Categories
Anxiety & Nervousness

Is Your Dog Forgetful?

 

When your dog gets older, parts of their body don’t work as well as they used to. Their legs get stiff, their eyesight isn’t as good, and they may become deaf.

 

They also can appear to develop dementia, with memory loss and restlessness, not unlike people with Alzheimer’s Disease. In dogs, this illness is known as canine cognitive dysfunction and affects at least 30% of dogs who are over 11 years of age.

 

Dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction show very specific changes in their brains. Their brain is smaller and they have less nerve cells than a healthy dog of the same age. They also have less neurotransmitters, which are involved in sending signals from one nerve cell to the next.

 

Sleeping Like a Baby?

 

The more common symptoms of this disorder are increased anxiety, going to the toilet in the wrong place, and forgetfulness. These old souls don’t seem to remember anything you have taught them!  They are also known to walk through the house at night, and can keep the whole family awake.

 

It’s not easy to diagnose canine cognitive dysfunction. The first thing you need to do is to make sure there are no medical reasons for your dog’s change in behavior. He may be going to the toilet inside because he’s lost control of his bladder. He may be unable to sleep because his joints are aching.

 

A definite diagnosis can only be obtained by doing a brain scan on your dog. This can really hurt your budget, so you’ll find that your vet will probably be happy to recommend treatment based on your dog’s symptoms and the results of routine blood tests.

 

Relief For Both You And Your Dog

 

If your dog suffers from canine cognitive dysfunction, it can really distress him and also disrupt your lifestyle. You’ll be tired from being woken repeatedly at night, and you’ll be well and truly tired of cleaning up after your dog.

 

Here are some suggestions which may make life easier for your old dog, if he is showing signs of brain deterioration.

 

1. Feed him a  food containing lots of anti-oxidants; this can make a big improvement in his demeanor. You may also want to give him a senior supplement containing Ginkgo Biloba to help enhance his brain function.

 

2. Your veterinarian may prescribe a medication called Anipryl to increase the amount of neurotransmitters in his brain. 75% of affected dogs will improve to some extent while they’re taking this drug.

 

3. Keep his mind active by allowing him to interact with other people and their dogs, and taking him for regular walks. Reinforce his training, and teach him new behaviors to keep his mind alert.

 

4. Sleepytime Tonic will help with anxiety, and also reduce restlessness at night. It contains natural sedatives such as Valerian, Skullcap and Wild Lettuce to help him settle at night.  Sleepytime Tonic is completely natural and has no side effects at all, so you can use it as often as needed to make sure he gets a good night’s sleep.

 

 

We need to take care of our elderly dogs, both physically and mentally. By doing this, we can enjoy their twilight years as much as they can.

 

Categories
Anxiety & Nervousness

Canine Flu- Is Your Dog At Risk?

Bird flu, swine flu, equine flu, and cat flu! It’s no surprise to learn that there is also a canine flu, and it can make our beloved dogs quite unwell.

 

Canine flu has been around for a while, with vets first formally diagnosing it in Florida in 2004. However, most dogs have no immunity to this virus. Around 80% of dogs that are exposed to canine flu virus will become ill, with symptoms appearing up to  a week after infection. The other 20% will not show any signs of illness, but they can still spread the infection.

 

The virus is spread when an infected dog sneezes, and sprays infected droplets into his environment. It can also be spread in saliva. Unfortunately, an infected dog is very likely to infect other dogs in the period before he shows any symptoms. Because he will look perfectly healthy, his owners will have no idea that he is carrying the infection. They will continue to take him for walks, to dog parks or to obedience classes.

 

Most dogs with canine flu will only develop a mild illness, with a runny nose and a cough. They may also go off their food and have a fever. Most dog owners think their dog has a touch of the more common illness kennel cough, however with canine flu, symptoms can last four to six weeks or more. Some dogs will also become more seriously ill with pneumonia, and they may die.

 

Treatment of canine flu basically involves treating your dog’s symptoms. If he has a severe dose of the flu, he may be given the human drug Tamiflu. Your vet may also prescribe antibiotics to stop bacteria infecting your dog’s inflamed respiratory tract, to try and prevent him getting pneumonia.

