Pet Skin Doctor
Pet Skin Information
Archive for April, 2009
Nine out of ten cases of pet’s with dry skin can be cured with a change in diet. Proper nutrition is very important in order for our pets to maintain a healthy skin and coat.
Dog’s coats are made up almost entirely of protein. If your dog does not have enough protein, his hair may fall out or become dry, weak and brittle. Eliminate dog dry skin with a proper quantity and quality of nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.
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Typical ferret skin problems often come from parasites such as mites, ticks and fleas. However, even the sprays or powders used to treat or prevent these parasites may irritate ferret skin. Also common among these furry friends (and more serious) is skin cancer and sarcoptic mange.
These ferret skin problems are usually not as bad as you would think, they are treatable with early diagnosis. Treatment MUST be started sooner rather then later. It is when these minor problems turn into severe cases because of lack of diagnosis and therefore proper treatment. If your ferret is constantly itching or showing other signs of a skin problem, make an appointment with your vet right away.
Our little Duncan rottie pup had his first vet appointment today. I had been worried about how our new puppy would feel, but I realized that I was the one nervous! I had so many questions that I was sure I would forget. (What do we feed him? How often do we feed him? Is peanut butter an okay treat? How often should I bathe him?) I’m sure I forgot to ask some of my many questions, but I did remember to ask about all the scratching Duncan had been doing. I was thinking fleas and even more concerned that it was an allergy or skin condition.
The vet gave us preventative flea and heart worm treatment. However, she said, he didn’t have fleas but that he did have doggie dandruff. On the list of potential dog skin problems at least a little dandruff didn’t seem too serious. Our vet suggested a pet dandruff shampoo and bathing him once a month during the winter season and twice a month in the summer time should help with the flaking. She also stated that some generic pet foods do not provide the full amount of vitamins and minerals that my pet needs in order to maintain healthy skin. Often, dandruff occurs because dogs are not getting enough fat in their diets. Buying a high quality name brand food and or using pet food supplements will also help with dandruff and other potential skin ailments.
If your pet is experiencing a skin problem, it will be very obvious that something is wrong. The irritated area will either look red or swollen, or that area might even lose hair. What will be less obvious is how to treat it. This is because many of the conditions that affect dogs specifically display similar symptoms. But to properly bring your dog back to health, you must know the exact condition from which he suffers. This way, you can administer the right aid.
Some of the most common pet skin conditions are ear infections and allergies. Other issues that can arise are various kinds and varieties of skin lesions as well as flea and tick infestations. The list is long and varied, so you should consult your vet if you’re at all unsure about what your dog or other pet has. Treatments are usually fast acting and easy, but you have to know exactly what you’re dealing with.
Cat allergies can be caused by a wide variety of different substances but are generally divided into four types. Flea allergies are the most common type of allergy in cats. Also, there are food allergies, inhalant allergies and contact allergies.
Cats are not usually born with food allergies, they tend to develop sensitivities to foods that they have eaten for quite some time. The most common sign of a food allergy in a cat is constant itching. The excessive scratching, chewing, and biting can sometimes lead to hair loss and or ear infections. Other typical symptoms involve signs of digestive problems, such as diarrhea and gas. Foods that frequently cause an allergic response from cats are beef, chicken and pork as well as eggs, yeast, dairy and rice. Food allergies can show up when a cat experiences a change in diet, or they can develop in response to food that a cat has been eating for an extended period of time.
The causes and triggers of cat allergiesare numerous and vary immensely. Inhalant and contact allergies are often caused by pollens, mold and mosquitos. Contact allergies are the least common type of allergy to affect cats.
On April 16th my fiance and I brought home the most adorable Rottweiler puppy. He has quickly become a part of the family. Though we have both grown up with pets as children, Duncan is really our first puppy. We did a lot of research both locally and online and bought him from a highly recommended breeder in our state. I understand that hip displasia and epilepsy are the most common problems with the Rottweiler breed (and alot of larger breed dogs) but I’ve also read some scary information on dog skin allergies.
