Dog & Cat Diseases : About Canine Skin Disorders
There are a number of canine skin disorders, the most common of which are caused by allergies and fleas. Find out how to treat a variety of skin disorders with help from a staff veterinarian in this free video on dog health and pet care. Expert: Dr. James Talbott Bio: Dr. James R. Talbott is a staff veterinarian at Belle Forest Animal Hospital and Kennel in Nashville, Tenn. Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge
?new Hampshire Man Creates All Natural Skin Care Products for Man and Beast?
On a summer morning in August of 2004, the 19th to be exact, I remember seeing the overhead lights flash above my head as I was rolled down the hallway to the elevator at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in downtown Boston. I expected my life to change after they were done. The Doctor’s were sure this surgery was necessary and upon reflection of my condition I had to agree. The large, heavy doors swung open as I was wheeled into the operating room and about all I remembered until I awoke in recovery, were these words. “This will help you to relax”, next thing I knew I was out cold.
Several hours had passed before I awoke and was able to gain my bearings. I was tired, but I felt good, relaxed, but wide-awake, anxious, yet calm. Soon I was able to see my wife and sons and we looked at each other as the tears began to flood our eyes, we all knew change had come and it had arrived with full force. I pulled back the sheet covering my right side and looked down to the emptiness that now was a reality. Tears fled our eyes and ran down our cheeks as we accepted with finality my condition; you see they had just removed my right leg about 4 inches below the knee. Life often changes in ways we could never imagine, I mean in all honesty, these things happen to other people, is usually the first thought that comes to someone’s mind, isn’t it?
After several weeks I finally came home after a stint at a rehabilitative unit and found I could only use my wheel in our small kitchen. I would have to use the walker to go throughout our tiny apartment. We are grateful to have it as the Lord had provided it right when we needed it most.
My name is David Harper and I sold cars for Volkswagen in Manchester, NH to support my family and I was also a country evangelist on staff at our church. Life changes in drastic ways, but you must learn to accept those changes and “ Take your liabilities, or in my case, disabilities and learn to turn them into assets.” Changes do not have to become a negative, in my case it led me to make all natural bar soaps to help me avoid infections and complications on my stump or residual limb, call it what you want. There, in that small kitchen, the only room I could get around in, I started researching natural soap recipes and healing properties of essential oils. After a while I found a combination that seemed to work, plus it was much healthier for my family as well. I dreamed of creating a company called the “White Mountain Soap Company” but with no reasonable income to speak of, I let the idea and the dream go.
In February of 2007 a Pastor friend and his wife came to visit me from Rhode Island, his name was Nash Desent and his wife was Suzanne. They have nine children ranging in age from 6-21 at the time. They were concerned with how we were getting along. I had met Nash at a weekend prayer retreat 5 years earlier and we had become close friends during bi-monthly meeting we attended for the Independent Baptist Prayer Fellowship we belonged to. They are one of the most generous families we have ever known. We have known a few and they rank up toward the top of our list.
I noticed Suzanne had a skin problem on her face and she told me about the dust mites that were constantly attacking her and it seemed she found no relief with either problem. She was constantly in a rash caused by the mites and the skin condition on her face looked a lot like psoriasis, the flaky type you can get from the winter. After our visit I sent her home with 4 or 5 bars of soap and asked her to try it to see if it would help. Only a few days had passed and I received a call that she was 90% better and the dust mites no longer plagued her. What a blessing for me to have such a report about my soap.
Nash called me with in a few days and asked me what my desire was in creating this soap. I stated that my original intent was to find a concoction that would benefit other amputees and diabetics with skin care products that would make a difference and help them maintain healthy limbs and skin tone. He asked me what it would take to get started and the rest is history as they say. The White Mountain Products Company was born and its “Limb Defense” Line was launched. Our first liquid sample batch was created in our kitchen and from there we moved production to a state of the art sterile laboratory setting out of state. The only request that was made upon me was to make a product line they could use for their dogs as well. You see the Desent’s own “Desent Alaskan Malamutes” and are registered breeders with the AKC. Not a problem for me, and our Malamute Mountain Brand of Canine Defense products was also launched on May 26th, 2007.
