Category: Itchy Skin & Allergies

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Flea Treatments Itchy Skin & Allergies Paws

Taking The Itch Out Of Paw Licking Due To Flea Allergy

by Dr. Nicola Parry

Does your dog have a flea allergy? If so, his constant paw licking is likely driving you insane. And if it makes you feel this way, imagine how he is feeling! Even though his allergy can’t be cured, there are definitely things you can do to manage this problem.

How Can I Help To Manage His Skin Problem?

You can help your dog in two important ways, and they involve treating the cause as well as the symptoms:

  • Flea Control: Fleas are everywhere, so if your dog goes outdoors, it’s impossible to prevent him coming into contact with them. Your job is to protect him against them with a two-sided attack:
    • Treat your dog: Flea control medication is a must, otherwise every flea bite will set off his allergy. Veterinary prescription medications are usually best for this condition, but if you prefer to use a natural, chemical-free product in conjunction, try Flea The Scene . This spray nicely complements other products, and is safe, even if accidentally ingested. You may also want to supplement with an all natural flea prevention shampoo and conditioner such as the Dirty & Harry OUTDOOR Collection
    • Treat his environment : You can significantly reduce flea egg numbers by just vacuuming, as well as washing any bedding, furniture covers, or anything that he sits on. Follow up with environmental flea sprays on carpets and soft furnishings.

Is your dog’s paw licking driving you insane? Get our FREE 13 Page guide: 18 Ways to Stop Paw Licking for Good!

  • Itch Control: It is essential to break the cycle of itching, scratching and skin damage that leads to more itching. Your veterinarian can advise on which product is best for your dog, depending on the severity of his condition. But there are chemical-free products that you can use to complement this treatment. For all-over skin relief, try Comfy Dog oatmeal conditioning shampoo at bath time. Afterwards spray Itchin’ For Relief directly onto his paws and any other bothersome hot spots – this will help to further soothe itchiness and reduce inflammation. “Healthy Skin Shiny Coat” is another helpful product that comes in a dropper bottle – a few drops by mouth or on a treat will help relieve itching and promote coat health.

If you’ve ever suffered the wrath of poison ivy, you’ll know how it feels to have itchy skin. So do your dog a favor and help keep his flea allergy and itchiness under control. You can be sure he’ll then be licking your face instead of his paws!

Is your Dog’s Paw Licking Driving you insane? Get our Free ebook, click to download.

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Anxiety & Nervousness Itchy Skin & Allergies

Why does my dog’s leg move like crazy when I scratch him?

Have you ever tickled “that spot” on your dog’s body, and witnessed his knee-jerk reaction? You know the one I mean – where his back legs start moving like crazy!? And it seems that the faster you rub, the more furiously he’ll move his legs as if he’s scratching at something!

This is simply a scratch reflex, and is nothing to worry about, and it certainly doesn’t hurt your dog when you rub him here – although just like in people, it may irritate him if he is ticklish.

The exact tickle spot can be different for individual dogs, and you may even find that your dog either has multiple spots that cause him to react, or that they change sometimes. Often though, it’s somewhere on the belly that tends to produce this fun response. He reacts by wanting to scratch, simply because your rubbing in that area makes him feel itchy – really for the same reason that we react to being tickled. Like us, dogs have sensory nerves that lie under the skin. If nerves are stimulated when your dog is tickled, he will be left feeling itchy. The itchiness is why he tends to react in that funny way – almost as if he’s riding a bicycle!

Funnily enough, although the more technical veterinary term for this reaction is the “scratch reflex”, I have actually seen a word used to describe it in the Urban Dictionary – there it’s called the “blibula”! Not all dogs have this special spot though, so don’t worry if yours doesn’t seem to react like this, despite your efforts to tickle him!

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Itchy Skin & Allergies

Home Remedies To Help Your Dog’s Itchy Skin

Skin disease is one of the most common reasons why dogs visit their veterinarian, and it certainly comes in all shapes and sizes! Despite the variety of skin diseases, however, itchiness is a sign that is common to many of them. If you are someone who prefers to take a more natural approach to therapy, or even if you are caught short with an itchy dog and the veterinarian’s office is closed, there are various home remedies that you can use to help provide your dog with some relief.

Seven Home Remedies To Help Relieve Itchy Skin

Before trying any of these remedies on long-haired dogs, a hair cut will not only make it easier for you to apply them, but will also help your dog feel more comfortable in general.

