Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Cause Of Dog Hot Spots Can Be Difficult To Determine

When a dog looses its hair in various areas it can be attributed to one or a combination of many factors. Dog hotspots is a possible reason. Sometimes you will notice that the areas are wet, but this is not always the case.

Infection of skin by bacteria is the cause of hot spots. The bacteria proliferates only in weather conditions suitable for them and hence hot spots are often associated with changes in the environment. Some of the reasons for this illness can be inadequate hygiene, allergy or even temperamental problems.

Some parasites and some food can irritate the skin of a dog and the dog will start to lick the affected area. The excessive licking will create the perfect moist environment for the bacteria to develop. This will irritate the dog and they start to scratch the area, over time there will be a loss of hair in this area. If you have not brushed your dog for a while, matted fur can create an environment in which these bacteria can build up. The area can become moist and debris can become stuck in it. The dog will start licking and scratching at the area, and will cause an infection.

One of the main treatments is to clip the fur in the affected area and then wash it regularly with a gentle cleanser or antiseptic. Sometimes it may be necessary to invest in a neck collar to stop the dog from reaching these areas with his mouth. If the condition is really bad, proper treatment may be required from a qualified veterinarian.

If it is only a skin infection, cure is easy. But it has been found that there is something beyond the superficial problem. The issue may continue to disturb the dog until the bigger issue is diagnosed and treated. A permanent solution lies in finding out the root cause of the problem that makes the pet vulnerable to the attack.

Regular grooming of dogs that suffer from these lesions is very important, removal of all mats from the coat two times is very important, and will help avoid the development of skin infections. You can cut out the mats if you want to, sometimes you will have to. If you can't manage to maintain your dog properly you should invest in a professional groomer, this will be cost effective in the long run. Many household mites can cause allergies that will manifest as skin irritations. Keeping the house free of these parasites by vacuuming regularly and removing dust and pollen will help to keep the environment clean. Changing the dogs diet may also help.

The underlying condition has to be found if you want to be able to cure the condition when it is due to more than a simple infection. This can be a difficult process in which possible causes will have to be found and eliminated. The advice of the vet will be valuable in this regard.

Dog hot spots are indications of a bigger issue. Treating that is more difficult but it is important to find them out in order to avoid reappearance. Proper treatment of the root cause makes the dog a happy companion. Taking care of he training and entertainment aspects of the dog keeps it physically and mentally content.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Causes And Treatments For Dog Skin Problems

Dog skin problems can be caused by many different things. Your local veterinarian should be consulted to determine what the root problem is and find the best solution for your pet. Some of the reasons for skin issues can relate to the diet your dog is eating, the season, the area of the body where the problem is, the age of the pet and the breed. Once the cause is found it will be easier and faster to resolve the issue.

Some dogs have allergies to certain ingredients in their dog food, others can have seasonal allergies. If the dog is not too old the problem could be genetic. Take a look at the size and the shape of the irritation as well as how far it has spread and let the vet know what was discovered. If it is not widespread it could be a fungal or a bacterial problem in just that one spot.

Just one flea could cause a dog to be miserable, this could be the reason for all the scratching if the dog is allergic to fleas and they will get a rash from the bite. If you feel a lump, there could be a tumor that needs to be removed. An abnormal growth will cause changes in the color of the skin and the hair. For the dog with a dull coat, this could be an indicator of a hormonal issue.

Antibiotics are used when there is a bacterial infection. They are often caused by another condition such as an allergy or a hormonal problem. Testing will determine the type of infection that is present for an accurate treatment plan.

When antibiotics are prescribed they will need to be taken for several weeks depending on the severity of the problem. Allergies can cause the skin to itch and allergy shots can be given to provide relief. Antihistamines may also be needed and can cause the dog to become drowsy.

Seborrhea is a condition that refers to the accumulation of keratin that blocks the sebaceous glands and causes the hair to become greasy and the skin to become dry. Certain breeds are prone to this disorder, but it could be due to allergies, parasites or hormonal problems. Treatment involves elimination of the underlying cause, natural remedies can boost the immune system and strengthen the coat and skin. The use of cleansing lotions can help.

Fatty acids are a common supplement for helping with these types of disorders and itchy skin. Linoleic acids are great and can be found in primrose oil, safflower oil an sunflower oil. Fish oil is a good supplement to clear up itchiness. Glucocorticoids are also used, the treatment lasts for 1 to 2 months and is usually only required in the season the dog has problems with specific allergens. Homeopathic remedies can ease the discomfort as well.

To eliminate food allergies it is best to put the pet on a hypoallergenic regime for a couple of months. This will tell if the dog has allergies to certain proteins. There are brands of dog food made specifically for this purpose.

