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5 Easy Tips For Identifying Dog Skin Problems
5 Easy Tips For Identifying Dog Skin Problems
By Janie Knetzer
Although there are many canine skin disorders, the 5 following tips will help to identify some of the more common dog skin problems:
1. Fleas: The best way to identify a flea problem is to check your pets belly area and along the inside of the back legs. The hair is thinner in this area and easier to spot both fleas and flea dirt. The flea itself is brown or copper colored and roughly the size of a pin-head. Flea dirt looks like sprinkled pepper. Ruffling the fur on your dog's back and along the base of the tail is also an easy way to find fleas and flea droppings. Often times dogs that develop Flea Allergy Dermatitis will show hair loss around the base (top) of the tail. There are many options available for flea and tick control.
2. Food Allergy Dermatitis: Although food allergies can appear in pups as early on as 5 or 6 months, they can also develop in adult dogs as late as 11 or 12 years old. Common symptoms of food allergy dermatitis are itching of the skin, excessive scratching, hot spots and even skin infections. Dog owners should realize that there is a distinct difference between Food Allergies and Food Intolerance. Like people, classic symptoms of a food intolerance would be an upset stomach and diarrhea. All foods do not agree with all dogs. Pink Bismuth is a safe remedy for stomach upset and diarrhea in dogs. Food allergies require slowly eliminating foods and changing the diet.
3. Atopic Dermatitis: A condition caused by environmental allergens. Dogs that suffer with airborne allergies will often rub their face along the side of a sofa or along the carpet. As with food allergies, dogs will also chew their feet. With Atopic Dermatitis, it's common for dogs to develop ear infections due to a yeast overgrowth. Pollen, trees, grass, dust and wool fabric are just a few common airborne allergens that some dogs are sensitive to. Antihistimines are often prescribed.
4. Acral Lick Dermatitis (Lick Granuloma): This raised lesion will be red, hairless and is usually found on the leg of the dog. This neurological condition is self-induced due to continuous licking. Possible causes include anxiety, boredom and stress. Treatment will include identifying the source of the problem (anxiety, etc.), restricting licking of the area and often times medication for behavioral modification.
5. Hot Spots: Medically referred to as Acute Moist Dermatitis, these round lesions generally appear in warmer weather. Along the hip, the sides of the chest and around the head area are the most common locations for hot spots. These moist and hairless inflammations are painful causing the dog to fixate on the particular spot by licking, chewing and scratching at it. Continuous licking in one area is a large factor in the development of hot spots. These lesions can quickly become very large in size. The location of the hot spot will help determine what the underlying problem could be an; anal gland problem, ear problem or a flea problem. A Veterinarian will clip the hair around the spot, clean it with a medicated solution, prescribe antibiotics and pain medicine.
Determining the source of dog skin problems can often be difficult. Yet, skin conditions can be uncomfortable and painful, so dog owners should not give up until they know where the problem stems from.
Along with her two dogs and husband, Janie resides in Western Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of experience, she shares many articles on the importance of responsible dog care and canine nutritional health.
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Is Your Dog Itchy?
Is Your Dog Itchy?
By Monique Coincon
Just like we do, every once in a while, a dog has to scratch. However, if your dog is going out of his mind scratching, there's probably a reason behind it. Sometimes treating the problem is as simple as changing dog food or switching up shampoos, but the underlying cause must always be pinpointed, if for no other reason than to make sure that there is not something seriously affecting your dog's health. The two most common causes of dog itching are flea and food allergies.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
A poor dog that suffers from Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) will exhibit loss of hair around the base of his tail and along the backs of his hind legs. Red bumps will also be present in the bald patches. Obviously, he is allergic to fleas. FAD is caused by a dog's allergy to flea saliva and unfortunately, the bite of even one flea can cause a flare up in dogs prone to this condition. To treat it, you must get rid of the fleas (obviously!). There are a number of good products on the market to combat fleas, as well as, to soothe your pooch's irritated skin.
