Does your dog have a split pad? Here are the common symptoms…

SYMPTOMS

Dog split pad is a condition where your dog obtains a shallow or deep cut on his paw or when the hard part of the paw is falling off. Sometimes, this will be a bit hard to identify unless you notice your dog limping while they are out for a walk or if they are favoring one specific foot. In addition, when their paws are injured, you may notice them licking the affected part for long periods of time.

CAUSES

A dog split pad is commonly caused by accidental injuries while walking outside or while they are at home. In addition, sharp edges of snow sprinkled with salt increases their risk to this “pad” condition.

SOLUTION

Once you notice that your dog is favoring one of his paws, make it a point to find out why. If he is in pain because of a split pad, the first thing that you have to do is to clean it off with warm and soapy water. After washing, dry off the pad with a clean rag or warm air and then secure the wound with a bandage. Once the wound is bandaged, take your dog to a veterinarian for further help. They may need to perform a deep stitch operation on the paw if the cut proved to be too deep. If not, depending on the gravity, they may prescribe antibiotics or a natural topical treatment.

However, if the cut or injury is not that deep, you can try giving them some home remedies. Generally, you would just have to keep it clean and maintain it by applying topical ointment on it. Some dog owners also found some herbal remedies like potato water (potato skin boiled in water) and geranium poultice to work well.

While your dog is in the healing process, you should cease your daily walks for a while as putting pressure on a split pad may cause the paw to bleed more. During this time, you may have to deal with dog anxiety attacks. You should also prevent them from licking the raw wound to prevent further infection. If the bandages don’t keep them away from the wound then you might want to consider having them wear a lampshade collar until your dog’s split pad completely heals.

PREVENTION

One effective way to prevent dog split pad is by taking precautionary measures when you are taking your dog out for a walk. Believe it or not, dog booties are not worn for aesthetic purposes alone, but they are also helpful to protect your dog’s pads for injuries!

During winter, avoid letting your dog walk on sharp edges of snow that are sprinkled with salt. If you plan on letting them walk barefoot, take time to rinse or wipe their paws before going inside. You can also apply petroleum jelly or K9 KlearUp in the inside of their paws to give additional shield from salt and snow. Finally, you have to be sensitive to your pet’s body language. If you notice that they are limping, or if they are continuously shifting their weight, you should immediately check their paws for any irregularities or other injuries.

About the Author

Help clear up dog split pad injuries with K9 KlearUp, an all-natural dog balm that’s GUARANTEED to help heal your dog’s split pads, or your money back.

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SYMPTOMS

You would know your dog’s coat is dull if they have lost the natural luster on their coat, if they shed excessively and if you notice flaking on their skin.

CAUSES

A dog’s dull coat is mostly attributed to two reasons:

-        Poor grooming

-        Poor nutrition

What people fail to realize is that in this case, a dog’s coat is just like human hair. You have to take care of it through regular shampooing and brushing. Brushing is not only good for removing tangles but it also induces the glands on their skin to release oil. This oil acts as a good natural conditioner to the dog’s coat. However, if brushing does not work, then that means that you should perhaps consider changing the food that (s)he eats.

SOLUTION

1. At the first sight of dog dull coat, try giving your pet a mild shampoo and conditioner. Check the coat after bathing and check for any improvements.

1. If this doesn’t work, try giving your dog a natural dog skin balm , one that conditions and helps bring back your dog’s lustrous coat. There are different ones out there, just type in “dull dog coat balm” in Google or Bing for a list of products.

1. If nothing else seems to work, then it’s time to bring your pet to a veterinarian to help you isolate the root of the problem. Isolating the root cause is necessary to help you identify the next step that you should take. If you found that your dog is under nourished, you can help him get back in tip top shape by giving him supplements and changing the food that you are giving him. (For more tips on proper dog food, go to http://k9kourier.com and listen to Natural Veterinary Expert Dr. Moira’s interview…)

PREVENTION

Dull dog coats can be prevented primarily by giving your dog appropriate care. In this case, appropriate care means keeping them clean regularly and using the right shampoo for them. Stay away from “human” shampoo as the chemicals used in them may just bring further allergic reaction. In addition, to help maintain the cleanliness of their coat make it a point to brush them at least once a day. Remove tangles and trim if you must. 

