Pets Care

Author: Karyn Siegel-Maier – http://www.herbalmusings.com/

Skin is truly a remarkable feat of biological engineering. Consider for a moment that a single square inch of human skin harbors 19 feet of blood vessels, 19 million cells, 65 hairs, 625 sweat glands and at least 90 oil glands.

Equipped with all of these sensors, the skin works around the clock to shield us from invading bacteria, regulate body temperature, remove toxins and provide a glove-fitting waterproof covering for our fragile bodies. Skin is not only an amazing instrument for people, but is the first line of defense for our pets as well.

Your pet can suffer from a variety of skin disorders and, with the exception of fleas (hopefully), they may be very similar in nature to those that can affect you. Many minor irritations can be treated naturally and safely with simple herbal preparations at home.

There are several methods of application that can be used on your pet, but you’ll have to be the judge on the best method to use and whether or not it will be well tolerated. For instance, applying certain herbal treatments – such as a salve or poultice – to dogs is usually quite a bit easier and less dangerous (for you) than applying the same treatment to a cat.

Cats will usually endure a quick application of a preparation made with essential oil instead. Generally, the guidelines described here are limited in application to just cats and dogs. You should consult your veterinarian if you need assistance with other types of pets.

Herbal poultices are easy to make and work well with highly mucilaginous herbs like mullein or plantain. Two or three large leaves chopped finely in a blender or food processor with a small amount of oil or witch hazel (just enough to make a paste-like consistency) will suffice.

The poultice can then be applied directly to your pet’s skin, gently working it under the hair as you go. If you find that your pet becomes anxious about this, you might try distracting them with a good petting or massage session while giving the poultice a chance to work for 15-20 minutes. Dogs, especially, are massage addicts.

Salves are another alternative. But, your pet may lick it off before it can be of any benefit. Again, combining the application of salve with massage will help. Salves can be messy and time consuming to make though, so you may want to purchase an already prepared one from your local health food store. One I’d highly recommend is Hot Spot Ointment from Furry Friends that contains vitamin E and calendula and comfrey root extracts.

One of the best and easiest ways to topically treat your pet with herbs is to use essential oils. Essential oils should not be applied directly to your pet’s skin but diffused in a carrier oil such as sweet almond first.

The carrier oil will help to distribute the essential oils and enable them to be quickly absorbed. Generally, 2-3 drops of essential oil diluted in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil should be used.

Which Herbs to Use?

Lavender is excellent for burns, scrapes, cuts and dermatitis. Its antiseptic and antibacterial qualities will help to speed healing and prevent infection. Use the essential oil of this herb.

Aloe juice squeezed from the fresh plant will help to speed healing of burns and all wounds.

Chamomile is an antispasmodic and seems to calm animals with this action even when applied topically. The flowers yield antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Use the essential oil of this herb.

Mullein leaves make a good healing poultice for just about anything skin-related. When chopped and mixed with oil or witch hazel, it can be used for treating ear infections. Mullein is antiseptic and has a mild anesthetic effect.

Comfrey leaves are astringent and appropriate to use in a poultice.

Yarrow can help to check oozing (blood) wounds, clear infection and to help old wounds that prove slow to heal. Use the fresh herb or essential oil.

Calendula is one of the best herbs to use and can be combined with any or the above mentioned herbs. Calendula promotes the growth of epithelial tissue to help close wounds. This herb is also astringent, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Use the fresh herb or the essential oil.

Please note that serious conditions, such as deep cuts, extreme itching or chronic hair loss associated with scratching or shedding, should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Deep cuts and wounds may require stitches and severe itching or hair loss can be a sign of illness or even allergy.

Question:

My one year old Jack Russell has just overnight developed multiple bumps under her skin that are very itchy. They are all over her back and legs. They are making her hair raised and she is scraching and can’t seem to stop. They are all under the skin. Please help.

Chris

Answer:

Hi Chris,

Thank you for your query. You are to be commended for researching the use of natural alternatives.

It must be very distressing to see your pet so sick. Since we are unable to examine your pet, we cannot make a diagnosis. Thus we recommend that you take your pet to your vet, where a correct diagnosis can be made and any underlying conditions may be ruled out. Thereafter, we will be happy to help determine, if need be, which of our remedies would best suit your pet.

