Category: Itchy Skin & Allergies

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Itchy Skin & Allergies Odor/Smell

My dog smells bad AND has itchy skin

Dogs with a normal healthy skin and coat don’t smell offensive, and they don’t itch. If your dog smells awful, has a greasy coat and is constantly scratching, it means there is something very wrong.

In many cases, the problem is a fungus called Malassezia. This little yeast organism is responsible for skin infections that are especially itchy, smelly and greasy to the touch.

Diagnosis and Treatment

It’s not hard to diagnose Malassezia infection on your dog’s skin. Your veterinarian will apply some sticky tape to his skin, and gently peel it off, picking up some yeast organisms in the process. He will be able to identify the organisms under the microscope.

There are several options for treatment, depending on the severity of the infection. If it is only a small problem, you may be able to control it by regularly bathing your dog in an anti-fungal shampoo and applying an anti-fungal ointment. More severe cases need to be treated with anti-fungal tablets.

Where does Malassezia Come From?

Small numbers of Malassezia live on the skin of all dogs, and neither you or your dog notice any effects. Before they can cause skin problems, there needs to be a change to the surface of the skin that allows them to grow and multiply. Large quantities of yeast on the skin result in the familiar musty odor and itch.

Malassezia seems to enjoy oily skin, and any condition that increases oil production will also increase the numbers of yeast on the skin. The most common condition is an allergic reaction, however dogs with seborrhea will also have increased oil production, and a secondary Malassezia infection.

There are some less common predisposing causes. Some dogs have a deficiency in their immune system, which allows Malassezia to multiply, and others are allergic to the yeast. If this is the case you should start your dog on immune boosting supplements.

Dogs with hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism are also predisposed to Malassezia overgrowth.The end result is the same – lots of yeast, itchy skin, dreadful odor and a greasy coat.

Fortunately, Malassezia infections aren’t contagious, but it can take a bit of work to clear them up.

Prevention is Best

Because Malassezia infection is secondary to some underlying skin problem, the only way to stop it recurring is to identify and control that underlying cause. Your veterinarian can help you with this, and your dog may need blood tests and allergy tests to get to the bottom of it.

  • In the meantime, the oatmeal in this colloidal oatmeal shampoo for dry & itchy skin will soothe your dog’s skin inflammation, and ease his itch. Because it rinses clean, it won’t leave any residue on his skin, and it will leave him smelling minty fresh. 
  • If you notice any areas where your dog is particularly itchy, tackle them with an anti itch spray for dogs. This all natural spray will quickly ease his itch and stop him scratching.
  • You can also try fish oil. Just put it over your dog’s food, and the omega rich oil will support healthy skin and also general well being. 
  • Give treats with benefits. If you normally treat your dog anyway, why not give a treat that includes ingredients that support healthy skin and coat? 

It can be hard work, but if you control your dog’s underlying skin condition, and care for his skin and coat the Malassezia won’t have the opportunity to multiply. This means no yeast infection, no itchy skin and no smelly dog. It’s worth the effort.

PROTIP: 

If you work outside of the house, we highly recommend a Furbo Dog Camera. It allows you to see, talk and toss treats to your dog from anywhere. This way you can monitor how much scratching and paw licking your dog does while you’re not home. You can also speak to your dog if you see her licking to try and distract her.

 

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Food Itchy Skin & Allergies

What is my dog allergic to?

 

This guest post is brought to you by Dog Fence DIY’s staff veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright.

 

Just like people, dogs can be allergic to what they eat, and can develop itchy red skin from these allergies. Before you throw out that new kibble you’re feeding your dog, there are a few things you should know about food allergies in dogs.

 

Although food allergies can develop at any age, they usually occur in middle aged animals. Dogs don’t become allergic to new foods, they develop an allergy to a food they’ve been eating for a few years. They are often allergic to dairy products, wheat, beef, lamb and corn but can, in fact, be allergic to anything.

 

Although dogs with food allergies can have upset stomachs and diarrhea, the most common indicator of these allergies in dogs is itchy skin. These poor dogs scratch their face, ears, feet and legs. They can often scratch so much that they traumatize the skin and cause an infection. It can be hard to tell a food allergy apart from a condition known as atopy, which is an allergy to dusts and pollens. The symptoms are very similar.

