Relieves Dog Skin Irritations, Promotes Recovery, and  Protects your Dog from Skin Problems.

Every so often, I see dogs itching and scratching persistently. Regardless of whether it’s a case of dog dry skin, or the pet has dog sores or rashes, it’s hard to watch them paw, chew, bite, and lick the already irritated skin.

Some dog skin problems can be easily resolved with a visit to the vet. Or simply a change to a grain free diet, and the addition of fish oil supplements.

But sometimes, the prescribed medication did not work. Or it makes your dog feel poorly because of the adverse side effects.

If this is the case, you might want to try using holistic alternatives to treat your dog skin problems.

A natural dog dry skin remedy like Derma-IonX might help. This product gives temporary relief to soothe irritable skin problems, and promotes healing to recover and repair the skin and coat.

Visit Derma-IonX website or continue to read product review.

What is Derma-IonX?

Derma-IonX is a dog skin care homeopathic remedy in liquid formula. You give it to your dog directly into his mouth, or add to the drinking water. You can also use Derma-IonX topically. Just apply the remedy onto the affected skin areas.

What Type Of Dog Skin Conditions Can It Help?

It can help dogs with skin conditions like: wounds, dog hot spots, rashes, hives, eczema, and psoriasis.

It also helps to relieve dog skin irritations such as: dry, itchy, red, rough, scaly, chapped and cracked skin.

What Are The Ingredients In Derma-IonX?

There are 3 components to Derma-IonX. Here’s what they are, and how they can help improve the skin condition in your dog.

Active Homeopathic Ingredients

Derma-IonX contains homeopathic ingredients that are approved by FDA(Food and Drug Administration) for fast acting relief of skin irritations in dogs.

The list of ingredients are:

• Agaricus Muscarius
• Alumina Anagallis Arvensis
• Antimonium Tartaricum
• Apis Mellifica
• Arsenicum Album
• Arsenicum Iodatum
• Bovista
• Causticum
• Dolichos Pruriens
• Fagopyrum Esculentum
• Graphites
• Kali Muriaticum
• Muriaticum Acidum
• Oleander
• Petroleum
• Pix Liquida
• Radium Bromatum
• Rhus Toxicodendron
• Selenium Metallicum
• Sulphur
• Urtica Urens

These homeopathic ingredients are used to help alleviate symptoms of irritated, red, burning, inflamed, swelling, itching, dry, rough, scaly, chapped and cracked skin in dogs

Oligotherapeutic Mineral Base

Oligotherapy is the use of organic trace minerals to stimulate the enzyme activity in the body. It also promotes metabolic functions at the cellular level.

Derma-IonX uses a proprietary oligotherapeutic blend of 74 organic trace minerals in the base liquid. It acts as the stabilizing agent and catalyst for the active homeopathic ingredients.

These organic trace minerals support your dog’s natural healing process and help to increase your pet’s vitality.

Vibrational Frequency Technology

Derma-IonX uses vibrational frequency technology(VFT) to enhance the remedy.

VFT clears water of all toxins and residual frequencies. And re-energizes the remedy with a high vibration frequency, similar to that of living water.

This process increases the effect of the active homeopathic ingredients, making the remedy more potent.

Does Derma-IonX Contain Alcohol?

No. This product uses a Oligotherapuetic mineral base. It is alcohol free. Dogs can get irritations from a alcohol base remedy.

How Does Derma-IonX Benefit Your Dog?

This natural dog skin care remedy:

• Relieves dog skin irritations
• Provides temporary symptom relief from dog skin conditions
• Promotes detoxification
• Supports the natural healing process to soothe and repair your dog’s skin
• Maintains healthy skin and coat, and overall wellness and vitality
• Works safely and effectively with no negative side effects

Is Derma-IonX Safe?

Derma-IonX is made with natural ingredients and is completely safe with no negative side effects.

It uses FDA approved ingredients and the product is registered with FDA(label code 50364).

Can A Dog On Prescribed Medication Take Derma-IonX?

If your pet is on medication, consult your vet before using this product.

How Much Derma-IonX Will Your Dog Need?

The daily dosage is based on the pet’s body weight. You can find the dosage on the product label.

Pet’s Weight         Daily Dosage Size
0-30 lbs                      1/2 tsp
30-90 lbs                    3/4 tsp
90+ lbs                        1 tsp

How Long Does One Bottle Of Derma-IonX Last?

One 4 fl. oz bottle of Derma-IonX will last about a month for a 30 lbs dog based on a daily normal dosage.

Pet’s Weight        Bottles per Month
0-30 lbs                          1
30-90 lbs                       1-2
90+ lbs                            2

The number of bottles you require in a month is dependant on the weight and health of your dog.

