This article, the second in the series of pet itch causes and treatment will discuss the ways in which bacteria can affect our pet’s skin. Actually all skin, human and canine, is covered in bacteria all the time. But some types of bacteria, when out of control, cause a painful inflammation of the skin. Hot spots, moist eczema, summer sores are all common names for the same condition; acute moist dermatitis or acute moist pyoderma.
Hot spots in dogs (cats seldom get them) are usually painful, moist, often itchy, smelly, and warm or hot to the touch. Because the hot spots are sore and tender the dogs scratch, bite, and lick the area, exacerbating the problem, causing hair loss, and spreading the bacteria.  Hot spots can develop rapidly, often within a couple of hours, especially in dogs with thick or matted coats that are living in a hot, humid environment. One of the first things you may notice is an area of hair loss and reddened skin or incessant licking and biting of the infected area. One of your first goals is to dry the affected area and keep it dry since the bacteria thrive in a moist, warm environment, then treat to control the bacteria.
A word of caution before starting a hot spot treatment at home: since hot spot can be quite painful even an easy-going dog may be inclined to bite or nip if you try to touch the infected area so take precautions if necessary. Clip or shave the area around the hot spot to help keep the skin dry and to access the area for treatment. Begin by using an astringent liquid or ointment. Betadine lotion is a good option. It will help dry the skin and kill the offending bacteria. Or, a good homemade option is a solution of 2 ounces hydrogen peroxide, 2 teaspoons rubbing alcohol, and 10 ounces water. Gently dab the solution on the hot spot with a cotton pad every two to three hours for the first couple of days. Continue the treatment a few times a day for the first week. By then if you aren’t seeing improvement consult with your veterinarian. Follow this astringent solution with an antiseptic such as Betadine lotion or ointment. A compress of cold wet teabags may give the dog some temporary relief.
After treating your dog’s hot spot you’ll want to prevent a further occurrence. Ensure that your dog does not have fleas or ticks. Keep the skin and coat clean and in good condition. Work with your vet to alleviate any allergies. If hot spots are recurring despite your best efforts try a change in diet and include omega fatty acids or an oil based product designed to treat itchy skin. Hot spot is occasionally an indication of an internal problem such as hypothyroidism, another good reason to see your vet about recurrences of dermatitis.  If your dog has a thick, heavy coat, seriously consider giving him a summer haircut. This helps keep the skin dry and the dog more comfortable.
After all this care and attention hot spot will only mean a place by the barbeque with your happy dog at your feet waiting for a tasty tidbit to fall his way.

July 31st 2008 Posted to Dog Skin Itch Causes | Comments (2)

If your dog has dreaded, unrelenting itching, when it started your first question was probably, “What will stop the horrible itching and scratching?” And the second question may have been, “What caused this skin problem?”
I’d like to talk about the second question, and address only one possible cause. If you have not seen your veterinarian about this problem that is your first step. Often the cause of skin itch is diabolically difficult to diagnose but there are tests and procedures that will eliminate some causes of pruritus (the high-brow medical term for skin itch).
The first possible cause of itching and scratching is fleas. Don’t think your dog does not have enough fleas to cause his or her desperate scratching. Dogs (and cats) are quite often allergic to fleas and a bite can cause a reaction very much like the reaction humans have to a mosquito bite. If you imagine many mosquitoes on your body biting you all over you can imagine how a flea-infested dog may feel. If your dog is not fully protected from fleas that is your first step and should be taken immediately.
First, give the dog a thorough bath with a pesticide-free shampoo designed for flea control.  Do not, under any circumstances, use products like kerosene or Dettol or any other product not designed to be used on the skin of a pet. And don’t be misled by the word, “natural”. Many natural products can be irritating to your dog’s sensitive skin. Peppermint oil, to name just one may smell good but it is a skin irritant and not a good choice if your dog has skin problems. Many human products can also be damaging for our pets who have different skin pH from ours. If your pet has been furiously scratching for a while his skin is sore and sensitive. And sensitivity is what he needs from you in considering the treatment.
You’ve taken your first step. You’ve bathed your dog in a quality flea shampoo but that is only the beginning. If there are fleas in the house get everyone out for a few hours, go for a picnic, and set off some flea bombs before you leave. Your precious pooch should be feeling better already after that visit to the park for a picnic.
Now it’s time to think about the permanent banishment of fleas from your life and the lives of your pets. There are many choices. Your lifestyle and belief system will kick in here to influence your choice. But that’s fine because there are many solutions. If you want ease of use and peace of mind you may choose Frontline Plus, Revolution, or Advantix. If you want something more natural you may choose an essential oil product, perhaps one with ti tree oil. And don’t forget about adding garlic to your pet’s food. It is not only good for keeping fleas at bay, it is also a healthy food supplement.
For the ongoing health of your pet do consider not using an organophosphate product and now is a good time to be consulting with your vet because the right choice can also prevent ticks that can lead to tick paralysis and death.
By now your beloved pet must be swooning with joy not to have creepy-crawly, jumpy,  egg-laying fleas on his body and in his bedding. Once you have overcome the initial infestation you’ll find it easy from then on. Just a little on-going attention is all you’ll need and you’ll once again have a happy, healthy itch-free pet.
This business of eradicating fleas is a little bit like planting a flowering tree. There is some effort in the beginning but it rewards you and your pampered pet for years to come.

July 13th 2008 Posted to Dog Skin Itch Causes | Comments (1)