For your pet’s constant scratching we can highly recommend our Skin and Coat Tonic. This will help to restore healthy skin and glossy coat, improve skin functioning and strengthen hair shaft and follicle, treat dry scaly skin and eczema and relieve itching, accelerate healing of skin lesions and fungal infections of the skin, improve liver, kidney and thyroid functioning as well as overall health.

For further info, please go to:

Skin and Coat Tonic

Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.

Warm regards,

The Native Remedies Team

An expert can ascertain the general health of a pet simply by keenly observing the skin and coat. Dry skin tends to spoil the glossy coat and often leads to excessive itching and scratching in pets.

Before you do anything about it, it is advisable that you ensure that the dry skin and the resultant itching is not a result of parasitic infection, immune mediated diseases, allergy or bacterial and fungal infection. Such disorders require immediate attention of a veterinarian and are better treated systematically.

Conditions like dog or cat dandruff, flaking dry skin and canine or feline acne can be addressed with diet supplements, healthy nutritional diet and medication.

Winter dries human skin, especially hands and feet and we need to keep the skin moist by applying different sorts of crèmes and lotions. Just like humans, dogs too face skin problems during winters. To ensure that your dog’s coat and skin remains in good condition you need to remember certain basic aspects of dog skin and coat care.

* Dogs do not need a daily bath with soap or shampoo. Excessive use of soap and shampoo can turn the skin dry.
Bathe your dog only to keep him clean. Human shampoos are too harsh for dogs. Use only mild shampoos meant specifically for dogs and buy only a known brand.
* Rinse the coat with a moisturizer after every bath.
* Dead hair and dander need to be removed from a dog’s coat. Regular brushing will ensure a coat free from extraneous substances.
* Consult with your veterinarian and discuss your dog’s diet. Ensure that you are feeding him the right amount of fatty acids and other ingredients necessary for good skin and coat.
* Stay away from cheap dog food since these are not likely to contain adequate amounts of fatty acids and a lack of adequate amounts of fatty acids can result in dry skin. To be safe, buy only reputed brands of dog food. If you are looking to change your brand or try a new brand of dog food, read the label carefully to ensure that it has all the nutrients that are required for healthy growth of your dog.
* You can also search the market for nutritional supplements that have the required nutritional components that keep the dog skin healthy and looking good.

Dog skin problems are almost always related to bad nutrition and physical problems. A dry skin will cause excessive canine or feline hair loss and can give an abhorring appearance to the pet.

Basically a healthy skin comes from a healthy body. If your dog is healthy within, his skin and coat are bound to be lush and shiny. Feed your dog with natural foods after consultation with your veterinarian.

References:

http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?ID=35

http://animalclinics.com/ginfo/dryskin.htm

A healthy skin and a lustrous coat is a matter of great owner pride. It also reflects the internal good health of a pet. Two things are extremely necessary for a good, shiny dog coat – Internal health and external care.

Internal Health

Beauty, as you know, is only skin deep. A strong and healthy body can ensure a healthy skin and, in turn, a shiny coat. Whatever the color or type of coat, proper nutrition is instrumental in improving the appearance of a dog’s coat. There are many branded dog food brands that claim to have adequate nutrients that can help in obtaining a good coat for your pet. You can also choose to give your dog a nutritional coat supplement. These supplements can provide all the specific nutrients that are necessary for a good skin and coat.

Before buying branded or store packed dog food make sure that you read the label for its contents. Not all the pet foods available in the market pay proper heed to the quantitative and quantitative requirements of dogs. Carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals need to be in a proper balance to ensure a healthy skin. In case you are formulating a home made diet you should consult your veterinarian first.

Intestinal parasites can gobble up nutrients and cause conditions that ultimately reflect on the skin and coat of the dog. The dog becomes weaker; the coat may loose its luster and require extra care. These parasites are mostly visible in the feces and can be treated with regular de-worming and prevented through cleaning the environment.

External care

All dogs need to be groomed by their owners. Cats are however, better at grooming themselves and therefore the amount of grooming, cleaning and bathing required for them is less. There are combs available for removing mats and untangling long hair. Regular brushing can remove dead hair and small scales from the skin and hair. Regular grooming can also help in early detection and treatment of external parasites.