Our products are all naturals and can help with a host of problems amputees, diabetics, psoriasis suffers experience, as well as your best friend (dog) may experience. Dust mites, hot spots, abrasions, ulcers, dry patches, and cysts, nail fungus, fleas, and ticks. The list could go on. Many people have told us of the beneficial effects our products have had on their dogs and how their lives were made better by the simple use of a shampoo and skin lotion. Our products have a medicinal smell due primarily to the Melaleuca Alternifolia Oil (tea tree oil). The Desent’ also were able to start bathing their puppies within one (1) week of birth with no ill effects. On a very positive note, wet dog smell has been virtually eliminated with the use of our products and the coats color is greatly enhanced by the use of Aloe and other essential oils.
Our “Limb Defense and Canine Defense” line of products have been sent all over the world to help amputees, diabetics, and psoriasis/eczema sufferers, as well as pet owners who want the best for their animals. Read the warning labels on most canine shampoos and you will be shocked at the danger they pose to yourself as well as your pet. I was shocked at the many warnings I read on multiple manufacturer labels. One that will make you laugh was made by a National Company you would recognize, that simply stated it was not to be put in water and that it was considered hazardous waste when you disposed of the product or its packaging. That, I thought was amazing! Why would anyone even consider using such a product as this, but I realized that most folks just don’t know about the dangers and in many cases these products can be produced very cheaply and that is often a very appealing consideration in purchasing just about any product.
I saw a need in the community as a whole and decided I wasn’t going to accept being disabled with out a fight, and I still fight on a daily basis to be up and around because of health issues, but I don’t give in to it…I have often said since my amputation, “If you fail, try again, if you fall, pick yourself up, if you stumble into a pit of discouragement, climb or claw your way out, and along the way encourage others by your example and never, ever consider giving up!” Life is too precious to waste!
Amputees and diabetics are everywhere, there numbers are increasing every year, and they need any help that can come their way, which can help them avoid skin and limb related issues. Please tell your friends about our products and let other dog owners know there are products available to help their beloved animals.
Amputee of 3 years who created personal care products for amputees to help fight infection and skin related problems associated with wearing a prosthetic leg. Married for almost 23 years to Ellen, and we have two grown sons Dave & Rick. We reside in New Hampshire
We are an Internet based company and you may visit us at the addresses below.
Canine Defense products will be found at the Malamute Mountain Naturals site below:
www.MalamuteMountainNaturals.com
Limb Defense products can be found at the White Mountain Naturals site below:
www.WhiteMountainNaturals.com
Or call our office at 603-606-2497 and you may order over the phone.
Hereditary Skin Diseases in Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier, a high-spirited, intelligent dog is the result of cross-breeding the English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Boxer, and White Terrier. Nicknamed the American Gentleman for his kind and gentle disposition, the Boston terrier, is a smooth, short-coated, compactly built dog with beautiful colours- red brindle, black brindle, or black, with white markings.
The Boston Terrier is a relatively healthy breed requiring little grooming and maintenance, but it is susceptible to certain hereditary skin problems.
A minor problem affecting its coat is a gradually spreading baldness that is sometimes found in female Boston terriers at about six months of age. It starts around the ears and moves down to the underside of the neck and the trunk and then down to the inside of the rear legs. The skin underlying the areas of hair loss is usually normal and does not have the signs of secondary infection.
Allergies could be a possible underlying cause for hair loss and secondary skin infections. Boston Terriers are listed among the breeds that are prone to atopy (inhalant allergies).