In terms of nutrition, you can ascertain if your dog is getting what he needs by checking on the label of the dog food you are giving him or her. Since hair is mostly made up of protein, choose something that has adequate protein content for their body musculature. However, if you are not confident on buying commercially made dog food, you can always opt to prepare your dog’s meal yourself. Below is a simple recipe that you can try making.

Ingredients:

-                    1 cup of boiled and chopped poultry (chicken, turkey, etc.)

-                    ½ cup of cooked organic rice

-                    ½ to ¾ cup of chopped mixed vegetables

-                    3 to 4 tablespoons of broth (either chicken or fish broth will do)

Just combine the ingredients in a bowl and let it rest. You can serve it once it goes down to room temperature. Do not season as additional flavorings like MSG can be harmful for dogs. If you wish, you can also add the supplements that your dog is taking to further fortify their meal.

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For more tips on keeping your dog’s skin healthy, visit www.k9klearup.com and download the 52-page “Official Dog Coat & Skin Care Guide” for FREE!

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CAUSES

Similar to humans, dog burns are commonly caused by exposure to extremely high temperatures, radiation (due to overexposure to the sun for example) or exposure to strong chemicals like chlorine or similar products.

SYMPTOMS

Dogs can experience two types of burns: superficial and deep.

Superficial burns are more painful but somewhat less serious compared to deep burns. As implied, damage can easily be found by singed hair or reddened skin. In this case, the heat was not enough to damage the follicles, thus keeping the fur intact on your dog’s body.

On the other hand, a deep burn is a serious enough condition that it sometimes puts your dog in shock as a defense mechanism to the pain. In terms of physical signs, you may observe falling hair, bald patches or sometimes even open wounds in specific affected parts. In worse cases, you may also notice that the skin is not just “reddened” but that it also gets an ugly grayish color.

SOLUTION / TREATMENT

Generally, superficial dog burns are easier to cure compared to deep burns. In minor cases you probably don’t need to rush your dog to a veterinarian as they can be easily remedied by ice packs and natural topical ointment or antibiotics. After applying, you can secure the wound by applying a loose gauze. If your dog got the burn through a harsh chemical the first thing that you should do is to wash off the harmful substances with water. You can also neutralize some acids by using baking soda.

In the case of deep burns, make it a point to bring your pet to the vet immediately. Burns that reach this extent may have caused serious damage to the nerve endings of your dog. Your vet may need to perform several procedures to stop bleeding and to protect your pet from more infection. In addition, you must be open to the idea of having your dog’s hair shaved, as this is a common procedure not only for dogs but in humans as well.

PREVENTION

Prevention of dog burns is quite simple. Avoid exposing your pets under the hot sun for long periods of time. You also should keep them away if you are working with some harsh chemicals like acids or paint thinner for example. Keep in mind that these chemicals are not only harmful to their skin but they can also cause fatality if your dog accidentally ingests them.

In addition, please take the extra step of making your home fire proof, it may cause some money but you have to do it not only for the safety of your pets but for your family’s as well. Remember that being a victim of fire is a terrible, terrible situation to find yourself into. So do not allow yourself – or your precious pooch - to be susceptible to this tragedy.

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Help clear up your dog’s skin burns with K9 KlearUp, the World’s only all-natural dog balm guaranteed to help clear up the 17 most common dog skin problems… or your money back!

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- Constantly licking, chewing & biting a specific spot on the skin
- The spot increases quickly in just a matter of hours, sometimes with pus inside
- The sore sometimes oozes out pus or blood
- Your dog loses hair at the hot spot’s location
- The sore smells funny
- Your hairy friendly best buddy is now in a bad mood and growls at you if you touch him or her by accident

If your dog has any of these symptoms and if the spot seems to breed other similar spots like it, then your dog probably has what vets call pyotraumatic dermatitis, or hot spots.

