Saturday, October 30, 2010
Itchy Dog - Cut Through The Confusion
After reading the first few pages of an internet search on itchy dogs, one would be excused for feeling confused. Nausea and headache would be an expected outcome of such a search.
There is so much content on the internet that it is easy to get lost and overwhelmed by the sheer volume. The list of miracle cures is endless. The amount of spurious information is alarming.
It is baffling to sort through the lists of causes and treatments.
You may find remedies, formulas, safe products, cleaners, detergents, epsom salts, baking soda, colloidal gold, colloidal silver, fatty acids, supplements, antihistamines, lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree oils, breeders, dog enthusiasts, dog hobbyists, dog whisperers, vet nurses, kennel clubs, chat forums....... it goes on and on.
Who is right? What makes dogs itch and scratch? Why is my dog itchy? What will work? What will stop my dog scratching? How can I find what will really work?
This internal dialogue must become thunderous as the endless circling of miracle cures and dead end links to chat forums goes on and on in a seemingly endless search for the precise information.
Is it really as complicated as all that? Can there really be five hundred causes of scratching in itchy dogs? Is there just one treatment that cures all itches?
Understanding the causes of scratching in the itchy dog will help unveil the mystique of dog pruritis.
Knowing what makes your dog scratch is vital in understanding how to treat the problem. Causes of pruritis can be broken down into very simple concepts.
There is so much content on the internet that it is easy to get lost and overwhelmed by the sheer volume. The list of miracle cures is endless. The amount of spurious information is alarming.
It is baffling to sort through the lists of causes and treatments.
You may find remedies, formulas, safe products, cleaners, detergents, epsom salts, baking soda, colloidal gold, colloidal silver, fatty acids, supplements, antihistamines, lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree oils, breeders, dog enthusiasts, dog hobbyists, dog whisperers, vet nurses, kennel clubs, chat forums....... it goes on and on.
Who is right? What makes dogs itch and scratch? Why is my dog itchy? What will work? What will stop my dog scratching? How can I find what will really work?
This internal dialogue must become thunderous as the endless circling of miracle cures and dead end links to chat forums goes on and on in a seemingly endless search for the precise information.
Is it really as complicated as all that? Can there really be five hundred causes of scratching in itchy dogs? Is there just one treatment that cures all itches?
Understanding the causes of scratching in the itchy dog will help unveil the mystique of dog pruritis.
Knowing what makes your dog scratch is vital in understanding how to treat the problem. Causes of pruritis can be broken down into very simple concepts.
You can unlock the mystery of the itchy scratching dog. For more information and a FREE "Home Diagnosis Manual to the Itchy Dog" go to http://www.scratchingdoghelp.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_T_Hill
Itchy Dog - Puppy Help
It sure is miserable to be itchy!
The only response a dog can have is to scratch itself.
Scratching can lead to self mutilation, secondary infection, terrible sores and a miserable existence.
An itchy scratching puppy upsets the family. The children of the family will despair at their fluffy bundle of joy scratching and mutilating itself.
An itchy puppy is worrying and troubling. Problems were not expected so soon after arrival.
So what is causing the itch?
In the puppy, external parasites are the most likely cause of pruritis or itching. External parasites include fleas, and mites. Mites cause mange. Ear mites cause irritation of the ears and ear infections which might make the puppy scratch at the ears.
Sarcoptic mange or scabies causes an intense unrelenting itch that makes the puppy scratch at the legs, tummy and head. Constant chewing is a feature also.
Fleas however are the single most common cause of pruritis. A flea bite may be itchy for up to two weeks after the bite. If your puppy had fleas and you killed or removed the fleas, the puppy may scratch for a few days and up to two weeks following removal of the fleas.
This concept is difficult for many new dog owners to understand but relate it to a flea, mosquito or midge bite to yourself. The itch persists long after the biting insect has flown away.
If external parasites have been ruled out, food allergy needs to be considered.
Some puppies start scratching as soon as they start solid food. Ear infections and an itchy bottom sometimes occur. Rubbing the face on the carpet shortly after eating is a symptom of itchy lips and face. You will need to do an elimination food trial.
The only response a dog can have is to scratch itself.
Scratching can lead to self mutilation, secondary infection, terrible sores and a miserable existence.
An itchy scratching puppy upsets the family. The children of the family will despair at their fluffy bundle of joy scratching and mutilating itself.
An itchy puppy is worrying and troubling. Problems were not expected so soon after arrival.
So what is causing the itch?
In the puppy, external parasites are the most likely cause of pruritis or itching. External parasites include fleas, and mites. Mites cause mange. Ear mites cause irritation of the ears and ear infections which might make the puppy scratch at the ears.
Sarcoptic mange or scabies causes an intense unrelenting itch that makes the puppy scratch at the legs, tummy and head. Constant chewing is a feature also.
Fleas however are the single most common cause of pruritis. A flea bite may be itchy for up to two weeks after the bite. If your puppy had fleas and you killed or removed the fleas, the puppy may scratch for a few days and up to two weeks following removal of the fleas.
