dandruff « Dog Health – Disucss the best treatments for dog skin probbles |what are the best dog shampoos

May 18, 2010

Dog Dry Skin

Filed under: dog skin problems — Tags: dandruff, dog dry skin, dog health, dog skin problems, itchy dog, medicated dog shampoo, scratching — admin @ 8:08 pm

Having a dog with dry skin is an issue that can easily be treated if the correct treatment option is used. Often people use off the shelf shampoos and conditioner on their dogs which can actually cause more skin damage. To best treat dog dry skin, it is best to use a medicated dog shampoo that is made just for dogs; do not use one made for humans.

One of the better quality dog shampoos that works very well for dog dry skin is one that contains oatmeal and aloe-vera. These two ingredients do a great job adjusting the dogs skin to its correct ph balance. They also do a great job moisturizing and healing the dogs skin. Oatmeal also has good anti odor properties!

If you dogs has severe dry itchy skin, you should also begin providing her (or him) with a daily digestive enzyme that will help end dogs dry skin and eliminate skin problems such as dandruff, eczema, and yeast infections. The ncie thing about dog digestive enzymes is that they also promote overall health and vigor above and beyond what they do for the skin.

Dog dry skin issues are very common and can easily be cured by selecting the correct medicated dog shampoo. Hopefully you will soon be able to say goodbye to itchy dogs and constant scratching!

Sucessfully treated for dogs fry skin

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Dog Itching

The actual health-related terminology often mentioned by vets for extreme dog itching is pruritus. Itching in dogs generally isn’t cause for alarm, however, if it gets to be extreme it may perhaps be a sign pointing to a far more severe condition. There are several diverse skin problems in dogs that can perhaps be the reason for the scratching and itching. If a canine’s itchy skin is contributing to the occurrence of additional skin issues such as soreness and reddening of the skin, skin abrasions and hair loss, or you observe the dog chewing at his or her paws, then the canine should be taken to a veterinary clinic for an examination for these are all signs of a more severe skin condition. If it isn’t treated, the animal’s scratching could lead to infections. Even though any breed of dog may develop pruritus, Westies, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers appear to have a greater frequency of occurrences than most other breeds of canine.

The Reasons Behind Dog Itching

Itchy skin in canines takes place as a result of a chemical response that takes place at or just below the surface of the skin. In the event it is extreme, it’s typically a clue that the canine is coping with at least one of several skin problems of a more significant nature.

Intense dog itching could be an indication of these skin problems in dogs:

• Flea allergies are the most popular cause of dog allergies. As a flea bites your pet, it drops a minute amount of saliva beneath the skin which causes a chemical reaction that causes scratching and itching in dogs.


• Seasonal allergy is also a typical cause of itching in canines. These allergies are like asthma and hay fever in humans. As the canine breathes in allergens like dust, pollen and molds, it brings about an allergic reaction from the animal’s immune system. This form of allergy can also lead to respiratory troubles as well as triggering a canine’s itching and scratching.


• Another kind of allergy that is less common but is a source of scratching and itching in canines is a food allergy. A food allergy is triggered by the animal consuming food or a food ingredient that it’s allergic to.


• We can also add dog mange to our list of skin conditions in dogs that can cause itching. Scabies, medically known as sarcoptic mange, is triggered by a mite digging directly under the surface of the skin. The mite feeds on materials at or beneath the canine’s skin producing uncontrollable and ceaseless itching.


• Bacteria and yeast infections might also be causing a dog’s itching and scratching problems. Infections are normally brought on by lesions and cuts which are not adequately taken care of. Ear mites often bring about this form of skin problem in dogs.

Diagnosing Skin Problems in Dogs

Figuring out why a dog is scratching has typically turned out to be very difficult for a lot of dog owners and veterinarians. To diagnose the cause of the difficulty, several examinations and treatments might possibly need to be performed meaning the diagnosis might take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a number of months. Based mostly upon the canine’s symptoms and medical history, a vet will run a number of laboratory exams which typically include drawing samples of blood, skin scrapings, taking culture samples and performing a biopsy of the skin.

How to Treat Dog Itching

Even if the rudimentary source of an animal’s itchy skin is still not known, there are remedies offered to restore the dog’s skin and put an end to the itchiness. A vet might possibly propose the use of antihistamines, shampoos, skin creams or possibly even immunotherapy in less serious instances. In the more severe circumstances, he may possibly advocate treatment utilizing steroids. Steroids are known to cause undesirable side effects like urinary incontinence, excessive panting and dehydration, and sustained use may perhaps bring about the development of Cushing’s disease or diabetes, so if you do decide to try them, heed extreme care. Most canines may well need constant help for their skin problem.