 

There are several things you can do at home to make your dog more comfortable while he recovers from flu.

 

  • Take him in the bathroom when you have a shower, and let him breathe in the steam. This will soothe his airways and keep them moist, and help to ease inflammation.
  • Keep his nose clear of discharge by wiping it with a soft damp cloth. It’s uncomfortable when the discharge dries and cracks on his nose.

 

  • Give him Sleepytime Tonic at bedtime. It contains herbal ingredients such as Valerian, Skullcap and Wild Lettuce which are natural sedatives with no side effects. This will make sure he has a restful night’s sleep, which will help him feel better.

 

In June 2009, a vaccine against canine flu became available. However, vets don’t recommend routine vaccination of all dogs. Whether or not you need to vaccinate your dog depends on your lifestyle.

 

Think about how your dog spends his time. If he goes to dog shows or obedience training classes and he is exposed to many different dogs on a regular basis, it may be worth considering vaccinating him. Similarly, if you are always taking him to a communal dog park, he is more likely to pick up infection, and vaccinating him would be a good idea.

 

Dogs with chronic illnesses such as cancer are also at more risk of falling ill with severe canine flu, so it is appropriate to think about immunising them.

 

If your dog doesn’t mix with other dogs, and spends his days on the couch, except for a stroll around his neighborhood, there’s very little risk of him becoming infected, and he may not need to be subjected to an injection.

 

Because canine flu can’t spread to people, you can still hug your dog and give him lots of tender loving care. That’s an important part of his treatment, and is guaranteed to lift his spirits when he’s ill.

Categories
Paws

Healing Your Dog's Sore Cracked Paws

 

When your favorite part of the day is going for a walk to explore the neighborhood, it’s no fun when you’ve got sore cracked paws!

 

Cold winter weather is hard on your dog’s footpads, because they are constantly in contact with cold sidewalks and snowy grass. The result is painful fissures in his pads which may bleed and become infected.

 

There are steps you can take to treat splits in your dog’s footpds, and prevent them recurring.

 

Cure those Cracked Pads

 

  • It’s important that you look closely at your dog’s pads often. That way you find any splits early, and can start treatment straight away.

 

  •  If the cracks look at all infected, take your dog to your vet for a checkup. Infection can delay healing, and he may need antibiotics to clear it up. He may also need a bandage to protect his foot as he recovers.
  • If your dog’s pads are only mildly cracked,  you can take care of them yourself at home. Clean his pad gently with a mild antiseptic such as iodine scrub, and dry his foot thoroughly. Apply bowWOW Butter Balm to his pads to help heal and condition his skin. It not only contains shea butter and other natural oils to moisturize his skin,but also coconut oil and tea tree oil which can help to control infection. Marshmallow extract and calendula will soothe the irritation in his skin, and have him feeling comfortable very quickly.

 

  • Providing your dog isn’t limping, you can continue to take him for walks as normal. Just be careful; sometimes salt is sprinkled on icy footpaths to make it melt, and this salt will be very painful if it gets into the crack in his footpad.

 

Prevention is Better Than Cure

 

It’s worth while taking a few minutes after your walk to care for your dog’s pads; by doing that you can prevent painful fissures from developing.

 

When you return from your outing, bathe his feet with warm water to clean away any salt that has stuck to his paws. This will also remove any chemical ice melting products that may have been used on the roads. These aren’t good for your dog, and you don’t want him to lick them off his paws. It will also allow you to have a good look at his feet for any injuries that need more attention.

 

Massage bowWOW Butter Balm well into each paw as a preventative, to help stop his pads from splitting.

 

You can purchase booties for your dog, and these may be useful if you plan on walking over rough ground or going for longer outings in the snow. He may take a little while to feel comfortable in them, and may try and kick them off or walk with a funny gait. Booties are very handy, not only to protect his feet and stop him developing splits in his pads, but to protect any existing cracks as they heal. There are so many styles of booties available, you’re sure to find a pair that suits your dog’s personality.