1 Oatmeal: Grind one cup of plain oatmeal to a fine powder in a coffee grinder or food processor, and then mix with one cup of water. Apply the paste to affected areas of your dog’s skin, leave for 20 minutes, and then rinse off. Alternatively add one cup of ground oatmeal to your dog’s bath water if he is itching all over. Or, if you don’t want to go through all of that, there are many good oatmeal products on the market. Make sure they contain COLLOIDAL oatmeal, not oatmeal extract. We recommend this one from Nature’s Specialties. 

2 Baking Soda: Prepare a thick paste by using a 50/50 mix of baking soda and water. Apply to affected areas of your dog’s skin, leave for 20 minutes, and then rinse off. Alternatively add one cup of baking soda to your dog’s bath water if he is itching all over.

3 Apple Cider Vinegar: Prepare a 50/50 mix of apple cider vinegar with water, and use a spray bottle to apply it to affected areas. Or buy this pre made one from Burt’s Bees.

4 Herbal Tea Bag Rinse: Herbal teas such as chamomile, green tea, or calendula make for great rinses. Simply steep two tea bags in two cups of hot water. Remove the bags and allow the tea to cool before applying to affected areas of skin. Get 7 recipes for herbal rinses for your dog

5. Aspirin Mix: Crush two aspirin tablets and mix with a small amount of rubbing alcohol (do not administer by mouth). This mixture can be applied directly to affected areas of skin using cotton wool or cotton swabs. For maximum effect, apply in conjunction with one of the previously listed remedies.

6. Give your dog a bath – There is a common misconception that you shouldn’t bathe your dogs very often and that doing so can make skin conditions worse. Most veterinarians treat skin disease through a combination of steroids and antibiotics. But if you’re like me, you want to stay away from harsh drugs and try all natural courses of action first. The use of ’shampoo therapy’ to treat skin conditions may be the most overlooked natural therapy for dogs with skin disease. Read more about how bathing your dog can prevent itchiness.

7. Brush your dog every day – Who knew that something so simple and basic as brushing your dog’s coat could help to control and eliminate itchy and irritated skin. When his skin is itchy, inflammatory blood cells and chemical compounds such as histamine and prostaglandins accumulate in the affected area. These are all responsible for the reddening and inflammation that causes the itch. Read more about how brushing your dog can prevent itchiness.

So whether your dog is itching due to allergic skin problems, parasites, or bacterial infection, some home remedies can prove helpful. Avoid using them if your dog has open sores on his skin though – if this is the case, or if his itchiness persists, have him checked by your veterinarian to determine and treat the underlying cause first.

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Itchy Skin & Allergies Skin Disease

What To Do About Demodectic Mange

by Nicola Parry, DVM

Mange is the term for skin disease due to mite infestation, and there are two different forms of this condition in dogs, caused by different mite species. One of these is demodectic mange (or demodecosis).

What Causes This Condition?

This form of mange is caused predominantly by a mite called Demodex canis that lives deep in the skin, mostly in or around hair follicles. This parasite is very common, and is found on most dogs, but causes no problems for the majority of them. It tends only to progress to cause demodectic mange under certain conditions. Most cases tend to occur in young dogs that are 12-18 months of age and do not yet have a very mature immune system. As dogs get older, their immune system matures, and they tend to be less susceptible to demodecosis. Adult dogs with demodectic mange therefore tend to be those with defective immunity – this enables the mite to “get the upper hand” in some way, allowing them to multiply in the skin.

4 Signs Often Associated With Demodectic Mange

  1. Patchy hair loss (often starting on the face, especially around the eyes)
  2. Thickened, wrinkled skin
  3. Foul smelling skin with red scabs (due to secondary bacterial infection)
  4. Itchiness

How Is It Treated?

It is important to have your dog checked by his veterinarian if you suspect he might have demodectic mange, since other skin disease can appear similar and must therefore be ruled out. Additionally, many cases of demodecosis won’t resolve without help, and if left untreated, may even worsen due to secondary bacterial infection. Different treatment options are available, and your veterinarian will advise you which is best for your dog, according to which form of the condition he has:

  • Localized: This is more restricted to the face, and most cases resolve without treatment. If necessary, however, topical anti-mite treatments can be effective.
  • Generalized: This form can be hereditary. It causes hair loss across the whole bodyand can be tricky to control.Therapy involves the use of medicated shampoos and dips, although some cases may be treated with off-label medications under close supervision of your veterinarian.
  • Secondary bacterial involvement: Any case involving secondary bacterial infection requires antibiotic treatment in addition to anti-mite therapy.

