Author: Alex Valentino

Categories
Itchy Skin & Allergies Shampoo

Why Oatmeal Helps to Relieve a Dog’s Itchy Skin

oatmeal

Why Oatmeal Helps a Dog’s Itchy Skin

by Fiona Young-Brown

You may have products containing oatmeal in your own bathroom cabinet, but did you know that oatmeal is also great for your dog’s skin? When my Husky Sam began to develop a case of puppy acne, the first thing the vet recommended was an oatmeal shampoo . Regular use helped to ease the irritation and lessen the redness, and now oatmeal products remain a regular part of our doggy beauty regimen.

Oatmeal isn’t just good for our insides – those same factors that make it so nutritious also make it good for our skin. The starches, mainly cellulose and fiber, are what help it to hold moisture once it is mixed with a liquid. Meanwhile, the vitamin E acts as an anti-inflammatory, and the phenols have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Throw in a few other antioxidant and cleansing components, and oatmeal is truly a skincare powerhouse.

Oatmeal has long been used in baths and skincare treatments; historians have found that the Romans and Egyptians used it as a cleanser and skin protector. Yet only recently has its effectiveness in protecting skin and soothing irritation been clinically proven. In 1978, the Food and Drug Administration approved colloidal oatmeal as a natural skin protector, and today it can be found in a wide variety of human skincare products.

One of the few all-natural ingredients to be approved by the FDA, colloidal oatmeal helps with a variety of skincare problems. One of its best known uses is to relieve itching . Patients with eczema and dermatitis have found it particularly soothing, and it can also help our furry friends when they are suffering from itchy bites or when they’ve been running around in poison ivy. Not only does oatmeal help to soothe the irritation, it can also help to actually heal the skin and protect it during the healing process. Since my other dog Lizzie suffers from seasonal allergies which affect her skin, a good oatmeal conditioner stops her from scratching all season long.

So what is colloidal oatmeal anyway? Basically, it is oatmeal that has been converted into a very fine powder, usually with the intent of then adding it to a liquid, perhaps a moisturizer, a shampoo, or even bath water. It can be made at home with a good quality coffee grinder or mill. Before you grab your box of breakfast oatmeal, however, it is important to understand that the instant stuff won’t do. If you are going to try making your own, you will need to use old-fashioned style, organic oatmeal, the type that requires a long cooking time. Simply add the dry oatmeal to the blender and grind to a fine powder. Because the powder granules are so tiny, the oatmeal becomes a colloid. In other words, it will readily absorb water or moisture. This then acts as a ready made moisturizer, binding itself to the skin in a protective layer.

You can use colloidal oatmeal in a variety of ways. One of the easiest is to add the powdered oatmeal to lukewarm bath water and use it as a soak. If your pet (like mine) is not the water lounging type, you can also find a number of shampoos and conditioners that will help soothe their skin and add a little shine to their coat at the same time (an added bonus of the Vitamin E). Try Fur Butter , a rich conditioner containing colloidal oatmeal and shea butter.

With regular use, products containing oatmeal can make a dramatic difference to both your and your dog’s skin. It will feel less dry, less irritated and smoother, making you and your pooch the perfectly beautiful natural couple.

Categories
Uncategorized

Dog Depression: Symptoms and Treatments

sad dog

Your sad dog could be suffering from depression

As a society, we realize that our pets can get a lot of the same diseases as us. Our dogs can be diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, colitis, heart problems or any other number of problems. Yet somehow it seems silly to think that our dogs can become depressed just like a person can. But just because you don’t see your dog lounging around in his bathrobe, staring off into space doesn’t mean that he or she isn’t going through some sort of emotional instability. You may notice that your dog is depressed if he’s exhibiting some of the following behaviors:

• Seems mopey or lethargic

• Not eating or drinking

Dog depression can often take the form of some sort of anxiety. This includes separation anxiety, when your dog seems extraordinarily upset at being apart from you or being left by him/herself. Symptoms can often include:

• Pacing

• Yawning

• Drooling

• Destructive chewing

• Urinating or defecating in areas that they aren’t supposed to

• Excessive barking or whining

In addition, dogs that might be suffering from a serotonin imbalance (the chemical in your brain that regulates moods), might also exhibit signs of aggression. Some of the symptoms of an overly aggressive dog include:

• Excessive barking

• Attacks on other animals

• Overprotection of food and possessions(including snapping or growling)

• Snapping when being petted, lifted or groomed

• Fearfulness of new situations or strangers

• Overprotection of possessions

• Repeated escapes from home

While there can be many reasons that your dog is exhibiting these behaviors including grief, a change in environment, chemical imbalances and weather changes, often the behavior changes aren’t recognized by owners as a symptom of a larger problem, and they just try and correct the behavior itself.

If you notice that your dog is acting strange or seems overly aggressive, explain your concerns to your vet. They may put you on a monitoring program to watch for other symptoms and they might have suggestions on how to combat the problem. Since we have become more aware of the fact that depression can affect dogs, there have been developments with the methods of treating it.

Treating your Dog’s Depression

There are three ways that you can help lift your dog out of their mood: Training, Medication, Naturopathic Remedies, and of course any combination of the three.

Training

Often engaging your dog in some sort of new activity can help stimulate them and improve their thinking. Try joining a class that will teach your dog some behavioral basics and the benefits of this will be two-fold; they will learn which behaviors are unacceptable, thus getting a better-behaved dog and they will also be grateful for the mental stimulation. Dogs like to learn things and they also like to spend time with their owners, so taking training classes will please your dog.

Medication

As explained earlier, dogs can have serotonin imbalances which could explain their depression. Like a human, this is a medical condition that sometimes needs medication in order for the afflicted to feel better. In the past couple of years, the equivalent of Prozac has become available for dogs. This drug can have a calming influence on your dog, and you may notice a big change in the demeanor of your dog after they’ve been on the medication for awhile.

Naturopathic Remedies

If you take a more holistic approach to treating diseases, you might be more interested in improving your dog’s mood by a naturopathic method. Treatments like Sleepytime Tonic help to calm a nervous or anxious dog.

Although your dog’s behavior may seem frustrating at times, try and remember that sometimes the way they behave is not because they are a bad dog but instead may be a symptom indicative of a larger problem.

Categories
Uncategorized

Massaging an Elderly Dog:

Upgrade from Petting to Massage

by Xiomara Iraheta

Massaging your dog can be beneficial for various health reasons; it can increase blood circulation, help relieve aches and pains, reduce blood pressure and even soothe away fears. But massaging an elderly dog can really tune you to your dog’s evolving body. Best of all, it will make you two feel closer than ever before knowing that you enjoy caring for one another.

It’s best to establish a routine for massage time with your dog, try doing it once a week and gradually doing it daily but don’t let it become a chore; it should remain a pleasant experience for the both of you.

First, you want to ease them into the massage by setting the mood or calming them down with Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer all you have to do is s pray the product into your hand and let your dog breathe in the soothing aroma of lavender and chamomile essential oils and they’ll be enchanted. Spray it on their coat and you’ll have a well conditioned and detangled coat to run your fingers through. If you’ve got more of an anxious or nervous dog you may want to try Sleepytime Tonic that will nourish their physical nervous system and set them to enjoy the pleasures of massage.

If you’re living with a city dog, you’re probably used to leaving them home alone for the majority of the day-so the next time you call out, “Honey, I’m home” why not rekindle your love with a massage using some of the following techniques.

Palm Strokes:

Take your palms and slightly cup them. Place them face down on a large part of your dog’s body, like the back. Working your hands in a breast-stroke-like motion (or wax- on wax-off motion) massage your pet outward. Stroke heavy on the way up and lighter on the way down. The variation in the pressure makes it more pleasurable for your dog.

Thumb Strokes:

Draw tiny circles with your thumbs, using both simultaneously. Apply a good amount of pressure, slowly in circular movements to produce a tingly sensation. Beware not to apply this technique directly on the spine because it’s painful so do it on each side which feels great.