 

Cracks in the footpads are your dog’s least favorite part of winter. Fortunately, they usually heal quickly, and it won’t be long before you’re again sharing winter adventures.

 

 

 

Categories
Anxiety & Nervousness

Getting Your Dog Accustomed to Your New Baby

Photo by Vicki Yang

When you’re expecting a baby, there are so many changes you have to go through. Changes to your body, changes to your routine and, if you plan to have a separate nursery, changes to your home.

 

Life will also be quite different for your dog. For so long, he has been almost like your child himself. Now he has to share you with a little creature that looks different, smells different and makes an awful lot of noise!

 

Start making changes to your dog’s lifestyle well before you bring your baby home. That way he has time to adjust, and won’t be so shell shocked at the new arrival.

 

Here are the important steps to preparing your dog for a new baby:

 

1. Give him a refresher course on basic obedience training. Teach him not to jump, and train him to go and lie on a mat on command. That way, you won’t be trying to change a diaper while your dog is underfoot.

 

2. Put some boundaries in place so your dog gets used to having limits. You may not want your dog going into the nursery, or into your bedroom if your new babe is sleeping with you. Baby barrier gates are ideal. Your dog can still share the lounge room with you, but you won’t have dog hair in your baby’s room.

 

3. Introduce your dog to children. It’s helpful if your dog meets young people before you introduce him to your new family member. Perhaps you can visit friends or family who have children. Try to avoid children who will shriek or run around when your dog approaches; that won’t help your dog get used to them at all.  Ask the children to give your dog treats so he learns that they are good to be around.

 

4. When your baby is born, let your dog become familiar with her smell on a baby blanket before you come home from hospital. Don’t be surprised if your dog wants to sniff and nudge the little wrapped bundle. He will be extremely curious. It’s okay to let him sniff, but take care. His enthusiasm may result in someone getting scratched. Under no circumstances should you leave your child alone with your dog.

 

5. Although the changes to your life are huge, do your best to spend a little time with your dog each day. That way he won’t feel neglected. It won’t take long until you’re able to go for a walk with your new baby in the stroller, and your dog can come too.

 

5. Give your dog Sleepytime Tonic. This honey flavored liquid combines herbs and  flower essences to calm your dog, relieve any anxiety and help him relax. It will make it easier for him to adapt to the sounds and smells of a new baby, and it’s safe enough to use every day.

 

The arrival of a baby in the house needn’t be difficult for your dog. Be proactive, and make an effort to prepare him well beforehand. By doing this, you can make sure your dog and your baby grow up to be the best of friends.

Categories
Ears

Ear Infections and Dogs

Photo by Jenna Krabacher. Haleigh, the dog in the photo, used to have ear infections. Read how Haleigh got rid of her ear infections at the end of this article.
By Dr. Kimberly Luce , DVN
Some dogs are prone to ear infections and there are many causes so sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint what the problem is.
In fact, most ear infections or problems are actually not a primary illness, but are a consequence of another illness, such as allergies to food or air allergens like pollen, dirty moist ears, floppy ear anatomy that traps moisture  (after a bath, a swim, or a rainy day), immune suppression or other problems.  Dirty, moist ears that you don’t see into, or underlying allergies, are the most frequent causes.
Many dogs have ear problems chronically, and home care may be the mainstay of treatment to keep your dog’s ears healthy.  Unfortunately, some dogs require surgery to “cure” their chronic discomfort.  This can be a very good solution, but may be avoidable with good home care and cleaning techniques. Often, dogs with recurrent ear problems see the vet frequently. Medication may be required, and the dogs are clearly very uncomfortable.
Common symptoms include scratching at the ears, shaking the head, rubbing the ears or head on the ground, an unpleasant odor, whining, or not allowing their beloved owner to touch the ear!