Although some dogs can become very itchy, the use of corticosteroids is not advised since these drugs tend to suppress the immune system further, and may simply worsen the problem. If your dog is itchy, instead try the HappyTails oatmeal shampoo and conditioner for a more natural way to soothe the skin.

Is Demodectic Mange Contagious?

For the most part, demodectic mange is not considered contagious to other dogs. Since the mite lives deep in the skin within hair follicles, it is not a condition that is easily transferred by contact. The mite itself can be transferred from dog to dog, however, but unless it is transmitted to a dog with a defective immune system, demodecosis will not occur. Similarly, the condition does not seem to transmit from dogs to cats, or from dogs to people.

Can The Condition Recur After Treatment?

Since demodectic mange is really a problem that revolves around a defective immune system rather than simply the presence of mites, relapse is certainly possible if the dog comes into contact with more mites. Additionally, due to the likelihood that an inherited immune susceptibility is associated with cases of generalized demodecosis, dogs that have suffered from this form of the condition should not be bred.

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Itchy Skin & Allergies Paws

Why Does My Dog Constantly Lick His Paws?

by Dr. Nicola Parry

Does your dog lick or chew his paws constantly? If so, then more than likely this behavior is already driving you insane. Although all dogs lick themselves as normal grooming behavior, excessive licking and chewing indicates an underlying problem. Getting to the bottom of why he is doing this, however, is not always easy since this problem can result from many causes.

5 Reasons Why Your Dog May Be Licking His Paws

  1. Allergy: Often dogs will lick their paws if they have an itch – although it can be due to itchy paws, it can also be a result of an itch elsewhere. Oftentimes when dogs feel itchy, they just lick somewhere accessible – the paws – as a way of soothing the irritation. Although many types of allergy can be causative, flea allergies or even a simple flea infestation can be very common causes, especially in the summer.
  2. Injury: Damaged skin also causes itchiness. This can arise secondary to problems like flea allergy, or it can be a primary problem. It’s not uncommon for dogs to cut their paws, or even to have foreign material such as grass seeds stuck in the skin between their toes.
  3. Habit: Boredom or lack of exercise can often lead to licking, especially in dogs left home alone for long periods of time.
  4. Anxiety: This can be linked to boredom, for instance if dogs become anxious when alone, but other incidents can also cause anxiety. Simple things like a change in routine can lead to anxiety in some dogs, as can additions to the family, such as a new baby or a new pet.
  5. Compulsive Disorder: Some dogs develop obsessive, compulsive issues that lead to constant licking. Although uncommon, this can be very difficult to control.

Is your dog’s paw licking driving you insane? Get our FREE 13 Page guide: 18 Ways to Stop Paw Licking for Good!

Why Is The Licking A Problem?

In addition to being annoying to most owners, the constant licking can be a real problem for dogs, so it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible.

If left unchecked, the licking can lead to skin damage, open sores, and secondary bacterial infection. This can then become a vicious cycle, since the damaged skin is more irritated and painful, causing even more licking.

If your dog licks his paws due to habit or anxiety, there is also the risk that this can progress to become a compulsive behavior.

5 Tips For Treatment

  1. Treat for fleas: Since these are a very common cause of paw licking, be sure to institute a flea control regime, even if you don’t see any. Flea The Scene is an effective, natural product that can help eliminate this problem.
  2. Control the itch: Breaking the “itch-scratch” cycle can help to stop the licking in cases due to flea allergy. Itchin’ For Relief and Healthy Skin Shiny Coat are great for this purpose, helping to soothe your dog’s skin naturally.
  3. Cover the paws: Some dogs respond well to this, and it can occasionally stop the behavior. Dog booties can be used, or even simple dressings using self-adhesive material such as Vetrap®.
  4. Health check: If your dog’s constant licking persists, or if open wounds develop, your veterinarian should rule out underlying health problems, such as skin infections or entrapped foreign material.
  5. Behavior Therapy: If your dog licks his paws as part of a compulsive disorder, a behavioral expert may need to recommend behavioral changes or medication.

So if your dog is licking his paws, take some comfort in the fact that this is a common complaint! I remember constant issues with my dog and his combination of allergic skin disease, habit, and anxiety that caused constant licking – and despite being a veterinarian, I found that little trio quite difficult to completely control. The good news, however, is that many cases are less complicated and very manageable.

