Selecting a Dog

Dog Skin Allergies

Just because a puppy is cute doesn't mean it is going to be right for your family. When selecting a dog, make sure you not only base it on a puppy's cuteness, there are many more things to consider when selecting a dog who will fit in to your home

Dog Skin Allergies

Be careful of getting too attached to a puppy you just met. If you want to do the right thing for your home, you will take your time and research whether the breed of the puppy and its health are good. This way, you know you, your family, and your new dog will spend many years together.

Dog Skin Allergies

If you end up buying a puppy who has a genetic history of getting sick and dying easily, you might be in for a heartbreak. To avoid this, there are signs you can look out for when going out to look for a puppy.

Dog Skin Allergies

Not to say that a dog might not die before its time. After all, everything and everyone dies. But it helps of a dogs genetics will guarantee it a longer life to share with your family.

Not only should you be concerned about the genetics of your dog, you also want to select a breed that suits your and your family's lifestyle.

To select the breed of your dog, think of the available space you have in your home as well as the activities you and your dog will be sharing. Perhaps even the amount of time spent in grooming your dog can affect your choice.

After deciding on the breed, observe the puppy's personality. Avoid aggressive and unfriendly puppies. A happy, gentle puppy is best if you have any children. Shy and slow puppies might be in an indication of their future personality.

These are just a few precautions you can take when selecting a puppy. Though you might be tempted to let your emotions get the best of you when you meet a puppy, remind yourself that finding the best dog is a gift you and your family will appreciate for years to come.

Selecting a Dog

Dog Skin Allergies

How To Prevent And Treat Your Jack Russell's Dog Dandruff

Dog Skin Allergies

Your beloved Jack Russell terrier jumps up on to your lap. Then as you start to pet it and scratch it behind its ears like you always do, you look down and to horrors of horrors, its fur is filled with white flakes which has also sprinkled down on to your lap and chair. Dog dandruff is common but fortunately it can be easily treated.

Dog Skin Allergies

Your terrier gets dandruff in exactly same manner as we humans do. The reason is that our skin is always in the process of replacing itself and the dead skin falls off as flakes. However the biggest difference between your terrier with visible dandruff and one you never notice is the size and frequency of the flakes.

Dog Skin Allergies

To understand this better, consider the skin on your own legs or arms for a moment. Notice that when your skin is moist and well cared for, it looks smooth and feels soft. However when it is dry, it begins to look whitish and sometimes looks a little bit scaly. It also leaves behind white marks if you scratch it lightly.

Dog Skin Allergies

Your Jack Russell's skin is no different. When your terrier's skin becomes too dry, it starts to flake in larger sizes. Hence it is easier to come off and suddenly you find that your Jack Russell terrier is snowing on your lap.

There are many ways to treat your dog's dandruff and on the contrary, dog dandruff shampoo may not be the most effective way to treat your terrier's dandruff. You may only want to use dog shampoo after exhausting the other options.

How to prevent your Jack Russell terrier from getting dandruff
1. The first thing you should consider is your Jack Russell terrier's diet. If it generally consists of dry dog food and water then your Jack Russell terrier may probably not be getting enough fats in his diet. Your Jack Russell terrier's skin is flaky because it does not produce enough natural moisturizer. If this is the case, you can try adding some canned dog food to his diet and see if the problem will go away. You could also try adding vitamin E oil in its diet as this may help.

2. There are dog supplements available on the market with dietary essentials for your Jack Russell terrier's diet regime. These supplements generally consist of fatty acids that can help to stop dog dandruff and maintain your Jack Russell terrier's coat so it is vibrant and lovely.

3. Reduce the amount of bathing for your Jack Russell terrier. I had a friend who once gave her Jack Russell so frequent baths that they washed away the skin oils which kept her terrier's skin moist. When I recommended that she reduce the bath frequency, the dandruff problem went away. It all comes down to how much protective oil your Jack Russell terrier has on its skin.

How to treat your Jack Russell terrier's dandruff
1. Incorporate the dieting advice first. A lot of times, dandruff in your Jack Russell terrier is due to dietary problems.

2. Apply either baby shampoo or an oatmeal wash. Given that your Jack Russell terrier dandruff is triggered by an absence of the natural oils that are supposed to be on their pores and skin, you have to ensure that you do not worsen the problem by utilizing a nasty shampoo that can further remove those precious skin oils. If neither of those is effective, buy a dog shampoo that's produced for sensitive skin or dandruff.