This concept is difficult for many new dog owners to understand but relate it to a flea, mosquito or midge bite to yourself. The itch persists long after the biting insect has flown away.
If external parasites have been ruled out, food allergy needs to be considered.
Some puppies start scratching as soon as they start solid food. Ear infections and an itchy bottom sometimes occur. Rubbing the face on the carpet shortly after eating is a symptom of itchy lips and face. You will need to do an elimination food trial.
The itchy puppy is sad and frustrating. For a FREE "Home Diagnosis manual to the Itchy Dog" and information about treating an itchy puppy go to http://www.scratchingdoghelp.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_T_Hill
Friday, October 22, 2010
Scooting and Sore Bottoms!
Dogs with food allergies are often undiagnosed, or incorrectly diagnosed as having atopy (pollen allergy) or some other kind of health problem.
When a dog presents with scooting as a symptom, the vet works through a variety of possible causes. Diagnosis can be time-consuming, and tricky if the dog owner cannot provide all the information necessary to form a correct diagnosis.
Worms can make dogs scoot. Worms like tapeworm can irritate the anus, shedding segments that wriggle around the anus causing an uncomfortable feeling that can make dogs scoot.
Anal sac disease can also make dogs scoot. Inside the anus are two small openings at 4 O'Clock and 8 O'Clock. This is the duct that is the opening to the anal sac. The sac is lined with scent glands that secrete a noxious smelling substance. This secretion is used in territory marking when the dog defaecates and may also be used in identification between dogs as dogs often smell each others bottoms.
It is hypothesized that wagging the tail may also be a mechanism for spreading a dogs odour individual recognition between dogs!
When the ducts to the anal sacs become blocked, the gland fills up and becomes distended. The secretion thickens and an impaction forms.
Dogs with this problem will scoot because it is like having two boils on your bottom. It is very uncomfortable and since dogs don't have fingers, they cannot relieve themselves. This is a common cause of scooting.
What isn't well appreciated is many of these dogs have underlying allergies which makes the skin of the perineum inflamed.
Inflamed skin causes the duct opening to be closed off, similar to a blocked pore that leads to a pimple in people. Many dogs that scoot constantly actually have allergic skin disease. If left undiagnosed, there will be irreversible changes to the duct and the glandular secretion. Surgical removal may be the only answer to chronically diseased and blocked anal sacs.
Another common cause of scooting is food allergies in dogs. Many young dogs with food allergy will scoot even if the duct to the anal gland is not impacted. Many vets will diagnose anal sac disease when in fact the duct is patent and the gland is not impacted. The dogs scoot because the perineum is itchy.
Allergic skin disease and food allergy in dogs is often overlooked as a cause of scooting. The perineum of these dogs is often inflamed and itchy and is often misdiagnosed as anal sac disease!
For more information, visit http://www.scratchingdoghelp.com
When a dog presents with scooting as a symptom, the vet works through a variety of possible causes. Diagnosis can be time-consuming, and tricky if the dog owner cannot provide all the information necessary to form a correct diagnosis.
Worms can make dogs scoot. Worms like tapeworm can irritate the anus, shedding segments that wriggle around the anus causing an uncomfortable feeling that can make dogs scoot.
Anal sac disease can also make dogs scoot. Inside the anus are two small openings at 4 O'Clock and 8 O'Clock. This is the duct that is the opening to the anal sac. The sac is lined with scent glands that secrete a noxious smelling substance. This secretion is used in territory marking when the dog defaecates and may also be used in identification between dogs as dogs often smell each others bottoms.
It is hypothesized that wagging the tail may also be a mechanism for spreading a dogs odour individual recognition between dogs!
When the ducts to the anal sacs become blocked, the gland fills up and becomes distended. The secretion thickens and an impaction forms.
Dogs with this problem will scoot because it is like having two boils on your bottom. It is very uncomfortable and since dogs don't have fingers, they cannot relieve themselves. This is a common cause of scooting.
What isn't well appreciated is many of these dogs have underlying allergies which makes the skin of the perineum inflamed.
Inflamed skin causes the duct opening to be closed off, similar to a blocked pore that leads to a pimple in people. Many dogs that scoot constantly actually have allergic skin disease. If left undiagnosed, there will be irreversible changes to the duct and the glandular secretion. Surgical removal may be the only answer to chronically diseased and blocked anal sacs.
Another common cause of scooting is food allergies in dogs. Many young dogs with food allergy will scoot even if the duct to the anal gland is not impacted. Many vets will diagnose anal sac disease when in fact the duct is patent and the gland is not impacted. The dogs scoot because the perineum is itchy.
Allergic skin disease and food allergy in dogs is often overlooked as a cause of scooting. The perineum of these dogs is often inflamed and itchy and is often misdiagnosed as anal sac disease!
For more information, visit http://www.scratchingdoghelp.com
Diagnosing Food Allergy In Dogs
Food allergy can manifest itself in a number of different ways. There may be different symptoms and it sure can be difficult to determine whether food is a cause!
The simple answer is that every itchy dog should be trialed to see whether food could be a cause.