 

While skin allergy testing may identify what foods your dog is allergic to, the best way to get a diagnosis of food allergy is with a feeding trial. This isn’t hard, but it takes a lot of commitment from an owner. You will basically need to choose a protein and a carbohydrate that your dog has never eaten before, so he can’t possibly be allergic to them. Turkey or venison can be good options for a protein source, and you can feed him an unusual carbohydrate such as cous cous.

 

Now comes the hard part. Your dog must eat this, and only this, for eight weeks. No snacks, no training treats, no leftovers from your dinner plate. The idea is that if your dog isn’t allergic to his food, then his skin itch will resolve.

 

After that eight week period, if your dog’s skin is better, then you can start a food challenge. This is more labor intensive than the food trial. It involves  adding one ingredient to your dog’s dinner, for example beef, for two weeks to see if he starts itching again. If he does, then beef is a no-no for him. If he’s okay then you can add beef to his list of “safe foods”.  Do this with each individual part of his previous diet. When you’re finished, you’ll have a list of foods your dog can safely eat, and those he must never have again. It is a lot of work, and can be frustrating, but the good thing is that when you’re finished, you’ll be able to  manage your dog’s food allergy without using drugs.

 

While you’re going through this process, you can help ease your dog’s itch by washing him in Comfy Dog Shampoo. It contains colloidal oatmeal which has been proven to soothe itchy skin. Wash him in it weekly, and if you feel he needs extra help, condition his coat with Fur Butter, which also contains oatmeal. If he has developed a particularly itchy area, a quick spray with Itchin’ for Relief will make him more comfortable.

 

Food allergies are a nuisance, but if you are prepared for a bit of hard work, you can manage them long term without steroids and other harmful drugs. It’s worth the effort.

 

This guest post was brought to you by Dog Fence DIY’s staff veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright. Dog Fence DIY will help you choose the right system for you and your pet. They will also train you on using your new system. Dog Fence DIY has a variety of underground fence systems at the best available prices.

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Hot Spots Itchy Skin & Allergies

Your Dog's Hot Spot Horror!

Hot Spot Horror!

Last week, my brother took my three dogs out for a long hike on a mountain trail that runs alongside a shallow river. Every now and then he’d throw a stick into the water for the dogs to dive in after so that they could cool off a bit. Needless to say, they all arrived back home tired and smelling like wet dogs.

A couple of days later I noticed that one of my dogs, CJ, kept scratching and licking himself in one particular area on his stomach. He seemed to obsess about it so much that I decided to take a look myself. I rolled CJ over onto his back and noticed that he had a small cut on his belly and the surrounding skin was red and swollen. He had licked at it so much that his hair had fallen away around the wound.

After talking with my brother, we deducted that my dog must have scratched his belly on a rock or stick while jumping in and out of the river when they were out hiking. That, coupled with his fur remaining wet for such a long period of time, had caused a hot spot.

Hot spots are also referred to as moist eczema and can be small abrasions on a dog’s skin that are caused by damp moisture. In CJ’s case it was the river water staying on his fur and skin for such a long period of time before he came home. The bacteria in the river water had stayed on his skin long enough to form a tiny bacterial colony. This colony then irritated my dog to the extent of him scratching and licking at the spot for relief, although he was merely making things worse for himself.

Hot spots can be caused by anything that either irritates or breaks the skin, and not just by excess moisture. Dogs can get hot spots from being accidently clipped by the groomer or by being shaved too close to the skin. Other causes are allergies and bug bites, such as from fleas and ticks.

These hot spots may appear as painful, swollen, smelly, areas on your dog’s skin that sometimes will ooze liquid as well. The edges are often red with an oozing center and are sometimes covered with a yellow plaque. Most of the time, their fur would have fallen out around the area due to your dog incessantly licking, scratching and biting at it in an attempt to get relief.

Hot spots can occur on any part of the body but the most common locations are the side of the face, top of neck , rump or base of tail.

While almost any dog can get hot spots, those dogs that have long coats or a history of allergies, ear infections, and flea infestations are most susceptible. Dogs that reside in climates that are warm and humid may also have trouble with hot spots when their undercoats are shed.

