Common Causes of Your Dog’s Persistent Itch
Allergies caused by fleas Many pets are allergic to flea saliva. Removing fleas from your pet’s environment can help reduce your pet’s risk of developing flea allergy dermatitis. Yeast or fungal infections Continuous itching damages the skin, making it more susceptible to yeast or fungal infections. If left untreated, these infections can lead to more […]
How to Treat 5 Common Skin Diseases in Dogs
Skin disease is very common in pets. Pet skin disease may involve changes in your pet’s coat and the development of lesions, such as papules, pustules, crusting, and scaling. Varying amounts of pus and discharge may also be seen. Several types of skin medications are used to treat these conditions, including antibiotics, antifungal medications, anti-inflammatory […]
Managing Your Dog’s Dry Winter Skin
When cold weather arrives, your dog may experience dry skin or dandruff. Help promote the health of your dog’s skin and coat with these three simple steps: Restore skin health Feeding your dog a multivitamin with fatty acids may help to maintain healthy skin, coat, eyes, heart, and brain. Manage flaky and scaly skin Colloidal […]
Managing Your Dog’s Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are common in dogs. The major causes of dog allergies include fleas, inhalant/contact (environmental) allergies, and food allergies. Signs that your dog has allergies include itching, face rubbing, and paw licking. Over time, crusting, scabbing, sores, and bleeding may occur. Yeast or bacterial infections are also common in allergic dogs. Many dogs with […]
Manage Your Dog’s Itching Caused By Allergies
Allergies in dogs may be triggered by food or the environment (dust mites or pollen) and can cause persistent itching. If left untreated, your dog is likely to develop chronic ear infections, hot spots, or other skin infections, which can cause the skin to have a strong odor. Relieve your dog’s itching Use topical sprays […]
How to Bathe Your Dog
Do not use human shampoos on your dog’s skin. Human grade shampoos contain chemicals that are too harsh to use on dog skin. Bathe your dog with a shampoo specially formulated for his or her skin and coat needs. Use a washcloth to clean your dog’s face and ears. Dilute the shampoo with water (1:10 […]
Control Your Dog’s Itching and Allergies from Fleas
The #1 cause of itching is fleas. If your pet has excessive itching, it could be the result of an allergy to flea saliva or flea allergy dermatitis. Even if you do not see fleas on your pet, it only takes one flea bite to cause an allergic reaction. To help relieve your pet’s suffering, […]
Finding a Lump or Wart on Your Dog
Lumps and bumps are commonly found in pets, especially in middle age and older pets. Many times animal guardians find these “excrescences” while petting or grooming their pets. Lumps can take many forms from raised, ulcerative, and/or bleeding lumps, innocent skin tags, or painless moveable nodules below the skin. Growths may appear on any area […]
How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Your Dog
Unlike cats, dogs need our help to keep clean and fresh-smelling. In fact, most dogs seem to revel in being stinky! But if you put off bathing your dog, you’ll eventually notice the characteristic “dirty dog” smell. According to the ASPCA, you should bathe your dog at least every 3 months. Of course, you may […]
Caring for Your Dog’s Skin and Coat
Keys to a glowing, healthy coat The condition of your pet’s coat is a good indicator of whether or not he or she is in good health. Just like humans, pets can have allergies to foods, environmental factors and even flea bites. This sensitivity can cause dry, flaky skin, hot spots and a dull coat. […]
Which Skin Supplements Are Best for My Dog?
Skin disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen in small pet veterinary practice. Prescription medications are certainly important in managing many pet skin diseases; however, nutritional supplements are also increasingly used, especially for skin allergies. Many pets with excessive itching and secondary inflammation of the skin will benefit from fatty acid supplements, […]
Shampoos for Dogs With Skin Allergies
Maintaining your dog’s skin and coat health is just one of many important steps when grooming your dog. But did you know that if you use human shampoo on your dog, you could be stripping your dog’s skin of its natural oils? Many human grade shampoos contain chemicals that are too harsh to use on […]
Solutions for Your Cat’s Skin Infections
Causes of skin infections in cats can be quite varied. Trauma and bite wounds, external skin parasites (including ringworm and mange) and bacterial infections from underlying allergies (flea bites, inhalant/contact allergens, food allergies) may all cause cat skin infections. Viral infections such as feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus may also predispose some cats […]
Managing Your Cat’s Dry Winter Skin
When cold weather arrives, your cat may experience dry skin or dandruff. Help promote the health of your cat’s skin and coat with these three simple steps: Restore skin health Supplementing your cat’s diet with Omega 3 fatty acids may help to maintain healthy skin, coat, eyes, heart, and brain. Manage flaky and scaly skin […]
Hair Loss Treatment for Cats
Specific treatments for hair loss in pets will depend on the underlying cause. When encountering a patient with hair loss, veterinarians will take careful notes of the breed/age of the pet, as well as ask historical information from the pet owner. For pets less than one year old, or pets that have been adopted from […]