If you use Derma-IonX for topical relief, or if your dog require crisis dosings, you might want to consider getting an extra bottle when you order.

How Much Does It Cost?

One 4 fl. oz bottle of Derma-IonX costs $37. To save, you might want to get the “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” or “Buy 3 Get 2 Free” option.

What Are Others Saying About This Dog Dry Skin Remedy

This dog skin care remedy receives many positive reviews from dog owners on the merchant website. Customers share stories about how they use the product to relieve their pets from itching and skin irritations. Others use it for dog hot spots treatment.

Here are some snippets of the comments to date:

When I got Amos(a Yorkie), his skin was very dry and itchy with red sores, he was miserable! Amos is a changed little boy his skin is clear, the itching and sores are gone.

He stopped itching completely, his skin is no longer red and irritated

I have a 8 month old lab cross. He chewed so bad, I did everything under the sun to fix him. Nothing worked until I found your product.

I have a friend with a golden who has been on steroids for years due to skin issues. She tried your product and her dog is also DOING GREAT!

Suzie(an Aussie) … is now itch free! The side of her face and paws are no longer raw.

Sawyer(a Collie) crusty skin patches have all cleared up and show no signs of return.

My 16 year old poodle’s dry and flaky skin condition is improving … and the warts are beginning to heal. I have only been using Derma-IonX for a month.

After two and a half weeks his hair has begun to grow back, his skin in the groin area is normal color and texture and all the other spots are healing rapidly.

Any Complaints?

There are many great reviews. And also a few negative comments.

When I looked online, some customers feedback that they didn’t see any improvement after using Derma-IonX. The product has not work for the dog.

Overall, the majority of reviews on the merchant site are positive and encouraging. They come from happy customers who have used the product, and successfully resolved their furry pal skin problems.

Any Tips When Using Derma-IonX?

• Read the directions on the product label.

• Give the daily dosage base on your dog’s weight.

• Give the maximun dose if your dog is in a crisis situation.

• Use a non metal bowl if you add it to the drinking water. Metal can neutralize the solution, making it less effective.

• Apply Derma-IonX topically(2-6 times a day) to your pet’s affected skin areas where appropriate. This helps the healing process.

• Give your dog Derma-IonX every day to experience the maximum benefits.

• Continue to use Derma-IonX even after you see improvement in your dog’s skin and coat condition. To get optimal results, give Derma-IonX to your dog daily for at least 3 months.

• Because of the energetic nature of homeopathic remedies, they are very sensitive to electromagnetic fields. Hence, store the product in a cool, dry place away from electric devices and appliances(eg. top of refrigerator, microwave, TV, computer)

Where Can You Buy Derma-Ionx?

There are several places online where you can buy Derma-IonX. For best deals, visit the manufacturer website at Vetionx. Click here to see the offer.

Where Can You Read More Testimonials?

You can find more reviews from dog owners who actually use the product on the manufacturer website. Click here to read more.

Technorati Tags: dog dry skin, dog dry skin home remedy, dog dry skin remedy, dog dry skin treatment, dog has dry skin, dog hot spots, dog hot spots home remedies, dog hot spots treatment, dog sores, itchy dog skin relief, natural dog skin care formula

I’m not sure who asked the question. It pops into my head whilst I was writing this post.

Having dog dry skin, or hot spots can be annoying. Sensitive dry skin can be itchy, and dog sores can hurt. He(the dog) scratches, licks, sheds, and leaves showers of dog dandruff.

More serious skin diseases can sometimes cause your pet to lose its hair. And possibly make him feel ill. Your dog may not want to play. And may become more reticent than usual.

You worry, take him to the vet, and find alternatives to heal him.

If you have a dog with chronic skin problems, this can be a prolonged process.

Whatever you do, don’t give up(on your dog).

Dogs are able to read our emotions. If you are feeling frustrated about his skin condition, your dog may feel anxious too.

It does not help much either telling Rover, “Stop scratching. Stop licking. Stop biting yourself raw!” Your dog is merely trying to get some relief, and this is the only way he knows how.

Try a different approach. Relax with your dog. Distract him from focusing on the irritation. Your kind words and assurance can help ease his discomfort.

Yes. It can be tough on the pet guardians to stay positive all the time, while finding the right treatment for their dog skin problems.

No matter what, don’t give up. You have to keep trying.

Stay hopeful so that you are in a better position to help your pet.

Listen to this up lifting song to chase the blues away. Watch Heidi Winzinger’s dog song video below.

My guess is, you’d want to be right there for your best friend too.

Go tell him so.

Technorati Tags: dog dandruff, dog dry flaky skin, dog dry skin, dog dry skin home remedy, dog dry skin patches, dog hot spots, dog skin allergies, dog sores

Dog hot spots is a common health problem in our canine companion.

