Skin Problems

Many of our dogs experience skin problems. One thing to keep in mind: Regular grooming helps keep the skin and coat healthy. Brushing distributes skin oils and removes dead hairs. Giving your dog a rubdown with a damp towel, between shampoos, really feels good to the dog and it helps with itching. We have a Sensitive Shampoo with an Oatmeal base, too.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis – Amazingly enough, the bite from a single flea can cause an eruption of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). This is the most common allergy in dogs. Many dogs are highly sensitive to certain substances in flea saliva and the allergic reaction caused by the bite results in severe itching, inflamed skin and red bumps on the skin long after the fleas have been eliminated. FAD is at its worst during hot Summer/Fall days. Treatment at the vet’s office can involve antihistamines, corticosteroids and sometimes antibiotics. We have Frontline and Advantage to help you get rid of fleas and Royal Coat can bolster the skin’s natural healing powers with Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Hot Spots - Hopefully your pet will never get a hot spot. An infection on the skin involving warm, painful and swollen areas can result when dead hair gets trapped next to the skin. Like so many skin problems, they develop in response to flea bites, allergies and lack of grooming. They are especially common in thick coated dogs. A thorough brushing down to the skin in very important in preventing this problem. We have Itch Free which when sprayed on a spot stops the itching for a while. It’s natural.

After discussing with you and helping treat the underlying cause for this problem, your doctor will probably clip away the hair and cleanse the skin. Antibiotics, oral corticosteroids and one of the Elizabethan collars can keep the dog from gnawing the spot is usually prescribed.

Our two Goldens got hot spots on their faces right after our gardener added fertilizer to the backyard. Maybe it was a coincidence but environmental changes can definitely affect your pet.

Lick Granulomas - Formally known as acral pruritic dermatitis are open sores, usually on the dog’s wrist or ankle. They are common in many large breeds, including Dobermans, Labradors and Great Danes. The licking starts when the foot/toe area becomes itchy. Then, with licking, the hair comes off, and the skin becomes red and thickened. When the underlying cause is treated (Good Luck) the itching will go away but the problem of the dog’s habit of licking needs to be discouraged. You can bring out the Elizabethan Collar, use bitter apple as a taste deterrent or distract the dog with playtime. Having another dog around is a very good distraction to a bored dog who licks his paw when he is alone.

Hope this helps…..