Health Tips
◊ Wheat Grass Improves Dog's Overall Health
◊ Dog Skin Disorder Information
◊ Common Signs of Skin
◊ Common Dog Skin Disorders and Problems
Wheat Grass Improves Dog's Overall Health
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:
- Improve the digestive system
- Prevent cancer, diabetes and heart disease
- Cure constipation
- Detoxify heavy metals from the bloodstream
- 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
Dog Skin Disorder Information
Dog Skin Disorder Information 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:
 | 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. |
 | 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.
Diagnosis -- 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)
Causes -- 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.
Treatment -- 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 cured, 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.
Causes -- 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.
Signs -- 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
Causes -- 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
~Robertson Davies
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