality brand should be provided. Even then, hypersensitivity is possible. Manifestaton is with signs of itching anywhere on the dog. Anal itching may cause the dog to scoot on the carpet or lawn.
Other conditions, such as sarcoptic mange, may mimic signs of allergy. It is caused by mites which burrow under the skin, causing itching and rash. Treatment must be with specific medication that kills the mites. Cool baths may temporarily relieve many skin discomforts. For effective treatment, accurate diagnosis by a veterinarian must be made.
When exposure to an allergen occurs, an antibody response is triggered in the immune system. With the next exposure, white blood cells wage war against the allergen. The severity may range from very mild to fatal. It can be the result of inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, injection, or absorption. This is true of both humans and animals.
The most common human response to allergens affects the upper respiratory tract. In dogs, sneezing and watery eyes may occur. But the most frequent, and serious, are skin conditions. They present as redness, rashes, and itching. As the animal scratches, bites, rubs, and chews the affected areas, infection is likely. Hair loss may be the result of infection, or from intense scratching. Hyperactive behaviours may also be seen.
Atopic allergies are the most common in dogs. It can be caused by airborne allergens. Ordinary items such as air fresheners, dust, smoke, mold, pollen, etc, can cause allergies. Some veterinarians believe it to be from a combination of airborne and skin contact sources. The presenting symptoms are the same with either source.
Contact dermatitis allergies are from direct skin contact with offending sources. Carpet fibers, grass, bushes, fabrics, lawn fertilizers, plastics, are possible allergens. Highly scented shampoos, or other topical applications may also cause allergic reactions.
Dogs do not have flea allergies. But they are allergic to a protein in flea saliva. However, those that are accustomed to fleas seem to have some degree of resistance to it. Those that are not accustomed, once exposed to them may develop sensitivity quickly. The bite areas become inflamed and itchy. Hair loss usually occurs.
People should refrain from sharing their food with pets. Many food items for humans are toxic to dogs. Grapes, raisins, chocolate, onion, and others can cause illness or death. All types of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and grains may be allergen sources. Some become allergic to dog food they have eaten for years. A good quality brand should be provided. Even then, hypersensitivity is possible. Manifestaton is with signs of itching anywhere on the dog. Anal itching may cause the dog to scoot on the carpet or lawn.
Other conditions, such as sarcoptic mange, may mimic signs of allergy. It is caused by mites which burrow under the skin, causing itching and rash. Treatment must be with specific medication that kills the mites. Cool baths may temporarily relieve many skin discomforts. For effective treatment, accurate diagnosis by a veterinarian must be made.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
What To Do When Your Canine Is Suffering From Dog Skin Allergies
You have noticed that you canine is scratching themselves for unusually long periods of time. They keep scratching the same spot over and over. You wonder if your dog can have an allergy. Yes, they can. Dogs have dog skin allergies just the same way that people have allergies. However, the only way that they know how to make themselves feel better is to scratch the affected area. But there is things you can do to help them feel better.
The first thing you have to do is find the location of the allergiy symptoms. This will usually be fairly obvious by observing where your dog is scratching. However, you may have to pull back their hair to reveal rashes, dry patches, or other indicators of the problem. From this, you can determine the solution.
An easy problem to fix is fleas. If you see flea bites or actual fleas, give them an anti-flea medicated bath. Following that, get medications from a pet store or vet that will prevent those tiny pests from coming back.
However, if you find dry skin or rashes, you need to find the source of their allergy. Using a simple process of elimination, observe what they eat and their activities. There can be many thing that trigger allergic reactions, but it should not take long to determine the culprit. Removing the source of an allergy is usually much easier than continually treating the symptoms.
When your dog has a reaction to some kind of irritant, you need to clean the irritant from their coat. An economical and quick solution if you do not have dog shampoos available is to wash the irritated area with a mild dish soap. This may ease their irritation and suffering, but it oftentimes will not relieve their irritation.
You may want to consider purchasing medications for your dog to alleviate the mild and moderate irritation. Many creams and sprays are available over the counter at most pet shops and some supermarkets. If the problem seems more serious, you should consult with a professional. They may prescribe stronger creams or oral medications.