3. If you choose to use a dog dandruff shampoo, pay very careful attention to the directions. Most dog dandruff shampoos have a recommendation on how often you should use them. Some should be used only once a week while some milder ones let you it a little bit more frequently. Do note that while dog dandruff shampoos contain medications to help cure and prevent the dandruff, they should not be used too often as sometimes they can cause irritation to your dog.

4. Avoid trying your own shampoos to attempt to remedy dog dandruff. While dandruff is similar, your dog's fur and your hair are quite different. Use only dog shampoos that are designed to keep their fur clean without overly stripping it or damaging their underlying skin.

If dandruff still persists, you should go to the veterinarian or animal care specialist. Your Jack Russell terrier's coat and skin wellness usually gives you a good idea of his overall health. A dandruff condition that won't go away after you have taken the steps to treat it usually points to the possibility that your terrier may have a serious health problems that has to be addressed and remedied by a professional vet.

How To Prevent And Treat Your Jack Russell's Dog Dandruff

Dog Skin Allergies

My Dog is Sneezing a Lot - How Do I Stop Dog Sneezing Quickly?

Dog Skin Allergies

"My dog is sneezing a lot. I don't have the time or money for an expensive Veterinarian trip, but I want to help my canine companion. Is there some way to stop dog sneezing quickly and safely without breaking the bank?"

Dog Skin Allergies

Is this going through your mind lately? Your best friend is sneezing, and he seems to be sneezing more frequently.

Dog Skin Allergies

At first you thought your pet just caught some dust in his inquisitive nose, but it seems to have morphed into something worse. You love your pet and want nothing more than to heal him quickly and safely, so what are your options?

Dog Skin Allergies

When your dog is sneezing a lot, as opposed to a few singular sneezes, there is a sign of something more serious. At first, your dog probably just caught some local irritant that got lodged in his nasal passage and got him sneezing.

The problem is that every time your pet sneezes, he makes his nasal passages weaker and raw. In this weakened state, bacterial infection can move in, attack his respiratory system, and leave you with a costly, dangerous infection.

When you long to stop dog sneezing and your dog's misery, you can trundle up your beloved pet and take off for the vet. However, there are several negatives to remember.

1 - Vets are basically playing a "let's try this and see if it works" game. Maybe it will, maybe it will not. Then it is back to the vet if it doesn't.

2 - There is always the possibility of side-effects from the drugs used, and you may have to make subsequent trips. Never mind the costly bills and the frustration for both you and your sneezing dog.

3 - You also have to fight your dog every day you are trying to get him to take his medicine. This isn't the best case scenario when you are trying to stop dog sneezing.

There is a natural, safe, inexpensive alternative that you can apply in the safety of your home in a few seconds however. Natural homeopathic pet cures use leaves, herbs, plants and substances found naturally occurring to treat all your pet's maladies.

Homeopathy is the practice of "like curing like". A small, concentrated amount of a natural illness-causing substance is introduced to your pet's immune system. Your dog's inner defenses immediately notice the intruder, and his immune system cranks up, arming him like a Sherman tank.

A wonderful by-product of this all-natural treatment to stop dog sneezing is improved overall health for your pet. No side-effects, ten second application at home, no vets, no shots and fast-acting relief. Natural homeopathic pet remedies are the way to go when you are trying to stop dog sneezing.

My Dog is Sneezing a Lot - How Do I Stop Dog Sneezing Quickly?

Dog Skin Allergies

Keeping Your Dog's Ears Healthy- Does Your Dog Have an Ear Infection?

Dog Skin Allergies

Does your dog shake his or her head excessively and seem like he or she is in pain? Can you detect a distinct and unusual odor emanating from your dog's ear? Then take a closer look and inspect your dog for an ear infection. If the inspection of your dog's ear results in you seeing that his or her ear canal seems irritated and red with some discharge then go to the vet and have your dog's ear infection checked and treated.

Dog Skin Allergies

You should never try to treat your dog's ear infection by yourself. Do not delude yourself into thinking that you don't need professional opinion because ear infections in dogs are more complicated than you may think. If ear mites cause your dog's ear infection then it may not be that complicated to cure. However if your dog has many allergies, chances are, his or her ear infection is a complicated matter that needs a synergy of different procedures to treat.

