Pet Skin Doctor
Pet Skin Information
Archive for the ‘Dog Skin’ Category
Is your dog constantly scratching, licking, chewing or rubbing? Does he have dry skin, red irritated patches of skin or even open sores?
Since dog dermatitis is basically a general term for skin and coat problems or “hot spots” appearing for unknown or even various causes, finding specific information may seem like a daunting task. You will really have to narrow down symptoms and behaviors to even get started on a proper diagnosis.
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As much as we would like to be able to feed our pets anything without having to worry about it thats’s just not the case. It is not safe for our animals to let them eat anything. This can range from the obvious branches, sticks, plants, mulch and other things most dogs like to tear into to the store-bought treats we feed them, as well as our cats and ferrets.
You may ask, “Why do they sell ”treats” if there is a possibility of harm or creating my pet skin problems?” Good question. Probably for the same reason they sell humans cigarrettes even though we all know how good those are for us. The point is, we need to take the time to read labels and make sure that we are feeding our pets only the healthiest of choices for their age, breed and/or situation. Food supplements and all-natural treats and products are a good place to start. also keep in mind that not all pets are created equally. If you have two dogs, for instance, one may have a skin allergy or dislike to certain products that the other dog has no problems with.
Diagnose Pet Skin Allergies with Multiple Pets
Monday, June 21, 2010
posted by PetSkinDoctor @ 8:02 AM
Since an animal with any type of allergy (flea, food, inhalant, contact) is not contagious, if you have multiple pets showing signs of a skin problem you may quickly rule out allergy. ( Unless your pets are related or both are hypersensitive to different things.)
It is highly unlikely that two pets may have an allergic reaction to their pet food or a food ingredient. However pet skin allergies related to the pet food may be present. Your pet may need a special food or food supplement because of the lack of needed nutrients in it’s present diet.
Jenna is an English Bulldog who’s vet couldn’t seem to find a reason for her “seasonal” hot spots. Jenna would loose hair in certain spots along her tummy. They were always small patches and seemed to get better but then would come back again. However, after two years of this, they stopped going away. Eventually Jenna had lost most of the hair on her tummy and under her armpits. It just wouldn’t come back no matter what type of expensive medications the vet would put her on.
If dog hot spots are noticed and seem to come and go, even seasonally, then it is most likely a more serious problem then you may realize. To be honest, Jenna was never actually “diagnosed”. However, a combination of skin treatment cream and food supplement was used for a few months. Slowly, Jenna’s hair is returning. Take note that hot spots are more common in certain breeds of dogs then others. Bulldogs are just one of these breeds.
Does your dog have allergies? The telltale signs for humans are sneezing, runny eyes/nose and headaches or dizziness. However, when it comes to our canine companions, signs (or symptoms) aren’t quite the same. Their skin and coat is where you will find signs of an allergic reaction. That is why dog allergies are often referred to as dog skin allergies.
Causes for dog allergies can be the same as in humans, though these are not the most common ones. A flea allergy, an allergic reaction to flea saliva, is the most common type of dog allergy. Since it is the saliva that is the allergen it only takes one flea to cause your dog lots of irritation.
If your dog has a hypersensitivity to a food, product or other potential allergen (such as wool or grass) it may not be obvious at first. You may notice your dog scratching or licking all of the time, but you will be more likely to notice the irritated, red skin that surfaces after a small period of time. This condition is referred to as atopic dermatitis.
However, many veterinarians attain that atopic dermatitis in dogs cannot be diagnosed without an existing history of the condition. You may have to put your dog through many expensive (though not typically painful) tests before proper diagnosis can be made.
Common Food Allergens Cause Dog Skin Conditions
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
posted by Essential Needs @ 11:40 AM
It may or may not come as a shock to you that certain dog skin conditions are caused by your pets food. There are two reasons for this: One is a hypersensitivity that your dog has or has developed to it’s food or a food ingredient. This is one of the most common types of allergy in a dog. The other is caused by a lack of proper nutrients in your dog’s food.
As far as dog skin conditions caused by an allergic reaction to an ingredient? The most common culprits are corn, wheat, soy or yeast, which is the main ingredients in many pet foods today.
Dog skin allergies or dog skin problems because of allergies? Dog skin allergies may be from contact allergens such as wool, rubber, metal, antibiotics, fragrances, lotions or fabric softner.
A contact allergy is the least common type of allergy your dog may have or develop. If your dog’s skin is showing symptoms of having an allergy, be sure to rule out each possibility one at a time.
Many dog skin problems take a while to surface but it always seems like it happened over night once you notice them. Some do surface more quickly than others, but it depends on the severity of the cause and how much hair your pup has.
For instance dog skin problems with excessive hair loss as a symptom may be noticeable to someone aware of it but other pet owner’s may not realize it until the dog has a bald spot. It is a good idea to regularly check your dog over. This is best done daily or at least weekly and should be done prior to bathing or brushing. Your dog may become frightened or hurt worse if water or a comb were to hit any soft areas, hot spots or open sores.
Most Common Causes for Pet Skin Conditions
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
posted by PetSkinDoctor @ 10:43 AM
There are many potential reasons why your pet may be experiencing dry, itchy skin, “hot spots” and/or excessive shedding or hair loss in patches on their body.
These pet skin conditionsmay be caused by a lack of proper nutrients in their daily diet or bathing too much. however, among one of the most common reasons for pet skin conditions are actually allergies. An allergic reaction to flea saliva, an inhalant or contact allergy or an allergic reaction to a food product.