Dog dandruff and dog dry skin can be problematic, and are caused by irritants in their environment, dog allergy or insufficiencies in their diet.

Symptoms of such problems can be identified by itching, scratching and overall coat changes as well as the dog chewing at his own skin. You may also notice darkening or inflammation of the skin, crusting, pus or sores. The coat may feel oilier or denser.

Dog hair loss and excessive dog moulting can also be a problem. Dogs have fur in order to regulate their temperature. The more fur that they lose, the harder this becomes, and just like humans, illness can be a very real threat if the temperature fluctuates even the smallest amount.

There are a number of simple resolutions to many of these matters.

In many cases, this can be healed with a modification of diet. Feeding your dog on foods that are high in essential fatty acids and vitamin D can considerably improve the condition of your dog’s coat and fur. However, you can speed up this progression with supplements.

Many companies provide complementary ointments, medicines and food additives. They include such things as omega 3 and 6, both of which have been proven to help improve your dog’s coat and skin.

One such product is Yumega Dog, which can be obtained online at Lintbells. It gets its omega 3 and 6 from pressed golden flax and starflower, so is completely natural, and includes no chemicals or human skin products, unlike some dog supplements.

Products such as these can be crucial in boosting your dog’s skin and fur and by extension, quality of life. And who wouldn’t want to ensure that their dog is the healthiest and happiest it can be?

This is a guest post.

When things are tight and we are trying our best to live inside a strict budget it is an easy temptation to cancel pet insurance payments as an ‘unnecessary expense’. But an accident or illness involving a feline or canine member of the family might change your mind – albeit too late.

Insurance is only good as long as the premiums are being paid. If you have paid pet insurance for five years and have never claimed, you may regard it as five years’ worth of wasted premiums. However, if you stop payments now and a month down the line your beloved dog requires veterinary treatment, you’ll quickly realise that a few pounds a month for insurance compares far more favourably to thousands of pounds in vets’ bills.

When choosing pet insurance it is important not to over-insure, as that does represent a waste of money. Don’t get sucked in to paying additional premiums for coverage you are unlikely to ever need. However basic pet insurance is a must-have because no one can predict the future. Knowing that your beloved four-legged friend is covered should the worst happen is exactly what pet insurance is for – it gives you (and your pet) peace of mind knowing that you can afford to pay for any treatment they might need.

Many loving pet owners come to this realisation too late. In attempting to ‘trim a little bit’ off the household budget and foregoing pet insurance, uninsured owners can quickly find themselves inside a spiral of accumulating debt in the form of astronomical vet fees if their animal develops a serious illness and requires ongoing treatment and/or operations.

If you find yourself in this position then vet fees can add considerably to existing debt problems. To be able to manage this situation effectively you need to get professional debt advice without delay. Any creditable debt advice company will offer a debt management plan, which is a budget compiled by both yourself and the debt advisor with a tally list of incoming and outgoings. The difference between what is coming in and what is going out is your disposable income, and it is from this amount that a manageable debt repayment scheme is worked out.

Should you owe in excess of £12,000 then you may be eligible for an IVA, which will be fully explained to you by the debt professional. An IVA allows the debtor to repay manageable sums over a five-year period. Whatever remains after that time is legally written off, leaving you debt-free. In certain (but not all) circumstances the IVA represents breathing space to debtors and a way out of serious debt.

Any new debt solution requires a new budget to be drawn up. That budget should include all your outgoings, which most definitely will include pet insurance. Once you have control of your finances you can then move forward with your new debt management plan, knowing that future vet care bills are taken care of.

It seems unusual to think of making a diet plan for your dog. However there are foods designed to fit these diets. A number of top producers are supplying owners with these types of dog foods, such as Hills Science Plan. This is a fantastic product especially designed for developing puppies who need an extra boost in those early years so they can grow up to be healthy adult dogs.

The Royal Canin Sensitivity is an excellent choice for any pet owner whose cat or dog suffers from urinary tract disease; very common amongst younger animals.