External parasites like ear mites and fleas or ticks induce excessive scratching in pets that ends up in causing lesions and patches or canine and feline hair loss. External parasites can be very uncomfortable for the dog and can make life miserable.

Shampoos meant for humans can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Specialized dog shampoos have a lower pH level, which is more suited to a dog’s skin. These shampoos are also treated especially so that they do not cause irritation in the eyes. If your dog has an itchy skin or if his coat looks rough and patchy, you can choose a shampoo meant for the specific condition. An organic shampoo is preferred if you know that your dog develops allergies or irritations from using normal dog shampoos.

Quite a few cat and dog skin problems can be detected early if you groom your pet regularly. Some conditions like dog and cat dandruff, dog or cat acne and lesions are usually mild in nature and easy to treat at home.

References:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Canine-Bathing-Shampoo-Guide—What-Dog-Owners-Need-To-Know&id=489449

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/essentials-for-a-shiny-coat-in-dogs/page1.aspx

A yeast infection is a typical example of a beneficial organism revolting and causing harm if other systems of the body are not functioning properly. Yeast, a single-celled fungus that reproduces asexually by budding or division is present in the body and intestinal tracts of a dog. In a healthy dog, yeast identifies and destroys harmful bacteria and is controlled by the immune system.

A weakened immune system drastically reduces the number of friendly bacteria in the body. Without the active support of these friendly bacteria, yeast undergoes a dramatic change from a non-invasive and sugar fermenting organism to an invasive and mucus damaging organism. This is the start of a primary yeast infection. Secondary yeast infection occurs when yeast penetrate skin that has already been damaged by scratching or injury.

Skin problems in dogs and other pets produce symptoms that can bring about significant changes to the look of your pet. Conditions like canine and feline acne, dog and cat dandruff, dog ear mites, pet intestinal parasites, imbalanced diet and eczema can cause an itchy skin. The resultant scratching can lead to skin damage and this increases the risk of penetration by yeast. Yeast infection mostly affects moist parts but can prevail in almost any part of the skin.

Giving frequent baths to dogs, which they actually do not require, leads to depletion of essential oils in the skin rendering it dry and vulnerable to yeast infection.

Major symptoms of yeast infection surface in the shape of skin rashes, itching, redness, pimples and sometimes greasiness. A veterinarian will take the help of a microscopic examination or culture of skin scrapings or conduct a smear test to confirm the diagnosis. Itching induced by yeast infection further leads to skin damage. If not attended to in time this may lead to canine or feline hair loss and further complications that may become difficult to handle.

More often than not, yeast infection is caused by some medical condition that has rendered the immune system incapable of functioning properly. Treatment of the underlying condition will effectively cure your dog of yeast infection. Topical treatments are not very effective as the dog is prone to lick them off. Shampoos containing antifungal agents in the form of a nitrate can help in treatment but only to a certain extent.

A natural approach to health is any time better than going in for medication and treatment. A healthy, balanced and nutritional diet, avoiding commercial dog foods and keeping the dog dry whenever he gets wet are effective ways of preventing yeast infection.

References:

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_yeast_infection_of_the_skin.html

http://www.priory.com/vet/vetatop1.htm

http://www.doggiesparadise.com/dog-skin-disorders-yeast-infection.shtml

Being the largest and the most exposed organ of the body, pet skin is likely to be affected with mild to severe conditions. One of the major dog skin problems arise from allergies. Allergies can cause canine or feline acne. Allergies may arise from contact with an allergen or from food that does not suit your pet.

Before starting treatment for any type of allergy it is of paramount importance that you establish the cause of allergy. It is erroneous to assume that only new foods cause allergies and consequent itching. The truth is that any food can cause an allergic reaction in dogs – new or old. The commonly known skin condition of ‘hot spots’ can develop if your dog becomes allergic to his routine diet that he is no longer able to digest.

Food allergy often forms a typical distribution pattern and your veterinarian is the best guide in this matter. You can suspect food allergy in your dog in conditions where:

* there has been poor response to treatment for mange
* there is little or no improvement on administration of steroidal treatment
* the dog has not previously experienced any seasonal allergies

Dogs are often fed various commercial diets that contain processed proteins, fillers and artificial colorings. These undergo a further change inside the body. The auto immune system may recognize them as foreign substances and respond accordingly. In such an eventuality the most commonly affected organ in dogs and cats is the skin.