The open wound can become really nasty looking quickly. Red and oozing pus in a matter of hours.

Hence, it is important for you to notice the hot spots as soon as they appear. You want to take action to prevent the dog sores from growing bigger.

It’s helpful to learn how to care for dog hot spots. And to identify the possible root causes.

In this video, veterinarian Dr Karen Becker discusses how she treats dog hot spots naturally. And also help us identify the possible causes of dog skin sores.

You can watch the video or read the text below.

1. What is the medical name for dog hot spots?

The medical name for hot spots is pyotraumatic dermatitis or superficial pyoderma. Simply means inflamed, infected skin.

2. How do dog sores develop?

When a dog’s own bacteria over populates certain parts of his skin, hot spots occur. This happens more frequently in dogs that have a compromised immune system.

3. What can one expect when my dog develops hot spots?

Hot spots develop very quickly. You can have a healthy dog in the morning when you leave for work, and find your dog nursing a oozing, inflamed, irritated wound when you return home in the evening.

These dog sores can be painful. And sensitive to the touch.

4. What breeds of dog are prone to hot spots?

Any canine pal can develop dog sores. But the problem is most common in dogs with thick coat, dirty or moist skin, and dogs with allergies.

5. What should you do if your dog develops a hot spot?

First, treat the wound. Then identify the underlying cause.

6. How can I treat the hot spot?

Shave the affected area

Shave the hair in and around the hot spot. Mark the edges of the lesion with a Sharpie pen, so that you can tell if the wound gets any bigger.

If you don’t remove the hair, oozing pus and fluids get trapped in the hair. And makes it harder to heal.

NB: I had reservation using a Sharpie pen on a dog’s skin. So I looked it up. According to Wikipedia: “Sharpie is not meant for skin but is not dangerous.” Read more

Disinfect the wound

Use povidone-iodine to disinfect the wound. It is often sold by the brand name Betadine. You can buy Betadine in most pharmacies, and some health food store.

Dilute the solution with purified water until it’s the color of iced tea. Apply it to the wound using a soft wash cloth or gauze.

How often do you clean the wound? A minimum of 2 times a day. Your goal is to keep the wound clean and dry. If the hot spot becomes moist and oozing, you may need to disinfect the wound as often as every two hours (eg in the first two days).

Remember, you need to keep the affected area clean and dry, in order for it to heal.

Apply a topical solution

After you have disinfected the wound, apply a topical treatment. Dr Becker recommends colloidal silver, raw aloe, or a thin layer of manuka honey.

To soothe irritated skin, you can use a cool chamomile tea bag against the wound to provide some relief.

Do not use topical treatment with stinging or astringent properties. Solutions like vinegar or tea tree oil, while anti-microbial, can be painful when applied to an open, raw wound.

Make sure the dog is not able to get at the wound

Ensure that your dog is not licking or chewing at the hot spot. Let your dog wear a Elizabethan collar, a t-shirt, or apply a light wrap to the affected area.

7. Other hot spots care tips

• See a vet if your dog develops a fever because of the hot spots.

• Monitor the size of the wound. Is it shrinking, or growing bigger?

• Monitor the affected area. Did it spread to other parts of the body?

• Seek veterinary care if the dog sores did not improve after a couple of days.

• If home remedy is effective, continue the treatment until the hot spot is totally healed.

8. What are the root causes of dog hot spots?

Allergic Sensitivity

This includes food allergies, environmental allergies, or flea allergies.

Underlying Painful Conditions

A dog may chew at a painful spot on his body which eventually develops into a hot spot. This can happen to older dogs with joint or hip pain. Or dogs suffering from neuralgia or sciatica. If this tingling nerve pain occurs in the limbs, the dog may chew on the ankle, or a toe. And the chewing can cause a secondary hot spot.

Emotional Causes

Boredom, separation anxiety, and obsessive compulsion disorder can affect your dog’s behavior. The emotional issues can cause licking and chewing which leads to hot spots.

In such cases, you may need to use behavior modification techniques to resolve the problem.
What home remedy do you use when your dog get the hot spot? How do you make your dog feel better?

To stop the itching, and promote healing, check out: Dog Hot Spots Treatment

Technorati Tags: dog fleas, dog food allergies, dog hot spots, dog lesions, dog lick sores, dog skin allergies, dog skin sores, dog sores, how to treat dog sores

Well, Qori, the golden retriever is going to tell you how he got his hot spot.

It all started with a trip to the beach.

A summer day. Blue skies. Sunshine.

First, a swim in the ocean.

Next, a roll in the sand.

Then, hanging out on the beach.

