Pet Skin Doctor
Pet Skin Information
Archive for February, 2010
Dog itchy skin may actually be caused by dog dry skin. “What difference does it make?” You might ask. Well, a dog’s skin can become dry to any number of reasons. Some are more serious than others. If it is dry skin then you will not be able to get rid of dog itchy skin until you get the problem under control.
An often overlooked cause of dog dry skin is bathing too often. I know it’s hard not to give your dog regular baths. Especially in the summer with an indoor dog. I have a Dane and a Rottweiler and we try to bathe them only once every six weeks, but sometimes it makes me cringe to look at my hands after a good petting! However, bathing a dog too often will strip it’s skin of the natural oils that help produce a healthy skin and coat and therefore a healthier canine companion!
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If you’ve noticed your pet has been scratching, licking, chewing and/or biting more often than usual, you’ll want to take a serious look over of their skin and coat. Of course you’ll be looking for evidence of fleas, usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, a symptom of an underlying health problem is pet skin allergies. On the surface of the skin you will find red, irritated and/or dry patches of skin, as well as possible areas of hair loss or even open sores (depending on how long your pet has been itching or chewing the area).
The most common pet skin allergies are from parasites, such as flea saliva (not necessarily a major flea infestation as just one flea bite can cause an allergic reaction in some animals), an allergic reaction to a food, ingredient or by-product, or a hypersensitivity to pollen, wool, dust mites or other inhalant or contact allergens.
I know that it is not something that pet owner’s like to hear, but your pet can develop a food allergy or may lack proper nutrition caused by their daily pet food intake. Perhaps you’ve been feeding them the same brand or type of food for years and suddenly it seems to be causing pet skin conditions.
It may be a high quality pet food full of nutrients or a less expensive food containing mostly grains. A dog, cat or even ferret can develop a food allergy at any time and to any food, ingredient or food by-product. In fact, many animals who develop pet skin conditions, a symptom of an underlying cause, is due to a food allergy.
Cat Skin Problems Should Not Be Ignored
Friday, February 12, 2010
posted by Essential Needs @ 10:45 AM
If your feline friend has been acting oddly lately; perhaps she’s constantly scratching, licking, chewing or biting. Maybe you’ve noticed a little more shedding than usual? It’s very likely your pet has a cat skin problem if you’ve noticed any of the above or worse.
Cat skin problems are not something that should be ignored. They will not go away on their own, because they are typically a sign of something worse. The problems will turn into nasty hot spots or open sores. Excessive loss of hair can take years to grow back. It’s time to take action! The above signs are symptoms of an underlying cause most commonly known as skin allergies. Your cat may be allergic to their food, fleas or another parasite, grass or pollen, or even her favorite resting chair!
Pet Itchy Skin? Not Just Caused By Fleas
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
posted by Essential Needs @ 9:52 AM
If you’ve suddenly realized that your dog, cat or ferret is constantly scratching, licking or chewing their skin your first thought may have been, “Oh no! Not fleas!” You start to itch yourself at this thought! You call Fido over and get him to roll on his belly, checking that and his armpits, looking for the little nibblers. You don’t discover fleas, but instead a patch of red and irritated skin. Or maybe even a couple of patches.
The good news? It’s not fleas! The bad news? Pet itchy skin, if not caused by fleas, means you have a potentially larger problem on your hands. Sorry, but it’s best to deal with it as quickly as possible. First, you should attempt a way to keep your pet from getting at the area any longer. Next, make an appointment with your vet and then minimize the long-term effects on your pet’s coat and skin by treating the area with an all-natural skin therapy lotion while you research and monitor your pets condition until proper diagnosis can be made.
If you have been researching what breed of dog will best suit your family situation, you have probably been looking at personality and ease of training, but have you looked into potential problems in certain breeds? Depending on the type of dog – small, medium or large – that you have researched, you may have noticed a very common factor throughout many breeds. This unfortunate, common problem is known as Hip Dysplasia – a condition which is cause by a problem in the structure of the hip joint. The head of the thigh bone no longer fits firmly in the “cup” provided by the hip socket. Though it is seen mainly in larger dogs, it is the main cause of rear lameness in many dogs.
Though you won’t read as much about it, another common problem throughout pure breeds, designer breeds and mixed breeds of all sizes and ages alike is known as dog atopy. Dog atopy is defined as 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.
Generally, the Lhasa Apso is a very healthy breed of dog. Often mistaken for a Shitzu to the untrained eye, these little dogs are perfect apartment living pets. Unfortunately these lovable indoor companions are prone to dog skin conditions, especially if special care isn’t taken when it comes to their coat.
It is very important to keep this particular breed’s skin and coat free of parasites. Some advice when it comes to grooming: No trimming or stripping is needed, although when in full coat, they need to be brushed about once a day to keep their coats from matting. Some owners opt to cut the coats short for easier or less grooming. Dry shampoo as necessary. Check the feet for matting and for foreign matter stuck there. Clean the eyes and ears meticulously, for they tend to tear. A Lhasa Apso is an average shedder and is hypoallergenic, so they make great pets for people with sensitivity to pet odor.