Pet Skin Doctor
Pet Skin Information
Archive for December, 2009
If your dog is plagued with itchy skin, causing him to scratch persistently and he doesn’t have fleas, then dermatitis may be the culprit. The questions to be answered; what is the cause for his dermatitis and what can you as a loving pet owner do about it?
The most common reasons behind dog dermatitis are food related, such as sensitivities to their pet food or an ingredient or by-product, nutritional deficiencies, or allergies. Consider irritating substances or reactions to toxins or drugs, or an infection caused by fungi, bacteria, yeast or parasites (one flea bite or a single tick may cause a reaction in your dog). Also note that certain breeds are predisposed to certain skin infections.
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It is very important to understand that when a dog or cat has pet skin problem, that it may not actually be a SKIN problem. Many times a lack of proper nutrition will cause pet skin conditions such as dry, irritated, red or sore patches or possibly hair loss.
Similiarly, pet skin allergies are not necessarily “skin” or contact allergies (although it is a possibility). A contact allergy is known as an allergic reaction to something your pet comes in contact with. But there are also inhalant (mold, pollen, dust bunnies) or food allergies (an allergic reaction to their pet food, ingredient or a by-product contained in their diet. Pet skin problems or conditions are also potentially caused by something other than allergies.
Cats love to climb Christmas trees! Dogs love to eat ornaments off Christmas trees! As wonderful as the holidays are (and as cute as these critters are being bad) our primary concern during the holidays is every one’s safety! Pets just can’t help themselves, they are attracted to the holiday decor that surrounds them. It was actually during the holiday season that we discovered our indoor cat Rufus was allergic to the outdoors! We had decided to pick out a real Christmas tree that year and nearly overnight our poor Rufus began displaying signs of cat skin conditions.
Unfortunately for us, but fortunately for many pet owner’s, this is not the typical problem that comes of having a real tree and pets that can’t help themselves. One year our dog, CG, a lab/collie mix, knocked over the entire 6 foot tree while trying to sniff under it! I came across a very helpful holiday blog that offered a few pointers for defending your tree against your beloved critters: Avoid tinsel, plastic or wooden balls are better than glass, block the tree’s watering pan from little tongues drinking the sticky water that can make them sick, invest in a large, sturdy tree stand, spray light cords with bitter apple to discourage chewing, unplug the lights when not in use, clean up fallen needles regularly and lastly, don’t decorate with edible ornaments. Happy Holidays!
Pet Allergies Are Nothing to Sneeze At
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
posted by Essential Needs @ 11:21 AM
If you have allergies, or know someone who does, then you know that having an allergic reaction can be quite an ordeal. Experiencing seasonal allergies is even worse because you can try taking medication, but you may never know the actual cause of your allergic reaction. Cats and dogs are much like humans when it comes to allergies.
Pet allergies range in their causes, like human allergies. If your pet has an allergy, the cause and even diagnosis can be difficult to uncover. This is due to the fact that a hot spot or skin condition may appear on your dog or cat for any number of reasons. It may take some time to determine that your pet does indeed have an allergy. Even after discovering the allergen, treatment consists of taking medication, supplements or just plain avoiding the allergen.
If you’ve read some of our other posts you’re probably aware that the pet skin doctor can’t stress being proactive enough. The best care for your pet(s) is preventative care. Hopefully you’ve done your homework on the type of pet you have and are prepared to be a responsible pet owner. Sometimes this means making tough choices when it comes to the health of your lovable companion. Before costly visits to the vet, do your own research. Thanks to the Internet, information is readily available. Google and pet owner forums can help you save a bundle in potential vet bills by possibly diagnosing issues yourself.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your pet to a veterinarian for regular checkups. An annual or semi-annual checkup is not that costly and will potentially save you a bundle down the road. Schedule an appointment with your vet right away if you suspect pet skin conditions or other potential health concerns, such as abnormal behavior. If you do not already have a regular vet, start searching for a professional, caring veterinarian now, that way you are prepared if/when you need them.
A hot spot in general terms is an area on your pet’s skin that is red, irritated, also possibly dry, very sore or infected. There are many potential underlying causes for a hot spot.
And although finding the original cause for pet hot spots is very important for the long-term health of your animal, treating the hot spot itself immediately will prevent it from getting worse. If the hot spot was caused by excessive scratching or chewing, then you must prevent your pet from being able to continue this destructive behavior.
Even though the symptoms of atopic dermatitis show up on the skin, it is most often caused by airborne allergens. The basic definition of this common skin problem is a predisposition to develop allergic symptoms following exposure to substances that are usually harmless, but have triggered an allergic response. Two of the most common offenders are dust mites and pollen, which are incredibly difficult for pets to avoid, since dust mites are virtually everywhere and pollen permeates the air outdoors.
The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs include itching, excessive scratching, rubbing on the carpet, hair loss, greasy or flaky skin with a foul odor, excessive chewing on the paws and areas such as the groin and armpits. Over time, the skin that is scratched can develop hot spots – raw, inflamed areas – that may become infected. Unfortunately, once dogs develop dog atopy they usually suffer more and more each year because their skin becomes more sensitive over time. What may start out as canine atopic dermatitis only in the spring and fall can become a year-round problem as your dog ages and his skin becomes increasingly sensitive.
Are you a first-time dog owner or a veteran? Either way, the importance of being a responsible, caring pet owner cannot be stressed enough. In my lifetime I have had many pets and it seems to me that each one is a new experience. Though there is so much more to learn when you are a first-time puppy or dog parent, each breed, age and personality of a canine makes for all-new adventures. And although doing your research on certain types of breeds before you adopt will help you be more prepared, there is almost always an unexpected factor, such as an illness or personality clash.
Assuming a healthy environment with loving pet owner’s already exist, only one other thing is certainly needed among all canine breeds and mutts alike - proper dog skin care! This begins from the inside out. An appropriate, healthy diet balanced with the proper exercise for your type of dog, is very important. We also include preventative care such as flea and tick treatment all-year round if you live in an area that is infected by these insects. Proper bathing and grooming, meaning often enough (but not too often so you don’t strip needed oils) and correctly, so that you don’t damage skin and coat. Take your dog to a professional groomer if you’re not sure how to properly do it or you find your dog is too difficult for your to handle. Common sense is a very effective tool when it comes to pet ownership, if something seems like it may be wrond then chances are that something is wrong. Find a professional, caring vet and take your pet for routine checkups! Remember, always err on the side of caution, your puppy or even full-grown dog is much like a child; they need to be protected, often from themselves!
If you’ve noticed your dog is constantly scratching and you’ve already ruled out fleas, then it’s time to get serious about figuring out what the cause is for the dog itchy skin.
First things first, begin checking over your dog’s skin and coat often, at least daily. Is constant scratching his only symptom? Or does he have patchy, red skin? Hot Spots? Loss of hair, as well? Dog itchy skin may just be caused by the dog’s natural oils being stripped, therefore causing dry, sensitive skin or it can be a much more serious health problem. This is especially true if your dog has any combination of the above mentioned symptoms.