Parasites

One of the most common causes of dog skin problems includes parasites such as fleas and mites. 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 a dog. If untreated, fleas can also cause anemia and tapeworms.

Today there are many different choices to protect your pet 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.

Dog Skin Allergies

Our yellow Lab "Lulu" suffered with dog skin allergies since we brought her home from 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 or probiotic to your dog's daily diet. This is in addition to a healthy, all-natural diet. Check out the 2010 10 Best Dog Food brands.

Dog 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 and building a stronger immune system over the years, her allergies subsided and she no longer needed "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".

Common Antihistimines And Dosages For Dogs

It is up to all dog owners to check with their Veterinarians first should their dog be taking any other prescription drugs for dog skin problems that might interfere with these medicines, etc. Dog owners must take notice to any reactions or serious side effects from the following medications and see a Veterinarian. Read the labels on the box regarding whether or not to give with food.

Non-Prescription OTC

Prescription Medicine Temaril P - Typically tablets are given twice daily. Then after four days, the dosage is reduced to 1/2 of the original dosage. Always give with food:

Food Allergies

Chewing the feet can be an indicator 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 skin 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 determining the source of the dog's itchy skin.

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.

Dogs Skin Infections

Both bacterial and yeast skin infections are other major causes for excessive dog skin problems. Cleanliness is very important for dogs with ongoing yeast problems. A dog skin rash or infection usually occurs when the 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.

Hot spots are another common skin problem in dogs. Learn how to prevent and treat dog hot spots.

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Summary

• If fleas are ruled out and your dog is still constantly itchy, it's a matter of determining whether the problem is food, environmental or both. Although this is not easy, try and determine a pattern of when he does most of his scratching and chewing.
• Does he scratch only after he eats or when he comes in from outside? Again, determine a pattern.
• Does he shake his head often and suffer with constant reoccurring ear infections? If so, this could indicate that "yeast" is a problem. Read more on Canine Yeast Infections.
• 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 Itching And Dog Skin Problems

• Keep your dog clean, including his ears, especially if he has a "yeast" problem.
• Rinse your dog's feet off when he comes in from outside if the grass is dewey such as early morning or later at night.
• If he is sensitive to people food, avoid it.
• Our choices of foods for dogs with allergies include Dehydrated, Home Prepared or Raw. Raw should only be tried if your dog is strong and healthy. It is not recommended for sick or convalescent dogs with a weakened immune system. You MUST know how to prepare raw. DO NOT guess at this. All forms of food should be Completely Natural.
• Watch your dog and try to identify timing patterns to determine what might be causing the constant chewing and nagging dog skin problems.

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