Quack Strokes:

Take your hands and form duck beaks or bills facing each other, have both slightly open and motion so that the bottom part of one goes inside the other. Work diagonally on your dog using a rhythmic pattern. Apply more pressure on the hindquarters than the abdomen area.

Factors to consider with Joint Mobility

· Hindquarters – since they’re using their back legs a lot less the circulation to their kidneys get reduced. Gently massage their back legs with thumb strokes and feel out their stiff and tense muscles. Only begin to press a little deeper when his muscles relax.

· Weight – a recent study published claimed that half of pets are overweight. Carrying around extra weight makes mobility even harder on your aging dog. If you’re not sure whether your dog’s weight is affecting their joint mobility make sure to ask your vet for more specific diet advice.

· Exercise – he may not be as mobile as before but taking more frequent walks for shorter distances can help keep your dog active and healthy as he ages.

· Collagen – is the most abundant protein found in joint cartilage and New Bio Cell Collagen Type II helps build new cartilage and reduce further damage to the joints. This patented, all natural ingredient is extremely absorbable so more of the formula gets to the site of the problem. Joint Resolution by happytails helps improve joint mobility and flexibility, promote healthy strong connective tissue, is easy to administer and is organically grown and ethically harvested herb.

*For more massage tips and advice see Jane Buckle’s How to Massage Your Dog and Maryjean Ballner’s Dog Massage .

Categories
Tear Stains

The 5 most Common Reasons for Dog Tear Stains

 

maltese

A beautiful white maltese with beard and tear stains

If you’ve ever seen a dog with red or brown marks in the areas around and just under the eyes, you’ve seen a dog that is suffering from tear staining . The staining can matte around the dog’s eyes and leave a gooey, thick mess that is hard to clean. Most people assume that the stains are caused by excessive moisture from the dog’s eyes and that they’re just a fact of life. In fact though, tear stains have many different causes, and figuring out the root of the problem could end up saving you some work and also improve your dog’s life.

1.) Ear Infections

Tear staining can be linked back to ear infections, so it’s important to keep your dog’s ears as clean and dry as possible. If you notice that your dog is getting a lot of ear infections which also coincide with excessive tearing, the two are probably related. Use a good cleansing product to make sure the ears are clean and your dog’s tear stains might be reduced as a result.

2.) Allergies

Dogs can experience reactions to thing just like humans, and tear staining can often be a reaction to allergens or irritants. In fact, some dogs will suffer reactions to their food which will change the pH level in your dog’s system which in turn can cause excessive tearing. If you notice that your dog’s tear stains get worse in certain situations than it might be an environmental factor that is adding to the problem.

3.) Blocked Tear Ducts

Some dogs are born with tear ducts that are closed which need to be surgically opened by a vet, but this isn’t the only way a duct can be blocked. At times, a dog can develop clogged tear ducts which can add to excessive tearing, and unfortunately, a trip to the vet will be needed to irrigate the ducts. Luckily, this isn’t a very common problem, but if you suspect clogged tear ducts, it should be taken care of, lest your dog suffer unnecessarily.

4.) Red Yeast

One of the biggest causes of tear staining is from a dog having an excessive amount of tears. This high level of moisture can keep the hair around the face wet, which then becomes an area where bacteria can breed. One of the most common forms of this bacteria is called Red Yeast, which causes a yeast infection around the eyes and leads to the brownish-red stains that you sometimes see on dogs.

5.) Water

Some waters contain a high mineral content, which can cause staining on a dog’s entire face and beard. A lot of moisture can remain on the face trapped in the hairs after a dog drinks, which can be moved to eye level by the dog trying to lick his face clean. And, if the mineral content is high, it will increase the level of red-brown staining on a dog’s face. If you notice both tear stains and a discolored beard, try switching your dog’s water to combat the problem.

Red or brown tear stains are not attractive to look at, and they can be a symptom of a larger problem. If your dog has excessive staining around they eyes and on its face, it might be worth looking into what the cause of the staining is.

There is not a full proof solution out there. You can try Angel Eye’s Soft Chews. There are also wipes, supplements and facial cleansers for this problem.