Ear infections typically occur because
1. Moisture remains in the ears and can allow bacteria and yeast to thrive. Preventing the accumulation of moisture and keeping the ear canals dry can help reduce the severity and frequency of chronic ear infections and may even prevent them.
2. Dogs with floppy ears are most likely to develop ear infections because their ears cover the ear canal, which traps the moisture from a rainy day, humidity or a good swim. These breeds need special attention. You should lift any type of dog’s ears frequently and look at the ear “flap” (pinna) and the external canal. It should appear pink, clean, have mild or no debris or discharge, and feel comfortable when you touch or rub the ear.
Treatment of ear problems can involve many complex diagnostic tests, medications, and home care.  This can be very frustrating, and often, adequate home care can prevent the necessity for medication or testing. Ear care at home is usually fundamental to the prevention, control, and care of problem ears.  Keeping the ears clean and dry is very helpful, and can be done safely with proper technique and specific products that are labeled for use in the ear.  Other products or remedies can actually damage the ear, and hearing, severely.  Only products that are labeled for use in the ear should be used to clean and care for the ears.
A great home care kit is the EAR AID.  These products are designed to work together to gently clean ears and treat abnormal populations of bacteria and yeast, and may be very helpful for your dog’s ear problems.
Keep your dogs ears clean with specific ear cleaners, dry with drying agents and be sure to lift the ear flap every week and look inside the ear them for dirt, excess wax or early problems.  If keeping the ears clean and dry at home is not enough, see your veterinarian.
Dr. Kimberly Luce graduated from the North Carolina State College of veterinary Medicine in 1994.  Since then she has worked in general practice, emergency and critical care, and with board certified specialists in a variety of fields such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Neurology, Radiology and Acupuncture.  Her passions are critical care and pain management, and her broad knowledge base give her a special , holistic and comprehensive point of view of her patients.   She currently resides in Santa Monica, CA with two chihuahuas, two cats, two baby turtles and a betta!  Her favorite grooming products are the happytails ear wipes and the Dry Dog Instant Clean.
“My baby girl had horrible ear problems. They would itch and she would get infections in them all the time. The medicine the vet gave us had a strong, medicinal odor and she hated it. She would run every time she saw the bottle.  So I ordered the ear wipes by happytails to see if it would help.Her ears are really bad and I truly did …not expect much but I had to try something.To our wonderful surprise after about a week of daily cleansing her ears look wonderful! They do not bother her at all and you would never know she had such problems with them. And she does not run from me when it’s time to clean her ears!  The pads have a very soothing smell that we both love and I am so grateful I found your products. Thank you so much!”

Categories
Activities & Fun

Gettin' lovey dovey with your favorite Canine on Valentine's Day

 

Ahhh, Valentine’s Day. ‘Tis the season for lovers everywhere to stroll hand in hand through the park, exchange gifts, and celebrate their relationship with the one they love. If your dog is the love of your life, you can certainly share the day with him. Even if you have a partner, three is definitely not a crowd when that third person has four legs and a wagging tail.

 

What if you’d like to find that special someone to share your life? Valentine’s Day is the ideal time to look for them, and it’s important that they too are a dog lover. These days, many relationships begin online, and subscribing to dog friendly dating sites such as www.doglover.biz  means your new partner is likely to love your dog as much as you do.

 

While your dog will always enjoy walking hand in leash with you, he’ll also appreciate a little gift as a token of your affection, especially if it is liver flavoured.

 

You may have to think a little outside the box. Fido isn’t likely to appreciate the traditional Valentine’s Day bunch of flowers. Their perfume will probably leave him cold, and if he nibbles on them, he may end up spending the day at the veterinary clinic. If eaten, many plants can give our dogs a sore belly, with vomiting and diarrhea.   

 

 

Sweets For The Sweet

 

I love chocolate, and in my opinion, it’s one of the five basic food groups! Anyone who gives me chocolate on Valentine’s Day has a good chance of winning my heart. Although my dogs would be delighted to share my treats, chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and death in dogs. As little as 100g of milk chocolate will make a 7kg dog unwell. This gives me the perfect excuse to eat all my Valentine’s chocolates myself.

 

If your dog does steal your chocolates, contact your vet straight away, as early treatment will result in a happy outcome for both of you.

 

You can still share something yummy with your dog. Consider giving him treats made with carob, which is quite safe for him. Alternatively, put on an apron and whip up some homemade dog biscuits.