If left untreated these hot spots can became progressively worse and spread wider across the dog’s body. ith CJ I used Itchin’ for Relief because it contains a combination of Oat Extract, Litchi and Aloe, which all work together to provide soothing relief from the itchiness. It also contains Neem and Grapefruit Seed Extract which have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, as well as Calendula and Boswellia Serrata for their anti-inflammatory properties too.

Six Ways You Can Treat Your Dog’s Hot Spots, Now!

1. Clip away hair on and around the hot spot.

2. Kill any surface bacteria as soon as possible by using a product like Itchin for Relief which is hypoallergenic and soap-free. This will also provide some temporary relief

3. Wash your dog with an oatmeal shampoo . Oatmeal is an excellent way to break the itch cycle and provide relief. Click here to read more about why oatmeal helps to relieve itchy skin.

4. If possible cover the hot spot. You can put a tshirt on your dog to prevent direct access to the wound, or, put some soft booties on his feet. You can also try Lick Strips which is a little adhesive you place on the hot spot to  deter licking and biting of hot spots. Finally, in lieu of those awful Elizabethan cones try a  . Services the same purpose but is much more Comfy!

5. If your dog is prone to hot spots try a nutritional supplement like vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids.

6. For deeper, internal bacterial conditions put your dog on an immune support product. Try either Healthy Skin Shiny Coat which is a liquid elixir or Eyemunity which is a very effective all natural powder you sprinkle onto your dog’s food. Building your dog’s immune system will help to prevent hot spots for good!

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Itchy Skin & Allergies

Seven Quick Things You Can Do Right Now To Ease Your Dogs Itchy Skin

dog itchy skin

When your dog is itchy, it’s distressing for both of you. Wouldn’t it be great if there was something you could do to give him instant relief? Well, you’ll be happy to hear that there is.

1. Check the ingredients on his food . One of the most common causes of itchy skin is allergies and specifically food allergies. A vet will almost always recommend changing an itchy dog’s food. Especially if he’s being fed “kibble” type dry food which usually contains fillers and preservatives. Ingredients to watch out for include corn wheat or soy which are common allergy triggers. Switch to a more natural food like Honest Kitchen or Grandma Lucky’s  and of course make sure your dog always has plenty of fresh water.

2. Check for fleas; another common cause of itching, but be careful, even if you can’t see fleas, they may still be causing your dog grief. The lower back and base of the tail are typical spots for flea bites. As if the bites themselves weren’t bad enough dogs who are allergic to flea bites can scratch for several weeks after one flea bite. Of course we recommend all-natural anti itchy spray ! Not only is it a safe and effective way to repel the little buggers but the formula contains no poisons or pesticides so even if your dog licks it off, it’s perfectly safe.

3. Fish Oil has been shown to help with itching and also has anti inflammatory qualities. As an added benefit it also helps to make the coat shiner and more manageable. You can buy fish oil specifically for your pet from but your own pills are perfectly fine. If he balks at swallowing a pill (and we suspect he will) just puncture the outer skin of the capsule with a pin and squeeze the contents onto his food. Or make life easier and but it in a liquid form and just pump it in the food.

4. Wash your dog Bathe your dog regularly so that you get rid of dust and pollen that may have settled on his fur. (Bath time tips fort itchy dogs ) Use a colloidal oatmeal shampoo  to reduce his skin inflammation and itch. Colloidal oatmeal has been approved by the FDA to ease itchy skin. Click here to read more about colloidal oatmeal .

5. Cover it up! If your dog is scratching the same spot over and over, cover it up with a doggie Tshirt or doggie booties. By placing a barrier between your dog’s claws and the abrasion you allow the irritation to heal and hopefully your dog will start thinking about something else! 

6. CHILLAX! If your dog is licking and scratching all night long keeping the both of your up, give him a few drops of a doggie calming tonic. Your dog may be working himself into a frenzy and the scratching becomes a nervous habit. The Tonic won’t cure the itchy skin, but it WILL relax and calm the both of you so you can both get some much needed sleep! If you think your dog’s scratching is all in her mind, here are a couple of articles you may want to read. Your dog’s constant scratching could be a habit and Is your dog’s scratching all in his mind?

