Have you noticed that your dog instinctively
chews and consumes grass in your backyard? Dogs do this
instinctively to obtain vitamins, minerals and live enzymes
provided by fresh, raw, whole foods. Since dogs typically do not
have access to a ready supply of healthy greens it is important to
introduce greens such as wheat grass to their daily diet.
Wheat grass gives pets vital
nutrients they would otherwise miss, and may also prevent them from
eating your houseplants.
Dogs that go outdoors will eat grass, but it has little or if any
nutritional value. Your yard may also have been treated with chemical
fertilizers and pesticides, which could be harmful to your pets.
Offering them wheat grass is a safer, healthy alternative.
Regular ingestion of wheat
grass can:
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Improve the digestive system
-
Prevent cancer, diabetes and
heart disease
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Cure constipation
-
Detoxify heavy metals from
the bloodstream
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Cleanse the liver
-
Prevent hair loss
-
Promote general wellbeing
Tom Stem, a longtime breeder of
Shetland sheep dogs and Irish Wolfhounds, is a tremendous supporter of
providing wheatgrass as part of a healthy dog’s diet. Tom says that
wheatgrass has increased the longevity and fertility of his dogs,
improved skin conditions, and even reduced cancer symptoms!
Wheatgrass can be sprouted and
juiced in the home, or in many areas, is available in pallets for home
delivery. More information and additional facts, as well as details
about the use of wheatgrass therapy for dogs, can be found at
http://www.sproutman.com
The
appearance of a dog’s skin and coat can be a great indication of how
healthy the pet actually is. Dog skin problems and disorders are a
common issue that dogs and owners alike have to deal with. Rashes and
skin break-outs occurring on dogs can last for weeks and may be hard to
eradicate. Here are some helpful tips to aid in the prevention of dog
skin disorders and skin problems::
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Brush your dog daily – this will help you to recognize any changes
in your dog’s skin and coat. You will also be able to locate any
parasites, tumors, and skin infections with daily inspections of
your pet’s skin and coat.
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Rid your dog of
any parasites – parasites (internal and external) are a common cause
of rashes and skin out-breaks in dogs. Fleas, lice, ticks, and
mites cause your dog to itch and scratch its skin. This can lead to
skin infections and irritation. Make sure your dog is de-wormed and
that you use anti-flea and tick products on your pet.
-
Pay attention
to your dog’s play habits – does your dog itch after rolling in ivy
or grass? Your animal may be allergic to plant life in your
backyard. Understanding the things that irritate your dog’s skin
will help you in the prevention process of dog skin disorders in
your pet.
-
Bath your dog
regularly – this will also help your dog remain free from fleas and
wash any allergens your dog may have encountered away. Using a
moisturizing shampoo that doesn’t dry-out your dog’s skin is
recommended. When rising shampoo from your pet, makes sure to rise
thoroughly, as shampoo residue can also can skin irritation.
Remember, the
Booster Bath Home Bathing System
makes bathing dogs that require frequent baths simple, quick, and
easy.
Common Signs of Skin Allergies or
Irritations
- Scratching and itching
- Inflammation of the skin
- Unpleasant smell
- Red inflamed bumps
- Hair loss
- Flea Dirt
    
Common Dog Skin Disorders and Problems
Bacterial Skin Infections (Pyodermas)
-
Causes --
Staphylococci (‘Staph bacteria’) are the most common organisms found
in bacterial skin diseases (pyodermas) in dogs. Fortunately, these
bacteria (S. intermedius) are not contagious to humans or other
pets.
-
Signs -- Commonly itchy, yellow pustules are often observed
early in the disease, and the dog’s skin can be reddened and
ulcerated. Dry, crusted areas appear as the condition advances,
along with loss of hair in the affected areas (lesions) and an odor.
All areas of a dog’s body may be
involved, but most cases are confined to the trunk. The chin is one
area commonly affected. Called chin acne, this condition is actually
a deep bacterial infection. Obese dogs and dogs of the pug-nosed
breeds are frequently affected by pyoderma in the skin folds on
their face, lips and vulva.
Other areas where pyoderma may
occur include between the toes and on the calluses of the elbows
that mostly affects the abdominal area in young puppies.