Hot spots are very annoying skin lesions that can grow fast if left unattended to. These spots not only cause Maggie to suffer, but they can also make her look like she has a contagious disease.

CAUSES

Here are the 3 main causes for dog hot spots.

1. Hot spots are typically found in dogs that have furry coats such as a Shih Tzu or a Pomeranian. This is because their hair gets tangled and matted hair much easier that other dogs. Dogs with long coats are also more susceptible to have dead hair trapped inside the skin (which also causes pesky hot spots).

2. Dogs that are allergic to dust, household chemicals, commercial dog food or even pollen from plants are also very vulnerable to hot spots.

3. Other dogs that are naturally hyper can end up gnawing & biting at themselves if they are bored and/or left alone, which can also result in pyotraumatic dermatitis.

SOLUTION

If you notice that your dog has a hot spot you should act quickly. Here are the steps you can take to treat this condition:

1. First, you should isolate the area by trimming the hair around the hot spot itself to prevent any spreading. You may find it easier to wipe the fur away by putting water-based jelly on the fur. Trimming the hair around the sore will not only makes it easier to treat, but it will also lessen the cause of itchiness.

2. Clean the spot fully by using an antiseptic soap that is mild. Wash the area thoroughly to remove any residual soap as this can cause further irritation.

3. Dry out the hot spot as best you can so that it won’t flame up and have pus in it. You can do this by putting wet tea bags right on the sore.

To help heal the hot spots faster and ease Maggie’s pain, you’ll probably want to consider purchasing specially designed products that help heal your dog’s hot spots faster. I recommend only purchasing natural products and also look for ones that have helped other dog owners deal with their dog’s hot spots. My product is all-natural and has helped countless other dog lovers just like you clear their dog’s hot spots, but I encourage you to look around and choose the product that is best for you.

PREVENTION

To prevent hot spots from happening in the first place, the cause(s) need to be identified. Try to keep your dog’s coat tangle-free all of the time. Also, make sure to clean your home and the areas where your dog plays most often. Lastly, make sure to exercise your furry friend so (s)he doesn’t get bored and decides to start mutilating his or her own skin.

Note: It is always recommended to consult with your vet to diagnose any of your dog’s problems.

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Brandon Roe is the developer of K9 KlearUp, the world’s first & only all-natural dog balm that helps clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems… Guaranteed or your money back.

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Dogs scratching is very uncomfortable for your dog - they will scratch every part they can once they start itching. Dog scratching is something that as a dog owner you must address promptly. Constant scratching brings a dog much stress and trauma, especially when cuts result from all the scratching. Of course, all your dog is thinking is, “Why won’t this itch go away!”

CAUSES

A dog may appear to be playful as usual, and yet may be feeling sore. There are various reasons why a dog may start to scratch. It is most likely due, however, to a specific skin issue, such as dermatitis.

Dermatitis can be environmental, parasitic, nutritional, infectious or bacterial. Now, the best thing to do first is to contact your veterinarian. As soon as you notice your dog start to scratch, you should give this problem your full attention, since it may lead to serious long-term skin problems if not dealt with early on. Dog owners must work hand in hand with their vet and relay all the pertinent information about their dog. With the dog owner’s help, the vet is usually able to identify the specific causes of your dog’s scratching problem.

SOLUTION

As soon as dog scratching cause is found, the dog should be treated as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the cause, the dog owner will need to make some changes for the skin to heal properly and stop itching. E.g., scratching problems can occur in dogs that are allergic to grass (strange but true)!

One can see how as a dog owner this might change some of your dog’s daily routines! That’s why talking to a vet first is always a good idea - because the nature of the ailment may be difficult to diagnose.