The only method to arrive at what is causing food allergy in a dog is through putting him on a trial diet. A trial diet can be one that is based on a protein source the dog has never eaten before. Through a method of elimination by trial and error the allergen can be identified. The latest approach to the problem is through the use of hydrolyzed proteins. A conventional source of protein is broken down with the aid of water into molecules so small that the immune system cannot recognize it.

During the trial period it is important to avoid all unnecessary medication and chewable treats not compatible with the trial diet.

Pets are exposed to external and internal risks. Attacks by external parasites cause mild conditions like dog or cat dandruff and canine or feline hair loss and other dog skin problems. Food allergy is a condition that has its roots in what your pet is eating, which can potentially damage the skin of your pet to a great extent. Lesions caused by food allergies result in skin problems that can be extremely uncomfortable and may distort the very appearance of the pet.

Traditionally, home cooking has been the best non-allergic diet for pets. In many cases home cooked food may still be the only choice to avoid food allergy.

References:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Dog-Skin-Care&id=222254

http://www.superk9.com/article-doghealthcare06.asp

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_food_allergies.html

Put 1 drop of Tea Tree on the abscess. Then when the pus is discharged, put on 1 drop of Lavender. Clean with sat water.

From “The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy” by Valerie Ann Worwood

Dog skin problems seldom give rise to emergent situations. If you are regular in pet care and look for changes in skin and coat for dog or cat dandruff, canine or feline acnel, skin lumps and lesions there is every reason to believe that you will have enough time at hand to consult your veterinarian about it.

Emergency situations like noisy breathing, panting or gasping for breath, excessive bleeding, a blue tongue, ingesting poison, cessation of urination and labor contractions for a long period without actual delivery of puppies are not associated with skin problems. They are also almost never caused by skin related issues.

But that does not mean that caring for your pet’s skin is not a requirement. On the contrary, the skin and coat of a pet is the best indicator of any underlying menace that may be brewing inside. And given that your dog cannot communicate minor discomfort to you, the skin proves to be the best indicator and an early warning for things to come.

It has been observed that itchy skin, paw chewing, constant licking and allergies in dogs have become more common than ever before. Diets, digestive enzymes, dietary supplements and essential fatty acids are used for long term treatment of itchy skin in dogs. But there are some home remedies that you can effectively use for short term treatment.

* For hot spots prepare a mixture by dissolving two aspirin tablets in one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. Take another cup of warm water and dip a tea bag in it. Mix the two and let it cool. Shave the hair around the hot spot and apply the mixture with a cotton ball and use as often as required. You can follow it up with a cortisone spray or crème that is available over the counter.
* Allergies are the most common cause of itching in dogs. Allergies may be caused by contact with an allergen causing appearance of multiple crusty lesions that are extremely itchy. Give your dog a cool bath for ten minutes to relieve itching. You may add colloidal oatmeal in the bath.
* For itchy feet, mix Epsom salts in cool water. Dip the dog’s feet in the water for 5-10 minutes ensuring that he does not drink it.
* Ear mites in dogs often cause excessive scratching in areas around the ears. Soak a cotton ball in mineral oil and gently swab the ear canal. This will remove the ear mites but only temporarily.
* For insect bites use water mixed with baking soda for relieving the itch.
* Flea collars are not advisable for use over a long period. If your dog tends to catch fleas often, a diet that includes yeast and garlic is an effective way of keeping fleas at bay.

An itchy skin often leads to canine and feline hair loss if the itch is not attended to in time. In addition, an itchy skin is almost always a precursor of an underlying or hidden medical condition. Home remedies can, at their best, provide only temporary relief. They can provide comfort to the dog for some time and give you some adequate time to arrange for expert consultation.

References:

http://home-remedies-for-you.com/articles/151/medicines-and-remedies/home-remedies-for-pets.html

http://kitchen.robbiehaf.com/PetHomeRemedies.html

After having given you a lifetime of love, loyalty and companionship, a senior dog needs a reason to live in its older days. Even though it remains debatable whether dogs experience emotions like humans or not, they definitely deserve the same compassion as any other senior member of your family.