Of course this leads to sick animals. Like humans, dogs can have upset stomachs and digestives issues, which can put strain on their health and make it difficult for a caring owner who wants to feed their pet with healthy food without exasperating the problem. With pet problems like these today solutions have been discovered with excellent products like Royal Canin Sensitivity, specifically formulated to help your cat cope with food intolerances or digestive problems.

Feeding your dogs is just about them having healthy stomachs. They need strong teeth. The range of solutions varies from chewable dental treats, to a toothbrush and toothpaste. While treats like Hi Life Special Care Dental Chews are effective, the Petosan dental kit provides you with a double-headed toothbrush and specially designed toothpaste to help keep those teeth shiny and strong.

Every owner wants a healthy pet. The products you choose to feed your dog, supply them with the vitamins and nutrients they need and keep their teeth healthy and strong, can essentially make them live healthier and longer lives.

One main reason for our dogs to have an itchy coat is because of fleas. This is probably the first port of call when checking the source of our pet’s irritation, and it is usually quite easy to detect. If you search in the coat of your dog you may be able to see little black dots jumping about within their fur, and more than often the fleas are even visible on the carpet or on the furniture where your pet has been.

There are various flea treatments available on the market with which you can effectively kill off the infestation in your household. Flea treatments for pets usually come in the form of a small pipette that secretes a liquid to be applied to the back of the animal’s neck, helping to fight off and kill the fleas or ticks. Also available are household sprays, which irradiate fleas that manage to get into the carpets and other areas of the house.

Another reason behind pet’s itchy skin is a condition known as atopic dermatitis. This is a skin irritation that is caused by dogs inhaling allergens such as house dust, house dust mites and pollen grains. In order to treat this, the best course of action is to use atopica, which comes in a capsule form. Atopica helps reinforce the immune system so it does not react to the various allergens in the air.

You can help reduce the chances of your pets suffering from skin allergies and problems by supplying them with a balanced healthy diet. There are a huge range of premium pet foods available such as Eukanuba which have products that are especially designed to improve irritated skin conditions and other ailments. By providing this nutritional option for your pet you are helping reduce risk of illness in later life as an act of prevention.

Skin conditions are a natural part of any pet’s life, but it is important to monitor the situation and take action if necessary.

The Colorado State University gave a report in which it stated that the abuse of drugs is now becoming a serious problem among pets. Dog owners try to select pets that would look like them. It would now seem that they are also trying to get their pets to act like them.

Dr. Ben Baker from the school of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University said, “We always hear that we look like our dogs, and we do have a tendency to think that what is good for us-like vacation and baths-is also good for our dogs. And that is carrying over to tranquilizers.”

The manufacturers of drugs are reporting that the number of people taking pills is on the rise. There are two types of “tranquilizers” for any illness, the one that is prescribed and the other that is not prescribed. None of these tranquilizers were ever intended for animals to consume.

Hundreds of billions of dollars are being spent each year to advertise sedatives and tranquilizers, and billions of drug prescriptions are being filled. It is estimated that today there are at least over 200,000 drugs on the market. A popular consumer magazine carried out a survey which shows that in the average household there are more than 30 prescription drugs stored in their medicine cabinets.

How Does This Affect Your Dog?

For a long time now, tranquilizers have been given to dogs before a long journey or before a surgery. Sometimes tranquilizers would be given to them during different types of training. Owners are now giving sedatives to dogs that are noisy and difficult to control. They do this to keep them quiet and help them become docile and well-behaved dogs.

Dr. Ben Baker also said “I don’t think there is a serious abuse problem yet, but I’m scared that it will become one. Tranquilizers should always be a last resort in dealing with an animal.”

Before winter and before the summer vacations, families who are getting ready to go on vacation would request more sedatives than usual from veterinarians. However, you do not need to give a dog a tranquilizer just to travel. Dogs love to ride in a car and they enjoy doing so. Therefore, they should not have any problem when going on a long trip.

Dogs that are given sedatives to travel could end up sleeping for many days. But if they are not given the proper dose, they may sleep for good.

The popularity of big guard dogs has increased immensely with people all over the country. As a result, many of these big dogs live in small apartments or small condominiums for a long period of time. Neighbors, who dislike hearing dogs bark, will always complain to their owners who may give their dog a tranquilizer just to keep it quiet.