The most common skin disease is the Demodectic mange, or red mange, caused by microscopic Demodex canis mite living in the hair follicles and within the skin layers of adolescent puppies or immunodeficient adult Boston Terriers. It is a genetically inherited defect of the immune system causing patchy to widespread hair loss and secondary bacterial skin.
There are three types of Demodicosis: Localized, Generalized, and Pododermatitis.
Localized Demodicosis usually causes small patches of red scaly skin and hair loss mostly on the face, but can occur anywhere on the body. These lesions are not itchy unless they get infected and are found in 3-6 months old puppies passed on by the carrier mother. Mild cases in puppies normally heal spontaneously and need no treatment. Demodex is not generally contagious between dogs.
In Generalized Demodicosis the skin is very red, with severe hair loss, crusts and sores, dark pigment, and deep infections accompanied by fever and loss of appetite. There are two groups of this type: juvenile onset when the pup is between 3 and 12 months old but recover with or without treatment and adult onset mostly in dogs over 2 years old which is difficult to cure, but can usually be controlled.
There is an inherited tendency to have Generalized Demodicosis so affected animals should never be bred.
Demodectic Pododermatitis is limited to the paws in adult animals is chronic and extremely difficult to treat.
Since these mites live in the hair follicles and in the dermis, deep skin scrapings are essential for diagnosis. Generalized demodicosis is treated with antibiotics. 90% of localized and 30-50% of generalized demodicosis get better with no treatment. The veterinarian aided by modern medication can control if not completely cure this infection.
Another disease inherited from the English Terrier and the Bulldog are Mast Cell Tumors or Mastocytomas in skin tissues These are raised, button like skin growths with raw pink surfaces which can be malignant and spread internally.
Cushings Disease is another skin disease found in the Boston Terrier caused by an excess of cortisone-type hormone in the dog’s system. The use of too much cortisone-type medications, cortisone-containing eye drops or ear ointments or an over-active tumor of the adrenal gland or a tumor of the pituitary gland can cause the disease.
The signs of Cushing’s include a thin, poor hair coat, potbelly, increased water intake and frequent urination. The disease is very treatable and the changes can be reversed but if left untreated it can cause diabetes mellitus or life threatening blood clots.
Their sensitive skin prevents them from handling both extreme heat and cold. They should be checked daily – special attention being paid to their eyes and ears-for any external parasites such as ticks or mites. Caution should be taken when considering any medications for the Boston Terrier as they can be very sensitive to anesthetics, vaccines, and other drugs.
Nancy Richards is a dog owner and trainer for more than 10 years. She is also the President of the dog training Institute. Learn more about Boston Terrier Breed Characteristics. Discover unique Boston Terrier training tips and learn how to groom, take care and ensure good health for your Boston Terrier.
Pet Medications, Which Support a Healthy Skin and Coat
With the wide range of supplements, prescriptions and over the counter medications available, there is no reason for your pet to suffer with itchy dry skin, bald spots, or poor smell. Many options are available to treat the skin and coat conditions that commonly affect pets.
If your pet suffers from a cut, it is important to clean and treat it right away. If it develops an infection, it may not heal properly, and this may increase the time needed for the cut to heal. It can also develop unsightly scar tissue. A prescription topical ointment such as Animax or Panalog is commonly prescribed for treatment of such injuries. These ointments are multifunctional, and kill bacteria as well as fungus.
For pets that suffer from food allergies, it is important to realize that these allergies can affect much more than the digestive system. The skin and coat of a dog suffering from allergies may have a rough quality, and the pet’s skin may itch. This can lead to excessive scratching, which, in turn, leads to additional skin problems. Atopica is an oral form of cyclosporine that is often prescribed to treat allergies. It is a very effective medication, and can provide your pet with almost immediate relief.
For the pet that suffers from chronic ringworm or other persistent skin problems, an oral antifungal such as Ketoconazole, which may be coupled with a topical antifungal, like Panalog, is often necessary to break through the stubborn cycle of fungal infections.