Dog Skin Allergies

Unfortunately for man's best friend, ear infections in dogs are quite common because a favorable environment is provided by their anatomy and physiology. For one thing, their long and deep ear canals provide more area for infection. Their ears also have mast cells that produce histamines that give off an allergic reaction to certain stimuli, which in turn irritate the inside of your dog's ear. Ear infection in dogs often start with the mast cells irritating the ear canal into producing unusual amounts of ear wax.

Dog Skin Allergies

Unchecked, the ear wax will continue to build up until bacteria sets in to the irritated skin. You will notice that ear infections in dogs are more common among those with ear flaps because the appendage keeps the ear canal at temperatures that allow bacteria to thrive. The problem further progresses when yeast results from the bacterial infection in your dog's ear. Before you know it. A whole new symbiotic life system is thriving in your dog's ears.

Ear infections in dogs must be treated, not only because it causes discomfort and makes your dog smell, but because it can seriously damage your dog's ears. Because of the potentially complex nature of ear infections in dogs, it is very important that you get a reliable veterinary doctor that can properly diagnose and pinpoint the cause of the ear infection. Being able to accurately diagnose the cause will inadvertently allow for the proper treatment.

As mentioned earlier, ear infections in dogs can be caused by chronic allergies. If this happens to be the source of your dog's ear infection, you will need to find out what your dog may be allergic to. It can be one or many things and you will need to find each one out in order to prevent further allergic reactions from your dog.

At the same time, you will need to have your dog's ear cleaned and treated with topical and oral medication. I bring this all to your attention to underscore the importance of a good exam and probably some lab work to try to narrow down all the possible causes. Your vet will want to have a good look down the ear canal. It may be necessary to sedate your pet in order to clean out the ear well enough to get a good look. Or maybe he or she will have you come back after a few days of treatment to look again when hopefully the ear will be improved. When it comes to ear infections in dogs, you may also need to check and count your dog's diet as a possible source of allergy.

Keeping Your Dog's Ears Healthy- Does Your Dog Have an Ear Infection?

Dog Skin Allergies

Skin Diseases In Labrador Retrievers

Dog Skin Allergies

Same with humans, Labrador Retrievers and other breed of dog can be affected with different types of skin problems. These skin problems vary depending on the allergen and how it affects your beloved canine friend.

Dog Skin Allergies

Inhalant Allergy

Dog Skin Allergies

Inhalant allergy, also referred to as atopy is the most common type of allergy. This allergy is caused by things such as tree pollens, grass pollens, weed pollens, molds, dust mites and chemicals- the same things that cause allergy to humans. Inhalant allergy may present itself in the form of scratching, biting, chewing at feet and constant licking which may lead to irritation and later infection.

Dog Skin Allergies

Atopy is life-long condition and there is no known cure for this disease. However, there are ways to manage the problem:

- Anti-itch therapy. Anti-itch therapy includes the use of drugs, hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners. Frequent bathing provides temporary relief from itching and reduces the amount of antigen exposure.

- Anti-inflammatory drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids may be given to block the allergic reaction. Antihistamines and fatty acids can also be given to your dog to lessen the allergic reaction.

- Removing the sources. As much as possible, remove the sources of the allergy from the environment. If you know that your dog is allergic to weed pollens, it is best to avoid that substance.

Food Allergy

Labrador Retrievers are prone to food allergy being dogs with hearty appetite, eating digestible and non-food alike. Dogs are usually sensitive to fish, eggs, chicken, pork, chemical preservatives and artificial sugars. Symptoms of food allergies in dogs include scratching at ears, shaking of the head, licking and biting their back legs, inflammation in the ears and in some cases, coughing, vomiting, sneezing and diarrhea.

To treat food allergy, carefully monitor your dog's diet. Take note what food triggers the allergy.

Flea Allergy

Flea allergy dermatitis, also called flea bite hypersensitivity is a type of skin disease caused by flea saliva. Dogs with flea allergy chew and bite their backs, legs, bellies or tails. One bite of flea can cause flea allergy that could last for up to five to seven days.

Flea control program must be taken to help your dog with this problem. But be careful in using strong chemicals for it can cause seizures and skin problems.