Every itchy dog should be put on an elimination food trial. This is discussed in detail later. There are many causes of itch (pruritis) but food allergies are not uncommon and frequently overlooked as a potential cause.
Food allergies do have a common history and pattern.
Dogs with adverse food reaction typically have chronic ear infections from the day you took them home as a puppy. Ear infections are a feature! It starts early in life, usually before 6 months of age and often from the day they start solid foods as a puppy.
Dogs with food allergy typically have an itchy bottom and scoot frequently (rub the anus along the ground) which you are likely to have been told is anal sac disease. "Ear and rear"problems are common. An itchy rash is also typical.
Usually dogs with adverse food reaction also have gastrointestinal symptoms although sometimes these are very mild. Dogs may have vomiting which is associated with certain types of food or brands.
Food allergy in dogs is not uncommon. You can download a FREE "Home Diagnosis Manual to the Itchy Dog" at http://www.scratchingdoghelp.com
The simple answer is that every itchy dog should be trialed to see whether food could be a cause.
Every itchy dog should be put on an elimination food trial. This is discussed in detail later. There are many causes of itch (pruritis) but food allergies are not uncommon and frequently overlooked as a potential cause.
Food allergies do have a common history and pattern.
Dogs with adverse food reaction typically have chronic ear infections from the day you took them home as a puppy. Ear infections are a feature! It starts early in life, usually before 6 months of age and often from the day they start solid foods as a puppy.
Dogs with food allergy typically have an itchy bottom and scoot frequently (rub the anus along the ground) which you are likely to have been told is anal sac disease. "Ear and rear"problems are common. An itchy rash is also typical.
Usually dogs with adverse food reaction also have gastrointestinal symptoms although sometimes these are very mild. Dogs may have vomiting which is associated with certain types of food or brands.
Food allergy in dogs is not uncommon. You can download a FREE "Home Diagnosis Manual to the Itchy Dog" at http://www.scratchingdoghelp.com
3 Tips For Treating Flea Allergy in Dogs
Tip number one involves using an adequate flea control.
There is an urban myth that garlic treats and prevent fleas. This is simply not true.
There is a relatively new flea control from Elanco called Comfortis. This is a tablet that you give monthly. This is very safe as it is a natural byproduct from fermentation. Comfortis is very very effective against fleas. It really works.
For dogs that are extremely flea allergic, you can giove the tablet fortnightly. This is currently the best product on the market.
Tip number two involves treating ALL of the animals in the household.
Often pet owners have one or two dogs and maybe one or two cats as well. The tendency is to treat the dog that is allergic to fleas or to treat an animal if fleas are seen on it.
It is best to treat all animals with flea control to prevent breeding. One flea lays 200 eggs so a few fleas can turn into a few thousand in a very short time.
Revolution is a very good prevention for cats. It is also very safe. Cats lick themselves and are easily poisoned by certain products. Revolution is very safe for cats.
Tip number three involves treating your dog's itch if fleas cause the dog to start to mutilate itself.
Dogs typically mutilate the base of the tail and the lower back. This can cause rapid progession of sores.
Weeping sores will stick to the overlying hair and infection will spread like fire beneath the hair.
If this happens to your dog, you need to clip off the hair and bathe the wounds.
Sometimes, it will be easier to clip the hair if you wash the dog and remove a lot of the pus first.
You can use a medicated shampoo or use an antiseptic rinse such as betadine diluted in water to look like weak tea. Spot treat only.
Flea allergy dermatitis can also be managed using natural therapies and treatments. You can download a FREE "Home Diagnosis Manual" to the itchy dog at http://www.scratchingdoghelp.com
There is an urban myth that garlic treats and prevent fleas. This is simply not true.
There is a relatively new flea control from Elanco called Comfortis. This is a tablet that you give monthly. This is very safe as it is a natural byproduct from fermentation. Comfortis is very very effective against fleas. It really works.
For dogs that are extremely flea allergic, you can giove the tablet fortnightly. This is currently the best product on the market.
Tip number two involves treating ALL of the animals in the household.
Often pet owners have one or two dogs and maybe one or two cats as well. The tendency is to treat the dog that is allergic to fleas or to treat an animal if fleas are seen on it.
It is best to treat all animals with flea control to prevent breeding. One flea lays 200 eggs so a few fleas can turn into a few thousand in a very short time.
Revolution is a very good prevention for cats. It is also very safe. Cats lick themselves and are easily poisoned by certain products. Revolution is very safe for cats.
Tip number three involves treating your dog's itch if fleas cause the dog to start to mutilate itself.
Dogs typically mutilate the base of the tail and the lower back. This can cause rapid progession of sores.
Weeping sores will stick to the overlying hair and infection will spread like fire beneath the hair.
If this happens to your dog, you need to clip off the hair and bathe the wounds.
Sometimes, it will be easier to clip the hair if you wash the dog and remove a lot of the pus first.
You can use a medicated shampoo or use an antiseptic rinse such as betadine diluted in water to look like weak tea. Spot treat only.
Flea allergy dermatitis can also be managed using natural therapies and treatments. You can download a FREE "Home Diagnosis Manual" to the itchy dog at http://www.scratchingdoghelp.com
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