Two days later …

 
I reckon the dampness, dirt, and warm weather created the perfect natural environment for bacteria to fester. That could have caused the infection.

Dogs get hot spots now and then. These dog sores can appear unexpectedly.

A small area of inflamed skin can grow into a large weeping sore within a matter of hours.

Hence, you need to act fast. Prompt treatment is the key … whether it be a visit to the vet, or giving your dog hot spots home remedy.

Hot Spot Tip – Be Prepared

Always have a hot spot treatment stash away in the Dog First Aid Box.

You never know when you’ll need it. And when you do, you know exactly where to find it.

More info: Dog Skin Care Formula for Hot Spots

If your dog have had hot spots, leave your comment. Tell us how it happen?

Technorati Tags: dog hot spots, dog hot spots home remedy, dog hot spots treatment, dog open sores, dog skin problems, dog skin sores, dog sores, pyotraumatic dermatitis

Mom says to wash my feet before going inside

In an earlier blog post, we talked about the possible causes of why a dog’s paw pads, can become dry and cracked.

If you have not read the post, and want to know the reasons for split pads, you can start from here:
Dog Dry Skin – Why Your Dog Has Cracked And Dry Paw Pads

Otherwise, continue reading. Find out how to treat a cracked paw pad. And learn what precautionary measures you can take, to help keep your pet’s paw pads in top condition.

How to treat a cracked paw pad?

It’s possible to treat a simple case of split pad at home. Should you decide to do so, make sure your pet is not in pain, there is no bleeding, and the pad is not infected.

Taking Care Of Split Pads

• Clean the foot with warm water and anti-septic soap.
• Dry the foot thoroughly.
• Apply a paw wax, Musher’s Secret to the paw 2-3 times per week to help the cracked pads heal.
• Put on a sock to prevent your dog from licking off the topical remedy.

For more extensive wounds, or if the pads fail to heal despite home care, you should call your veterinarian.

Tips To Keep the Paw Pads in Tip Top Condition

1. Wash Your Dog’s Feet After Every Walk

Sticking to good hygiene is good.

For your fur kids, inculcate the habit to “wash your (dog) feet before you enter the house”.

And this is regardless of seasons. You never know what your dog pick up on a walk. Substances like lawn fertilizer, pesticides, oil, de-icing salts and chemicals are potential hazards.

They can cause irritations when left on the paws. And your dog could ingest the toxins whilst trying to lick at the “irritation”.

In addition, during winter, giving your dog a warm foot bath after a walk can help melt the ice off his paws.

2. Moisturize

Treat paw pads when they are dry to help prevent cracking.

Use a moisturizing paw protection on chap or dry paw pads. Simply massage the paw wax onto the paw pads and in between the toes.

Only use the moisturizer when needed. Over moisturizing can result in soft pads, which can be painful for walking.

3. Trim The Hair On the Paws

Some dogs have lots of hair growing between their paw pads and also between the toes.  Excess hair tend to collect snow, which can form ice on your pet’s paws in harsh weather.

Hence, trim any excess hair between the paw pads and also between the toes to keep the snow off.

A trimmed feet can also help minimize the chance of ice, road salt, or sand build up in the paw fur.

4. Wear Booties

Well, I know. This is not for every dog. Some dogs looked really anxious and stressed when you make them walk in boots. They totally lose their sense of coordination.

But remember, you are not asking your dog to put up with some meaningless fancy foot wear. Your goal is to ensure that your doggy has paw protection when it is needed.

Start slowly, perhaps with just one boot. And give your dog plenty of practice time walking in his new boots before heading outdoors.

A right fit for his paw size is important. In addition, select booties that’s right for the occasion. There are sports sneakers for hiking, summer sandals to keep feet cool on hot pavements, and winter waterproof boots to keep off snow and ice.

What do you do to keep your dog’s paw pads in good condition? Share your tips with us.

Whether it’s split pads or dog dry skin, try using a moisturizing paw balm to resolve the problem.

If you want to keep the paws healthy, apply Musher’s Secret paw wax on the pads and between the toes. It protects paws against sand burn and hot pavement in summer, and prevents snowballing and salt burn on your dog’s toes in the winter. Musher’s Secret also helps to heal dry cracked paw pads.

Image: Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Technorati Tags: dog dry skin, dry cracked paw pads, split pads, winter dog care, winter dry skin

I need to moisturize my split pads

Dog dry skin can happen to your doggy’s paw pads too.

That’s because a dog’s paw pad is made of an outer layer of very thick, rough skin. This thick, spongy skin provides traction and plays the role of shock absorber whenever a dog runs, jumps, or skids to a stop. Thus, the pads help to prevent injuries or abrasions to the paws.