A veterinarian once said, “I have some serious questions about keeping a dog penned up like that, however, with training, a barking dog can be controlled. We don’t have many dog psychiatrists, but it’s a rare dog that needs tranquilizing.”

There are people who take pills every day and every night to relieve any problem that they may have. So they believe that by giving sedatives to their pets, they would keep them calm and make it easier for them to control. Every now and then, they would give their pets an overdose of tranquilizers causing their dogs to feel as though they’ve gone on a “trip.”

Unfortunately, there are times that their pets do not come back from that “trip.” A dog’s reaction to a dose of any sedatives may be different than other dogs. Some dogs, once drugged, may be more active whereas others may be more difficult to manage.

Anytime your dog behaves reckless and is too excited, avoid giving him any of the sedatives that you got from your veterinarian. There is no evidence so far indicating that dogs cannot become drug addicts so it’s best to keep them off the tranquilizers.

Photo courtesy of Tobyotter.

Sarcoptic mange is the biggest threat to companion dogs. These parasites are transferred easily between dogs and can cause localized or generalized infections. Localized infections result when the mites proliferate in a small area on your dog’s skin and cause itching and isolated bald patches. Secondary infections that develop on your dog’s damaged skin may lead to odor, intense itching, and other problems. Generalized infections are most common in dogs with an endocrine disorder, compromised immune system, or other health conditions, but they can affect healthy dogs of all ages.

Recognizing Mange in Dogs:

Early recognition and prompt treatment are important to prevent potentially serious secondary infections from developing. Unfortunately, the symptoms of mange vary depending on many factors, including the type of mite present, the severity of the infection, the individual dog, and the presence of other health conditions. Most cases of mites cause local or generalized hair loss, bald spots, sores, and scabbing.

When secondary infections occur, symptoms such as itching, odor, and discharge may develop. Some dogs may scratch frantically, leading to restlessness, bleeding, and open sores. Symptoms are often most severe on the face, ears, and legs, although some cases involve the entire head and body.

Treating Mange and Mites:

Once your veterinarian examines your dog and confirms the presence of mange mites, he or she will prescribe one or more medications to kill the offending mites and to treat any existing secondary infections. Depending on the breed of your dog and the type of mange present, medication may be administered orally, topically, or via shampoo, dip, or injection. Medications are also available to soothe the inflammation and itching associated with mange infections.

It is essential to isolate dogs with sarcoptic mange from other pets and humans to prevent transmitting the infection to others. It may take a month or longer before you observe an improvement in symptoms, and your dog may require long-term treatment to keep the mites under control. Medication is discontinued only after your dog’s skin scrapings are negative for at least one month.

Replace your dog’s bedding and collar, and treat all other animals your dog is exposed to regularly to prevent reinfection. Additionally, speak with your veterinarian about a recheck schedule to scrape for mites periodically in the future. Regular veterinary care guarantees any problems are diagnosed and treated early to prevent complications and ensures your dog’s continued health and happiness.

Duration

Has the diarrhea just started or has it been going on for a while?  If your dog has had diarrhea for two or more days, particularly if you have tried some home remedies and they have not worked, it is time to make an appointment with your veterinarian.  On the other hand, if your dog has only had diarrhea for a day or so, there is still a good chance that his condition will improve with home treatment.

Severity

How bad is the diarrhea?  How does your dog seem to feel otherwise?  A dog that has only had a couple of instances of diarrhea and is still active, happy and interested in food and water is not in immediate danger.  However, if you are seeing profuse, frequent, watery diarrhea; if it contains significant amounts of blood; or if it is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, depression, and abdominal pain, call your veterinarian immediately.

 Age

Is your dog a puppy?  Very young dogs can become dehydrated and hypoglycemic very quickly if they are not eating and drinking well or if they are suffering from diarrhea and vomiting.  Always err on the side of caution with puppies and get them to the veterinarian sooner rather than later.