There are also a variety of shampoos and sprays that can be used to treat your pet’s skin condition. Hexadene is a medicated shampoo commonly provided for skin conditions. If your dog suffers from allergies, Histacalm, which contains diphenhydramine HCI, helps to calm the skin. Dermacool, a spray that is available with lidocaine, helps to calm irritated skin as well. Gentocin is an antibiotic spray used in the treatment of skin conditions. If you dog suffers from hotspots, Oxydex Gel is an effective treatment.
Even if your pet has generally healthy skin there are a variety of supplements that can improve the quality of your pet’s coat and relieve any dryness that may be experienced. These supplements typically contain a blend of fatty acids that are rich in EFA and DHA, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that have been proven to help skin health, such as A, D, E and zinc.
Coat supplements make a great addition to any pet’s diet. They add shine to the coat and moisturize the skin, which reduces itchiness. The only drawback to using these supplements is that for some pets, these supplements may cause unintended weight gain because they contain mostly fats.
Providing supplements and prescription medications for your pet is an easy and effective way to deal with many problems often associated with pet ownership. Excessive shedding often occurs when a dog frequently scratches himself, damaging the skin. Dry, harsh coats often shed more readily than a soft and lustrous coat.
Keeping your pet’s coat healthy
While there are a variety of medications that can help your pet develop an attractive and healthy coat, there are other, equally important steps that you should take. The first step to a healthy coat is to keep your pet healthy. This means that your pet should be at a good weight, free of internal parasites, and up to date on vaccinations. Next, it is important to choose a quality pet food with ingredients that agree with your pet. What works for one may not work for another. It is vital to get this step right, because food allergies can play havoc with a pet’s skin and coat. If your pet is particularly sensitive to different ingredients, try one of the allergy formulas that are available. These typically have fewer ingredients, and they are less likely to be common allergens.
Regular grooming also goes a long way on improving the quality of your pet’s coat. The type of grooming required depends on the type of coat your pet has. While some pets, such as a poodle, require intensive and regular grooming sessions to look their best, others still benefit from being brushed regularly. If you start this when they are young, they may come to enjoy the time spent grooming. Also, take time to regularly wipe out the ears and eyes of your pet.
If your pet still has an unhealthy coat, you may want to add a coat supplement to your pet’s diet. These supplements can dramatically improve the quality of the coat. If your pet’s coat still leaves something to be desired, you may want to consider a visit to the vet because your pet may have an underlying health condition that is affecting the quality of its coat.
Shawn Thomas is a freelance writer who often writes about topics pertaining to the care of pets and health options for pets such as pet medicine
How to Help Dog With Itchy Skin
Dog allergies are fairly common and can be the cause of dry, itchy skin. If your dog is scratching a lot, he could be suffering from environmental allergens like pollen and dust, or even from inflammation caused by flea bites. Another source of itching could be the shampoo or grooming products used on your pooch.
This is because a dog’s skin is ten times more sensitive his caretaker’s. This makes them highly susceptible to the irritants found in their surroundings.
Getting to the heart of the matter may take a multi-pronged approach due to the numerous causes for canine itching. Making time to do this however, will be essential in diagnosing and subsequently curing your dog’s skin ailment.
Proper Grooming
While dogs often run away from the dreaded bath or flea dip, most do not mind being brushed. This is because loving pet parents who know what they’re doing can make it an enjoyable experience. With the proper products, habitual grooming may even make a dogs skin healthier. Keeping the skin healthy is one significant way to keep itchiness to a minimum.
If you find you rarely have time to groom (or don’t know how to do it properly) take your doggie to a pro.
Groomers use products that help a dog maintain a healthy coat, which is gained from healthy skin.
Provide a Skin Protective Diet
Just like human beings, dogs may be susceptible to food allergies. Even organic pet food or treats can have ingredients in them that cause the dog’s skin to be dry and flaky.