All-natural Dog Itching Remedies

A lof of small animal clinics are currently recommending natural itching dog remedies as a safe and soothing type of therapy. It’s an alternative to using corticosteroids and other sorts of medicines that might cause adverse side effects. You can choose from a number of safe and successful holistic canine skin treatments that offer patients some needed relief by revitalizing the dog’s coat as well as purging and treating the dog’s skin.

Post Resources

• Diagnosing Itching And Scratching In Canines And Locating Remedies


• The Potential Causes Of Itching And Scratching In Dogs And Ways Of Treating It


• The Possible Causes Of Scratching In Dogs And How To Treat It


• The Reasons For Itchiness In Dogs And How To Treat It


• The Causes Of Scratching And Itching In Dogs And Locating Treatments

Why is my dog losing hair?

I have an 8 year old, short red haired, miniature dachshund. Over the course of the last 5 months he has started losing hair. It started with hair loss on the end of his ears and has progressed to sports of hair loss over most of his body. Over the last few weeks I noticed spots of black hair appearing on his back which is now falling out. The tips of his ears are dry and there are small scabs on the tops of his ears. The bald spot skin is mildly scaly and there are patches of dark skin in some areas, including under his armpitts. He does not smell and is not itching. He is his same old happy self! I have been researching dog skin problems and read somewhere that problems can be caused by allergic reactions. Looking back….I think that there maybe be a chance that this started around about the time we got hima woolen cover that he sleeps under. Do you think this may be causing his skin and hair problems? or could it be something worse?

Thanks for any heklp given.

Why is my dog losing hair?
If you think it could be the thing he sleeps on/over whatever, take that away ( to see i would recommend keeping it away for a month) To see if that is the problem. I would also Have the vet check him out as he may have medical problems causing this.

Whenever you bath him use an oatmeal natural shampoo as this will give moisture to the skin, which he needs if it is dry and flaky. I would also suggest a high quality natural food ( cheap foods can cause problems like this) My dog eats Orijen and LOVES IT he turns his nose up to anything else.

Other food that is good:

Solid Gold.

Barking AT the moon.

Innuva (good for the sensitive guys)

Wellness (although they recently changed formulas)

Canidae.

Prairie

Timber wolf (my dog wont eat this, and it is very expensive at least were i live)

I would certainly check with the vet to make sure there’s no medical problems. And change food, only after assuring no medical problems.
Reply:take him to a vet it could be a number of different problems.a flea allergy some kind of mange an allergic reaction to something?
Reply:I don’t want to scare you, but it may be mights. Bring him to the vet.

Helpful Information about your Dogs Skin Conditions

Dog skin conditions skin conditions are among the most common heath problems for dogs and the condition of a dogs skin can also be an important indicator of its over all health.  There are many reasons why dog skin problems may occur and if you do not take immediate action then it will only get worse. Things to look out for that your dog has a skin condition are frequent scratching, licking or chewing on skin or bald patches where the hair has fallen out. Dog skin conditions can be group into categories according to the causes,

1. Immune mediated skin disorders


2. Physical and environmental skin diseases


3. Infectious skin diseases


4. Flea allergy dermatitis


5. Hereditary and developmental skin diseases

This site will provide you with information on detecting, treating and preventing different types of dog skin conditions.

Allergic Dermatitis

You dog can suffer a allergic reaction to a variety of things such as grooming products, food and environmental irritants. Such  allergic reactions may cause your dog to scratch relentlessly and can often cause a bad rash. The most effective treatment for Allergic Dermatitis is to identify what is causing it and avoid exposure.

 Yeast Infection

Symptoms of a  Yeast infection include itchy, irritated or discolored skin and can cause your dog to constantly scratch their ear or licking their toes. This type of skin condition is easy to diagnose and your veterinarian could prescribe oral drugs or medicated baths.

How to Treat Skin Problems in Dogs

Who wouldn’t want a healthy and playful dog in the house? And because the dog is your pet and lives in your house, it is your responsibility to keep it healthy. I have always categorized pet dogs into two types, one who have are ‘huggable’ and others who are ‘avoidable’. It’s not a dog’s fault that it is suffering from a skin problem, it is rather a sign of an inattentive owner. If you don’t want yourself to be called one, then it is very important for you to understand the need to treat skin problems in dogs and make your house, a home of a huggable dog, and not an ‘avoidable’ one!