 

Smelling Nice

 

Another popular gift at this time of year is cologne. Although your dog probably prefers rolling in the fragrance of dead fish or old compost, this doesn’t win him any friends when it comes to getting up close and personal. The solution – Fur Breeze. This all-natural dog fragrance doesn’t just mask that doggy smell, it actually eliminates lingering odors from his coat and bedding.

 

Choose either citrus vanilla or rosemary peppermint fragrances, and you won’t need to hold your nose when your dog wants a Valentine’s Day hug.

 

You also want to make sure that both you and your Valentine have fresh smelling breath. Nothing is worse than that road kill flavored slobber your pup so eagerly shares with you! Pick up a bottle of Dog Smog Remedy– it’s a breath freshener for dogs that also helps with the other end– gaseous emissions!

 

Time, Toys and Tuxedos.

 

Perhaps you’d prefer to choose a gift for your dog that lasts a bit longer. If your dog is active and enjoys a game, he’ll love a gift of a new ball or toy. Make sure you buy a toy that lasts; it can be so disappointing when a gift breaks the first time he plays with it.

 

Any relationship is improved by spending quality time together. Giving your dog a massage or a thorough brushing is as much a gesture of affection as anything you can buy or make, and is a great option for when the budget is tight. Your dog will appreciate the extra attention, and you’ll both feel warm and loving afterwards.

 

Have you seen the latest dog fashions you can buy for your dogs?  Booties, hoodies, and even formal wear – your dog will turn heads wherever he goes, and you’ll be proud to be seen with such a well-dressed companion.

 

Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to show those you love just how much they mean to you. Don’t forget to include your four legged best friend in your celebrations. After all, their love is unconditional.

Categories
Arthritis & Hip Dysplasia

How to treat canine knee injuries

 

Knee injuries are one of the most common reasons that your dog will limp on his back leg, and it may take several months for him to recover. That means you’ll not be able to enjoy his company when you go for your afternoon stroll, and he’ll have to miss out on chasing his favorite ball for a while.

 

Although knee injuries can occur in any breed, some breeds are more at risk than others. Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, St Bernards and Labrador Retrievers seem to be more prone to hurting their knees. Smaller breeds such as the Bichon Frise and Miniature Fox Terriers can be born with a loose kneecap, which can predispose to joint injury. Lastly, breeds such as Chows who have very straight hind legs may be more likely to injure their knees purely because of their conformation.

 

In many cases, knee injuries occur while you’re playing with your dog. You throw his ball and he twists to grab it as he runs past, and ouch! He limps back to you on three legs. If he leaps into the air to catch it, he can land awkwardly, and that too is a common cause of injuries to this joint. If your dog is like mine and has dug several short cuts to China in your backyard, he may trip in a hole as he runs, and twist the joint.

 

It’s obvious when your dog has hurt his knee, as he is suddenly lame, and won’t walk on the sore back leg. You might not be able to tell which part of his leg is hurting, but your veterinarian will be able to confirm that it is the knee that is sore. It’s important to get that diagnosis quickly, so you can plan the best treatment program for your dog.

 

There are several options for treating a knee injury in dogs.

 

1. Rest. We’re very familiar with the Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation regime when we sprain a joint. However, your dog may not sit back and let you do this to him. Often, the best we can hope for is rest. This means no walks, no chasing balls, and no romping with the other family pets. Ideally, keep your dog confined in a crate as much as possible, and only take him outside on a leash to go to the toilet. If you’re used to spending lots of time walking and playing with your dog, you’ll feel nearly as frustrated as he does.

 

2. Pain relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as meloxicam will reduce swelling and take away a lot of your dog’s pain. These need to be prescribed by your veterinarian. Be careful: if your dog feels better, he may want to walk and play more than he should, which can make his injury worse. Make sure you follow your vet’s guidelines regarding restricted exercise, even if your dog wants to do more.

 

3. Weight loss. Any leg injury will take longer to heal if it has to carry excess weight. If your dog is a little generous around the waistline, it’s time for some tough love. It’s even harder to take weight off your dog when you can’t exercise him. Put him on a strict diet, and don’t give in to those big brown eyes. It really is for his own good.