- Diagnosiss
-- This is
usually made from the case history and appearance and location of
the lesions. In some cases, it may be necessary to culture the skin
(grow the bacteria) and conduct sensitivity tests to determine which
antibiotic will be effective in treatment. Most bacterial skin
infections in dogs are secondary to another disease such as
parasitism, allergies, endocrine (hormonal) disorders or
abnormalities in the immune system. Therefore, in recurrent cases,
it is important to search for underlying causes. It may be necessary
to do blood tests, allergy tests or skin biopsies to achieve a
complete diagnosis.
-
Treatment --
Initial treatments may entail removal of the hair in and around the
lesions, washing of the whole dog with antibiotic shampoos such as
benzoyl peroxide, careful drying and the application of an
antibiotic ointment to local lesions, in most cases, antibiotics
will also be administered orally for 3-4 weeks. Bandages or a
protective collar which prevents the dog from mutilating the lesions
may be applied.
Some pyoderma involving skin folds can require corrective surgery.
In recurrent cases where testing reveals no definable underlying
cause, special staphylococcal vaccines as an alternative to
long-term antibiotic treatment can be tried.
It may be necessary to continue
treatments such as antiseptic shampooing, antibiotic ointment
applications and giving antibiotics orally at home. While most cases
respond to treatment, recurrences of pyoderma are common,
particularly if treatment recommendations and follow-up visits to
your veterinarian are neglected. Glucocorticold steroids cannot be
administered.
Fungal Skin Infections (Ringworm)
The fungal skin infections of dogs are caused
primarily be two species of fungi: Microsporum and Trichophyton. The
skin diseases resulting from these fungi are commonly called
‘ringworm.’
Signs -- Ringworm is seen most commonly in young dogs.
The fungi live in dead skin tissues, hairs and nails. Hair loss,
usually in circular patches, may appear. If infected, the center of
the patches may have a dry, crusty appearance. The head and legs are
most commonly affected by ringworm, although the disease may spread
over other parts of the dog’s body if not treated. Dogs may scratch
the lesions.
Diagnosis -- The appearance of the lesions, the history
of their development and the age of the dog are all helpful in
diagnosing ringworm. A Wood’s Lamp Test (ultraviolet light) can be
used to help diagnose the Microsporum species only. A definite
diagnosis can be obtained through a fungal culture -- grow the fungi
found on the affected hairs.
Treatmentt-- The hair around the lesions is clipped, and
special fungicidal shampoos or rinses are used for bathing the dog.
Topical lime sulfur and mandatory systemics should be administered.
Public Health Aspects of Ringworm -- Ringworm is
contagious to humans, particularly to children and to other
household pets. Infected dogs should be kept away from children and
other dogs and cats until the infection is cures -- which can be as
long as 2-3 months or more after the treatment begins. Adults should
be careful to wash their hands thoroughly after handling an infected
dog. If treated early, ringworm is readily controlled in humans.
Other household pets should also be examined for ringworm.
Allergic Skin Diseases
Allergies in dogs are common. Signs such as itchy skin, nasal and eye
discharges and sneezing, and/or digestive upsets and/or skin lesions may
indicate an allergy is present. Many skin diseases seen in dogs are
caused by an allergy.
An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to
allergy-causing substances known as ‘allergens’ or ‘antigens.’ Dogs
(like people) can develop allergies at any age, and the signs can
appear quite suddenly.
Atopy (atopic dermatitis, allergic inhalant dermatitis) is a
pruitic (itchy) skin disease dogs develop in response to inhaled
particles such as house dust, molds and pollens. This common form of
allergy usually starts at a relatively young age. Rarely, dogs can
be allergic to chemicals contained in soaps, waxes, carpets and flea
collars. This type of hypersensitivity is known as a ‘contact
allergy.’ Also, some dogs are allergic to insect bites and stings.
Food allergies usually case diarrhea and/or skin lesions.