Nevertheless, even though the paw pads are tough and hardy, your dog is still susceptible to sore or cracked pads at some point.

You see, a dog walks on its toes, not on the soles of his feet. And a dog’s heels never touch the ground. In other words, he walks bare toe all the time. Hence, the pads are constantly exposed to the elements, as well as dirt and grime.

A dry and cracked foot pad can cause some discomfort to your doggy. Some dogs will let you know. But some would still happily go about their daily routine without a complaint. So, it is up to you to examine his feet on a regular basis. And ensure his feet is in good condition.

Signs of foot trouble

• Very dry pads
• Split or cut on the paw pads
• Whining
• Constantly licking or chewing his paws
• Favoring one foot (carrying it as if it hurts)
• Limping
• Avoid walking

What might have caused the paw pads to be dry and cracked?

1. Dry Skin

When the paw pads are too dry, they can develop cracks. Just like the soles of human feet. When the skin gets too dry, we could end up with chapped or cracked heels.

2. Where You Walk The Dog

Rain or shine, dogs look forward to their walky. Just be mindful to stay off hot pavement and sidewalk in the summer. Cement and asphalt can become unbearably hot after a day of 37C (100F) temperature.

Take precautionary measures when you and your dog go on a long walk or hike. Rough terrain and rocky paths can cause soreness or injuries to exposed paws. Ensure that he has paw protection for burrs, sharp rocks, or broken glasses.

3. Contact Irritation

Some chemicals or detergent can cause irritations to the pet’s paws if your dog happened to walk on them.

• Household cleaning agents(eg rug shampoo or floor cleaners)
• Lawn chemicals
• Garden fertilizers
• Oil in the street
• Salt (as deicer)

4. Allergens

Dog food allergies or inhalant allergies can cause intense itch to your dog’s skin, ears and feet. To alleviate the itchiness, your dog chews at his paws, which could result in very sore, or cracked pads in the long run.

5. Fungal Infection

Dogs can develop foot fungal infection. One common type of infection is malassezia, which is caused by an yeast overgrowth. This condition can be very itchy for your pet. As a result, your dog can be constantly chewing or licking at the irritated paw. This self mutilation can cause the paw pads to crack.

The veterinarian may prescribe medicated shampoo along with anti-fungal cream to eliminate the infection.

6. Winter Hazards

Paws become unusually dry and cracked during the cold, dry winter months. Ice and snow can re-freeze in between the toes or paw pads making it painful for the dog to walk. Often, de-icing chemicals and road salt aggravate the condition. These agents irritate the paw pads, cause dryness, resulting in split pads.

7. Nasodigital Hyperkeratosis

Nasodigital Hyperkeratosis is a condition where keratin(thickened, hard, dry skin) forms excessively on top of the dog’s nose, paw pads, or both.

This callus-like growth is common in older dogs. At times, a tear duct blockage may contribute to the cause. In severe cases, the thickened paw pads fissure or crack.

Although it is incurable, the symptoms can be managed by hydrating the affected area. The veterinarian may prescribe a softening agent for the condition

8. Zinc Deficiency

A zinc deficiency can lead to poor condition in the paw pads.

Dogs can develop zinc deficiency due to:

• An inherent defect to absorb zinc from the intestinal tract — Some known breeds are Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute.

• A diet low in zinc — This can happen if you feed poor quality generic dog food.

• Mineral interference — High dietary calcium intake reduces zinc absorption

The paw pads may be thickened and fissured. Zinc deficiency is often accompanied by other symptoms such as dull hair coat, hair loss, and crusty or scaly skin around the dog’s eyes, mouth, or ears. Secondary bacterial and yeast infection can set in.

Take care of the paw pads

Your dog’s paw pads may be thick and resilient. However, they are still vulnerable to excessive wear and tear. From time to time, the pads may cracked due to dryness, contact irritants, allergies, fungal infection, or the harsh winter elements.

Although less common, conditions like Nasodigital Keratosis and dietary zinc deficiency can also lead to split pads problems.

If your dog already has dry, flaky skin, check his pads to ensure that they are not overly dry and fissured. Consider using a dog balm to help protect and condition the paw pads to keep them healthy.

If you want to keep the paws healthy, apply Musher’s Secret paw wax on the pads and between the toes. It protects paws against sand burn and hot pavement in summer, and prevents snowballing and salt burn on your dog’s toes in the winter. Musher’s Secret also helps to heal dry cracked paw pads.

Image: mrpattersonsir

Technorati Tags: dog dry skin, dog food allergies, dry cracked paw pads, split pads, winter dog care, winter dry skin

My winter coat

Noticed how your skin feels dry and tight during the winter season?