7. Spot On! If your dog has a particular part of his body he’s really scratching or chewing at, consider using an anti itch spray. This is a convenient, easy to use spray with a unique nozzle to direct the spray to where it’s really needed. That way you’re not wetting the whole coat, and wasting the product on areas of the body where it’s not needed. Its all natural ingredients quickly soothe the itch of hot spots. You’ll notice your dog stop scratching straight away.

8. Treats with Benefits You treat your dog anyway, don’t you? So why not give treats with benefits? These super yummy jerky treats have ingredients baked right in to soothe a dog’s itchy skin. 

Of course, if these tips above don’t work, a trip to the vet may be necessary.

Antihistamines such as Benadryl may help stop your dog’s itch. This medication actually blocks the release of histamine in cells, which causes the reddening and itching of the skin in response to an insect bite or allergy. Antihistamines are very safe drugs, but not all dogs show improvement when they’re treated with them. In fact, only about 30% of dogs are more comfortable when they’re given antihistamines. If you’d like to try this medication, speak to your vet about an appropriate dose and frequency for your dog.

Anti-itch medication usually contains corticosteroids. These drugs also block the inflammatory response, but do so much more effectively, so virtually all dogs will respond to treatment. An injection of corticosteroid by your vet will ease the itch very quickly. She may suggest that you follow that with corticosteroid tablets or creams, to extend the effect. Keep in mind that there are potential side effects if you use these drugs, and it’s important that you use as low a dose as possible to reduce the risk. Combining corticosteroid medication with an oatmeal Shampoo and anti itch spray will mean you don’t need as much medication to stop your dog scratching. This is much better for his health.

Constant itching and scratching can lead to a secondary infection, and worsening of your dog’s skin problem. It’s good to have some effective tools in your arsenal to nip that scratching in the bud. That way, you’ll both get some rest.

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Itchy Skin & Allergies

Are some dog breeds really itchier than others?

Photo by Leslie Robbins

Some breeds have a reputation for being itchy. These include West Highland White Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds.

There are plenty of old wives’ tales relating to the care of our dogs. Is this just another one, or are some breeds really more itchy than others?

Breed Specific Skin Problems

There are definitely skin problems that occur in one breed much more than others. In many cases, there is a genetic component to these problems which explains why they’re more common in that particular breed, and not others.

One example is Epidermal Dysplasia in West Highland White Terriers. The term "dysplasia" means abnormal growth. This condition is caused by abnormal development of skin cells, which leads to inflammation and secondary infection with Malassezia yeast. The result is hair loss, and constant itching and scratching, which first appears at 12-18 months of age. This is a frustrating condition – treating the infection often resolves the itching but because of the underlying problem with the skin cells, it recurs as soon as medication is stopped. There are other specific skin diseases that occur in other breeds, and many of them are also suspected to be hereditary.

Are Allergies Hereditary?

Given that the majority of severe itching problems are caused by allergic reactions, it makes sense to look at whether or not some breeds are more allergic than others.

The most common allergy in dogs is flea bite allergy. Dogs with this problem can itch for several weeks if they’re bitten by just one flea, and they can bite and scratch themselves raw. As far as scientists can ascertain, there is no breed predilection for flea allergy.

The situation is similar to food allergy – there are no breeds that are particularly likely to develop this condition.

However, there is lots of evidence that atopy (or allergy to dusts and pollens) is more common in some breeds than others, and this does suggest that it may be hereditary. In fact, atopy occurs more frequently in some lines within those breeds.

Just to complicate things, some studies have suggested that atopic dogs are more likely to develop flea bite allergy. So, if that’s the case, can we then suggest there may in fact be a hereditary component to flea allergy dermatitis? Veterinarians aren’t sure about that one yet.

Managing Your Itchy Breed

Depending on the breed of dog you own, and the potentially hereditary skin condition you’re dealing with, your veterinarian may prescribe specific medication to alleviate his itch.

In the meantime, there are steps you can take to manage his condition.

1. Wash him in Comfy Dog Shampoo . It contains colloidal oatmeal which is well known for relieving itchy skin. It also contains herbal extracts to reduce inflammation and soothe red irritated skin. If you can follow up the shampoo with Fur Butter , your dog will have relief for longer.