Nicola Parry is a veterinarian at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is ACVP board-certified and her career has taken her along various paths, including general practice and academia. She enjoys teaching veterinary pathology, as well as writing for the veterinary, medical and scientific worlds. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her oddball cat, Tiddles

Categories
Itchy Skin & Allergies Skin Disease

Pyoderma In Dogs

by Nicola Parry, DVM

Pyoderma refers to a bacterial infection of the skin, and is a very common canine condition. It can produce a lot of discomfort for your dog due to the intense itching that it causes. As a result, he may further traumatize the affected skin ultimately leading to a snowball effect with worsening of the original skin condition.

Although pyoderma represents an extremely common reason for dogs visiting their veterinarian, it must be remembered that it is usually not actually a disease entity in its own right – it typically arises secondary to some other underlying medical issue. Therefore, if you suspect this condition in your dog, it is important to have him examined by a veterinarian – not just for relief of the skin disease, but so he can additionally be evaluated for some underlying (and potentially more serious) problem that may be a predisposing factor:

Some Underlying Conditions That Can Predispose To Pyoderma

  • Skin allergy (flea allergy)
  • Endocrine disease (hypothyroidism)
  • Parasitic skin infection (mange mites)
  • Fungal skin infection (malasseziasis)

How Does Infection Start?

The most common bacterial organism involved in pyoderma is Staphylococcus intermedius – a bug that is actually found normally on the skin of healthy dogs. It tends to “turn rogue”, however, in some circumstances – such as when skin is traumatized due to scratching associated with allergic or parasitic conditions, or in association with endocrine diseases. Due to bacterial involvement, these are typically purulent (pus-forming) conditions, and can be either superficial (restricted to the outermost layers of the skin) or deep (extending to involve deeper layers of the skin).

5 Signs Of Pyoderma

  1. Papules (red bumps)
  2. Pustules (pimples)
  3. Crusts (scabs)
  4. Hair loss
  5. Draining wounds

Treating Pyoderma

The treatment of pyoderma involves a two-pronged attack:

  1. Treatment of the bacterial infection Veterinary treatment is imperative for effective treatment of pyoderma, and typically involves antibiotic therapy given by mouth, as well as by topical application to the skin.
  2. Diagnosis of the underlying skin condition Your veterinarian will also begin a diagnostic workup to investigate the cause of the pyoderma. This will then need to be treated in order to break the cycle of infection.

How You Can Help

In addition to seeking veterinary help if you see any of the signs of pyoderma in your dog, one important way in which you can help is by keeping him properly groomed at all times. Additionally, if you are aware that he has any underlying skin conditions, be sure to manage those as effectively as possible. If he has flea allergy dermatitis, for example, use his favorite soothing products such as Comfy Dog oatmeal shampoo, and Fur Butter ultra-rich conditioner, both of these are rich in oatmeal which help to soothe itchy skin.  If he has irritated skin, apply hisItchin’ For Relief spray after bathing to help soothe his skin further. And in addition to any pharmaceutical products that your vet may have advised, don’t forget to apply his Flea The Scene regularly, in order to manage his flea infestation.

So remember that pyoderma is usually secondary to some predisposing skin disease, and almost all skin diseases in dogs tend to involve some degree of pyoderma. Although it is certainly important to treat the bacterial infection itself, effective management of this condition therefore also requires identification and treatment of the underlying primary skin disease. While your veterinarian needs to be involved for optimum resolution of pyoderma in your dog, you can certainly play an important role in making sure that his coat is kept clean and well-groomed and that any allergies are under control.

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Flea Treatments Itchy Skin & Allergies Skin Disease

Does your dog have Flea Allergy Dermatitis?

chiuauauby Nicola Perry, DVM

What is Flea Allergy Dermatitis?
“Dermatitis” means inflammation of the skin, and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common inflammatory skin disorder in dogs. Although all dogs can become infested with fleas if they are not treated preventatively, not all dogs will develop FAD. This condition only arises in certain dogs that have an allergy to the flea’s saliva.

When fleas bite your dog, they inject their saliva into his skin. In dogs that are prone to FAD, this sets off an allergic reaction, causing the dog to irritate the wound even more than expected. Dermatitis results and the damage to the skin allows for bacterial invasion. Now the problem snowballs even more due to this secondary bacterial infection of the wound. Although my little old Jack Russell terrier is no longer with me, I remember all too well the perils of his FAD!