This happens to your dog’s skin too.

Dog dry skin is a pretty common occurrence during winter.

Causes

• When fido goes outside, the cold, dry winter air has a drying effect on his skin.

• Drafts can come in through leaky windows and doors.

• Home heating system or furnace emits dry heat. It keeps your fur kid warm, but is drying to the skin.

Signs of Winter Dry Skin

• Dry, flaky skin
• Dog dandruff, increased dander
• Scaly skin
• Frequent itching and scratching
• Bites and licks the skin
• Cracked skin (often on paw pads)

What you can do to avoid flaky or itchy, dog dry skin during winter

1. Winter proof your home

Make sure there aren’t drafts coming in through the cracks of the windows or doors. Seal any gaps, and draft proof your windows and doors by applying caulking or installing weather stripping.

Hang heavy, or lined curtains at windows. It helps to shield cold drafts. Remember to open the curtains in the day to let the sun in, and draw the curtains as soon as it gets dark to keep the heat in.

2. Keep your home warm

Your main living room should be around 21C (70F). The bedroom temperate at around 18C (64F).  And the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F).

3. Moderate indoor humidity

Winter brings cold, dry air. When dry air is heated, it becomes even drier. A humidifier in the house will add moisture to the air. No more cracked finger tips or scratchy throat for you. And it helps to reduce the drying effect on your dog’s skin.

4. Move your dog. Move his bed

Make sure he is not sleeping by the furnace or radiator. Move your dog, his bedding or crate further away from the heat sources.

5. Brush your dog

Matted hair trap dampness against your dog’s skin. This can cause irritations, odor and other skin problems.

Brushing promotes circulation, and stimulates the the distribution of natural oils in your dog’s skin. Hence, brush you dog regularly to counteract dryness and make him feel more comfortable.

6. Winter bath

Yes. Dogs still need baths in winter. They get dirty playing in the snow, or when they trudge outside to do their business.

In fact, a proper bath can help to reduce dryness, matting and other related skin problems. Use a moisturizing dog shampoo and conditioner to keep his skin and coat healthy.

After the bath, dry your dog’s coat completely before letting him outside. A wet dog can develop hypothermia or pneumonia in cold weather. You can use a hair dryer at cool setting to quickly dry his hair after a bath.

7. Put on a winter coat and booties

Even though your dog has a built-in fur coat, he will still feel the cold in adverse weather. You need to keep your dog warm and protected when he goes outside.

A dog sweater or fleece coat will keep the cold wind and snow off your dog. A pair of doggy boots helps to keep the ice, snow, and de-icing salt off your dog’s paws.

8. Give a fatty acid supplement

A dog supplement that contains essential fatty acids helps relieve skin dryness and promote a healthy, glossy coat.

9. Add olive oil to his food

Add a tablespoon of olive oil to his food, 2-3 times a week (if you are not giving a fatty acid supplement). You can also massage a small amount of olive oil onto his skin. It acts as a natural moisturizer for dry, scaly skin.




Winter offers an entirely new season of fun and experiences for your dog. If you are lucky to live where the winter is mild, head outside to build a snow man or snow dog together with your doggy. When you’ve had enough of the chill and thrill, come home to your warm, toasty den.

Take preventative measures to keep your dog warm and comfortable. Your actions will help prevent dog dry skin, itchiness, and other minor skin problems. Let your dog be safe and well throughout the cold, winter months.

For more winter skin care protection, start to support your dog’s skin and immune system naturally now.
See: Help For Dry Itchy Skin

Technorati Tags: dog dandruff, dog dry flaky skin, dog dry skin, dog dry skin patches, dog sores, winter dry skin

Who colored my kibbles?

1. What is dog food allergies?

Food allergies is a condition in which your dog’s immune system reacts adversely to an ingredient found in his food. Your dog may be allergic to one or more ingredients.

This ingredient(s) that triggers the allergic response can be a protein, carbohydrate(eg. grains) or artificial additives in the dog’s food.

A food allergy can develop with foods that your dog has been eating for years, with no prior problems.

2. Is it common in dogs?

Food allergies make up about 10% of all allergy cases seen in dogs.

The top 3 dog allergies(listed in the order of most common) are:

• Flea bite allergies
• Inhalant allergies
• Food allergies

3. What are the symptoms of food allergies in dog?

Your dog might have any of these symptoms:

• Facial itching(around eyes, muzzle, ears)
• Chews on paws or legs
• Itching affecting armpits, belly, or around the anus.
• Chronic ear infections
• Excessive scratching
• Dry dog skin
• Hair loss
• Rashes
• Hot spots
• Increased bowel movements

4. What is the difference between dog food allergies vs food intolerance?

A dog with food allergies manifest allergic symptoms, mainly associated with itchiness and skin irritations, as discussed in Q3 above.