2. Make sure he is never bitten by a flea. If he has an underlying atopy, he’s likely to also be more sensitive to fleas. This makes it even more important that you keep those little critters away. If you regularly apply Flea The Scene, he’ll not be bothered by fleas any more.

3. If he has a specific itchy spot, Itchin’ For Relief can help. It’s all natural ingredients relieve the itch, and its convenient nozzle makes sure you get the spray exactly where it’s needed.

4. If your dog has a skin problem that’s possibly hereditary, don’t breed from it. That’s easy to do with conditions that show up early in life. However, with skin allergies, they may not raise their ugly head until your dog is 2 or 3 years old. By this time, many purebred dogs have already had litters.

5. Make sure your dog is eating a no grain diet. Sometimes dogs are allergic to their food. Check out www.thehonestkitchen.com

If you take the time to correctly manage your dog with a hereditary skin disease, not only will he be more comfortable but you can reduce the incidence of that disease in the breed. That’s a win-win situation.

To get more tips on how you can stop your dog’s constant scratching, click below to get our free ebook. Written by vets and holistic pet practitioners, it’s jam packed with ideas and solutions to make your dog’s life more comfortable.
itchy skin ebook lar2

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Grooming Itchy Skin & Allergies

Bath Time Tips For Itchy Dogs


When your dog is itchy, it’s distressing for both of you. You feel helpless as they scratch, chew and rub their skin. They can really do themselves a lot of damage with their vigorous scratching, so it’s important to do everything you can to relieve their irritation.
Bath Time Tips For Itchy Dogs
Bathing your itchy dog is an important part of his treatment, but it needs to be done properly, with an appropriate shampoo. However, you first need to try and identify the cause of the itch.
One of the most common causes of itchy skin in dogs is fleas. It’s important to use an effective flea control product to stay on top of these little parasites. Many of these products are applied to the skin, and frequent bathing may reduce their effectiveness. Use a gentle moisturizing shampoo such as Bubbles’n Beads with your topical flea treatment to get the best flea control for your pooch.
Allergies frequently cause distressing itching and scratching. Whether it be a food allergy or an allergy to pollens or plants, bathing is very helpful in washing off allergens from the skin and coat. Colloidal oatmeal can remove toxins from the skin, and give your dog up to 3 days relief from scratching. Wash him with Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampo o, and for longer lasting results, follow up with Fur Butter Conditioner. Both products contain colloidal oatmeal and herbal ingredients to relieve itching and soothe inflammation.
Skin itching can also be caused by secondary bacterial infection, in which case you may need to wash your dog in Chlorhexidine, to kill the bacteria. Your vet will guide you in how to use this product.
How often should you bathe your itchy dog?
If you’re using Chlorhexidine, you may need to shampoo every day or every second day to keep the bacterial infection under control.
Alternatively, with Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo, most vets will recommend shampooing twice weekly as a starting point, and will reassess your dog as time goes by.
If you’re using Bubbles’n Beads in conjunction with flea control products, it’s a good idea to try and avoid bathing any more frequently than every two weeks. That way you’re less likely to need to reapply the flea control more often than the manufacturer recommends. Click here to read more on how often you should wash your dog

How Not To Wash Your Itchy Dog
Just as there’s a right way to wash your dog, there’s also a wrong way to do it.
Don’t use a human shampoo. They’re too harsh for most dogs, and may dry their skin and coat. Dry skin often leads to itching, so you’re right back where you started. Use a quality dog shampoo containing colloidal oatmeal, such as Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo, and it will gently cleanse your dog’s skin and coat, and ease that annoying itch. Click here to learn more about why you shouldn’t use your own shampoo on your dog.
No matter what you use to bath your itchy dog, avoid lathering and rubbing him too hard. This can traumatize his sensitive skin, and leave him itchier than before. If his skin is inflamed, vigorous rubbing may also be quite painful. Gentle lathering will do just as good a job, and will feel much better on your dog’s skin.
Washing your dog is one of many things you can do to ease your dog’s itch. Do it right, with the right product, and not only will his skin itch improve, he’ll feel a lot happier in himself.