Overall Health

Is your dog otherwise healthy or does he have health problems that might make his condition a bit more precarious?  If you are concerned that your dog may not be able to handle the stress of even a short bout of diarrhea, seeking rapid treatment is probably in his best interest.

Treatment Recommendations

Otherwise healthy, adult dogs that have had mild to moderate diarrhea for less than 48 hours are ideal candidates for symptomatic treatment.  Here are a few recommendations as to what you can try at home before calling your veterinarian.

• Feed your dog a bland diet like boiled white meat chicken (no bones or skin) and white rice for a day or two.  If the diarrhea resolves, gradually reintroduce your dog’s regular food.
• Administer an anti-diarrhea pet medication containing kaolin and pectin to absorb excess fluid within the intestinal tract and reduce intestinal movement.
• Administer a probiotic supplement for dogs like Endurosyn to help normalize the bacterial populations in his intestinal tract.

If your dog fails to improve in 24 to 48 hours or gets worse at any time, you will need to make an appointment with a veterinarian so a proper diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment can be administered.

The basic answer is that your dog’s nose will be wet or dry at different times, depending on when you touch it, what he’s been doing, the environment around him, and so on. It’s hard to get a standard reading on a dog’s nose. Your dog may lick his nose to moisten it. He will probably get it wet when he takes a drink. All of these things can affect whether it’s wet or dry.

However, your dog’s nose is an extremity, so it’s likely to be cooler than some other parts of his body most of the time.

There are exceptions, of course. If your dog’s nose is hot for several days in a row it’s likely to be a sign of illness. Likewise, if your dog’s nose is dry and chapped, it’s usually a sign of sickness. Your dog may be running a temperature. You should take him to your veterinarian for a check-up.

You can tell other things by the condition of your dog’s nose. Many dogs lose the black pigment in their nose during winter months because they spend less time in the sun. This is called “winter nose.” It’s nothing to be concerned about. Your dog’s black pigment will return when he starts spending more time outdoors in the sunlight.

Other dogs can be allergic to plastic food bowls — their noses come in close contact with the plastic when they eat. This can make them lose the black pigment in their noses, too. If this is the case you can overcome this allergy by feeding your dog from a stainless steel pan or from a ceramic dish.

If your dog has an actual runny nose or nasal discharge then you should take it seriously. Dogs don’t get colds but they do get respiratory infections. Take your dog to the vet for a diagnosis. Your vet can prescribe the proper medication for your dog.

Your dog probably doesn’t like to have a very cold nose any more than you do. That’s why dogs seem prone to poking their cold noses into your warm spots when you least expect it. And, if your dog’s nose is wet, you can almost count on your dog rubbing his nose on you, usually when you’re wearing some nice clothes.

Your healthy dog will probably have a cold, moist nose most of the time but when he doesn’t, you should not be alarmed unless his nose is hot and dry for an extended period of time. Watch for other signs of illness such as lethargy, coughing and nasal discharge. Take your dog to the vet if you suspect your dog may be sick.

Some dogs can be allergic to mosquitoes. However, it’s not always easy to know if this is what your dog is allergic to or not.

Mosquito bites on a dog generally look like lots of other insect bites. They may appear as a tiny bump. The bite may or may not get any larger. It may linger for a day or for several days.

However, if your dog is allergic to mosquito bites you can expect your dog to itch, to scratch at the bite, and even to bite at the spot, perhaps until it bleeds. The bites will usually look like lumps or welts if there is an allergic reaction.

To make a definite diagnosis of a mosquito allergy you need to take your dog to a veterinarian. There are several ways your vet can test to find out if your dog has an actual allergy. The most definitive way is by doing a blood test and sending it to a lab where they can match your dog’s blood to find out what he’s allergic to. This will give you a precise answer so you’ll know if your dog is really allergic to mosquitoes.

If you live in an area where mosquitoes are prevalent you will probably want to take some precautions for your dog. Advantix is available by prescription from your veterinarian. It’s a once-a-month topical to prevent fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. You can also use a flea spray that prevents mosquitoes along with the Advantix.