Categories
Activities & Fun Grooming Shampoo

Proper Care and Grooming Tips for the Dog that loves to Swim (at the beach or pool)

by Xiomara Iraheta

Do you have a water loving dog? Perhaps you’ve wondered about the effects that sun, salt or chlorine water may have on your dog’s skin, coat and ears. But more likely you’ve experienced the ill-effects first hand.

You’ve probably mused about the power of your dog’s coat against the burning sun, is it enough protection? I’m covered with sun block but what about his ears and nose? Why is my dog so itchy after a dip at the pool or ocean? Why does my dog turn green after a swim in the pool? And why do my dog’s ears get infected so often? You are not alone in thinking about these problems. And you’ll be happy to note that it’s not all bad. Salt can actually be good for your dog’s skin, if properly washed off afterward.

Luckily there are simple grooming tips for your beach bum dog.

Sun Damage

  • Whether he’s laying poolside or making sand castles your dog needs to be protected from the sun with sunscreen, especially those breeds with no undercoat, like Malteses and Yorkies.
  • Apply an all natural sunblock like flea the scene that will soothe your dog’s skin and protect him from the sun.
  • Don’t forget the nose, ears and belly when applying sunscreen.
  • A cleaner coat works best to protect against the blazing sun.

Why the unbearable itch and how to help?

  • Always remember to rinse your dog with fresh water after every swim.
  • The combination of the sand and salt can also add to your dog’s itchy discomfort so shampoo working your fingers to the root of the hair.
  • The best shampoo to use on a sandy dog is Bubbles n Beads . It contains little micobeads that actually help condition your dog’s coat and dislodge sticky sand which can be otherwise difficult to remove.
  • If you find that after your visit to the beach your dog’s paw pads were a little roughed up from the hot sand and salty water then you may want to consider applying a healing balm like bowWOW Butter Balm to treat those cracked paws or irritated nose. Can also be useful in removing tar.

Green Dog?

  • So you may not have a neon green dog but that white coat is taking a green hue, interestingly the chemical changing the color is copper and not the chlorine.
  • Make sure the ph and chemical levels of your pool are in order.
  • Try an all natural brightening shampoo, Sparkle and Shine is made with yogurt and honey to restore the luster in your dog’s coat without harming or over drying the skin.

Ear ye Ear ye

  • When moisture is trapped in the ear canal it can lead to infection so dog’s who swim have a higher chance than other dogs to get nasty ear infections.
  • After your dog gets out of the pool (or lake) be sure to towel dry your dog’s ears.
  • Clean the ears gently, to remove any discharge in the canal. Clip the hair around the opening of the ear canal to allow air to circulate. Try all natural Ear Wipes to make the job easier.
  • Regularly use a product that dries out the canal. This helps prevent a moist environment which, as we’ve already seen, allows bacteria and fungi to multiply.
  • Chronic ear infections can really rack up the vet bills. In order to keep those infections at bay, try an all natural, over the counter solution like Ear Aid – a two step process that both cleans and deodorizes, heals and protects your dog’s ears. If it works on your dog, you’ll save fortunes!

Whether you simply rinse your dog after a swim or wash with shampoo depend on the type of coat your dog has and how often they swim. Lorna Paxton, owner of happytails Canine Spa Line, a company that manufactures grooming and wellness products for dogs, notes on personal account with her dogs and advises that “if your dog visits the beach every day then a good daily rinse with fresh water is fine to rid your dog of salty minerals and sand residue,” she also suggests a weekly bath with shampoo and conditioner to keep the skin clean and well moisturized.

As for dogs who visit the beach only now and then a “good lathered wash with shampoo and conditioner will help wash off the sand and salt as long as you remember to work your fingers to the root of the fur.” “You definitely don’t want to bring a sandbox back into your home after the beach,” jokes Paxton.

“The salt can actually be beneficial to a dog’s skin, Paxton adds. “Salt is very healing and can help with many common skin afflictions. But if you don’t wash off the salt, you’re going to have a very itchy dog!”