Monday, August 22, 2011

What You Should Know About Dog Skin Allergies

There is a possibility the irritation your beloved pooch is displaying is due to dog skin allergies. This condition can make both pet and owner totally miserable with the uncontrollable itching. Here is what you should know about this situation.

Allergy symptoms are the result of the body's reaction to an allergen. The allergen triggers an excessive response by the immune system, which causes problems rather than correcting them. An allergen can be any number of different substances that may have been ingested, inhaled, or touched.

Itching is the most commonly recognized symptom of an allergy condition. There may also be sneezing, hair loss, changes in typical behavior, or hives. An average one in seven canines are believed to have allergies of some kind.

There are four categories for the allergies a dog can develop. The first is flea allergy dermatitis which as the name suggests is the result of an infestation of fleas. Atopic dermatitis is created from environmental allergens that are inhaled these would include substances such as molds, pollens, grass, and dust mites. Food allergies are on the rise, with pets becoming sensitive to things such as rice. Another form is called contact dermatitis which is the skin reaction associated with a topical irritant.

Of the four kinds of allergies, flea dermatitis is the most common. If you suspect fleas, use a flea comb to verify flea dander or the fleas themselves on your pet. In this case where fleas are the causative allergen, your pet develops a reaction to the saliva of the flea bite. The simple way to remedy this problem is to eliminate the pest from both the canine and the environment. This may include the need to treat the dog, the home, and the yard.

The skin irritation associated with allergen reactions may require treatment with antihistamines, steroids, or bathing in soothing shampoos. In extreme cases where there are sores involved it may require the administration of antibiotics either orally or topically. Your furry companion may also experience some hair loss which will need time to regrow.

Hives are one way in which allergic reactions manifest on the skin of your pet. These appear as raised wheals anywhere on the body including the face. Skin patches may cause the hair to rise up in the affected area. The eyelids of the dog may also swell at this time. Typically this type of reaction happens within about 30 minutes of being exposed to the allergen.

Hives are a common result of an insect sting or bite, and can happen after receiving an injection. Some topical solutions such as soaps or the insecticides used to control fleas will produce the itchy spots. When these skin eruptions peak and ebb regularly, it is due to something in the environment the dog is using.

It can be just as frustrating trying to pinpoint the cause of dog skin allergies as what humans undergo. This requires a period of trial and error in ruling out factors that contribute to the problem. When eliminating agents it can be a long and stressful time for dog and owner.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Your Dog Allergies Treatment Options

For every seven dogs it is believed there is at least one that has an allergy of some kind. If you find that your furry companion has this condition it can be a difficult situation for both of you to deal with. Dog allergies treatment are easily accessible and provided in a wide variety of forms.

When the immune system has a greater than normal response to a substance, the result is an allergic reaction. A substance that your pet's skin has come in contact with, eaten, or inhaled can be the allergen. As the over excited immune system attempts to expel the allergen from the body the result is allergic symptoms.

Just like humans the symptoms can be diverse in nature and include the respiratory or digestive system as well as the skin. In general there may be itching, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea. An owner may notice hair loss, their pet chewing on their paws, snoring, watery eyes, or a change in the usual demeanor of their furry companion.

Humans and dogs share the same ability to be allergic to a number of different substances. Allergic reactions are associated with four basic forms. Canine atopy, food, contact and flea dermatitis.

Allergies to food and fleas is explained by the name. Contact dermatitis is a skin irritation that occurs due to a substance touching the dermis it can be liquid or solid in nature. Canine atopy is the result of something that is inhaled like pollen or mold.

The assistance of a veterinarian may be needed when dealing with an allergic reaction. To handle a inflammation it may be necessary to give your dog steroids, an antihistamine, shampoo, or possibly a topical or oral antibiotic. A canine can develop an anaphylactic reaction which requires immediate emergency attention.

Herbal remedies are available for your use. Topical formulas of chamomile, lavender, peppermint, or rose can provide direct relief to the incredible itching caused by allergies. Oral herbs such as alfalfa, garlic, Echinacea, aloe, and others can be administered. The use of herbs in the treatment regime should be under the supervision of a veterinarian to limit any possibility of a negative outcome. Many herbs can be toxic to dogs if given in the wrong dose.

Sometimes the best way to treat an allergy is to eliminate the allergen. If your pet is suffering from flea dermatitis, this can be corrected by getting rid of the flea infestation. In the event the problem is due to food, it can be frustrating and time consuming to find the ingredient that is causing the response. An elimination diet is the best way to determine what the ingested substance that is creating the symptoms.