In food intolerance, it is an adverse food reaction that does not involve the immune system. Hence, a food intolerance will not trigger an allergic response. Instead, vomiting or diarrhea might occur. This is because the body is unable to process or tolerate the food. The symptoms are more like having a tummy upset after eating something disagreeable.

Eg. Some people(and dogs too) get diarrhea after drinking milk. This condition is called lactose intolerance. The body simply has a lack of the enzyme, lactase, to fully digest the milk sugar. But all is well again, after making a few trips to the toilet.

5. Why dog food allergies cause your fur kid so much itching?

Yes. It can be extremely itchy. You will see your dog scratching or licking frequently. Some pet owners get anxious that the dog might chew through his paw.

In another blog post, I mentioned how the body reacts to an allergen. Find out the reason why your dog’s skin gets so itchy and irritated here: Dog skin allergies – Q4.

6. What food ingredients can cause food allergies?

Any food or food ingredient can cause allergy. However, protein, from a meat source, is usually the offender.

Here are some common food ingredients that might be the culprits.

Meat/Protein Source

• beef
• dairy products
• pork
• chicken
• turkey
• lamb
• fish
• chicken eggs

Grain Source

• corn
• wheat
• soy

You would notice that ingredients in the protein and grain source are just your everyday type of foods. These are foods that you would include in your grocery lists.
But, it is, as it is. Dogs can develop food allergies to these food ingredients.

Artificial preservatives, food dyes, or sweeteners found in commercial dog foods can also cause allergic reactions.

To understand more about dog food allergies, look out for Part 2 of this article. You’ll learn how a vet diagnose food allergies, options you have when feeding your allergic dog, and more.

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I use a special shampoo

Dog dry skin creates a lot of discomfort for your dog.

Dry skin can become inflamed and gets intensely itchy. Some dogs are so badly affected, they lose interest in play, and become rather depressed.

Bathing can be a quick way to ease some of your dog’s discomfort. Whilst a bath is not a cure for skin diseases, it can certainly provide some relief to symptoms of dry skin when done correctly.

You still need to consult a vet to address the skin problem for cases like: allergies, parasites, or an underlying medical condition.

Here are the bathing tips for your dog with dry, itchy skin.

1.  Brush And De-mat

Always brush and de-mat any tangled hair before bathing your dog. Matted hair can be brushed out easier when the hair is dry. Brushing also removes loose hair, dog dandruff, and dirt from the coat.

Place cotton balls in your dog’s ears to prevent water from getting in. And remember to remove them after the bath.

2.  Use The Right Shampoo

Use a shampoo formulated for dogs. Not “people” shampoo. Your dog has a different pH for skin and hair than you do. Dogs’ skin and coat is alkaline; whilst your skin and hair is acidic in nature. Thus, the shampoo you use on yourself, has the wrong pH for your dog. This will dry out your dog’s skin.

For dogs with dry, irritated skin, choose a mild shampoo that cleanses well. Go for a shampoo that do not contain SLS(Sodium Laurel Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate). These compounds are known to cause skin irritations in some dogs.

Look for a dog shampoo that will help:

• soothe the itch
• moisturize the skin
• promote healing

And look for ingredients that benefit itchy, dry skin:

• aloe vera
• vitamin E
• essential oils: evening primrose oil, tea tree oil, chamomile
• silk, oat, or wheat proteins

3.  Bathe With Cool To Lukewarm Water

(Too) warm water can worsens skin irritations. Use cool to lukewarm water to bath your dog. Cool water soothes irritable or inflamed skin. But do not use cold water. Dogs do not like cold water. If your dog shivers and jumps out of the bath, check to see if the bath water is too cold for him.

Wet coat thoroughly before applying shampoo.

4.  Massage Gently

Use the pads of your fingers to massage the shampoo into wet fur. Be gentle. Do not scrub, or scratch the sensitized skin with your finger nails. The massaging action helps loosens dead skin and hair.

Next, rinse off the shampoo completely. Repeat with a second round of shampoo.

You can use a pet sprayer to direct water down deep. It makes rinsing easier. Pay particular attention to the underside, inner coat, skin, and between the toes. Shampoo residue can dry out the skin and coat, and also irritate the skin.

5.  Use The Right Conditioner For Your Dog

A conditioner keeps your dog’s coat soft, shiny, and tangle free. It makes it easier to brush out your dog after bathing. The conditioner also soothe irritated skin, and replenish moisture to the skin

You can choose between leave-in, or rinse-off formula.

For the rinse-off formula, remove excess water from the coat, and apply the conditioner to wet fur. Gently massage the conditioner evenly onto the entire dog. Next, rinse thoroughly.