You may be able to help your dog by changing their diet to include supplemental vitamins. These supplements are essential for making sure that your dog is getting the vitamins they need for healthy coat and fur development. You should consider this, even if your canines symptoms are not caused by food. Supplements can be purchased from most pet stores.
There is a small chance that a dog can have life threatening reactions to conditions of this nature. If your dog has a hard time breathing, seems to be drooling uncontrollably, has any swelling (especially facial or on their paws), or has lost consciousness, you need to bring them to an emergency veterinarian immediately. Generally, life threatening reactions are caused by vaccines and medications.
Just like people, dogs can suffer from allergies. You do not want them to suffer, so there are things that you can do to alleviate their dogs condition. You just have to be able to locate and treat the effected areas.
The first thing you have to do is find the location of the allergiy symptoms. This will usually be fairly obvious by observing where your dog is scratching. However, you may have to pull back their hair to reveal rashes, dry patches, or other indicators of the problem. From this, you can determine the solution.
An easy problem to fix is fleas. If you see flea bites or actual fleas, give them an anti-flea medicated bath. Following that, get medications from a pet store or vet that will prevent those tiny pests from coming back.
However, if you find dry skin or rashes, you need to find the source of their allergy. Using a simple process of elimination, observe what they eat and their activities. There can be many thing that trigger allergic reactions, but it should not take long to determine the culprit. Removing the source of an allergy is usually much easier than continually treating the symptoms.
When your dog has a reaction to some kind of irritant, you need to clean the irritant from their coat. An economical and quick solution if you do not have dog shampoos available is to wash the irritated area with a mild dish soap. This may ease their irritation and suffering, but it oftentimes will not relieve their irritation.
You may want to consider purchasing medications for your dog to alleviate the mild and moderate irritation. Many creams and sprays are available over the counter at most pet shops and some supermarkets. If the problem seems more serious, you should consult with a professional. They may prescribe stronger creams or oral medications.
You may be able to help your dog by changing their diet to include supplemental vitamins. These supplements are essential for making sure that your dog is getting the vitamins they need for healthy coat and fur development. You should consider this, even if your canines symptoms are not caused by food. Supplements can be purchased from most pet stores.
There is a small chance that a dog can have life threatening reactions to conditions of this nature. If your dog has a hard time breathing, seems to be drooling uncontrollably, has any swelling (especially facial or on their paws), or has lost consciousness, you need to bring them to an emergency veterinarian immediately. Generally, life threatening reactions are caused by vaccines and medications.
Just like people, dogs can suffer from allergies. You do not want them to suffer, so there are things that you can do to alleviate their dogs condition. You just have to be able to locate and treat the effected areas.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Dog Allergies Treatment And Just What To Handle
But don't try to be a hero and act without proper
information. You shouldn't wash your dog more than twice a month, as this can cause their skin to become dry and itchy.
However, certain shampoos and remedies are available which are specially formulated for the unique requirements of dog
skin care.}
{If you do not know where to begin, consult a pet care specialist. These professionals are able to ask the right questions
and help you administer the proper cure.
information. You shouldn't wash your dog more than twice a month, as this can cause their skin to become dry and itchy.
However, certain shampoos and remedies are available which are specially formulated for the unique requirements of dog
skin care.}
{If you do not know where to begin, consult a pet care specialist. These professionals are able to ask the right questions
and help you administer the proper cure.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Reasons To Choose Natural Dog Allergy Remedies
The more you know about those things that can cause allergic reactions in your dogs, the better you will be at helping your dogs to avoid them. Those allergens that can cause severe skin irritation can indeed cause a lot of misery from itchy, flaky and dry skin. Choose natural for dog allergy remedies in order to give your dog the fast and healthy relief needed during episodes of allergic dermatitis.
Determining the things that is causing allergic dermatitis on your dogs skin can be tough, in fact, many of those things are common and are everywhere around your home. Keeping your dog away from these things might prove to be challenging and in some cases, impossible. However, by pinpointing the sources, you can work at keeping your dog healthier much easier.
Some allergic reactions come from direct contact with certain things in your dogs environment. Some of these things are common and really hard to avoid, like grass, hay, and some plants. Fleas can also cause severe skin reactions, especially in those dogs that never have trouble with them. This is a common occurrence in those dogs that live indoors most of the time. Trying to keep a dog away from some of these things can indeed be a challenge. However, when you have the right treatment for the itching and misery that does come with these reactions, it certainly makes it a lot easier.
