Dog Skin Problems And Determining The Source
The Most Common Reasons For Dog Skin Problems Are
Parasites, Dog Allergies And Skin Infection
Parasites
Fleas and mites are the most common cause of dog skin problems. Since one female flea can consume fifteen times her body weight in blood over her adult life, that one single flea can cause tremendous misery for your dog. If untreated, fleas can also cause anemia and tapeworms.
No Dog Should Have Fleas
Today there are many different choices to protect our pets from fleas and ticks, yet veterinarians still see many dogs with flea problems on a daily basis. Spot treatments are the most common and seem to be the most effective way to control fleas, ticks and mites.
Avoid dog skin problems such as fleas and ticks by using spot treatments regularly or as directed by the manufacturer.
On several pages through-out our site we recommend keeping a calendar specifically for your dog's maintenance. Place it on the fridge or in a location that always catches your attention. Mark down on the calendar when you applied the treatment or when it is due again, whatever works for you.
Save up to 50% on Frontline, Advantix and other flea and tick products at PetCareRx.
Canine Allergies
Our yellow Lab "Lulu" suffered with dog allergies and skin problems since the day we picked her up at the Humane Society when she was only two. Over the years, we have learned that allergies can be just as difficult to pinpoint in dogs as they are in humans.
It helps to observe your dog regularly to determine when he seems to scratch or chew most often. This will ultimately help to determine what's causing the problem.
Whether humans or animals, allergies occur when the body's immune system is weakened. The dog's gastrointestinal tract a.k.a. the digestive tract plays a very large role in his immune system. We strongly recommend adding a digestive aid/enzyme to your dog's daily diet. This in addition to a premium all natural food is many times all a dog will need to
Heal The Skin Entirely.
Seasonal Allergens
If you notice your dog chewing and scratching more in the mornings after he comes in from outside, then it's possible he's sensitive to pollen, mold, ragweed or other environmental factors. Also, allergies can include a sensitivity to dust. So, if dusting the house is considered low on your priority list, yet you notice that Fido is fine until he comes into the house, then it's possible that he is sensitive to dust-mites.
Environmental allergens are usually treated with anti-inflammatories and shampoos. For several years, Lulu took two "Temeril P" tablets every other day and she lived very comfortably. We did start to notice that she became more incontinent than when she first started taking the pills.
Due to a healthier diet over the years, her allergies are practically gone and she is no longer on "Temeril P". We do recommend that you discuss your dog's allergies and skin conditions with your own veterinarian to determine the absolute safest and best treatment that "works".
Plain Benedryl can help for mild cases of seasonal allergies, but check with your veterinarian on the recommended dosage for your old dog. If you are uncertain as to which formula is the plain formula, ASK THE PHARMACIST, because not all formulas are safe for dogs.
Food Allergies
Veterinarians say that chewing the feet is a common sign of food allergies. Although food allergies are less common in dogs, they can become more severe. We recommend either feeding an all natural holistic premium food or using Dr. Pitcairns recipes and making your dog's meals.
Diet, Airborne or Both?
Unfortunately, you can't tell by looking whether it's trees or food causing his dog allergies. Although costly, a veterinarian who specializes in dermatology and dog skin problems can provide Intradermal Skin Testing which is the most accurate method of identifying exactly what your dog is allergic to.
First priority for owners tackling dog skin problems or dog allergies should be to immediately Work On The Diet.
While veterinarians often suggest an expensive prescription diet, there are many premium foods on the market specifically for dogs with food allergies and other dog skin problems.
Remember, just because your dog doesn't do well on lamb doesn't mean that he won't do well on a fish based food. We recommend that you explore the premium foods for dog skin allergies first before jumping into a prescription diet. The real key is to observe your dog's patterns.
Skin Infections
Both bacterial and yeast skin infections are other major causes for excessive dog chewing and scratching. Skin infections generally occur when the dog's skin immune system is compromised. Allergies, sickness or stress can all compromise the immune system.
A bacterial infection may appear as small bumps on the surface of the skin. Yeast skin infections smell bad and appear as a thick, brown and greasy paste and can often be found the ears. A yeast problem not only smells bad, but causes the dog to be extremely itchy and chew at himself excessively.
Summary
- If your dog is itchy all the time and fleas are ruled out, it's a matter of determining whether the problem is food, environmental or both. Try and determine a pattern of when he does most of his scratching and chewing.
- Does he scratch continuously, after he eats or when he comes in from outside? Again, determine a pattern.
- Does he only chew his feet which might indicate food is the problem?
- Does he shake his head often and suffer with constant reoccurring ear infections? If so, this could indicate that "yeast" is a problem.
- Scooting on the behind is commonly due to an anal gland problem and unfortunately dogs with allergies will usually have anal gland problems as well.
- Continuous soft stool can also be a symptom of dog allergies and could be caused by either food or the environment.
Helpful Tips for Dog Skin Problems
- Keep your dog clean, including his ears, especially if he has a "yeast" problem.
- If he is sensitive to people food, avoid it.
- Stick to All Natural forms of food or Raw.
- PLAIN "Benedryl" ONLY (little pink pills) is safe for dogs and can help with the itch. Again, it's critical that you check with your vet to find out the necessary dosage for your dog. Also, be safe and ask the Pharmacist for help.
- The prescription medicine "Temeril P" includes prednisolone and trimeprazine and work wonders for canine allergies. Keep in mind that all dogs are different and all drugs do have side effects, so please talk to your veterinarian about this medication in detail.
- Watch your dog and try to identify timing patterns to determine what might be causing the constant chewing and nagging dog skin problems.
Start with your best friends diet and monitor his progress. Don't expect miracles in a week and don't get discouraged. This is a process that could take several months or longer before you can see any real progress. Again, keep your dog as clean as possible.
Dog Skin Disorders
Conditioning Your Dog's Skin
Eliminating Flea And Tick Problems
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