 

4. Physical Therapy. Your vet can give you guidelines on how to slowly increase your dog’s exercise, and gently bend and stretch his knee, so that it maintains its flexibility and increases its strength. Alternatively, ask for a referral to a specialist physical therapist. How you exercise your dog after his knee injury is as important as anything your vet can do, so follow her directions to achieve the best outcome for your dog. Underwater treadmills and swimming are great for exercising his knee joint without putting any weight on it.

 

5. Joint Resolution. This product contains glucosamine and collagen, both of which are known to improve joint health and reduce lameness. It also contains herbs which reduce pain and inflammation. It’s a safe and natural way to support your dog’s knee joint as it heals, and you can relax knowing that there are no dangerous side effects.

 

6. Surgery. If your dog has in fact torn a ligament in his knee, it will leave the joint very unstable and may result in arthritis. The best way of treating a torn ligament is orthopedic surgery to restabilise the joint. Unless you have pet insurance, this will make a huge dent in the family budget. After surgery, all of the above treatment options are useful as your dog recovers from his operation.

 

 

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

 

There are many reasons for trying to prevent your dog from injuring his knee. He won’t be in pain, he won’t miss out on the fun activities you share, he won’t be at risk of developing arthritis in his joint, and he won’t use up all your spare cash with his veterinary care.

 

Is it possible to prevent these injuries?  It is, to some extent. Don’t let your dog become overweight, or he will put more strain on his knee ligaments as he runs. Don’t throw balls that encourage your dog to jump, because he may land awkwardly and injure his knee.

 

At the end of the day, dogs will be dogs, and they do hurt themselves. We can only do our best. If your dog does injure his knee, treatment is available that will have him out enjoying his walk with you very soon.

 

 

 

Categories
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.

 

Categories
Hot Spots

What can I do about my dog's hot spots?

If your dog has ever had a hot spot, you’ll be familiar with how quickly they develop. You leave for work in the morning and your dog has a small patch of inflamed skin, and when you come home, he has a palm sized area of skin that is raw, oozing and extremely painful.

 

If it is large enough, a hot spot can also make your dog feel generally unwell and lethargic.

 

These acute skin infections are more common in dogs with heavy coats.

 

How Hot Spots Happen

 

Hot spots are also known as moist eczema or summer sores, and are basically a severe bacterial infection. The bacterial infection is secondary to an underlying skin problem, such as allergies, fleas or even heat and humidity. Some dogs have behavioral problems that cause excessive licking and grooming, and this too can allow an infection to develop. The skin becomes irritated, your dog scratches, and the bacteria that normally live on the skin multiply. The result is a hot spot.

 

Once your dog has started scratching, it becomes a vicious cycle and even if you control the underlying problem, the infection itself continues to itch. Hot spots don’t usually resolve by themselves.

 

These skin infections really hurt, and it’s important that you have them checked by your veterinarian as quickly as possible.

 

Treating Your Dog’s Hot Spot

 

Hot spots must be treated aggressively to stop them spreading any further.

 

1. The hair must be clipped away from the hot spot, to allow easier cleaning. In some cases, the hot spot is so painful that this can only be done with a general anesthetic.

 

2. The hot spot is washed in a gentle water based antiseptic such as iodine to start to kill the bacteria.

 

3. Your vet will prescribe antibiotic tablets to clear up the bacterial infection. She will also give your dog corticosteroids to reduce the pain and inflammation, so your dog feels better quicker. In most cases, an ointment isn’t used to treat a hot spot. It can be wiped off as your dog rolls or rubs on the carpet, or your dog may lick it off. Regular application of Itchin’ for Relief will reduce inflammation, stop itching and ease the discomfort. It contains no alcohol so it won’t sting on application.

 

4. Your dog may need to wear an Elizabethan Collar for a little while, just to stop him scratching at his hot spot, so it has a chance to heal. You can take it off to allow him to eat, but only remove it when you’re there to supervise him. He can very quickly undo all your good work and make his hot spot worse again. Instead of the standard collar, check out a Comfy Cone. Serves the same purpose but is much more comfy!