5 Important Signs Of FAD

  • Scratching
  • Chewing
  • Licking
  • Hair loss
  • Reddened skin

4 Areas Typically Affected By FAD

  • Tail
  • Rump
  • Hind limbs
  • Back of the neck

The ABC’s of FAD
A – Attack the bacteria
Your veterinarian will no doubt prescribe some form of antibacterial agent to treat the secondary bacterial infection. This is especially important because even if your dog’s flea infestation is treated effectively, if the bacterial infection goes untreated, the problem will continue to snowball as your dog further traumatizes the affected area.

B – Break the cycle of itching and scratching
In addition to any pharmaceutical products prescribed by your veterinarian, there are 3 products that can help bring about some immediate relief.

Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo helps to relieve the itching associated with allergies, and is ideal for dogs with FAD. For maximum relief, follow up on this shampooing with Fur Butter, an ultra-rich, deep conditioning treatment that also contains oatmeal. And last, but certainly not least, Itchin’ For Relief can be applied to your dog’s irritated skin. This fast-acting spray can help bring some immediate relief for your itchy dog.

C – Counteract flea bites
Flea The Scene is a safe 3-in-1 spray that is ideal for use on your dog, especially when outdoors. Its ingredients effectively help to ensure that fleas and other pests really do flee the scene, acting as a great complementary product alongside any pharmaceutical products that you might use in your fight against fleas.Remember too that the flea’s life cycle involves some time spent away from the dog’s body. So don’t forget to take the necessary precautions to treat his environment in the home as well! You could also try the Dirty & Harry trio of products. These products are formulated with citronella which fleas and other insects hate. But unlike other citronella based formulas, these products actually smell good!

Although fleas are a very common type of pest that you can’t prevent your pet being exposed to, you can, however, take some easy steps to alleviate the problems that they pose to him. If your dog is unlucky enough to be prone to FAD, it is important to remember that flea-control therapy alone will not be enough to combat this problem. This allergy causes additional self-inflicted trauma that can lead to increased redness, hair loss, damaged skin and secondary bacterial infection. So if you hope to effectively manage FAD in your dog, don’t forget your ABCs!

Nicola Parry is a veterinarian at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is ACVP board-certified and her career has taken her along various paths, including general practice and academia. She enjoys teaching veterinary pathology, as well as writing for the veterinary, medical and scientific worlds. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her oddball cat, Tiddles

Categories
Grooming Itchy Skin & Allergies Shampoo

The Many Benefits of Lavender

 

Lavender is the most famous of the essential oils due to it’s pleasant relaxing aroma.  But did you know that lavender has many uses for common animal ailments as well?

The biggest benefit your dog will enjoy from lavender is alleviting unpleasant skin conditions. It is also excellent for first aid, custs and wounds and for general healing purposes.  Lavender is so gentle while also being antibacterial, astringent and an all natural anti itch remedy. So if your dog has itchy skin, a shampoo or spray with lavender is the way to go. You’ll be accomplishing two things– cleaning your dog while also healing the skin.

Lavender is also a good tick repellent. According to Mary Tilford in her wonderful book “Herbs for Pets”  mix olive oil, Saint John’s Wort infused oil  and lavender oil together and massage on affected areas to help ticks drop off. You can also use this mixture as a preventative.

As a side benefit, lavender also acts as a central nervous system sedative. It’s used to calm a nervous or excited animal. An open bottle of the oil can be waved under the dog’s nose, or, put some of the oil on a piece of cardboard and place near the bed. Or, even easier, get a lavender candle and enjoy the  lovely frangrance.

 

 

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Itchy Skin & Allergies

Is your dog’s licking and scratching all night driving you insane?

A 16 week old Golden Retriever puppy on a white background "Missy"

It’s been a long day at work. You’ve enjoyed unwinding with your favorite television show, and it’s time to catch up on some much needed sleep. Turning the lights out, you roll over and close your eyes with a sigh.

Then, it starts.
Your dog is itchy, and you can hear him scratching at himself. In the quiet of the night, it’s the only sound you can hear, and it’s so loud! There’s no way you’ll get to sleep while he’s constantly licking his skin and paws. You need to work out how to soothe your dog’s skin and help him settle at bedtime, or you’ll both be tired and cranky in the morning.

I use a three tiered approach to calm down my itchy westie.

1. Calm Down
Before bedtime, or in the middle of the night when your dog wakes you up, give your canine companion some CBD Oil specifically designed for calming your pup. He will happily swallow this liquid, but if not, pop a few drops on his favorite treat and offer him that.

If you don’t want to give your dog CBD, we also really like this herbal remedy.