A couple of other things to keep in mind on your next beach or pool outing:

  • Pack large towels for lounging on the hot sand and the drive home
  • A large sun umbrella to give your pooch a shade option
  • Pack plenty of fresh water to offer your dog and prevent them from drinking pool or salty water
  • Make sure they have a collar with ID tag, preferably a worn-out collar
  • Look out for the following in the sand: oily or tar-like sand, broken glass, sharp or edgy rocks, pieces of seashells that may wound your pup’s paws
  • Be sure to bring poop bags!
Categories
Food

How To Read a Pet Food Label

by Lucy Postins

Owner, The Honest Kitchen

The dilemma of what to feed your pet can be influenced by many factors. The first might be palatability and your companions taste preferences. Finance may also play a big role, as well as ad campaigns that can bombard the mind and sway the way you shop.

One major factor that is only now becoming widely recognized, is concern for what is actually in the product you feed – ingredient quality, integrity and wholesomeness. Just as we become educated what is healthy for ourselves – carb and calorie counting, natural and organic ingredients and so on – it is very important to become educated on how to interpret what your pet’s food label is really telling you.

Sadly, the way the law is set out means there are a number of ‘tricks’ that some petfood companies use to mislead and confuse consumers – or at the least, make their products look better than they really are.

The ingredients panel is listed in the order of predominance by weight. Those ingredients that make up the majority of the blend come first. Try to look for meat as the number one ingredient unless you are feeding a premix or there are other special circumstances.

Be wary of packages with beautiful illustrations of plump fresh veggies and fruits, but the veggies and fruits actually appear toward the very end of the ingredient list – this means they don’t actually make up much of the final recipe.

Try not to buy food from a manufacturer who indulges in the shady practice of ‘ingredient splitting’. A food might contain 40% corn but if the manufacturer divides the corn into its individual components (corn meal, corn gluten, corn flour, corn germ, corn bran and ground corn cob are just a few of the possibilities), then each of these components might only make up say, 6% of the total formula. This means they can be dispersed throughout the ingredient list, pushing something else up to the ‘number one spot’.

Meat can show up in dog food in a number of different forms. Meat meals are a common ingredient in dry foods and basically mean that the moisture has been removed, so that the finished dried product can be ground into a powdery consistency. Chicken meal, lamb meal or some other specifically named meat in a meal form is OK. ‘Poultry Meal’, ‘Meat Meal’ or worse yet – ‘Meat & Bone Meal’ should be avoided. These are generic terms that encompass a selection of anonymous meats and in some cases might even include road kill, or other meats that are unfit for human consumption.

Labels on dry food (kibble) products that list fresh meat in their ingredient panel can have pros and cons. Fresh meat undergoes less processing than meal, but the fact that the listing is in order of predominance by weight means a fresh meat will invariable be listed as the #1 ingredient. In fact, after kibble processing is complete, the fresh meats moisture will all be removed, so that the actual equivalent amount of meat protein in the finished product is less than if a meal had been used in the first place.

The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredient panel also provide good insight into the product. The company’s vitamin premix will be listed in the lower portion of the list and shows what the company had to add, in order to make the food ‘nutritionally complete’. A very long list of vitamins and minerals indicates that the raw ingredients the company started off with, were probably pretty devoid of nutrition – or the extreme heat and pressure the food underwent, destroyed them. This is not always the case – but more often than not, a very long list of added vitamins and minerals shows that the real food ingredients are minimal or low in nutritional value. Try to find a food with lots of real, recognizable, food ingredients and a premix with just a few added vitamins & minerals.

The guaranteed analysis consists primarily of protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and sometimes ash. Protein does not always relate to the quantity or quality of meat in the finished product. Some foods contain ingredients such as ‘poultry by-products’ which might include beaks, feet and feathers. These will add to the total protein content of the finished product but will likely be highly un-digestible and of little nutritional value to the pet. They may even put an additional strain on the liver, kidneys and other systems as the body tries to digest them. Try to avoid by-products at all costs. If you see them on the label, put down the bag and move on.