 

5. When the hot spot has resolved, it’s important to try and find the the underlying reason for the infection. This will give your dog the best chance of avoiding another painful skin infection.

 

Preventing A Recurrence

 

If your dog has had a hot spot, chances are he will develop another one in the future. Make sure he is flea free, and treat any allergies that will predispose to irritation and infection.

 

 If your dog is itchy, regular use of Comfy Dog shampoo will help. It contains oatmeal, which is known to soothe irritated skin. As soon as you notice any areas of inflammation or reddening on his skin, spray the area with Itchin’ for Relief frequently, and hopefully you will nip the hot spot in the bud.

 

Hot spots are a nuisance. Fortunately, with the right products, you can help prevent them from developing, and treat them quickly and effectively if they do occur. To read more about healing your dog’s hot spots, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
gas & poop

Pick Up That Poop!!

There’s nothing more likely to ruin a pleasant walk with your dog than stepping in dog poop. Even dog lovers don’t appreciate having to scrub poop from the soles of their shoes.

Picking up after your dog in parks and other public places prevents others stepping in their droppings, but more importantly, it can reduce the spread of parasites and bacterial infections to other dogs and to people.

And just think of all of the poop to be stepped in. One study said that 3.6 billion pounds of dog waste per year is produced in the United States equaling 800 football fields one foot high! And the city of Los Angeles reported that “walking dogs without picking up the poop droppings in L.A. at more than 82,000 times EACH MONTH.”  YUCK!!!!

Pick Up That Poop

There are several health risks associated with leaving dog poop in public places.

1. Dogs can pass the eggs of intestinal worms in their feces. These can infect other dogs and if they have a large enough worm burden, they can become quite ill. People can also be infected with roundworm and hookworm eggs which may cause blindness and neurological problems.

2. Dogs can be infected with giardia and may not show any symptoms. However, if a human becomes infected with this little parasite, they may develop stomach cramps, gas and diarrhea. Giardia may survive in the environment and remain infective for quite some time.

3. Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can be spread from dogs to humans. It can be found in feces passed by infected dogs, and can infect people if they accidentally touch these feces and don’t wash their hands afterwards. It too causes diarrhea, but some people will develop further complications including arthritis.

Dog feces attract flies, and they help the spread of these diseases.

If dog poop is not picked up, it can also contaminate ground water, and be washed into lakes and streams. Poop contains nutrients which can promote the growth of algae. It can also use up oxygen as it decays, and the result is a less than perfect environment for the resident fish.

There have been studies done which show that some lakes and creeks contain high levels of fecal E coli bacteria, and it’s likely that dog poop is a major source of these bacteria.

Keeping It Clean

Picking up dog poop may not be the most savory job, but as you’ve seen, it’s very necessary. There are some ways of making it easier and more environmentally friendly.

If you use a plastic bag for picking up poop, consider using a biodegradable one. Regular plastic bags can take many hundreds of years to break down in landfill.

You can put your bag of dog poop in the trash can, but when you consider the number of dogs in a city,that’s a lot of trash. You can flush the poop down the toilet, and it will be treated at the sewage treatment plant.

Many people use dog poop in their compost bin, or in their worm farm. Compost containing dog poop is best used on flowers and trees, rather than on food producing plants. If you’re going to put dog poop in a worm farm, make sure you don’t do it straight after you give your dog a worming tablet. Most worming products don’t mind which type of worm they kill.

After you’ve picked up your dog’s poop, have a quick look under his tail to make sure he is clean. If he needs a spruce up, Dry Dog Instant Clean is the product you need. This all-natural spray cleanses his fur without needing water or rinsing, and its active ingredient, Ordenone removes all trace of bad smell.

Illegal Poop!

Another reason to pick up your dogs poop is that it’s illegal in many cities not to!  If you decide to let your dog poop in public in London without proper removal, you could get a hefty $750 ticket!

If everyone picked up their dog poop when they went walking, just imagine how much cleaner our environment would be!