2. Stop that Itch
Your dog won’t stop scratching while he is still itchy. Grab your bottle of Anti Itch Spray, part his fur and spray it directly onto his skin. There’s no need to wet his coat, you can apply it while he is still dry. This makes it perfect for using just before bed. The Anti Itch Spray from King Kanine (pictured above) is works well because it has CBD oil in it as well as natural botanicals.

Again, if you’re hesitant about CBD here’s another really good anti itch spray that doesn’t contain CBD and is just as effective.

3. Hands on Soothing
Brush your dog with a soft bristled brush. Gentle strokes over his entire body will relax him and he’ll be dozing in no time. Think about trying Tellington Ttouch – this technique involves moving your fingertips in small circles all over your dog’s body. It is designed to calm him down, and it may also break the itch-scratch cycle that is distressing for both of you.

RECAP
As soon as your dog wakes you, Give your dog the CBD oil so this natural remedy gets into her system and starts taking effect. Then spray some anti itch spray on the areas your dog is scratching/licking most. Finally, brush your dog. After about 10 minutes your dog should be good to go for at least a few hours.



Get to the Bottom of the Itch
There is always a reason for a dog’s itching and scratching, and an important part of managing his condition is working out what is causing it. If he has fleas, then make sure you keep Flea the Scene handy. It contains no pesticides, but instead relies on safe and effective natural ingredients to kill these blood sucking little parasites.

If he has a food allergy, then you’ll need to perform a food trial to work out what he is sensitive to, and keep those foods off his dinnertime menu.

Sleep deprivation is torture, especially when your work colleagues are relying on you in the morning. It’s not fun for your dog either. Take the time to calm him down and soothe his itch before you both go to bed, and you’ll enjoy sweet dreams the whole night through.

Categories
Itchy Skin & Allergies

Is your dog making you sick?

by Audrey Harvey, DVM

 

Your dog gives you companionship, affection and loyalty. Unfortunately, he can also give you disease. There are quite a few illnesses that can be spread from dogs to humans, and some of them are quite serious. Let’s look at the more common ones.

 

Doggie Diseases You Don’t Want

 

1.       Fleas. These little biting parasites don’t mind if they drink human blood or dog blood. If your dog has a large flea population, you’ll start to find red itchy flea bites on your skin too. Keep the fleas under control by regularly using Flea the Scene. This easy to use spray contains all natural ingredients that are totally safe for your dog, but deadly to fleas.

 

2.       Worms. Roundworm and hookworm can cause serious harm to people, as the larvae migrate under our skin, and through our internal organs. The flea tapeworm, Dipylidium, can also infect us, and cause severe itching around our bottom. It is imperative that dog owners worm their dogs regularly, and wash their hands after they’ve cuddled their canine family member. You can also help to control Dipylidium by keeping fleas under control, as described above.

 

3.       Ringworm. This infection isn’t actually a worm, but a fungus that lives in your dog’s hair follicles. It’s easily spread to people, either by direct contact or by touching your dog’s brushes or bedding. As part of his treatment for ringworm, wash him gently with Comfy Dog oatmeal shampoo. Its herbal ingredients soothe skin itch and inflammation, and the antimicrobial effect of Calendula extract can help to eliminate the fungal infection.

 

4.       Gastrointestinal disease. Dogs can spread infections such as campylobacter and giardia to people, which both result in an upset stomach and diarrhea. The best way to avoid these illnesses is to maintain basic hygiene, and wash your hands frequently with soap after handling your dog. Keep a bottle of Dry Dog Instant Clean by your front door and clean your dog’s feet before he comes inside. That way he won’t track in toxins and infectious agents into your home, and you are less likely to become unwell.

 

When Your Dog Makes You Itch

 

Although allergies can’t be spread from dogs to humans, our canine companions can be responsible for annoying allergy symptoms in people. If you are sensitive to dogs, a cuddle with your best friend often results in sneezing, runny eyes and itchy skin.

 

An important part of controlling your allergic symptoms is reducing the amount of loose dog hair and dander that you are exposed to.  This means you need to regularly vacuum your carpets, and wash your dog’s bedding.

 

Bathe your dog regularly to remove excess hair and skin cells. It’s important to use a gentle shampoo so you don’t dry out his coat, and start him scratching too. Bubbles ‘n Beads is the perfect choice to gently clean his coat and remove hair and skin scurf. This shampoo with built in conditioning beads is gentle enough to use regularly, and will leave your dog’s coat soft and luxurious.

 

Owning a dog needn’t be a health hazard. Take sensible precautions, and use the right products to keep your dog hale and hearty, and at the same time look after your own well being.