A guaranteed analysis that shows high fat is not a detrimental as it might sound. Dogs are very capable of utilizing quite high levels of fat and do not suffer with cholesterol as humans do. Beware of added animal fat in the ingredient list, which may be loaded with chemical preservatives. Ideally, animal fat should come from the meat.

Conversely, a high fiber content, which humans may seek for themselves, are not necessarily the best option for our animal companions. High fiber may also be indicative of high carbohydrates and a mounting wall of research is showing that high carbs are neither natural nor desirable for pets.

Ash relates to the total mineral content of the food. While it should not be excessively high, it does not in fact mean that the manufacturer added ‘ash’ or burned material to its finished product.

Be wary of pet food labels that tell you never to add any home made or fresh ingredients to you pet’s food. They are trying to ensure you feed their food alone, to make you buy more if it! While it is not advisable to feed excessive amounts of meat along with kibble, many pets will benefit from added healthy extras. The average domesticated canine’s digestive system is not so primitive that it cannot tolerate a variety of ingredients throughout the week, so don’t be brainwashed into thinking you should only feed the same food for every meal, day after day.

A pet food label can be a mine of useful information – and can also be used to cleverly mislead customers about what is in a product, with the use of illustrations, product names (be wary of products marketed by major ‘conventional’ manufacturers touting their wares as ‘natural’ or ‘holistic’. Including carrots and one or two herbs in a formulation, does not constitute a natural product. Always read the ingredients panel and determine how many additives are also included to give a truer picture and view the company’s marketing tactics with caution until you read what’s really in the food.

The Honest Kitchen is a manufacturer of 100% natural, guaranteed human grade foods for dogs and cats. www.thehonestkitchen.com 1-866 4 DRY-RAW.

Categories
Itchy Skin & Allergies

I’m Allergic to My Dog!

Dog Allergies

I’m Allergic to My Dog!

dandRUFF

The Facts on Dog Dander

By Xiomara Iraheta

Believe it or not a huge percentage of pet owners are allergic to their very own pets. But what causes human discomfort in the form of inflammation of the nose, asthma attacks, rashes and wheezing isn’t the fault of the innocent dog. The problem is in the dog’s dead and flaky skin that travels around and clings to everything. Several facts are crucial to understanding how to manage and care for your dog when your allergies become unbearable.

Identify the culprit – Whether your dog has long or short hair, your cute friend is not to blame, although it is true that certain breeds with non-shedding coats produce less dander. In comparison to cats, dogs scratch a lot more and therefore continuously shed airborne particles that you in return absorb. Interestingly, your upbringing may have something to do with why you’re so allergic today. Some studies show that children who grow up in a household with pets are less likely to develop pet allergies in adulthood.

Clean Up – You should be washing your hands constantly after petting or playing with your dogs. Washing your face and arms will get rid of the allergens that you may easily spread to your nose or mouth after having contact with your pet. Your home should be cleaned more often as well. Dusting and vacuuming regularly will prevent dander from hanging around.

Wash and Groom- Washing your dog weekly and grooming daily, preferably outdoors will help keep your dog’s skin healthy. A product with colloidal oatmeal like Fur Butter (or Fur Worse) will repair their damaged skin and keep it moisturized. For other grooming products that are sure to address your dog’s allergies check out this helpful page on dry and itchy skin .

Keep Away- We’re not suggesting that you get rid of your dog, but there are certain areas of your home like your bedroom you may want to keep dog-free. Your mattress, bedding and pillows are comfy hosts for dander, so try your best to keep your dog out. But, if you still want Fido in your bed there are still a couple of things you can do to minimize the effects of dander like using a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) to keep the air in your bedroom as clean as possible. Certain fabrics like wool attract more dander than cotton, so think about it when choosing your clothes and bedding.

Food – A well balanced diet is important to keeping dander away. Some helpful supplements in your dog’s diet according to Dr. Pitcairn’s guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats include: “cod liver oil, cold-pressed unsaturated vegetable oil (or oil derived from fish, especially for cats) and vitamin E (or wheat-germ capsules).”