Different Approaches to Treat Skin Problems in Dogs

Treating skin problems in dogs can be both easy and difficult at the same time. Easy, if the skin problem is as normal or common as pollen allergy; difficult, if it is associated with some autoimmune disease like lupus. The medications and drugs used for treating these skin problems vary depending upon the skin condition. The most popular option is the use of antihistamines, which is usually used to deal with allergies. Apart from that cortisone pills, sprays and injections are also used for treatment purposes. However, the treatment of canine problems involves a step by step process wherein you need to understand what is bothering your pet. Have a look at the following tips and instructions that will help you cure your dog’s skin problems.

Find out What Skin Problem Your Dog is Suffering From
Now there are various kinds of skin problems that your dog can suffer from. Some of the most common ones include hotspots, hair loss and shedding known as alopecia, problems caused by parasites (mites, fleas and ticks), yeast infections and dry and flaky skin. Though most of these skin infections are not life-threatening, they are definitely ‘mind threatening’! I mean, don’t you find it highly irritating when you watch your dog licking or scratching like nobody’s business? Most of the dog owners don’t take this behavior seriously and consider it to be common. But being a responsible dog owner, you need to understand that there is something bothering your dog and you need to do something to relief him.

Find out What Could be the Cause of the Skin Problem
The most common reasons for dogs to suffer from skin problems include food allergies, parasites, allergies from environmental pollutants like dust and pollens, and in severe cases the skin problem could be a result of underlying illnesses including immune disorders and cancer! So you must not neglect even the slightest of skin rash or problem that you see in your dog’s skin and find out what is it that is causing the problem.

Consulting Your Vet is a Must
Unless you are a vet yourself, it is not possible for you to find out the ‘what and why’ behind the skin problem. Your doctor would check the symptoms and the appearance of the skin and then conduct certain physical examinations and tests including a skin test and a blood test. These tests will actually help in determining the type of skin problem that your dog is suffering from and the reason behind it. The treatment would depend upon the problem. If it is due to a food allergy, then the solution would be to stop using the food containing the source of allergy. On the other hand, if your dog has certain lesions which are diagnosed to be cancerous, then radiation therapy and surgery would be required.

Take Care of Your Pet Dog by…
Like humans, even dogs need grooming and care. If your dog is suffering from allergies and skin problems, you need to make sure that you do all that you can, to take care of your dog. This can be done by following the vet’s advice and making sure that you give your dog the prescribed treatment. As mentioned earlier, the treatment would depend upon the skin problem. For example, if your dog is suffering from ringworm, then treatment would include various antifungal treatments. Another skin problem known as impetigo, which is a bacterial infection which results in pus-filled blisters. This is usually treated with topical application of anti bacterial solution.

Observe Your Pet Dog Regularly to Check on Recurrence!
Well, some of the skin infections may tend to re-occur once the treatment is stopped. So you need to keep monitoring the behavior of your pet in terms of the licking and the scratching. Like how you need to pay regular visits to the doctor to keep a track of your health and fitness, your dog also needs the same, in fact more than you because you can at least express to your family that you’re not feeling OK. But your dog cannot do so, unless you read his behavior.

Additional Tips for Prevention!
There are certain things that you must do for your pet like, regular grooming and maintaining cleanliness. These and the things listed below can make sure that your dog is healthy and huggable.

• A healthy diet is a must as well, although make sure that you don’t feed your dog with food items that contain food colorings and chemicals. Including supplements of omega 3 essential fatty acids would prove to be beneficial and is commonly advised by vets for dogs with skin problems.


• A bath with “colloidal oatmeal” soothes the skin from itching and irritation not only for humans, but for animals as well. Make sure that you make your pet dog bath in cool water as warm water can add to the itchiness and discomfort.


• Avoid using chemical detergents and washing soap to clean your household. It may be because of the chemicals present in the bed sheets, sofas and cushions that may be the culprit behind the skin problems.

When you get a pet dog at your home, it is not just a ‘pet dog’, it is a part of your family, and you need to take care of it as you would take care of any other ‘human’ family member. So, instead of getting confused and trying to be the doctor yourself, you should understand that the best way of how to treat skin problem in dogs or any other pet is to take them to the vet. Just make sure that you cater to their basic needs of food, shelter, hygiene and cuddling, and you can be assured that you will have a loving, huggable, and adorable best friend for life.

Common Skin Problems in Dogs - More On Paws And Claws

Dogs are susceptible to various skin problems which can be frustrating for owners who want to see them comfortable and happy. Does your dog have a skin problem, and if so, how do you fix it?

That depends on the symptoms you see. Of course, the most common sign of a possible skin problem in your dog is constant, excessive itching. Other symptoms include fur loss, either localized in a certain location or spread across the dog’s entire body. More severe cases may involve redness in the skin, changes in skin pigmentation or even open sores that your dog constantly licks.

