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Cat and Dog Skin Problems and Skin Care

Dogs and cats suffer from many problems that affect their skin. The skin which functions as a barrier to protect the body from infection, caustic substances, ultra violet light and dehydration, is an organ just as the liver and kidneys are organs. Good health and proper function of the skin is dependent on the health and function of the other organs which make up our pets bodies. Diseases that affect the skin are classified under two categories: primary and secondary skin disease. Primary are those that affect the skin directly, such as flea hypersensitivities. Whereas secondary diseases are those that initially involve other organs and thereby effect the skin, such as hypothyroidism. The following are some of the common diseases affecting the skin and a brief description of their diagnosis and treatments.

Hot Spots or Acute Moist Dermatitis: Hot spots are usually a result of self trauma and a resulting infection that occurs as your pet tries to relieve itself from some pain or itch. Treatment includes thorough cleaning, topical and systemic antibiotics, and anti- inflammatory agents.

Hypodermal: Hypodermis includes a wide range of infections that result in the formation of pus. Pyodermas vary in severity. Treatment is similar to that for hot spots, but typically is longer term. Shampoos and rinses are also helpful.

Atopy or Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis: Atopy is a very itchy skin disease, which is the result of allergies to microscopic particles in the air. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and absence of other causes such as ectoparasites. Treatment includes dietary supplements, antihistamines and steroids, and is often long term. In very refractory cases skin allergin testing and hyposensitization may be helpful. Shampoos and rinses are also often helpful.

Ectopararsites: (external parasites) include mites, fleas and ticks. These parasites break the barrier formed by the skin and allow bacterial infections to occur. They may lead to allergic conditions. Diagnosis is achieved with gross observation and microscopic examination of skin scrapings. Treatments depend on the parasites present and include antiparasitic drugs and antiparasitic shampoos and rinses.

Fungal Infections: include Malassezia sp., Dermatophytosis (Ring Worm), and Dermal Coccidiodomycosis. Diagnosis is achieved via culture of the organisms, microscopic examination of skin scrapings and blood tests that identify antibodies to Coccidioides immitis. Treatment includes topical and systemic antifungal drugs and antifungal shampoos and rinses.

Food Allergies: Food allergies often manifest themselves as skin problems. Food allergies are usually diagnosed by ruling out other possible conditions. Treatment is trial feeding of hypoallergenic diets for a minimum of six weeks.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Contact allergies are diagnosed based on history of contact and clinical presentation. Treatment includes washing the exposed areas to remove the irritant. Itchy symptoms are treated with steroids for a short period of time. It is important to prevent re-exposure.

Autoimmune Skin Diseases: There are several autoimmune skin diseases and the foundation of diagnosis is surgical biopsy. Treatment includes combinations of dietary supplementation, steroids, and immune modulation drugs.

Secondary Skin Disease: Secondary skin diseases such as hypothyroidism are diagnosed via clinical testing for the underlying disease. Diagnosis often requires blood tests, biopsies, and X-rays. Treatment of the underlying condition usually results in improvement of the skin problems.

Dr. Dog offers selected treatments for the above conditions. Dr. Dog Skin Care for Dogs treats Hot Spots, Hypodermal, dry skin, fleabite dermatitis, cuts & abrasions, allergy dermatitis, and callus buildup. Dr. Dog EucaLoba Shampoo for Sensitive Skin is a natural and safe shampoo for problematic sensitive skin. Dr. Dog also offers OatNella Flea and Tick Shampoo which helps repel the insects that cause bacterial infections and allergy dermatitis. In addition, Bug N' Out is an insect repellent spray that repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, flies, chiggers, and other biting insects that cause irritation and allergies.

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Cat and Dog Skin Problems - From Paw Prints Newsletter



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Dog Coprophagia - Dealing with a Nasty Habit

Coprophagia is the term used when dogs that eat their own feces. The reason for coprophagia is not completely known, however, it is a relatively common problem. Puppies seem to have a higher incidence of coprophagia. While it is not a high risk behavior, it’s riskier for those dogs that eat other animal’s waste as disease can be spread this way.

Most owners want to stop this behavior for reasons of health and simply because it is disgusting. Although some dogs are difficult to break of coprophagia, there are some things that can be done to stop it. One common solution is to use a product such as Deter that is fed to a dog to make their feces taste bad making this habit less desirable. A similar method is to use a taste deterrent such as hot sauce directly on the waste to repel the dog. Training is an alternative method. Either quick pick up, or keeping a dog restrained away from its waste can be an effective way to break this habit. Once this coprophagia is stopped for a period of time it appears that a dog is less likely to be interested in the future. Using more than one method can be helpful for pets that are hard to break of this habit. Fortunately, puppies often outgrow coprophagia particularly if aided by training and/or deterrents.

From Dr. Dog Info Pages Dog Coprophagia

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Deter - Coprophagia Treatment
Potty Mouth - Coprophagia Prevention

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Dog Eyes

Dogs are often thought to be colorblind, yet now it is thought that dogs see some colors, but their spectrum is limited. Eyesight is generally considered the poorest of the dog’s senses. A dog’s eyesight is certainly not as acute as its hearing and sense of smell, but it suits a purpose. Before dogs were domesticated it was more important for a dog to see in low light situations than it was to see a full range of colors. A dog’s eyesight is most effective at dusk, and is best suited to spot prey. The acuity of their eyesight is less than most humans, yet they can see texture and brightness and most importantly movement.

One who plays fetch or Frisbee with their dog can attest to the ability of their dog to clearly see the toy they are chasing or catching. While they rely on smell and sound for much of their ability to track, find, hunt, and navigate the world use of their eyes is also important. For dogs that are blind, fortunately they typically can adapt well as they have other stronger senses. However, there usually are some modifications that need to be made for blind dogs so that they can find their way and recognize the people around them. It is relatively common for older dogs’ eyesight to either decrease, or for them to loose their vision altogether. With some assistance these dogs can still have happy active lives.