In the future – when you’re thinking of getting a dog you may want to consider a particular breed that the American Kennel Association suggests for allergy sufferers. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog but there are some suggested breeds.

The main thing to remember when dealing with pet dander is that it gets on everything and stays for at least six months even after you may have moved your dog elsewhere. Therefore, anything you can do to keep your dog and home clean will help reduce your allergies. If you think your dog has a serious case of dander then please visit your vet.

Categories
Flea Treatments Itchy Skin & Allergies

It might not be fleas! Reasons and solutions for your dog’s itchy skin

dog allergy

We see it out of the corner of our eyes. A lone hind leg reaches up to scratch around the ear / neck area. We begin to panic. We realize with a dawning dread that we have a potential flea situation on our hands, and we enter into Dealing with Disaster Mode. But, as we comb our pooch’s hair frantically – looking for further proof of the detested vermin – it slowly sinks in (with considerable relief), that our dog is in fact, flea free. However the dog is still scratching and he’s starting to look at you with baleful eyes, so you know that something else is up. Itchy skin can be caused by things other than fleas, and it’s important to determine what the cause might be because even if it isn’t fleas, it isn’t very pleasant for your puppy.

Environmental Allergens
It may be surprising to know that dogs can develop allergies to outside stimuli similarly to humans. It doesn’t seem like that would be the case as dogs are built so differently and have a thick layer of hair all over their bodies but it’s true. If your dog is scratching or biting at his paws, he may be allergic to grass or something that he treads on often. Or, if your dog is scratching a certain area and you notice some bumps, he might be having a reaction to an insect bite . If the biting and itching from your puppy are severe, take your dog into your vet and tell him or her your concerns. He or she will probably put your dog on an antihistamine which will give your dog some relief from his allergies.

Dry Skin
Dry skin can be quite common, and it can be very annoying for your dog. Just like in humans, dry skin can cause a dog to have itchy, flaky skin. But, unlike people, dogs can’t just grab a bottle of moisturizer and relive their irritated skin, so they will sometimes scratch until the skin becomes cracked and bleeds. So, before the dry skin leads to wounds, give your dog a conditioning treatment that will stop your dog from scratching and will give your dog relief from the itchiness.

Food Allergens
Contrary to what some people think, you can’t just feed your dog anything and he or she’ll be fine. A dog’s digestive system can be just as delicate as a person’s, and dogs can also develop food allergies. If you think your dog may be allergic to certain types of food, look for these common symptoms of a food allergy: inflamed, itchy skin, excessive scratching and inflamed areas of the face, feet, ears, armpits and groin. Work with your vet to figure out the cause of the allergy, and when you get your pet on a diet that is no longer bothering him, the itchy, dry skin should start to clear up.

So, the next time you see your dog scratching don’t automatically drag out the carpet cleaner and the flea bath materials. It could be another irritant that’s rubbing your dog the wrong way, and a little investigating will save your dog a lot of scratching!

Categories
Activities & Fun

Traveling by car with an overactive dog?

Thelma, Louise and Fido

by Xiomara

Taking your dog along on a road trip can be one of the most rewarding and fun experiences ever. But if you happen to own a dog with an overactive, nervous, anxious or restless personality on land, the thought of being in a moving vehicle with them can seem like a dreaded “adventure”. However, preparation is key to a successful road trip with your four-legged family member. Review the following list before you and your pooch attempt a road trip.

