My Dog Is Losing Hair Is It Flea Allergies or Mange?

Is your dog losing his or her hair? Do you notice patches of scaly skin with loss of hair growth in the area? Or does your dog scratch or lick incessantly around the paws, legs or chew at the base of the tail?

Flea allergies or Mange can be a major cause of hair loss in your pet but it could be caused by other health related issues such as hyperthyroidism or food allergies.

Although shedding in your dog is normal and happens throughout the year, areas with no hair or oozing bald spots is not normal and is usually related to an underlying cause. Tufts of hair on long hair breeds can look unsightly and without proper grooming and assistance with removing thickly matted hair, your dog could end up with terrible sores as the matted hair begins to entwine on itself and pull at your dogs skin causing extreme discomfort.

Other reasons for loss of hair are as follows:
Flea Allergy

A single bite from a flea can give some dogs an allergic reaction. Incessant chewing and scratching are a sure sign your dog is suffering from an infestation of fleas. Most chewing is located around the base of the tail with scratching at neck or chest area as another indicator there is a problem. Keep your pet free of fleas through topical treatments which work quite well, and provide regular flea baths for removing and killing fleas along with their larvae. Even if your home is free of them, remember, taking your dog to the beach is an excellent place to pick up more and carry them home. Before you know it you have fleas taking up residence in your house.

Hot Spots

This is an area of skin that becomes bald rather quickly from your dog licking their skin incessantly. The area will begin to ooze, appear raw and can have scabs form giving a scaly appearance. In most cases it occurs from irritation from flea bites, but can also be from an insect bite, boredom, or food allergy can stimulate this irritation from within the body attacking the animals immune system. Treatment is usually topical but can sometimes involve the use of steroids temporarily along with a doggie collar to keep them from licking themselves into a nasty infection.

Allergies

3 types of allergies can occur with your pet: one is airborne allergies with your dog inhaling the offending pollen which causes itching and licking of skin resulting in more hot spots or 2ndly, food allergies which also attacks the dog from the inside out and will manifest itself within your pet, showing outwardly in loss of hair and skin inflammations. 3rdly, contact allergens can occur from coming in contact with grass, pollens, certain fabrics, detergents, pet shampoos and on an on. The list can be endless and can take a long time to locate the offending item causing contact dermatitis which leads to extreme distress for the dog through a constant irritation to the skin. Usually once the offending item or ingredient is removed, the animal will recover, however supportive treatment with topical or oral medication may be required.

Hyperthyroidism

Although this is typically less likely to occur than the other problems stated above, it is still something to investigate if the other causes turn up nothing or are inconclusive. Hyperthyroidism is typically combined with hair loss, dry scaly patches and the animal begins to gain weight and becomes lethargic. Blood tests can be performed to determine if your dog will require any medication to correct the problem.

Mange

This is the last and more rare condition which could be an underlying cause to your dogs extreme hair loss or itching skin. There are two types of mange and are difficult to diagnose without veterinarian assistance. Things to look for when it comes to mange:

Demodectic mange is a mite that lives on the skin of all dogs and usually doesn't cause a problem unless environmental issues cause it to get out of control. It does not typically cause itching in your dog and is typically seen in puppies, young adults which might have an underlying illness, or dogs undergoing bouts of extreme stress. Hair loss is also moderate, usually confined around the eyes and areas of the face. This is a mange that can resolve itself as the puppy matures or the dog becomes well again and all stressful situations are removed. Diagnosis from a Vet is wise to make sure it isn't something just starting and you have simply caught it early. Earlier the better!

Sarcoptic mange or Scabies by another name is a mite that burrows into the dogs skin and is a more insidious parasite causing intense itching and severe hair loss covering the entire body if left untreated. Once it has progressed to total hair loss, the animal is debilitated, usually in considerable pain and discomfort and for severe cases, may need to ultimately be euthanized. It is highly contagious to other dogs that come in contact with him or her including human contact. Medical treatment is required to cure the affliction. For people treatment is usually provided with the use of topical ointments and cleansers in a bath to kill the mite. Cure time can be lengthy so be very careful when handling a dog with extreme hair loss until a diagnosis is reached to avoid cross contamination.

Stress Factors

This can be any number of triggers causing your dog to scratch, lick or chew areas of the body from things like separation anxiety, psychological factors of hidden dangers causing undue fear or paranoia, poor diets and boredom from lack of interaction or exercise. Including good exercise, an excellent diet and training to incorporate not only obedience, but perhaps behavior modification which will require an experts help. Make sure you find a good one and always check references. There are also great books written by those with a following such as the Dog Whisperer which offers excellent advice on identifying stress factors and how to deal with them.

