Lets look under that fur coat...
Maybe your dog needs a day at the Spa??
When we look at our pets, the condition of their coat and skin can give us a very good idea of their over all health. You might be dealing with allergies, disease, parasites, bald spots or irritations.
Lets take a closer look....
Start with a visit to your vet & have your pet checked over thoroughly, then treated for any apparent conditions. Ask about what kind of shampoo to use, proper nutrition and supplements. Pick up a brush & comb for proper grooming (or pick out your groomer).
Grooming:
- getting your puppy familiar with being groomed is important
- if you take your pet to a groomer, they are usually able to pick up on conditions that may need your attention
- practice touching your puppy all over, especially on his feet, nails and ears
- use a shampoo that is made for their coat type, paying attention to ingredients that may irritate their skin such as perfumes
- always make sure to fully dry your pet after bathing
- make grooming a fun & positive experience
- some dogs will shed a lot, proper grooming will help control this
- bald areas
- dull coat
- redness
- lumps
- lesions (sores)
- scaly or dry spots
- bad smells
- inflamed anal glands
- watch for excessive licking, rubbing, biting & chewing, these could be a sign to you that there is a problem
Itching:
- usually caused by allergies, but may be related to insect bites, or parasites
- many pets are allergic to their food, so ask your vet
- Cheyletiella, Scabies & Demodex mites are the cause of mange
- diagnosed by skin scraping by your vet
- Scabies & Cheyletiella are contagious for animals (this includes Humans!!)
- Demodex mites are transfered from the pups mother during nursing. This is a natural occurring mite, and will be controlled by your dogs immune system. If this mite is found to be out of control, your dog may have an immune problem that will need to be addressed by your vet.
- parasitic
- causes severe irritation
- may cause anemia by the lice feeding on blood
- usually seen in animals that are in poor health
- not a worm at all...it is a fungal disease
- contagious
- causes a circular area of hair loss with a raised edge
Help keep your furry friend healthy, from the inside out!!