The dogs that spend most of their time indoors can be subjected to those allergens that come in cleaning solutions for carpets and other types of floors, the insecticides used for household pests, and even the common dust mite. The detergents you use for washing fabrics could be a cause for an allergic reaction in dogs. Choose only those cleaners and detergents that contain all natural ingredients for a healthier pet. Using these types of products is better for you and your family also.
Dogs, like people, do experience allergies to certain foods. Even though you may be only feeding him high quality pet foods, there can still be the risk of a reaction to an ingredient in the mix. Because of this problems, many pet food makers are investing time and money into research about which ingredients are the most likely to be the root causes. Beef, wheat, and soy are some of the most common culprits for allergic reactions.
Those people that use a fireplace or wood stove may notice their dog having troubles with allergies. The same is true for those people that smoke cigarettes around their pets. These are prime inhalant allergens and cause dogs to experience an episode of dermatitis that is itchy and painful. Some aerosol products you might use in your home can also be classified as an inhalant allergen. Avoid using these things around your pets when at possible.
The skin conditions in dogs can be maddening when it comes to the itching associated with it. Using the right shampoos is vital in helping your dogs skin become healthy again. Never use people shampoo on your dog and never use over the counter preparations for fleas and ticks when there is irritation present. Choose natural remedies for the soothing relief and healing needed for the skin.
By selecting natural remedies, you will be making the choice of natural and pure ingredients that are safe and more effective than harsh chemicals. Indeed, if ingested, these products would not harm your pet. By using only those ingredients that work in synergy with the natural processes in your pets skin does the most effective and fastest healing come about. The best dog allergy remedies comes from products using only those ingredients that natural.
Determining the things that is causing allergic dermatitis on your dogs skin can be tough, in fact, many of those things are common and are everywhere around your home. Keeping your dog away from these things might prove to be challenging and in some cases, impossible. However, by pinpointing the sources, you can work at keeping your dog healthier much easier.
Some allergic reactions come from direct contact with certain things in your dogs environment. Some of these things are common and really hard to avoid, like grass, hay, and some plants. Fleas can also cause severe skin reactions, especially in those dogs that never have trouble with them. This is a common occurrence in those dogs that live indoors most of the time. Trying to keep a dog away from some of these things can indeed be a challenge. However, when you have the right treatment for the itching and misery that does come with these reactions, it certainly makes it a lot easier.
The dogs that spend most of their time indoors can be subjected to those allergens that come in cleaning solutions for carpets and other types of floors, the insecticides used for household pests, and even the common dust mite. The detergents you use for washing fabrics could be a cause for an allergic reaction in dogs. Choose only those cleaners and detergents that contain all natural ingredients for a healthier pet. Using these types of products is better for you and your family also.
Dogs, like people, do experience allergies to certain foods. Even though you may be only feeding him high quality pet foods, there can still be the risk of a reaction to an ingredient in the mix. Because of this problems, many pet food makers are investing time and money into research about which ingredients are the most likely to be the root causes. Beef, wheat, and soy are some of the most common culprits for allergic reactions.
Those people that use a fireplace or wood stove may notice their dog having troubles with allergies. The same is true for those people that smoke cigarettes around their pets. These are prime inhalant allergens and cause dogs to experience an episode of dermatitis that is itchy and painful. Some aerosol products you might use in your home can also be classified as an inhalant allergen. Avoid using these things around your pets when at possible.
The skin conditions in dogs can be maddening when it comes to the itching associated with it. Using the right shampoos is vital in helping your dogs skin become healthy again. Never use people shampoo on your dog and never use over the counter preparations for fleas and ticks when there is irritation present. Choose natural remedies for the soothing relief and healing needed for the skin.
By selecting natural remedies, you will be making the choice of natural and pure ingredients that are safe and more effective than harsh chemicals. Indeed, if ingested, these products would not harm your pet. By using only those ingredients that work in synergy with the natural processes in your pets skin does the most effective and fastest healing come about. The best dog allergy remedies comes from products using only those ingredients that natural.
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