To uncover the offending item, try changing the foods your pet eats. If and when you find the suspect ingredient, remove it from your pet’s diet. This could in turn alleviate your dog’s dry itch.
Also, be sure to scan future purchases to ensure new products are free of this particular allergen.
Bathing and Dipping
Some dog owners may be over washing their pet, which can lead to dryness, especially if the products being used are chemically based. This is due to the fact that many chemicals found in maintenance products can be extremely harsh to a dog’s skin. However, even with organic pet products, over washing is not a good idea.
Washing once a month is always best.
If fleas are the cause of the itching, then a dip could be the solution. Taking your pet to the vet would be the best course of action, but if you insist on doing the dip yourself, look into organic products that won’t irritate the dog’s skin further. As a matter of fact, if your pet suffers from chronic dry, itchy skin, you should look into an organic line of grooming and maintenance product anyway.
Remember to use lukewarm water when bathing your pet as well and towel dry your dog as opposed to blow drying him or her. These all important steps will continue to keep the skin from over-drying.
When to visit the vet
Realistically speaking, your dog itchiness can be a reaction to any number of things, including the mange. If you have tried to figure out the source of your dog’s condition and come up empty, it may be time to take them to the veterinarian.
A vet can do a ton of diagnostics that will aid them in determining the factors that are contributing to the skin problem.
They will also be able to employ a variety of solutions, like steroid injections, topical or oral cortisone and/or antihistamines.
Once you uncover what is behind yours dogs dry and itching skin, you can take the steps necessary to protect them. The health of your dog and his quality of life could very well depend on what you do in the regard and your loyal and adoring companion is worth all the effort.
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Dog Dry Skin – Tips and Treatments
Shiny coat is a sign of healthy pet. Dogs can have all sorts of skin problems and they range in severity from benign to very serious. As Winter approaches and the temperature begins to drop, you notice a new behavior with your dog: he is constantly scratching, biting or licking his fur. As each day grows cooler, his behavior worsens. Winter is also a time when we experience dry hands and feet, and as such we require extra treatment during this time to keep our skin moist and healthy. Any dog can have dry skin; it is not an exclusively human condition. Just like us, dogs need good skin care to prevent itching and flaking.
Is your home dry in the winter? If so, this could be causing dry skin itch. Use a room humidifier to moisten the air. Also, try a moisturizing shampoo from the pet store. Do not bathe your dog too often; keep his coat clean but that is all–this will help with the scratching and, also, keep them from being uncomfortable during winter months. Water and winter do not mix well with your pet. When you must bathe your dog, be sure to use a dog shampoo. A dog’s ph level is different from our own and human shampoos can be harsh on their skin. Instead, buy a dog shampoo that can offer moisturizing effects. Besides providing moisture, many shampoos can also offer flea and parasite protection, which can also help lessen scratching. Some of the more promising cures are herbal extracts such as horsetail, dandelion, spirulina, and fucus, which can help maintain skin and fur health, improve digestive health, and promote general well-being in dogs and cats. Brush your dog often to remove dead hair and dander; if possible, a quick brushing every day will help your pet immensely. Healthy skin, ultimately, reflects a dog’s lifestyle. By using quality foods and adding fatty supplements to their food (oil, etc), you can guarantee your dog to have a flake-free coat.
But when your dog skin is flaky, red and irritated or some noticeable bumps, rashes or other unusual inflammations, this could be a sign of something serious. Others see some open sores in dog body or dog’s hair is falling out excessively, your dog needs to see his vet. He could just be allergic to his fleas or something in your home. It’s important to get some sort of flea control. Your vet can help you determine and eliminate any other allergens that are causing your dog trouble.
Also dog hotspots are very common, they are typically a bacterial infection. They might have started out as just an allergy, but as the dog scratched, he broke open the skin and introduced bacteria into the sore with his dirty paws. The bacteria grows and causes further irritation to the skin. The vet will want to clear up the initial allergy as well as treat the new infection. He may also prescribe a pain reliever. Most of the time, your dog’s skin troubles can be solved using a variety of treatments. Some are topical like creams and shampoos. Others are pills or injections. Be patient though, not all dogs respond similarly to treatment. It may take a while to find what works.