It wasn’t so scary until I thought about the fact, that for two days after we brought him home I didn’t notice any scratching, however on the third day (right after we put a new collar on him) I noticed him scratching constantly at it. I thought at first it was because it was new to him and he didn’t want to wear it. His first vet visit is coming up and we are a little nervous about what to expect, how he’ll handle it and hopefully, we will not forget to ask all of our questions (as well as give the vet time to answer them!)
Discovering what your pet is allergic to might be the most difficult part in dealing with pet allergies. Our pets are much like us when it comes to allergies, but unlike us, the signs of an allergy are not the same. A dog or cat’s main symptom is itchy skin. The skin may become raw from constant scratching and chewing. This condition is called allergic skin disease, or allergic dermatitis. Since itching can be triggered by a variety of conditions, ranging from liver disease to lice, from fungus to fleas, from mange to anxiety, you should first determine if your pet has an allergy.
The most common types of pet allergies in both dogs and cats is flea allergy, atopic (or inhalant) allergy being the second most common allergy in dogs and the third most common in cats. Breathing in or directly contacting airborne particles in the environment, such as mold spores, dust, pollens or tobacco smoke, will activate atopic allergies. Food allergies are the second most common type of allergy in cats and the third most common in dogs. If you suspect your pet has allergies then taking action sooner rather than later is the best thing you can do for your pet’s well-being!
Animals, like humans, experience skin problems. They can be very bothersome. Take, for instance, those cat skin allergies. These allergies can cause the cat’s fur to shed and lose its luster. In addition, animal skin problems may leave your pet irritated. You may also notice that your pet is less energetic than usual.
Some skin conditions might also be transmitted to humans. Hence, it is always wise to go to the root of the problem and treat the skin as soon as possible. Studies have shown that supplements containing fatty acids alleviate the symptoms of various skin diseases ranging from allergies to atopic dermatitis. These essential fatty acids are also all-natural, making it safe to give everyday.
Is Your Dog Getting the Right Nutrition?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
posted by Essential Needs @ 1:52 AM
You love your pet and you want to take good care of your loyal friend, but often the most basic need of your pet is overlooked, that being proper nutrition. The obvious signs that your dog is not receiving the nutrients needed may show too late. Obvious behavior changes, panting without reason or if your dog is lethergic may indicate not getting the right nutrient balance. The energy that we see in our animals are a direct result of a healthy diet.
Your dog’s bowel movements should be regular and a solid brown. An adult dog should have a bowel movement one or two times daily. A watery or consistently soft movement suggest a lack of nutrients. These are just things to keep an eye on. Occasionally your pet may get sick or eat something that doesn’t agree with him. Don’t feel like you have to rush to the vet if your dog is irregular one day.
Proper nutrition at an early age can help prevent illnesses, risks such as obesity, bone loss, joint problems as well as dog atopy. By being familiar with your dog’s habits, you can more quickly identify any nutritional needs or potential problems.
Dog & Cat Skin Problems from Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
posted by Essential Needs @ 9:39 PM
If your dog or cat displays flea allergy dermatitis, understand that approximately 90% of fleas on pets treated with either Advantage or Frontline product manages to bite the pet before dying. This means that while these products help reduce the symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis by killing fleas and reducing the number of flea bites on the animal, there may still be some allergic reaction because fleas are able to bite before dying.
The first sign of the flea allergy dermatitis is itching. The areas most affected are abdomen, tail, and thighs. With chronic itching, the skin becomes red, scaly, and crusty. If the inflammation is left untreated, there may be a severe hair loss, the skin becomes hardened and leathery with pigmented patches. Your pet may develop odor due to skin secondary bacterial infections.
Help combat the effects of flea allergy dermatits with all natural fatty acid supplements. After the treatment and elimination of fleas, the effects from these dog and cat skin problems may take weeks or even months to heal. Continual usage of essential fatty acids will cure the immediate skin problem, but will also prevent future pet skin problems.