Some products have also been designed to help alleviate your dog’s scratching-related pains and help nip the itch in the bud sooner. There are a variety out there such as Skin-eze, & nzymes, but one of the most effective ones I’ve ever seen is the lesser known K9 KlearUp. It contains an ancient Mayan herb Tepezcohuite that was only discovered accidentally by modern medical professionals in 1984 after a horrific series of gas explosions in Mexico City left over 7,000 people seriously injured.

So there you have it, some simple ideas to help your pet stop scratching sooner. Your dog should be in a tail-wagging good mood again in no time!

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Brandon Roe is the developer of K9 KlearUp, the world’s first & only all-natural dog balm that helps clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems… Guaranteed or your money back.

Signup today for Brandon’s weekly K9Kourier newsletter to receive a free gift and get all the best from the canine world sent right to your inbox.

Causes

To better understand the nature of dog dermatitis, it is important that you know what factors can cause this skin disease in many dogs. In truth, the causes can vary from mere sunburns and flea bites to actual skin cancers and diseases for dogs. In most cases, the most common causes of dog dermatitis include allergies, irritating substances, seborrhea, reactions to drugs or toxins, fungi, bacterial, and parasitical infections, bad reactions to certain kinds of food, and the like. Another factor could be the dog’s breed as some are more prone to such skin infections.

Types

As mentioned previously, there are different kinds or types of dog dermatitis, each with their own set of characteristics and symptoms that make them identifiable. Here are some of the most common:

- Canine atopy: this is a very common cause of chronic itching in most dogs and is caused by an allergic reaction to substances in the environment, especially in grassy areas. This also affects mostly dogs between one and five years and that have a weak immune system to resist such substances. Atopy can be identified if the dog itches and scratches a lot, especially in the face and feet that causes skin to become red, moist, and irritated.

- Pyotraumatic dermatitis: usually known or referred to as a “hot spot”, this kind of dog dermatitis is usually identified with a red, moist, hairless, and painful sore on the dog’s body that appears suddenly. This kind of skin infection is usually common among dog breeds like Golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Bernese mountain dogs that have thick coats and long hair. Pyotraumatic dermatitis develops when the dog licks and scratches his or her skin raw because of something that causes such irritation.

- Contact dermatitis: this is a dog skin disorder that usually develops due to direct contact with certain materials such as fertilizers, flea collars, carpet cleaners, or other corrosive substances used in cleaning the home. It also occurs to dogs that are overly sensitive to a particular substance that is normally not an irritant. It can cause itchy red skin in the parts of the dog’s body that has been exposed to the irritant.

Solution

As previously mentioned, as soon as you suspect your dog has dermatitis, you should bring your dog to the vet and seek immediate treatment. I also recommend you consider purchasing specialized balms that help relieve dog dermatitis. There are a variety out there but one of the most effective ones I’ve ever seen contains the Mayan traditional herb Tepezcohuite (http://www.k9klearup.com).

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Brandon Roe is the developer of K9 KlearUp (http://www.k9klearup.com), the world’s first & only all-natural dog balm that helps clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems… Guaranteed or your money back.

Signup today for Brandon’s weekly K9Kourier newsletter to receive a free gift and get all the best from the canine world sent right to your inbox - http://www.k9kourier.com.

CAUSES

Generally, eczema is caused by an adverse reaction of the dog’s immune system to some factors.  Various forms of eczema in dogs are called different names:  

(a) Nutritional dermatitis is usually caused by insufficient nutrients in the dog’s diet.  Poor low-quality dog food is usually the culprits of this.  A dog’s coat and skin usually exhibits loss of hair or patchy spots.  

(b) Environmental dermatitis is normally caused by irritants found in the environment.  Different dogs have different reactions to the things that they interact with in the environment - pond water, fields with wild grass or thistles, or even lawn grass.

(c) Flea bite dermatitis is obviously caused by flea bites.  When dogs are frequently exposed to fleas, such that fleas already live in them by hiding in their fur, they develop hypersensitivity, causing not just a simple allergy, but what is termed as an allergic dermatitis caused by the saliva fleas leave with every bite. 