6.  Pat Dry

After the bath, pat the dog dry with a large towel. Do not rub when using the towel, or it can irritate the skin. If you need to blow dry the coat, use a cool setting on the hair dryer. Comb through the coat again to keep the hair tangle free.

7.  How Often Do You Bathe Your Dog

If your dog has dry skin, you might want to bath him once weekly to ease his discomfort of itchy skin. The caveat is to use the proper shampoo and conditioner formulated for his skin condition. Check for products that are gentle enough to be used on a weekly basis.

Quick Tip:

Bathing can provide relief for dry, flaky, irritated skin. If your dog has a simple case of dry skin, a proper bath can help kick start the healing process and restore his skin to a healthy condition.

Use TLC when bathing your fur kid. Choose a good quality dog shampoo and conditioner formulated to nourish the skin, and soothe itchiness and inflammation.

Consider using natural products that contain organic, herbal or botanical ingredients. These products are gentle for dog dry skin and safe to use. Other products that contain medicinal ingredients(eg. hydrocortisone, antihistamines) may do the job, but could present side effects. Always go with gentle, and effective products whenever you can.

Image: Tobyotter

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I was bored ... so I lick

What are dog sores?

Dog sores are nasty skin infections found on your pet. One common form of dog skin sore is hot spots.

A hot spot is an area of  raw, inflamed skin. Often, a hot spot is a circular patch of open sore. It looks like a red, oozing wound on your dog’s skin. The infected area may be hairless, and can be swollen.

Discharge from the dog sore can be a clear liquid. If the sore is infected, it discharges a smelly pus.

How do dog sores affect your dog?

Hot spots are painful and itchy. The spot feels “hot” because the skin is inflamed. And your dog will try to lick, chew or bite at the sore to get some relief. Unfortunately, this action irritates the skin even more. And the bacterial infection spreads to the surrounding area. This can happen in a matter of hours or within the day.

Many dog owners are taken by surprise at how fast the infection develops. A localized lesion(a couple of centimeters in diameter) can quickly spread, infecting extensive areas of your dog’s skin.

What causes dog sores or hot spots?

Anything that causes a dog to itch, scratch, lick, or chew at his skin can start a hot spot.

Look out for things that irritate the skin, which initiate your dog to an itch-scratch cycle.

Skin irritations may be caused by:

Hot, humid weather – Hot spots occur most frequently during summer time. With high humidity, excessive moisture is trapped in the fur, and on the dog’s skin.

Bacteria and fungus thrive in a warm, moist condition. Hence, your dog’s skin becomes their breeding ground. And a skin infection forms easily.

Mites – Demodectic mange, Sarcoptic mange.

Insect bites – Mosquito bites can be itchy and irritates a dog’s skin.

Poor grooming – Dogs that are not groomed regularly and have dirty, matted hair can develop hot spots.

Ear infections – Infected ears are terribly itchy, and a dog will scratch at the ears. This can cause an area of hot spot behind or under the ears on the face.

Allergies – Flea allergy, inhalant allergy, food allergy, or contact allergy.

Foreign objects in the coat - Burs, grass awns caught in the fur.

Anal gland problems – Anal glands can become impacted or infected. This creates a lot of discomfort for your dog. He may scoot, lick, or chew the irritable area to relieve pain. Hence, hot spot develops here in the tail area.

Pressure sores – A dog with arthritis, hip dysplasia or degenerative joint disease may have impaired mobility. Lying on hard floors or thin bedding can cause pressure sores, which can develop into hot spots.

Open skin wound – A cut, scrape, broken skin, or an infected scratch, left untreated can become a hot spot on dogs.

Dog behavioral problem – A dog feeling anxious, lonely, bored or stressed can start to lick or chew his skin in an attempt to seek comfort.

Which dogs are prone to developing hot spots?

Dogs who have long hair, and thick, dense undercoat are prone to developing hot spots. So are dogs who have long, floppy, or hairy ears.

Dogs that love to go swimming in lakes or ponds may get hot spots if they swim in contaminated waters.

Where do hot spots develop on the body?

Hot spots are commonly found in areas where your dog can reached by licking and chewing. They are the feet, legs, flank, and rump. Also look out for localized dog sores due to excessive scratching. They develop around the ears, neck and chest areas.

Dog sores and hot spots can occur without prior warning. They spread rapidly. The condition is prevalent in hot summer months. And the itch-scratch cycle causes further irritation to your dog. Hence, take action immediately once you notice a hot spot on your dog.

To get rid of dog sores, give your fur pal a natural Dog Skin Care Formula.
See: Help For Hot Spots

Image: erin MC hammer

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