From Paw Prints Newsletter - Dog Eyes

Dog Eye & Vision Care

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Two Dog Basic Needs a New Dog Owner Must Become Accustomed to - Grooming and Exercise.

Grooming

A dog's coat length and thickness vary from breed to breed. Some are
very hairy, others are practically hairless, and others fall somewhere
in between. Dogs' coat also comes in various textures, from soft to
very coarse and sometimes overly curly. And just like us, dogs lose
their hair in order to give way for the new hair to grow in. Most dogs
shed all year long in small amounts while some experiences a period
of heavy shedding twice a year.

If grooming your dog is not something that you enjoy doing, or if
you want a dog that doesn’t shed heavily, choose one that has
a short or medium length coat. Curly-coated breeds do not shed much
and can sport a short clip, which you can get away with a once or twice
a week brushing. If, on the other hand, you are the type of person
who loves to play hairdresser, you’ll appreciate a long-haired
or double-coated breed.

Exercise

All dogs need exercise, especially young puppies. A puppy by himself
will not do much more than make an occasional tour around the house,
check the area, and then lie down. You must get used to coming home
and either spend time with him in the backyard or take a walk.

If you are planning on getting two or more puppies, they will move
and play around with one another. But even if this is the case you
still have to include a daily exercise routine if you want a dog to
stay fit. Puppies, in particular, need exercise for their muscular
development and as part of their socialization process. A physically
fit puppy will grow up to be a physically fit dog that is healthier,
happier, and able to live his life to the fullest.

Exercising your dog can be fun and simple. It doesn’t have to
be strenuous to be effective and it doesn’t have to take up a
lot of your time. For many dogs, daily walks around the block are enough
to get their daily dose of exercise. In addition to these daily walks,
your dog will also love an occasional run, a game of ball, or a trip
to the dog park where he can run around freely and play with the other
dogs.

If you are serious about your personal exercise needs, or enjoy vigorous
outdoor activities with your dog, there are many types of dogs to choose
from that fits within this category. The majority of sporting breeds,
for example, has high levels of energy and will make an excellent jogging,
training, or hiking partner once their muscle and skeletal development
is complete at around 18 months of age.

Information written by Kenny Clark of Oh My Dog Supplies, the top store to buy dog fetch toys online.

From Paw Prints Newsletter - Two Dog Basic Needs a New Dog Owner Must Become Accustomed to - Grooming and Exercise.

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Finding Ancestors - Canine DNA Testing

A relatively new field of scientific exploration is canine DNA testing. It is quickly becoming a useful tool for professional breeders, veterinarians and dog owners. As in the testing of human DNA, Canine DNA testing can be employed to find the answers to several different but related tasks. These range from medical research to ancestry searches.

Reasons To Put Your Dog To The Test

The most common reasons why you might seek canine DNA testing are

• to see if your dog has any predisposition toward certain medical problems or issues.

• to discover if there are or may be any hereditary anomalies

• to prove the dog is indeed a purebred

• to obtain some insight into the specific canine’s behavioral traits

• to establish a DNA ancestry

• to have a record on file in case of theft

• to discover which breeds comprise your favorite mixed-breed dog

Companies are coming up with increasingly specialized testing. They are designing kits used specifically for identifying nose and coat color. They do DNA sexing and DNA banking. As time goes on, there will probably more reasons to ask for a doggy DNA test. Some of these will be medical; some will be for breeding purposes and still others will focus on personal reasons.

Types Of DNA Testing

There are 2 distinct types of DNA testing. One requires you use the services of a veterinarian. The other allows you to give the test in the comfort and security of your home or kennel. The 2 types use either blood or saliva to determine the specific DNA markers in your canine.

• Blood Test. This is a DNA test you must do in conjunction with your vet. He or she draws a sample of your dog’s blood. Your vet then sends it to a lab or testing company. This test can be more expensive than a saliva DNA test.

• Saliva Test. This DNA test begins at home. You first purchase a kit. These kits are geared toward testing for specific DNA reasons. Some, for example, are designed to concentrate on coat or nose coloring while others focus on specific diseases.

Once you have arranged for the right kit for your testing, you start the process. It is simple, if your dog co-operates. You use the supplied material, usually a soft bristled nylon brush, to swab the inner cheek. This will provide you with a DNA sample for testing.

The next step is to mail the sample off to the laboratory who designed the kit. They will undertake the requested testing and get back to you within a week or more.

What To Expect

A DNA will not provide you with all the answers. It will identify the ancestry of your dog within a limited scope. The limitations are the result of the DNA dog bank they can access.
If your breed or breeds are not part of the test markers, your test may fail. Your sample will simply not fall within the abilities of a specific test. If it is successful, or at least partially so, the DNA will identify your canine’s ancestors accordingly

• Primary Category - This is the breed or breeds that comprise 50% or greater of the DNA composition sample.

• Secondary - These are the easily identified markers.

• In-the-mix - This refers to the breeds that have the least influence.

You are usually supplied with a complete readout of the results. Many testing labs also provide you with a certificate. You can choose to frame it and hang it on display for all to see.

Canine DNA testing is a new tool for dog lovers and veterinarians. It is a way of finding out your dog’s ancestors. Limited by the test pool, it nevertheless provides you with an exciting scientific way of knowing whom or what your dog is.

Content written by Kate Cheney of Oh My Dog Supplies, search for limited time deals on orthopedic dog beds online.

Posted at Paw Prints Newsletter - Finding Ancestors - Canine DNA Testing

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