Bacterial Allergy

bacterial allergy, also referred to as pyoderma is caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus. The bacteria is not threatening to the dog as long as its immune system functions perfectly. However, the problem starts if your dog's immune system gets weak. Once allergy developed, red blotches, formation of pus pustules and hair loss can be seen.

Skin Diseases In Labrador Retrievers

Dog Skin Allergies

Coconut Oil - The Best Home Remedy For a Dog's Dry Flaky Skin

Dog Skin Allergies

Do you have a dog with dry skin and you are looking for a home remedy that will cure your dogs dry itchy flaky skin?

Dog Skin Allergies

The answer is found in a very simple product. Coconut oil. Do you know that this oil is one of the best home remedy for a dogs dry flaky skin. The benefits of coconut oil are just now being discovered and one of the properties of coconut oil is the ability for it to penetrate deep inside the dermal layer of the skin and make the skin supple. It also acts to reduce itching.

Dog Skin Allergies

This is tropical oil is safe for consumption for both humans and dogs. It is a perfect natural skin care product that relieves dry skin conditions. This is why I highly recommend this oil, it is great for such skin conditions like the one your dog is having.

Dog Skin Allergies

There are two ways to use the coconut oil. The first method is to apply it liberally on the skin of the dog. Scoop a good amount on your hands and rub it in on the dogs dry skin. You can do this two or three times a day depending on the level of dryness. If the dogs leaks it there is no cause for alarm since it works internally too.

This oil will do two things. It will stop the itching and it will also relieve the dryness of the dogs skin. This is a natural product that has no side effect and can be used on all the living things in your house.

The other way to use this rich oil is to give the dog one tablespoon of the oil. Dogs love this oil, it works from the inside of the dog. You can also add it into dogs food. Make sure you do not feed a lot of the oil to the dogs to make them uncomfortable, just give one tablespoon or half a tablespoon of coconut oil once a day.

Whatever method you try to use to relive your dogs dry itchy skin make sure you do add this oil. It is cheap and can be used for many other ways including cooking and human skin care.

Coconut oil is not heavy and will not clog pores on the dogs skin, it is easily absorbed in the skin and will even help make the hairs shiny in addition to curing a dog's dry itchy flaky skin.

Coconut Oil - The Best Home Remedy For a Dog's Dry Flaky Skin

Dog Skin Allergies

Why Do Dogs Lick Other Dogs?

Dog Skin Allergies

Nature is truly amazing! It has given female dogs the instinct to protect and to keep the puppies clean, and this is done by their long tongues. Licking is picked up by dogs from birth. Mama dog licks the puppies to remove the smell that would attract predators. By licking the newborn puppies the mother dog cleans the puppies and also gets the nutrients from the placenta. Have you noticed how the mother dog would lick the puppies while nursing? She is taking advantage of the immobility of the puppies to lick them clean. Licking is done to show maternal affection. The dogs tongue serves as the very personal baby wipes that not only cleans the bottom but also stimulates the pups to relieve themselves.

Dog Skin Allergies

In older dogs licking has a different purpose. Licking can be a greeting ceremony that can be done when the dogs wake up in the morning. It is their way of saying "Good morning". In the wild, dogs that are gone for the day to hunt will be met with a lick by the other dogs that were left behind. The same thing goes when a dog has been way from the group. Dogs lick each other to let everyone know that all is okay.

Dog Skin Allergies

The licking behavior has been handed down to the modern day dogs by their ancestors in the wild. Notice how a dog returning from the vet or from a stroll in the park will be licked by the other pets that were left behind.

Dog Skin Allergies

Dogs lick other dogs to clean and to groom themselves. Humans have hands that can reach all parts of the body. Since dogs do not have the hands to reach inaccessible part of their bodies, other dogs will do the cleaning for them. In the absence of hand and hairbrushes, the tongue will do the cleaning and the grooming. It is a give and take agreement between the dogs - you lick and clean my ears and I will lick and clean your ears too.

Dogs lick other dogs to show affection. This time licking will be done in short licks that will move gradually around the body, very similar to the petting of human hands. Licking can also be a form of massage. Long stokes of the tongue is done along the dogs back. You will notice the dog whine in contentment.

Male dogs lick a female dogs private parts and female dogs reciprocate the action. This is a kind of sexual act that verifies if the female dog is ready to be mated.

Why Do Dogs Lick Other Dogs?

Dog Skin Allergies