While your dog is under treatment, it may require a long coarse of drugs, behavioral training, proper diet along with a proper diagnosis. Remove the underlying cause and protect your dog from them digging at their skin while the body heals and your dog will regrow hair back in no time. Be vigilant when you see any skin changes and don't waste time researching the cause. This will prevent further inflammation, hair loss and discomfort for your dog before you have to deal with complete hair loss or skin infections requiring longer healing time.

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Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy

Looking for some tips on how to keep your dog’s teeth healthy? A pretty smile may not be on your dog’s priority list, but having sound teeth to chew his food certainly is. Your veterinarian will examine your dog’s teeth as part of his annual checkup, but don’t wait until a yearly exam to help prevent your dog from developing dental disease.

Tartar and plaque can form on your dog’s teeth as they can on your own, and tooth loss and gum disease can just as easily develop.

Some dental problems may be a result of genetic manipulation and breeding. Some miniature dogs, for example, may have tooth problems from birth due to having the same number of teeth as a large dog being crammed into their smaller jaws. Other dogs develop dental problems as they age. Whatever the cause, help your dog in the dental department by cleaning his teeth twice weekly and following some of these suggestions.

1. Accustom your dog to having his teeth cleaned early in life. Make the session a game and reward your dog with a tartar-control treat.

2. Two types of teeth-cleaning products exist that fit over the pet owner’s fingertips. One is a rubber device a little larger than a thimble with tiny rubber spikes on it. The other has an actual brush on it so that you can brush your dog’s teeth, using only tooth- paste that is intended for dogs. The brush can be sterilized in a microwave oven after each use.

3. If you prefer to use an actual brush, use a soft toothbrush meant for a baby.

4. If your dog has a very small mouth, use a human eyebrow brush.

5. Try a little baking soda instead of pet toothpaste to clean your dog’s teeth. Caution: Human toothpaste is intended to be spit out and will make your dog sick if he swallows it.

6. An alternative way to clean your dog’s teeth is to rub them several times a week with a dampened terrycloth washcloth. To make it more enjoyable for your dog, rub a little garlic on the cloth.

7. If your dog runs in the other direction when he sees you whip out the toothbrush and paste, offer him treats or food products that are designed to remove plaque and prevent the buildup of tartar. Give him some hard, dry, crunchy food as a part of his normal diet to help clean plaque deposits. Manufacturers have developed foods and treats to reduce the amount of tartar and plaque. Most are available in grocery stores and supermarkets.

8. Discuss with your veterinarian having your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally. Teeth cleaning requires that your dog be anesthetized.

9. If your dog has bad breath, it could signal the sign of disease. Have your dog checked by a veterinarian. To help reduce bad doggie breath, purchase products intended to make your dog’s breath smell better. They are available at pet stores.

10. As an alternative way to improve your dog’s breath, mix three parts water to one part non mint liquid chlorophyl (available in health food stores) in a medicine bottle. Liquid chlorophyl is a natural deodorant. Give your dog one dropper full daily to fight bad breath from the inside.

Look out for the next in our series of dog teeth care, expert advice and product reviews.

Protect Your Dog From Sun Rays And Treat Sunburn

1. Use Doggy Sunscreen. As always prevention is better then having to search for a remedy. Dogs can become sunburned and develop skin cancer from access sun exposure. Prevent your pup from becoming a burnt hot dog from the scotching damaging sun rays or skin cancer patient by applying sunscreen protection. If you and your dog are going to be outside during peak sunlight hours make sure to apply a non-toxic doggy specific sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply the sunscreen to exposed & sensitive areas prone to get sunburned such as the tips of ears, bridge of the nose, groin area, inside the legs and underbelly. When choosing the proper sunscreen for your pup make sure to read the ingredient label carefully. Although we advise you to use dog sunscreen, if you use human sunscreen make sure to avoid sunscreen which contain PABA or zinc, dangerous and toxic to your dog if ingested or licked. Baby sunscreen is also another safe alternative.

2. Retreat to Shade. Provide proper shelter by keeping your dog inside, in the shade or under a beach umbrella even on overcast days, during peak direct sunlight hours from 10 am and 3 pm.

3. UV Sun suits . You can help to keep your dog safe by putting him or her in sun suits with UV protection bodysuit. Designed specifically to block out the harmful rays and come in all sizes.

4. Cool Down with a Cool Bath. Give your dog a 20-minute cool water bath if your dog soaks up to much sun. For a soothing solution add oatmeal or baking soda to the bath water to ease the pain and itching caused by sunburn.

