Pet Skin Doctor
Archive for January, 2009
One of the more important things about cat care is proper grooming. When the pet is brought into the home for the first time, he should be started on a simple regimen of grooming, a very important part of which is cat skin care. As much as possible, the cat should be confined indoors to prevent it from roaming around and getting in contact with harmful elements. Very cold weather can also be harmful to the cat – it tends to dry out his skin.
There are tell-tale signs that will alert you if your cat has a skin care problem:
1. dandruff
2. excessive thirst or urination
3. dehydration
4. lethargy, and
5. weight loss
At the first sign of these symptoms, seek professional help and save feline friend from serious skin problem.
Dogs are cute but a dog that is constantly scratching his body is not too good to look at. If this looks very annoying to us, imagine how the dog feels. We should be aware of the diseases that can threaten our dog’s health. Dog itchy skin, for example, can be brought about by the presence of fleas or ticks. These parasites suck blood through the dog’s skin. It is often left wounded and bleeding. Dog itchy skin can also be caused by allergy from certain elements in the food that we give the dog.
In serious cases, it is important that the dog be referred to a veterinarian. We can, however do things on our own by removing factors that cause dog itchy skin. Examine the soap and shampoo that we use on them. Check for parasites and apply proper medication. Even the laundry detergents that we use might be the culprit. We know how dogs like to cuddle with their masters on the bed. It is always helpful to talk to friends about pet problems. For all we know, they might have experienced the same problems with their pet. We can always profit from free advice.
Dog skin disorders are among the most common health problems in dogs. Skin disorders in dogs have many causes, and many of the common skin disorders that afflict people have a counterpart in dogs.
The condition of dog’s skin and coat can also be an important indicator of its general health. Skin disorders of dogs vary from acute, self-limiting problems to chronic or long-lasting problems requiring life-time treatment. Dog skin disorders may be grouped into categories according to the causes.
Just as people’s skin tends to dry out in the colder winter months, your dog’s skin can also become chapped and irritated. Recognizing when your dog has dry skin isn’t all that difficult; you might find red spots on their skin, or notice that their skin seems to be flaking. Treatment for dog dry skin usually includes the application of a topical moisturizer, but in many cases those skin products intended for people won’t work as well, and some can serve to irritate the skin more. There is special skin therapy formulated for use on a dog’s dry skin that can be bought in pet stores; this treatment can also be used to relieve other skin conditions due to allergies or even dermatitis.
Your dog is sure to be thankful if you prevent the constant itching, biting, and scratching they go through due to dry skin, and all owners know you can’t put a price on the wag of their tail!
While certain dog breeds are more prone to sensitive skin, it’s possible for all breeds to be born with sensitive skin. It can be unclear during the puppy phase, but recognizing a dog with sensitive skin or skin allergies is often easier during young adulthood. If your dog scratches excessively, or bites at their skin, or if you notice any kind of redness or rash, it’s possible they have a skin condition. In many cases, this could be due to a food allergy, and you should discontinue them on their kibble and/or wet dog food until you consult a veterinarian. Dog skin allergies can also be caused by environmental triggers; often a source in the backyard.
In terms of treatment, your veterinarian might recommend special shampoo, or even a medical treatment taken orally or applied to their skin. It might also be pertinent to change your dog’s diet if an allergic reaction is being caused by an ingredient in their food.