  • Test drive – If you’re not used to taking your dog on short car runs to the park, grocery store, or anywhere else then test driving your dog before the big travel date is a must. First, know that the main reason a dog acts out is because they’re feeling stressed or nervous, so easing them into a longer car ride by taking them on shorter rides will get them used to the car. Additionally, you can use a safe and effective product like Sleepytime tonic before your trip. Unlike drugging your pooch into calming, Sleepytime tonic actually works to replenish his physical nervous system.
  • Fasten up – That’s right, buckle your pooch up. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) claims that 59% of dog owners don’t secure their dogs in a vehicle, but that may all be changing soon. As state laws progress and get more pressure from concerned dog lovers, you may no longer see dogs riding on the laps of drivers with their heads hanging out the window. Purchasing a special harness and securing your pet can cause less damage and even save their lives in the event of an accident.
  • Food & Hydration – Always an important factor when it comes to your dog and especially on the road, it’s important that you pack food from home. Although, a road trip is an excellent time for you to try those new town cuisines, it’s not so much the case with your dog. Since their digestive system can get a little out of control, you’ll notice it in their bad breath and gases, so help it out with Dog Smog Remedy . Pack treats, food and even water from home look for portable doggie bowls . Sometimes they don’t feel like drinking inside the car so make sure to offer them water once you’re outside.
  • Exercise – While on the road your dog will want stretch breaks just like the driver. By nature, overactive dogs need to be exercised more than mellow dogs, so take them out on those pit stops and walk them around. Watch them sniff and discover new found territory.
  • Cleanliness – Let’s not forget hygiene while we’re away. A good travel pack will include a spray like dry dog instant clean because we can’t always find the space or time to wash our smelly friend. And what’s a vacation with no bugs of some kind? Well, your pooch should be protected from mosquitoes or fleas while on hiatus, too. And don’t forget that dog’s can get sunburned too!

Research from the APPMA found that 15 million Americans travel with their pets each year. That’s an astounding number to consider, so why not leave those apprehensions that may be holding you back from traveling the road most traveled?

Categories
Itchy Skin & Allergies Shampoo

Top 5 Dog Allergies and How to Treat Them

Top 5 Dog Allergies and How to Treat Them:

Food, Bacteria, Fleas, Atopy and Contact

by Xiomara Iraheta

You may have thought that allergies were reserved to humans, but unfortunately man’s best friend shares similar seasonal discomfort with us.  While dogs don’t manifest their allergies in the same way as humans do (runny noses and puffy eyes) they suffer from allergies all the same. Here’s a guide to equip you on a quest in detecting your pet’s allergies with some suggestions as to how to address them.

1. Food – Unlike humans, dogs aren’t born with food allergies.  Most food allergies are developed in response to certain foods they’ve eaten for a long time; often times proteins and grains are at the root of the problem. Look for organic, no-grain and non-rendered meats from: The Honest Kitchen and Dogswell.

2.     Bacteria – There are numerous germs or Staphylococcus common to dogs. The trouble rises when your dog becomes allergic to one of them. You will begin to see small, round bald spots. The easiest way to treat them is by applying an antibiotic.

3.     Fleas – Those small insects cause big problems!  If you get them inside your house make sure to wash all your bedding in hot water and vacuum carpet thoroughly.  Flea bites on your pets often irritate their skin causing inflammation and other types of skin infections.  Make sure you cover all your bases with a spray such as Flea the Scene , a skin soothing insect spray with sunscreen. This all natural spray helps to keep fleas, tick and mosquitoes away for up to four hours and it also has a sunscreen.

4.     Atopy – Atopic dermatitis, Atopy and Canine Dermatitis are names for skin conditions in dogs, often those allergic to airborne allergens. Potential allergens can include pollen, dust mites, trees, weeds, mould spores, even people dander.  So whether the dog is inside or outdoors many allergens lurk in the air.

To protect your canines make sure to bathe and brush them often to remove pollens grasses and other allergens. Bathing dogs every week or as often as is necessary depending on the breed is important.  Since environmental allergens are usually absorbed through the skin, weekly bathing can prevent itchiness , washing allergens away before they get a chance to penetrate the skin.  If an allergen cannot be washed away or avoided, fatty acid supplements in the diet can help reduce skin problems.

5.      Contact – Contact allergy isn’t too common in dogs but it often proves to be the toughest one to spot. Taking a careful look in choosing your dog’s flea collar and avoiding certain fabrics such as wool and down in pillows can save your dog from a terrible itch or skin irritation.

Hopefully this list informs you of something that can help protect your dog from certain allergies.  As always, make sure to consult your veterinarian for any serious problems.