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Anxiety & Nervousness Itchy Skin & Allergies

Is Your Dog's Scratching All In His Mind?

Many people believe their dog’s scratching is just a habit, and it’s all in his mind. Is that possible?

Certainly, the reasons for a dog’s scratching can be all in his owner’s mind. Some people believe that their breed has a unique itch that’s just a part of that breed. One example that comes to mind is the so called "Sussex scratch", a stress relieving itch which apparently only occurs in Sussex Spaniels. Veterinarians will tell you that there is in fact no such thing as a breed related itch, and closer examination usually reveals an underlying cause for the scratching, such as an allergy.

All In The Mind

There’s no doubt that dogs can develop an obsessive compulsive disorder, and that it often manifests as self mutilation. These dogs can lick themselves until their skin is raw, or bite their tail until they bleed.

However, many cases of self mutilation are caused by pain or itching that we can’t see, and it can be very difficult to find the cause of this. Dogs will do the strangest things to relieve pain or itching, including excessive biting, chewing and scratching.

Dogs with anxiety can also self mutilate as a form of stress relief. Dogs also seem to experience phantom pain, and tail docking as a pup can hurt later in life.

Solve The Riddle

It can be difficult to manage these cases of apparent psychological scratching.

The first step is to look for a physical reason for the scratching. This may not be obvious, and it can take a great deal of investigation to either diagnose, or rule out, a cause for the self mutilation. Dogs are limited in how they can respond to pain; their response commonly includes scratching and chewing. Your dog would be miserable if there was in fact a physical cause of pain or irritation, and it wasn’t treated.

If, after a thorough investigation, your vet feels that your dog’s itch is in fact psychological, you will need to relieve anything that’s bothering your dog while you redirect his self mutilating behavior. There are several things you can do to help him.

1. Every time he scratches, interrupt him and divert his attention. Watch him constantly so as soon as he does scratch, you can give him an alternative behavior, such as chewing a Kong.

2. Physically stop him scratching and biting – bandage the affected area (or put on tshirt on him if it covers the area), use an Elizabethan collar (or a Comfy Cone), or use a medicated spray to numb the area and make it taste bitter.

3. Mental stimulation and some exercise has been shown to reduce the likelihood of these behaviors developing. Also, early obedience training will give him a good repertoire of acceptable behaviors, so he’s less likely to develop compulsive behaviors.

4. If your vet feels your dog has an anxiety problem, she may prescribe a course of anti anxiety treatment. This can make it easier for him to learn new behaviors without the added burden of feeling stressed. You can get an all natural herbal product like Sleepytime Tonic without a prescription and it works wonders. Helps to calm your dog so you can both get some rest.

5. Treat any irritation in the skin that has developed from his constant scratching. Wash him in Comfy Dog Shampoo ; its colloidal oatmeal will ease his itch and reduce inflammation. You can, if you wish, follow it up with Fur Butter Deep Conditioning Treatment for an enhanced effect. If he has small patches where he constantly itches, a spray with will soothe his irritated skin.

Psychological scratching can be difficult to diagnose, and difficult to manage. It’s important that it’s diagnosed early; the sooner you start treatment, the better the chance for a happy outcome for you and your dog.

Categories
Grooming Itchy Skin & Allergies

Doggie Dandruff- How Embarassing!

Dogs, like people, can have dandruff. However, unlike people, they’re not at all embarrassed by it, and they don’t mind it showing up on their dark coat. For their owners, it’s more of a problem. It’s not fun to cuddle and play with your dog, and have little white flakes of skin fall all over you.

What Causes Dandruff In Dogs?

Dandruff and flaky skin in dogs are usually caused by a condition called seborrhea sicca.

Normal round skin cells become dry and flat scales of keratin as they age and move up to the surface of the skin. It’s normal for these scales to flake off. In dogs with seborrhea, the skin cells are too quick to turn into the keratin scales, so there’s an excess of these scales on the skin. They fall off in much larger quantities, causing small white dandruff flakes. These dogs also usually have abnormal oil glands in the skin. The glands don’t produce enough oils, which results in drying and scaling of the skin surface, flaky skin and dandruff.