Dog allergies treatment can be a difficult task for some owners. Just like humans your pet may have more than one trigger for the allergic response. By working in conjunction with your veterinarian you will be able to identify and treat the cause. The long term goal should be to lessen the immune response or eliminate the allergen from the environment of your pet, this will help to keep both pet and owner in an amicable mood.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Have Fun And Enjoy Yourself At Dog Hot Spots

There are a number of available options if you
want to enjoy some free time with your pets. Dog hot spots are always a safe option to try. You need to
find somewhere that is pet friendly and that welcomes furry friends. It should be spacious and roomy and it should also be easy to afford. It
should be used by other like minded people.

A lot of fun
is there to be had at a public park, which is free for anyone and their pets to use. They are ideal for animals that need a lot physical
exercise and activity to keep themselves stimulated. It is even better if there is somewhere for them to have a swim around. They will have a
chance to see other animals and get rid of extra energy.

If you do not live in suburbia, but find yourself living in the city then you can still go walking in the street. This is usually easiest if
your pet is well trained and obedient to your commands. They should be able to walk on a lead and manage to hold it together when cramped in
small spaces with other people. They should understand the way the road works too.

If you are lucky enough
to live along the coast your pets will love the beach. This is somewhere they will never tire of visiting, and can be enjoyed by the whole
family. They can also go for a surf or catch a Frisbee on the sand. Some animals love being able to dig on the beach as well.

Many pets really enjoy going for a drive with
their owners. It is not necessarily where they go so much as the fact that they are going that they enjoy. It is soothing for them to go out
for a drive and it is company for them. It is not safe to let them sit in the front, in case of a collision, they should always stay in the
back of the vehicle.

When your animals leave home and get taken out they are
expected to behave. As the owner you are responsible for keeping them under some sort of control, and making sure they do not run riot all
over the place and cause trouble with other animals. You must clean up after them if they make a mess while you are out in public.

Your pets
should always have access to fresh water. You should keep them relatively clean and clean their mess up for them. They must exercise
regularly. You should have them inoculated to protect their health. They should be fed nutritious food and given a multivitamin when
necessary.

If you want some recreational time alone
with your pets then you should take them to dog hot spots if you do not have the space you need. You will be able to ensure that your animals
get the exercise that they require and will be able to get rid of any excess energy that is keeping them hyper active. It will give them a
chance to get out of the house and have fun.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Learn Even More On Dog Skin Problems

Dog skin problems are extremely common and can affect all kinds of dogs, no matter what the breed or the level of care they are given. These serious diseases will cause moderate to severe irritation and discomfort to the dog, and can even lead to permanent bald spots on the dog's coat.

Some of these diseases can cause infection, or be a sign of a flea infestation, so it is very important to take these problems very seriously. Some of these illnesses can be caused by a bacterial infection, or a type of a fungus that can grow on dog hide, as well as by an allergy to the dog's environment or food.

There is no reason to wait for the symptoms to get worse, as they will not clear up on their own. At the first sign of a disorder, it is vital to take your pet to a licensed, trained veterinarian for a diagnosis and a treatment. No matter what the issue is, early treatment will provide your dog with relief from discomfort and prevent future problems.

The veterinarian will do a variety of tests and procedures to determine what is causing the troubles with your dog. Some dog skin troubles can be traced to a simple allergy and are relatively easy to treat, while others can require blood tests and hide biopsies to effectively identify and begin treatment. In some cases, there even may be a separate, underlying medical condition that is causing the problem.

The dog's hide is the biggest organ in its body, and one of the most important ones. Medically, it consists of two separate layers. The outer layer of the skin is called the epidermis. The inner layer is called the dermis. Healthy hide is always odorless and clean, as dogs will naturally keep their hide clear. The first sign of trouble is usually inflammation, or red hot spots on the dog's body.

Because there is a range of possible diagnoses, finding the right one may take a little bit of time. Commonly, the issue is an infection caused by a type of fungus or bacteria. For some dogs, the problem might be fleas, even if the owner has not noticed yet. Some dogs are hypersensitive to flea saliva, so even a tiny number of fleas is enough to trigger an outbreak.

The veterinarian may prescribe various medications for the dog to control the underlying problem. Treating the dog for fleas or other parasites might be done, as well as giving the dog antibiotics in order to kill any invasive bacteria or fungi.

There are some alternative options, which can be helpful, especially in case of allergies. Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to a number of substances. Usually, changing the dog's diet or altering where the dog lives can help treat the allergy issue. No matter what the treatment ultimately is, not treating dog skin problems is not an option, as it can cause great discomfort to your pet.