(d) Infectious dermatitis is usually caused by fungi, bacteria, and yeasts infections.  This typically happens when the dog gets in contact with carriers of these microorganisms.  These are highly transmittable, so dog owners must immediately have a vet check their pets to minimize transmission.  For bacterial dermatitis, this usually occurs when a dog is taking medication like antibiotics that eliminate most bacteria that live and usually put a balance with other bacteria in the skin.  The types of bacteria that remain start to “invade” the skin, since it becomes a “dominant” bacterium.  Thus, dermatitis happens.   

Irritants and allergens, aside from the ones mentioned above, include but are not confined to: pollens, skin care products that contain alcohol, detergents, some vegetable proteins, paints, industrial chemicals, and acidic foods.  Sudden changes in temperature, boredom, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle can also cause eczema in dogs.  

SYMPTOMS

Eczema in dogs can easily be detected as it is manifested in the skin. When a dog’s scalp turns red and itchy and his skin gets dry with scaly rashes, these are symptoms of eczema. Another eczema symptom is a dry skin with scaly skin rashes.  In some dogs, pruritus and small bumps that show moisture and oozing can be seen.  They are called “hot spots,” wherein bacteria may multiply and create further infection.

SOLUTION

Eczema in dogs can easily be avoided or reversed.  A main consideration is the dog’s diet.  Commercial synthetic dog foods can trigger eczema, as well as low-quality dog foods.  It is important to feed your dog high-quality, meat-based dog food.  This change in diet will actually show an effect only days after, as you will notice a difference in the dog’s quality of coat.  The dog’s hair becomes thicker and softer. 

Supplements definitely help, as it not only improves the dog’s coat, but it also boosts the immune system of the dog.  It is also important to let the dog stay away from environmental irritants that may trigger any of the forms of eczema.  Here, being assisted by a vet would greatly help you identify eczema triggers from the environment.  

If the eczema already manifests in the dog’s skin you may want to try organic solutions such as adding primrose oil and neem leaf tea to the dog’s food.  Neem oil and potassium permanganate have also been known to decrease the dog’s discomfort from itching and also improve the appearance of the area of the skin where eczema scars are. Tepezcohuite, which forms the foundation of one of my pet related products (http://www.k9klearup.com), has been found to be so effective on doc eczema that we guarantee its efficacy.

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Brandon Roe is the developer of K9 KlearUp (http://www.k9klearup.com), the all-natural dog balm guaranteed to help clear up the 17 most common dog skin problems.

Signup for Brandon’s K9Kourier newsletter & get all the best from the canine world sent to your inbox - http://www.k9kourier.com.

CAUSES

Dog mosquito bites are caused by pesky little mosquitoes feasting on a dog’s skin.  Dogs are not as easy a target as humans as far as mosquitoes are concerned, but once a mosquito bites a dog, it can be a very unpleasant experience for the pooch.  Another difference with humans is that dogs usually have a hard time swatting or driving mosquitoes away because of their limited range of vision and limited reach of their legs and tails, their only appendages that can be used to shoo mosquitoes away. 

SYMPTOMS

Dog mosquito bites don’t usually pose a big threat to a dog’s skin health unlike, say, ticks and fleas.  However, a lot of mosquito bites can certainly make your dog uneasy.  Mosquito attacks on your dog can make them disoriented, sick, and can affect their breathing and moving.  If this happens, a veterinarian could certainly come in handy to give relief to the itchiness your dog is certainly feeling.  Otherwise, if the dog seems fine and is just showing discomfort, observe its situation for 24 hours.   

SOLUTION

Remember that mosquitoes are known carriers of heartworm.  Heartworms, when transmitted by mosquitoes to dogs, can cause major health concerns to the latter by causing illness in the dog’s cardiovascular system.  Thus, it is essential not to just avoid mosquitoes; it is also needed to avoid heartworms.  Medicate your dog with a product that prevents heartworm infection. 