Some breeds of dogs have a genetic tendency to seborrhea. This is called primary seborrhea, and it’s something that isn’t ever cured, but is just managed. Breeds which suffer from primary seborrhea include German Shepherd Dogs, American Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds and Dachshunds.

Most dogs with flaky skin suffer from secondary seborrhea, where there is a primary underlying disease causing the excessive skin flaking. The primary disease could be as common as a flea allergy, or could be an internal disorder such as an under active thyroid gland, or a nutritional deficiency.

In many cases, the changes to the surface of the skin allow the normal skin micro-organisms to multiply, causing infection. The result is red, itchy, irritated and often painful skin.

Controlling The Crusts

It can be very difficult to treat flaky skin in dogs, and it will take commitment from both you and your vet. It’s important to find out what the underlying cause is, because unless you treat that, you’ll never get the dandruff under control. This can mean blood tests to check hormone levels, low allergy food trials to see if a food allergy is involved, and in extreme cases, a skin biopsy.

While you’re working on that challenge, there are steps you can take to treat the secondary dryness and scaliness that’s affecting your dog’s good looks.

1. If your vet feels there is a secondary infection, he may prescribe antibiotics or anti fungal medication to get that under control.

2. An appropriate shampoo can work wonders in removing excessive skin flakes and making your dog much nicer to hug. Bubbles’n Beads contains some rain forest remedies to help combat skin infections, and also plant ingredients which reduce skin flaking and soothe inflammation. It’s micro beads deliver nourishing vitamins and conditioners to the skin, and it will replenish cells to heal damaged skin.

3. Because seborrhea is usually secondary to an internal problem, it’s important to also treat it internally. Healthy Skin Shiny Coat is an all natural supplement which works from the inside to eliminate toxins that affect your dog’s skin, and relieve itching and inflammation.

Your and your dog’s social life needn’t be affected by his dandruff. By using a combination of Bubbles’n Beads, and Healthy Skin Shiny Coat, you’ll find your dog’s skin is less flaky, and his coat is in great condition. You’ll be proud to be seen with him.

Categories
Itchy Skin & Allergies

What are those freckles on my dog’s stomach?

dogs with freckles on their backs and stomachs. what are they?

It’s nice to sit with your dog, and give him a rub on the belly, but when you see blotches and spots on his tummy skin, it can give you a fright. You probably have no idea what they are, and you may not know how long they’ve been there.

In many cases, these blotches are quite normal, and may be present from birth. Some dogs develop dark patches on their skin as they get older. They aren’t itchy or scaly, the skin isn’t thickened and they don’t cause the dog any harm at all. There’s no need to worry about these, unless your dog is losing hair in these patches. This usually indicates there’s a problem, such as an infection, that needs attention.

Join the dots!

By far the most common cause of darkening of a dog’s skin is irritation and trauma from licking or scratching. If the blotches have appeared suddenly, it may be an allergic reaction. Dogs can react to plants or insect bites, which may cause multiple blotches and welts to develop on the tummy skin. They may then scratch at the welts, which can make their skin worse. You’ll find that an anti itch spray will help stop the itch and soothe the inflammation, and help to return the skin to normal.

Dogs can also develop a bacterial infection on their tummy, either with or without an allergy. The blotches from a bacterial infection tend to be round, and they often have a crust around the edge. They’re very itchy, and again, the scratching may lead to dark patches on the tummy skin. These dogs usually need antibiotics from their vet to get the infection under control and stop the itching.

You do need to treat inflamed skin very gently. Look for a shampoo that contains colloidal oatmeal, and herbal extracts which will relieve the itch, and make your dog more comfortable.

Some Blotches Are Slower To Show

Older dogs with an underactive thyroid gland may develop patchy discoloration on their skin. They often have lower than normal energy levels, and sleep a bit more than usual. It’s simple to diagnose this disease – your vet will take blood to check your dog’s thyroid hormone levels and if they’re low, he’ll prescribe thyroid hormone tablets for him.Some blotches take a bit longer to develop.

A dog’s skin can freckle when it is exposed to too much sunlight. These blotches may be associated with sun damage, particularly if your dog is white, or has pale tummy skin. If you don’t take steps to protect him with sunscreen, these blotches can progress to sun cancer.