With advanced age, senior dogs become more vulnerable to the same dog skin problems that they had to face while young. The skin is the first line of defense against the attacks of external pathogens. And senior dogs are prone to have a dry skin and loose some of the shine of their coats as oil secreting glands slow down. Graying hair and a dry skin are the key indicators of advancing age.

An itchy skin is common in all dogs but it occurs more frequently in senior dogs. As senior dogs are more vulnerable to environmental irritants and external parasites, fleas and ticks, an itchy skin in seniors require immediate attention lest they cause secondary infections.

* Senior dogs should be given medicated baths to keep their skin in good shape. Also use a very mild shampoo and only those that have been specially formulated for dogs.
* The aging skin of the dog is more inclined to react to allergens and dryness. A blow drier at this age can prove to be harsh on the dry skin. Use thick absorbent towels instead.
* Lumps under the skin are more prevalent in senior dogs. Look for any unusual growth while grooming. This could be a tumor that might be difficult to cure at this age if early treatment is not provided.
* Cut the toe nails more frequently than before to avoid damage to the skin on itching or scratching as a drier skin is likely to be brittle. Dogs usually run down their nails while walking but senior dogs are less active, which makes their nails grow faster.
* You need to be more regular in grooming and even more observant so as to locate any abnormal signs on the skin. Even harmless looking flea bites can potentially cause a major infection or an allergic reaction at this age. Your flea control program also needs to be more focused.

Whether it is a senior dog or a cat, an older skin cannot take care of itself. In senior cats, even mild conditions like feline hair loss, cat dandruff and feline acne require more than normal attention in the case of older cats. Grooming at an advanced age is not only meant to spruce up the looks, but also to protect the first line of defense of the body against external factors.

References:

http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/care.fr.html

http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/srcitz.html

Dog skin problems seldom give rise to emergent situations. If you are regular in pet care and look for changes in skin and coat for dog or cat dandruff, canine or feline acnel, skin lumps and lesions there is every reason to believe that you will have enough time at hand to consult your veterinarian about it.

Emergency situations like noisy breathing, panting or gasping for breath, excessive bleeding, a blue tongue, ingesting poison, cessation of urination and labor contractions for a long period without actual delivery of puppies are not associated with skin problems. They are also almost never caused by skin related issues.

But that does not mean that caring for your pet’s skin is not a requirement. On the contrary, the skin and coat of a pet is the best indicator of any underlying menace that may be brewing inside. And given that your dog cannot communicate minor discomfort to you, the skin proves to be the best indicator and an early warning for things to come.

It has been observed that itchy skin, paw chewing, constant licking and allergies in dogs have become more common than ever before. Diets, digestive enzymes, dietary supplements and essential fatty acids are used for long term treatment of itchy skin in dogs. But there are some home remedies that you can effectively use for short term treatment.

* For hot spots prepare a mixture by dissolving two aspirin tablets in one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. Take another cup of warm water and dip a tea bag in it. Mix the two and let it cool. Shave the hair around the hot spot and apply the mixture with a cotton ball and use as often as required. You can follow it up with a cortisone spray or crème that is available over the counter.
* Allergies are the most common cause of itching in dogs. Allergies may be caused by contact with an allergen causing appearance of multiple crusty lesions that are extremely itchy. Give your dog a cool bath for ten minutes to relieve itching. You may add colloidal oatmeal in the bath.
* For itchy feet, mix Epsom salts in cool water. Dip the dog’s feet in the water for 5-10 minutes ensuring that he does not drink it.
* Ear mites in dogs often cause excessive scratching in areas around the ears. Soak a cotton ball in mineral oil and gently swab the ear canal. This will remove the ear mites but only temporarily.
* For insect bites use water mixed with baking soda for relieving the itch.
* Flea collars are not advisable for use over a long period. If your dog tends to catch fleas often, a diet that includes yeast and garlic is an effective way of keeping fleas at bay.

An itchy skin often leads to canine and feline hair loss if the itch is not attended to in time. In addition, an itchy skin is almost always a precursor of an underlying or hidden medical condition. Home remedies can, at their best, provide only temporary relief. They can provide comfort to the dog for some time and give you some adequate time to arrange for expert consultation.

References:

http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/articles/151/medicines-and-remedies/home-remedies-for-pets.html

http://kitchen.robbiehaf.com/PetHomeRemedies.html