Skin Problems in Dogs and Cats

The skin, your pet’s largest organ, acts as a barrier against harmful invasions from the environment. As an organ of elimination, symptoms of disease often show up in the skin and the body rids itself of toxins

Skin problems are probably the most common ailments seen in dogs. Usually they are not a disease in themselves, but a symptom of another underlying problem.

Allergies are the most common reason one sees problems with the skin or coats of their dogs and cats. Foods, pollens, dust or medications may cause signs of allergy. Problems can also show up due to dietary deficiency or poor diet in general. Symptoms include such as itching, redness, and poor coat quality.

If no other reason for the problem can be found, it is time to look for food allergies. Simply by changing the dog or cats diet to a higher quality food will often make a difference. Often simply adding raw meat to the diet is enough to see an improvement.

If the problem persists, or the pet is already on a healthy diet, then you must look at the specific ingredients in the food. Beef, chicken, corn and soy are the most common allergens, but cats and dogs, like people, can be allergic to anything. Try eliminating the above four things first, if that doesn’t work a more drastic “elimination diet” may be necessary. This usually takes at least 6-8 weeks to get a good reading.

If no food allergy can be identified, or if eliminating an offending food has not solved the problem, then you must look to the environment - inside as well as outside. Once an allergic reaction has been allowed to continue for some time, the immune system is taxed and the body may become sensitive to other irritants.

Play detective! Ask yourself if anything has changed in the house recently; new carpeting, new cabinetry, fresh paint? These things can all give off chemicals which may cause illness. Are the symptoms seasonal? Pollens are a common allergen, and difficult to avoid, especially for a dog. Did the symptoms start suddenly? What happened just before they appeared - vaccinations? Other illness? Emotional upset? Finding and eliminating the cause can be a long and difficult process.

Essential Fatty Acids, also known as Omega-3 and Omega-6 are important nutrients for the skin and coat of dogs and cats. You might also consider certain herbs, such as Milk Thistle or Dandelion, which support the liver and help the body detoxify. There are many natural topical products that can be used to calm the symptoms.

Bathing is not always the answer. If the dog’s coat is dry, bathing may just make matters worse. If you must bathe, use a gentle shampoo. For dogs or cats with itchy skin, look for oatmeal as one of the ingredients in a pet shampoo.

Another common cause of itching and redness for dogs and cats is flea bite dermatitis. Not all animals are allergic, but fleas will at least cause scratching or biting in all pets simply because they are annoying! Flea allergies however, cause the pests to be more than just an annoyance. Symptoms of flea allergy include hair loss, redness, and sometimes sores kown as “hot spots”.

If you suspect your pet has fleas but you haven’t actually seen any, look for the tell-tale black “specks” at the base of the hairs. Fleas particularly love the areas at the base of the tail, ears and hind legs (where they meet the belly). To determine if the specks are flea dirt (dried blood) and not just dirt, put some on a white paper or cloth and wet them. If they turn red, you’ve got fleas.

Some diseases cause symptoms of the skin and coat. Thyroid imbalances may cause dull, flaky or greasy coat and sometimes hair loss. Skin and ear infections are common with Cushing’s Disease.

There are some diseases specific to the skin. Mange is caused by a mite and causes lesions and hair loss, usually around the mouth and eyes. This most often clears up on its own, but some dogs and cats cannot rid themselves of the mites and have a more severe case. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungus affecting cats, dogs and people (especially children). It shows up as circular lesions that are raw, hairless and scaly. The disease spreads rapidly.

Boredom or anxiety can cause a dog to lick its paws repeatedly and constantly, resulting in “lick granulomas”. These are raised nodules, often rough and scaly. There is also a group of autoimmune diseases called Pemphigus which cause scaly skin, scabs and pustules. Some breeds are particularly susceptible to the disease.

Elyse Grau is an herbalist and a long-time pet owner, well-versed in pet nutrition and feeding. She is the author of Pet Health Resource, your web guide to a healthy, happy dog or cat. See her website for
http://www.pethealthresource.com

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Aggressive Dogs are not Born They are Man Made

Dog aggression can be a very serious problem. So why do some dogs become aggressive? They may feel threatened or they may feel their territory is being threatened. Dogs that are insecure and lack confidence can also be aggressive. Also we can not forget that if a dog is mistreated or abused this can definitely lead to aggression.

We see biting as a display of aggression but we sometimes overlook that dogs that bark and lunge at people or other animals are also displaying aggression. Aggressive behaviour has to be dealt with immediately before it escalates into a very serious situation. Possible injury to a person or another dog or animal can be a reality that we cannot overlook.

The number one solution to a dog’s aggressive behaviour is training. Unfortunately simple obedience training is not going to be that effective when dealing with an aggressive dog.

Normally, aggressive dogs are not allowed into normal obedience and training schools for the simple fact of protecting the other participants in the class. You are going to have to find a trainer who specializes in dog aggression. Your vet may be able to help you with this or you can check out the yellow pages or even the internet.

Although proper training may be expensive and not that easy or simple you have to do what you can to resolve your dog’s aggression.

Before you sign up check out what techniques are being used to deal with an aggressive dog. Some outdated methods can actually be more harmful than helpful to your dog. Be sure to do your research. Ask the potential trainer if you can watch his training methods. At the end of the day what you want is for your dog to stop attacking. You don’t want to be constantly worried whether or not your “companion” is going to bite you, someone else, or another animal.

Remember also that some states or provinces have laws in effective that deal very harshly with an aggressive dog.

In Ontario Canada right now they have Bill 132 commonly referred to as the Pit Bull ban. This is very scary legislation.

This legislation bans pit bulls and other bull terrier types and the onus is on the owner to prove their dog is not a pit bull. It also allows your dog, if seized, to be put down or given to someone else that lives where the ban is not in place. They can also give your dog to a laboratory for research.

This legislation does not define what a bite is, what an attack is or even what menacing behaviour is. (Hope you get along with your neighbour).

I strongly believe that we should have some protection from aggressive dogs but to ban specific breeds is not the way to do it. To follow their trend of thought would be to say that if we found one white male politician that had not kept his campaign promises then we should never allow any white males to hold politic office since they all are not trustworthy. For some reason I can’t see something like that even being considered.

Remember when you get a dog they are a lifetime commitment. Training is vital for them and you. With the proper training and socialization you can establish that bond that you really both desire.

As an owner of dobermans for the last 25 years, Maureen recognizes the need of properly training your dog. She offers useful hints and tips on training your dog. You can find thesesimple techniques for your dog and you at http://www.traineddogsrule.com

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