Symptoms of sun cancer in dogs can look very much like a bacterial infection – red blotchy marks on the skin, flakiness and itching. A biopsy will confirm that cancer is present, and your vet can surgically remove the cancerous spot. Good options are sunscreen made specifically for dogs, or putting a t-shirt on your dog to protect the area from further damage.

Auto immune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body, and they may take several forms. In one case, the immune system destroys the platelets in the blood, so it can no longer clot. You’ll see reddish purple blotches on the tummy skin where there has been bleeding from the capillaries. This is a very serious illness indeed, and you need to see your vet as soon as you can.

In most dogs, spots on the tummy aren’t a big problem at all. However, they can be itchy and annoying, so it’s important that you use the correct products to keep your dog as comfortable as possible.

Categories
Ears Itchy Skin & Allergies

Dog Ear Infections and Hypothyroidism

Chronic Ear Infections and Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism in dogs occurs when your dog’s thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormone is essential for regulating your dog’s metabolism, so when your dog doesn’t produce enough of it your dog usually starts to exhibit some noticeable symptoms:

  • Your dog may become lethargic
  • Your dog will probably gain weight without a change in appetite
  • Your dog may develop bacterial infections on his skin
  • His skin may become dry
  • There may be hair loss, especially on your dog’s trunk and tail
  • There may be a darkening and thickening of the skin where your dog has lost hair
  • Your dog may not be able to tolerate the cole and may look for warm places
  • His heart rate may slow
  • He may become aggressive
  • He may become depressed
  • He may develop chronic ear infections

Some of these symptoms, such as hair loss, bacterial infections and chronic ear infections, are similar to those found when a dog has allergic reactions If your dog suffers from chronic ear infections it can sometimes be difficult for an owner to determine the cause.

Why Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism can be inherited but it can also be triggered by pollutants, allergies and other environmental factors. It usually begins in dogs around the age of 2 to 4 years of age, though it can occur in dogs as late as 10 years old. Some breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and Doberman Pinschers are more likely to be hypothyroid than other breeds. Hypothyroidism is rare in toy and small breeds.

Clean ears regularly

If your dog has frequent ear infections you should make sure that you are cleaning his ears with a good ear cleaner regularly. A good ear cleaner will help keep the ears at the proper pH level to discourage bacterial and yeast growth. Cleaning the ear will also remove debris that can trigger infections.

You should also make sure that you keep the hair inside your dog’s ear trimmed or plucked. This allows air to circulate inside the ear which helps to keep the ear drier. Infections can develop when the ear is moist, so a drier ear is a less hospitable environment for things to grow.

It could be allergies

If you suspect that your dog may have chronic ear infections because of allergies then you should make sure that he isn’t bedeviled by fleas or other parasites. Some dogs are allergic to fleas — even the bite from one flea can send them into a gnawing, scratching frenzy. An allergy to flea bites can result in flea bite dermatitis which leaves the skin red and raw and subject to infections.

Your dog could also be allergic to something in his food so you can take the sensible action of reading the ingredients and changing to a food that contains something different. Many dogs are allergic to corn and wheat so you could change to a food that contains rice or oatmeal, for instance. Food allergies are a frequent cause of chronic ear infections.

Let your vet decide

If your dog does have chronic ear infections and you suspect either hypothyroidism or aller gies, your best course of action is to take your dog to your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis. Although serious, the condition can be easily treated. Your vet can determine if your dog is hypothyroid (or if he has autoimmune thyroiditis, the other name for hypothyroidism) with some blood work. If your dog is hypothyroid the condition can be treated with an inexpensive daily thyroid pill. You can see improvement in your dog’s condition in just two to three weeks. When a hypothyroid dog is on regular medication the dog should live a normal life with no side effects. And, all chronic ear infections and other symptoms should disappear.

In the meantime you can treat your dog’s dry and irritated skin with a good oatmeal shampoo and conditioner that will ease the itchiness and add moisture back to the skin and coat and your dog’s ear infections with an all around product like Ear Aid , that will cleanse and moisturize, heal and protect.

So, if your dog has chronic ear infections consider whether he has any of the other symptoms of hypothyroidism. If the ear infections are due to hypothyroidism you can treat the problem and help your dog very easily just by getting the right diagnosis from your vet.