Signss -- Itching is the primary sign of allergic skin
diseases in dogs. The affected skin may appear normal, or red and
moist in patches called ‘hot spots.’ Pus and dried crusts are
apparent if a bacterial infection is also present. The dog tends to
constantly scratch and lick affected areas. Initially, flea
allergies are most evident over the dog’s back and near the tail. A
dog’s face, feet, chest, and abdomen are more often affected by
pollen and dust-type allergies. Contact allergies are seen mostly on
the hairless areas of the abdomen and on the bottoms of the feet.
Diagnosis -- The dog’s case history helps with the
diagnosis. The intense itching and location of the lesions are also
helpful in diagnosing the type of allergy present. Response to
treatment (flea control) is often used as a method of diagnosis of
flea allergy. Trials of special hypoallergenic diets are used to
diagnose food allergy. Allergy testing is used to help choose
immunotherapy. Blood tests are also available to diagnose allergies,
but their use is more controversial. Ask your veterinarian for his
or her current recommendations.
Treatment-- Allergies can be controlled in most
cases, with few ‘cured.’ Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be
used by your veterinarian to give your dog relief from the intense
itching. In most cases this will stop the self-mutilation. The owner
will be instructed to give corticosteroid tablets in decreasing
dosages for a few months. Corticosteroids are potent drugs and
should not be used carelessly or for long periods of time. The main
objective in controlling flea allergies in dogs is to kill the fleas
on the dog and in the dog’s environment.
Parasitic Skin Diseases
Fleas are the most common parasitic skin disease
found in dogs. Mange is another type of skin disease which is caused
by mites. There are two severe types of mange: sarcoptic mange and
demodectic mange.
Ear mites, lice, and ticks are other parasites that affect dogs.
Their presence irritates the dog, leading to self-mutilation.
Signs -- Sarcoptic mange causes intense itching, loss of
hair and crusting of the skin. A dog’s ears, front legs, chest and
abdomen are most often affected by sarcoptic mange.
Demodectic mange can cause itching. The skin is reddened and
scaly, and hair loss occurs in round patches resembling ‘ringworm.’
The face and front legs are most commonly affected, although some
cases may be generalized. Generalized demodectic mange is often a
sign of underlying internal disease or a hereditary problem.
Ear mites cause severe irritation in the ears. Often, an affected
dog will scratch the hair off the back of its ears. Ticks, lice and
fleas may transmit other diseases, in addition to causing
irritation.
Diagnosis -- Mange is often suspected on the basis of the
case history and the appearance and location of the lesions. A skin
scraping test is always performed to aid in identifying parasites.
Ear mites, which are barely visible to the naked eye, appear as
small white objects. The black debris commonly seen in the ears of
dogs with ear mites is a combination of dried blood, normal ear wax
and discharges from inflammation. Lice, fleas and ticks can also be
seen by close examination of the dog’s skin.
Treatment -- Ear mites can be readily treated Initially, your veterinarian may
recommend a thorough cleaning of the dog’s ears while the animal is
sedated. This treatment can be followed up with home treatments
using special solutions or ointments to kill the mites and prevent
infections in addition, insecticidal dips, sprays, powders or
shampoos are often used.
Lice, ticks and fleas must be killed on the dog and in the dog’s
environment with insecticides. Dips, shampoos, flea collars, sprays,
powders, foams and foggers containing insecticides are available
from your veterinarian to help control these parasites.
Hormonal Skin Diseases
Skin diseases caused by hormonal abnormalities in dogs are difficult
to diagnose. The thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary gland,
testicles and ovaries all produce hormones. If excessive (‘hyper’) or
deficient (‘hypo’), these hormones produce changes in the skin and hair
coat. Most hormonal problems that affect the skin produce hair loss that
is evenly distributed on each side of the dog’s body. The skin may be
thicker or thinner than normal, and there may be changes in the color of
the skin or hair coat. These diseases usually are not itchy.
When any of the hormone-producing glands malfunction, they affect
other body functions besides the skin. Hormonal skin diseases in dogs
can be much more serious than a ‘skin problem.’
Some causes of hormonal skin disease, such as hypothyroidism and
adrenal. gland problems, can be diagnosed by special blood tests and
effectively treated. Others may be more difficult to diagnose and treat.
Skin changes related to the sex hormones can be successfully treated
with surgical neutering, if this has not been performed previously.
Source:
Columbia Animal Hospital
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