No particular symptom necessarily proves your four-footed friend has a certain type of skin disorder, and you’ll need to investigate other areas before you draw conclusions. While it’s common and helpful for veterinarians to diagnose skin problems, it’s also essential for dog owners like you to familiarize yourself with typical canine skin problems, so you can react quickly and keep his discomfort to a minimum.

Fleas, Lice and Ticks

One of the most common problems in dogs is the presence of fleas, lice and ticks, which are parasites that live on the surface of the skin and feed on the dog’s blood. These parasites’ saliva causes skin irritation and results in intense scratching.

Lice and ticks can be detected visually when you check your dog’s fur, while fleas are hard to spot with the naked eye. However, fleas cause red pimple marks on the skin and also can be spotted through the black, gritty trail of “dirt” they leave on a dog’s belly.

While you can remove ticks and lice with tweezers applying alcohol to relax the tick’s grip before doing so you can also adopt more general methods. For instance, you can give your dog a dip with special tick shampoo to eliminate ticks. Flea sprays or flea powder can also be applied to the dog to kill parasites. But all these require persistence and it may be a while before you see results.

One of the best methods to keep your dog comfortable is to prevent ticks from living off your dog in the first place through the use of a spot-on product, such as FrontLine or BioSpot. To apply these chemicals, you drip a small amount onto the back of your dog’s neck once a month. The chemical spreads throughout the dog’s skin and kills parasites including the eggs and larvae. When regularly treated, your dog becomes an unattractive host.

Mange

Mange is a skin problem caused by mites that burrow underneath the dog’s skin, causing intense and even agonizing itching. Bald spots or inflamed red skin are common symptoms of mange. Two types of mange exist in dogs: sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange, depending on the kind of mite involved.

Inflamed red skin on dog

Most dogs carry the mites involved in demodectic mange or demodex. However, these mites usually do not cause itching except when they suddenly multiply into huge numbers. This may happen in young puppies, or in dogs with decreased natural body defenses, sometimes from stress.

On the other hand, Sacroptic mange or scabies causes intense itching in the dog as the mites burrow under the skin and even lay their eggs there. This causes large red spots on the dog’s skin, and sometimes fur loss on the ears and elbows. Scabies can infect humans as well and cause itchiness, although infection in humans usually disappears by itself after a while. However, it is still important for people to seek treatment if they get infected.

Treatment for mange requires patience and time, as eliminating them or lowering the mite population takes a while to take effect. The best way to kill the mites is to soak your dog in a lime and sulfur medicated dip for 10 to 15 minutes a few times in a week. The dip should not be washed off, but left to dry on your dog’s skin and fur. During this time, it’s best to watch your dog closely and prevent him from licking himself dry. As a further precaution, you can feed him a raw egg to line his stomach before dipping him in the solution. This way, even if he does lick himself, the solution won’t be absorbed on an empty stomach.

When fighting mange, it’s also important to support your dog with the highest quality diet you can find, to improve his immune system. Healing from mange will take a lot of his internal resources. You might consider looking into the raw diet for dogs and avoiding any corn or rice-based products for the time being.

About the author
Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of Poodle-oo: Fashion for Toy Dogs. Stop by for toy dog couture and home decor, free toy dog postcards and the Toy Dog Blog. http://www.poodle-oo.com/

Category: Dogs

Care For a Dog"s Dry Skin

If your dog is itchy and has dry, flaky skin accompanied by bumps, scabs, pimples and patches of thinning hair, he might have seborrhea (dandruff). Bathing him every other day with warm water and a medicated shampoo containing sulfur or salicylic acid may help. You can also use an after-bath rinse or moisturizing spray containing colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, fatty acids or urea

Your dog’s condition might be caused by poor nutrition. Many commercial dog foods lack essential fatty acids and vitamins such as A, E and B-3 (niacin) . Try a higher-quality dog food or talk to a veterinarian about supplements specifically for healthy skin and coat.

Frequent bathing can cause dry skin. Bathe your dog as little as possible, using a moisturizing shampoo made especially for dogs. Human shampoo is too harsh for dogs because our skin has a different pH [source:  Brushing your dog regularly will help him stay clean and stimulate his skin to produce moisturizing oils

You can also try the following home remedies to relieve your dog’s dry skin problem:
Add olive oil to his food two or three times a week.
Bathe your dog in a warm water and oatmeal solution.
Apply teat tree oil, fish oil, calendula extract or vitamin E (all available in health food stores) to his skin.
Make sure your dog is well hydrated by providing him with more water, fresh fruits, vegetables and meats, or by adding water to his dry dog food

If nothing helps, or if your dog’s skin condition worsens, see a veterinarian to rule out other causes for his dry skin, like mange, infection or ringworm. It may be necessary to treat your dog with prescription medication