Common tips to prevent and treat dog skin allergies is to give the right and healthy food. Premium dog foods like Wellness, Royal Canin and Science Diet are balanced nutritionally, with less grain and more meat. One way to determine the quality of a dog food is to look at the first few ingredients, which should be a meat, rather than a grain. Fresh foods like meats and vegetables are high in nutrients and vitamins, which will help to improve a dog’s skin and coat by improving overall health. Consider adding fresh meats, and vegetables and fruits like carrots, celery, broccoli, apples (with no seeds), and greens like kale to each meal. Always introduce new foods gradually to avoid stomach upset. A dehydrated dog is going to be prone to dry skin, among other health problems, and some dogs simply don’t drink what they should. Provide extra fluids by serving wet food or by hydrating dry food. Add hot water to kibble, allow the kibble to sit for about ten minutes – this should cause the kibble to swell with water, providing extra fluid with each meal. Fresh vegetables also have high water content, aiding further in providing moisture to the dog’s body. Oils can greatly improve the condition of a dog’s itchy or dry skin. So once daily, soak one or two pieces of bread with olive oil and serve with each meal. Or add the oil directly to the dog’s meal by providing a teaspoon of olive oil for each 15 pounds of body weight.
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Dogs With Skin Or Digestive Problems Require Enzyme Support
Your dog’s diet can have a great impact on a variety of factors in his health. A dog that is not receiving adequate nutrition from his diet can be prone to gas, flatulence, lack of energy and skin problems.
The dog’s coat may become dull and, if he is a working dog, his performance may be affected. This is due, in great part to a variance that many dog owners have imposed on dogs when they domesticated them. In essence, it is a nutritional deficiency that, though unintentional, can lead to health and digestive issues.
In many cases, digestive enzymes for dogs can correct or substantially reduce the problems. Enzymes are substances found in the body that have the ability to induce chemical reactions or accelerate these processes. Enzymes are broken down into two parts, one is a protein called apoenzyme and the other is a non-protein. The non-protein can either be a coenzyme or cofactor.
Every cell in every plant and animal contains enzymes. They regulate biochemical reactions that aid the system and sustain life. When the delicate balance of the body’s digestive system is upset, various undesirable reactions can result.
Enzymes can bring balance, but if they are not present naturally in the diet then supplements must be introduced. A supplement can reduce or even eliminate the undesirable side effects of an improper diet in a dog. Gas and flatulence, skin problems and lack of energy can be turned around and the dog’s coat will be shinier.
Dog digestive problems are common even in dogs whose owners feed them top of the line dog food. The problem stems from the processed diets that most domestic dogs are provided. A dog is not equipped to digest this type of diet because kibble lacks the necessary dog enzymes his body needs.
Wild canines, such as wolves, exist on a raw diet. In their natural environment, wolves will kill their prey and consume the organs first. The organs contain the vitamins and nutrients that the wolf needs and it is these vitamins and nutrients that boost their system, aiding in digestion.
A domesticated dog does not have access to animal organs from prey or a raw diet, so their body requires an enzyme supplement for proper digestion and a healthy system. A dog is naturally designed to consume raw prey. However, with domestication, man has imposed a diet of kibble which is more convenient and cost effective, but the dog is paying a heavy price because his diet is nutritionally lacking.
In such cases, enzymes for dogs are necessary to provide what the dog’s diet is lacking. This is true for dogs of all ages and especially important for senior dogs. However, when a dog is started on digestive enzymes as a young dog, it will give greater assurance to the owner that the dog will be healthier as it ages.
It’s never too late to start providing your best friend with an enzyme supplement for dogs.
Learn more about the importance of dog-enzymes