I also recommend you check out products that naturally help to clear up mosquito bites by working with your dog’s immune system. Some of these products will also help to relieve the scratching and itching that results from the bites (see e.g. www.k9klearup.com).

PREVENTION

To help your dog avoid being bitten and attacked by mosquitoes, it is important to empty any stagnant sources of water.  Stationary water is where mosquitoes thrive, and if a dog stays near places with stagnant water, mosquitoes bites are almost certain to occur. 

Keep your dog away from areas with ditches, ponds, and even puddles.  Water dishes and containers holding water should be covered always.  Water in them should also be replaced or emptied every other day.  Before you forget, make sure the water in dog dishes stays clean and is replaced as many times as possible.

Also, try to keep your dog inside your house, especially during dusk and dawn.  These times are usually the times that mosquitoes are most active.  Thus, keeping your dog indoors, where it is presumably mosquito-free, will save your precious pooch from mosquito bites and also from possible heartworm complications.

As with humans, you may also use repellants for your dogs.  There are actually repellants made for dogs to stop skin attacks by fleas and ticks. Some of these repellants also work in preventing dog mosquito bites.  A word of caution though – avoid products that contain DEET and essential oils.  Not only are they not effective for animals, they may actually cause worse problems for the dog’s health.  There are also supplements that a dog can take to boost his skin’s health even after being bitten by mosquitoes.  Yeast, vitamin supplements, and fresh garlic have been known to be effective resistance builders among dogs.

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As humans we experience skin problems like acne at least once in our lives, but what most don’t realize is that we aren’t the only ones who need attention when it comes to annoying acne.  Believe it or not, our dogs also have the tendency to develop what is commonly known as canine acne, a skin problem caused by the blockage of hair follicles due to substances like keratin and sebum that are plugging debris within the pores.  This kind of skin disorder is common among certain breeds, particularly for 5 to 8 month-old English bulldogs, Boxers, Great Danes, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers. 

So how can you tell if your dog has acne?  Dogs that have this kind of skin problem develop multiply blackheads or comedones in areas like the muzzle, lips, and chin.  If left untreated, canine acne can develop swellings, scabs, and more blackheads, which normally do not affect the dog unless these develop into a secondary skin infection that could cause irritation, itching, and of course pain.  If you think your dog’s lips or chin have blackheads and swellings that might develop into a chronic type of skin disease, the best solution is to take him or her to the local vet for treatment.

Unfortunately, most canine acne cases cannot be cured entirely but it can be controlled with proper treatment and medication.  The vet would normally base his or her findings on the dog’s blackheads, but for further assurance he or she might perform a skin biopsy on the dog.  This is also to ensure that the canine acne isn’t caused by more severe problems such as mite infestations (demodecosis), ringworms, puppy strangles, and other allergies that could be causing the blackheads and swelling to develop. 

Here are some options for canine acne treatment:

·    The vet will usually recommend regular cleaning of the infected areas with anti-acne products such as benzoyl peroxide or mild anti-seborrhea shampoos in order to lessen and rid the dog of the bacteria that causes the plugging of debris within the skin and to remove such debris effectively.

·    Antibiotics may be needed and prescribed if the canine acne becomes worse due to secondary skin infections that could cause incessant itching, scratching, and pain on the dog.  The antibiotics are usually needed for 3 to 4 weeks, but there is a possibility that a swab test would be required for further observation.  Make sure that the medications used are prescribed from a well-rounded veterinarian so as to prevent further pain and damage from happening to your pet. 

·    Of course, if things have gotten worse and you see your dog scratching endlessly on the infected parts (especially the face), it would be best to use an anti-inflammatory drug, which usually comes in the form of either a steroid cream or injection that will be able to lessen the discomfort your dog feels.  Again, consult the veterinarian first before buying these drugs to ensure the safety of your dog’s health.   

I also recommend you check out products that naturally help to clear up canine acne by working with your dog’s immune system. Some of these products will also help to relieve scratching and itching that may develop as a result of the acne (see e.g. www.k9klearup.com).

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