If your dog is having an allergic reaction to mosquito bites you will probably want to call your veterinarian, especially if this is the first time this has occurred. Your vet will probably advise you to give your dog an allergy medicine such as Benadryl but you will need to talk to your vet to find out the proper dosage for your dog’s weight and age.

If your dog has recurring reactions to mosquito bites your vet may recommend giving your dog a prescription allergy medication on a regular basis.

In addition to the agony of the allergic reaction, mosquito bites are dangerous to your dog because they can carry heartworm disease. It’s very important that you keep your dog protected against heartworm if you live in an area where you encounter mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is now found in all parts of the United States. It can be deadly if left untreated.

Fortunately, most dogs are not allergic to mosquitoes and do not have a strong reaction to an occasional mosquito bite. If your dog does get a mosquito bite you probably won’t even know it. Keep your dog up-to-date on his heartworm medication and you shouldn’t have any problems from mosquitoes.

Many longtime dog owners swear by putting a little apple cider vinegar in their dog’s drinking water, adding some garlic to food to prevent fleas, or using pumpkin for worming. These and other old-time remedies have been around a long time and are a natural way to treat your dog for many common complaints.

Popular — and time-tested — natural dog remedies.

Natural Flea Remedies

Add a little garlic (powder form is fine) or brewer’s yeast to your dog’s food each day. These additives act as a flea repellant since it’s believed that fleas don’t like the taste of your dog’s blood, or his odor, once he’s taking these preventives.

You can also make your own herbal flea powder by mixing together eucalyptus, rosemary, fennel, rue, wormwood and yellow dock. Mix thoroughly and massage into your dog’s coat all the way down to the skin.

For your home, sprinkle borax (sold as 20 Mule Team Borax wash detergent) into your carpet and vacuum up a few hours later. You can also buy diatomaceous earth from your gardening center and sprinkle it in your yard to kill fleas.

Nematodes are another solution to flea problems.

Natural Dog Worming Remedies

Pumpkin seeds have been used to worm dogs though most people still rely on their vets or over-the-counter wormers.

Pumpkin seeds are not recommended as a treatment for heartworms. However, pumpkin pulp is very valuable for digestive issues. Whether your dog has diarrhea or is constipated, a little pumpkin can regulate the digestive tract in many cases. It gets things moving or slows things down but pumpkin seems to do the trick. Be sure to feed plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. Your dog doesn’t need the spices in the pie filling.

Anemia Remedy

For anemia, feed your dog foods that are high in vitamin B and iron. A serving of liver once a day will help.

Natural Arthritis Remedies For Dogs

For arthritic dogs losing weight will take some of the weight off and reduce pain. Help your dog continue to get regular exercise. A soft place to sleep is recommended. Applying heat also h elps.

Some dogs benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.

Dog Bad Breath Remedy

If your dog has bad breath check his teeth. Bad breath is often a sign that your dog has plaque or a rotten tooth. Your dog may need a tooth pulled or his teeth cleaned. Cut down on or stop feeding canned food since it can worsen teeth problems.

Brush your dog’s teeth regularly.

Carsickness Remedies

For carsickness dogs respond well to ginger cookies, just as children do. Ginger, honey and the flower essence Rescue Remedy are all helpful for this problem.

Remedy For Hotspots

For hotspots, shave the hair around the hotspot. Wash the area with Listerine antiseptic mouthwash. Apply Gold Bond medicated powder.

Use a mix of baking soda and water to make a paste and apply to insect bites.

If your dog has itchy skin from allergies, soak them in a bath of colloidal oatmeal.

Natural Skunk Remedy

If your dog is sprayed by a skunk, don’t despair. Shampoo him with a mixture of one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 Tablespoon Dawn dish detergent. Repeat as necessary. This WILL get the stink out.

These are just a few proven natural dog remedies. There are many others. If you talk to experienced dog people they will likely be happy to share others with you. You probably won’t need to use all of these remedies but it’s good to have this kind of advice when you need it.

Remember that you should always seek out your veterinarian whenever you have any questions about your dog’s care or if your dog has a serious health problem.

An excellent book on the topic is the Veterinarians Guide to Natural Remedies for Dogs.