5. Treat with all natural Witchhazel. Wipe the sunburned areas with Witchhazel once your dog has been bath. Witchhazel is a natural antioxidant and astringent and can cool down sunburn and inflamed areas. Simply use a cotton ball and apply witch hazel to affected areas several times a day.

6. Cheers for Aloe Vera! Apply a 100% pure Aloe Vera gel to your pups sunburn spots, it is safe and non-toxic.

7. Severe burns need antibiotics. If your dog has severe burns or open sores gently apply an antibiotic ointment. For very severe burns always consult your vet immediately.

8. Vitamin E for sunburned nose. Break open a vitamin E capsule, squeeze out the oil, and dab it onto your dogs sunburned nose once or twice a day. Vitamin E is an antioxidant with healing properties and can prevent scarring of your dogs snout.

9. Keep re-applying sunburn remedies. It is important that the sunburn is healed properly.Re-apply the witchhazel, aloe, vitamin E and antibiotic as needed until your dog is “A” okay.

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Clever Dog! - life lessons from the world's most successful animal (Gentle Dog Care)

Product Description

The dog is undeniably the most successful domestic animal of all time. He shares his life with ours, has integrated into our society, and won the hearts and minds of millions of us. We call ourselves dog lovers because we do sincerely love them: they are fully-fledged members of our family, and we have elevated them to positions of authority in the human world. Assistance dogs, protection dogs, detection dogs, companion dogs ... they all enhance our lives immeasurably. In this book we will examine a whole raft of canine skills and talents, and try to piece together how and why the dog has enjoyed such immense success as a domesticated animal. We will look at the dog as a problem solver, conflict resolver, and health asset. As a decision maker and hero. And as a loyal and trusted friend. Clever Dog! is a compendium of life lessons we can learn from our dogs, based on a combination of what we know about them and indeed what we think we might know about them. He's earned his epithet 'Man's best friend:' in this book, our aim is to examine how he did it and how we might emulate his talents in order to enjoy the same fortune and fulfillment in our lives. Be happy and successful: learn from the best! Features: * Interesting take on self development/improvement lessons * Interesting facts and data on how the human/canine relationship evolved * Amazing examples of how dogs have succeeded and achieved * Practical insights into how humans can use the dog as a life example * Incredible stories of canine bravery, endurance and talent * Understanding leadership from the world's most famous pack animal * Learn how to settle conflicts without 'drawing blood' * Understand how to develop and enhance relationships, learning from the best * Climb the career ladder by following the winning strategy of the dog * How to embrace and cherish independence without being a 'loner'.

About the Author

Ryan O'Meara is a former professional dog trainer who has dedicated his life to learning about, writing about, and working with his one true passion: dogs. Upon leaving school at the age of 16, Ryan embarked on his professional dog training career, indulging his love of all things canine. Having achieved success as a trainer, working with more than 2000 dogs, Ryan set up his own business, K9 Media Ltd, a specialist pet publishing company responsible for more than 300 pet related websites, as well as the world-renowned K9 Magazine. Ryan is a World Animal Day ambassador, and he appears frequently in the media discussing all things dog.

dare to bare? by Ruffwear

They may not feel very soft when pawing at your leg, but a dog’s paws may become more sensitive and softer during the winter season–especially if they’ve been kept inside more often.

Every change in season, weather, activity, and terrain presents a new challenge for dog paws.  Tough as they may seem, a dog’s pads can crack, peel, or tear on the first good run or hike of the season. Here’s some tips for getting paws trail-ready.

Toughening up barefoot paws

1. Start with short, slow walks on grass or groomed surfaces and work your way up to longer, faster walks on tougher terrain over the course of a few weeks.
2. Keep paws moisturized with paw wax, petroleum jelly, or other pet-safe moisturizers to help prevent cracking.
3. Remember that new climates and terrain require conditioning to get the pads used to the new dust/dirt/rock.
4. Check for swollen, cracked, or damaged paws often.  Check your dog’s gait and look for any signs of discomfort.

Breaking in paws for dog boots

1. If you opt for dog boots, increase their flexibility prior to using by working the sole in the palm of your hands.
2. Once the boots are on, your dog will most likely “dance”.  Don’t be alarmed—this is a natural reaction.  To enhance their experience with the boots, try these tips for avoiding the dog boot dance.
3. Start by putting the boots on in the house for a couple minutes, then try short adventures outside; gradually increasing the time spent in the boots.
4. Check often for rubbing and hotspots, readjusting the fit if necessary.
5. Boot liners can be a good solution to enhance the overall comfort and fit of dog boots just like socks help make human shoes more comfortable.

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