Food Allergy Dermatitis
Another common problem, that causes itching, are food allergies. Usually, food allergies present themselves early on in a pup's life, but symptoms can also present themselves in adult dogs. How do you know if your dog's itching is because of food allergy dermatitis? Ask yourself this: Is my dog suffering from an upset stomach and diarrhea or hot spots and excessive itching? If you answered yes to the first part of the question, then it is most likely just food intolerance. However, if your dog is losing his mind scratching himself, then it is more than likely a food allergy. Changing the diet is in order.
Your beloved pet doesn't have to suffer from skin conditions! To cut down on food allergies, find free dog treat recipes and learn some easy methods to get rid of fleas. Doing either of these things will be sure to keep both you and your pet healthy and happy!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Monique_Coincon
http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Your-Dog-Itchy?&id=2397804
Allergies in Dogs - Symptoms and Cures
Allergies in Dogs - Symptoms and Cures
By Steven Weber
Food allergy is one of the most common forms of allergy in dogs. Little research has been done on the exact nature of the allergies, but it is thought that proteins are the leading cause of the allergy. In most cases the allergy is exhibited as a rash and/or scratching by the dog. Only in rare cases does a food allergy in a dog cause gastric problems in any noticeable way. Most dogs with food allergy have normal stools and appetites.
Most cases of food allergy are first noticed in younger dogs. In fact, more than a third of all cases are of dogs less than one year old. There is no difference in the susceptibility of food allergies in male or female dogs. Both sexes are just as prone to them. There are a few breeds which do seem to be more likely to have a food allergy. They are, but not limited to: Terriers, Dalmatians, Collies, Labradors, Dachshunds and Boxers.
Most of the time the rash associated with food allergies is localized in the feet or ear areas, but it can occur in other places on the dog. Another interesting fact about food allergy is that it can cause the dog to be more sensitive to other types of allergies such as flea and parasitic allergy.What can be done about food allergies? Elimination of the cause needs to be determined of course.
The method most used to determine the offending protein is called the "Elimination Diet". During this diet only one type of protein and one starch is given at a time. Some of the commercial dog food companies make special food just for these diets. You will need to talk to your vet for help in doing the Elimination Diet. Basically, the different proteins and starches are switched every few weeks in order to determine the exact starch or protein which the dog is allergic to.
The most common things dogs are allergic to are beef, corn, milk chicken eggs, wheat, and soy. Usually it is only one thing a dog is allergic to. Once the source of the dog allergy is found, food can be purchased which does not contain that item. Be aware that during the elimination diet the dog is not receiving all of its nutrients and its coat may become coarse and dry feeling.
Flea Allergy
Flea allergy is another common type of allergy in dogs. The allergy is caused by flea saliva, and total elimination of fleas must occur to stop the itching. It only takes one bite by a flea to cause the allergic reaction. Oftentimes you will not see any fleas on your dog even though they are scratching.
This can be because the few fleas which were on the dog had already been scratched off. And fleas can survive in small numbers year-round in warmer climates or indoors. Once again, the only way to eliminate flea allergy in dogs is to TOTALLY eliminate the fleas. In fact, since flea allergy is so common in dogs, fleas should be eliminated completely before it can be determined if the dog allergy is caused by food, chemical, or other environmental allergens.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis is a simple skin allergy in dogs caused by such things as pollen, smoke, grasses, mold, and dust mites. Yes, dogs and people share allergic reactions to many of the same things. And just like specific allergens in people can be determined by testing the skin with potential allergens, dog allergies to these things are determined the same way. A dog's skin is scratched with the various potential causes and then watched for reactions. When the offending substance is determined, allergy shots can be given to desensitize the dog to the substance.
Curing Allergy in Dogs
In the case of Atopic Dermatitis, the dog can actually be cured of the allergy. Most other allergies are not curable. In the cases of food and flea allergy, the dog must simply be kept out of contact with the allergen.
Steve Weber owns http://www.CactusCanyon.com which offers advice and natural products for and about dogs.
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Allergies-in-Dogs---Symptoms-and-Cures&id=2381656
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