Grass and Other Summer Allergies in Dogs

• And you also are probably aware that summertime is the height of the season for itchiness, "allergies," hot spots, and reactions to insect bites, especially fleas and grass allergies.

If you're a loving pet parent, you know there are few things more disturbing than to watch your dog constantly scratch, or bite and chew on himself.

In this video we'll cover the early signs of skin disease, how to recognize them, and how to get rid of them before they become a more serious problem.

• You will not likely ever see whatever it was that caused the itching-scratching-chewing cycle in your dog. But there are many signs you can see that should alert you to the beginnings of a serious skin situation on your pet.

• Fleas. Grass fungus. Grass seed and pollen. Ants. Mosquitoes. Bees. Scabies and mange mites. Ticks. Slivers and spiny things.

•There are so many things that our furry friends can get into that we will never know about.

Check your dog carefully in and around the areas he's scratching.

• Whenever a dog scratches, his nails can open the protective barrier of the skin and allow an infection to take hold. Whatever the cause, this is the time to nip it in the bud. The most effective treatment is prevention, and early detection is the key. Here are some things you can do at home.

First, ask your dog's permission to check his underbelly. Turn him on his back and begin your inspection at the genitals and the area where the rear legs join the body. The skin here should be almost white, depending on the color of the dog overall. It should look clean and pure, maybe even very slightly pink.

• These look like tiny pinpricks or blackheads, but are flat or flush with the skin. This may even look just like dirty skin.

• This first appears in the groin area, usually near the genitals. If you see this, you've already got a problem.

There should be no red or rusty or black dots on the skin.

• Crustiness or flakiness on the rump area is an early sign of skin disease. Dogs, like people, do not have excessive flakes if their skin is healthy. Correcting this problem also reduces people's allergic responses to your dog's dander.• Look for any rash or red spot(s) or raw places. These are irritating to your pet and will likely get worse.

Does your dog have "dandruff"?

Watch for thinning of hair or bare spots.

• On the back, near the tail, thinning is usually accompanied by crusty flakes, and can remain hidden for a long time if the dog is not groomed regularly.

• If you see bare patches on your dog's sides, this could be a condition known as bilateral alopecia, and you should visit your vet right away.

Here are a few ideas about prevention:

• There is much debate about pyrethrins, garlic, Brewers yeast, diatomaceous earth, and more, many of which have been used safely for years, but every dog is different.

• We recommend that you read everything you can and make your best decision.

DERMAGIC

• We use certified organic aloe vera gel (not juice) from Lily of the Desert combined with Rosemary Essential Oil as a topical rub to get rid of fleas and keep them off. But there's no simple solution if you have a major infestation.

Hot Spots

• There's not much one can do to prevent this. Hot spots tend to spring up overnight, for a variety of reasons. It is essential to treat this immediately, before a bacterial infection sets in.

• Make sure the area stays dry, and that means you have to prevent your dog from licking the spot.

Mange, Scabies and Mites

• There are several varieties of mange, all caused by various types of mites. This condition can be difficult to diagnose, more difficult to treat, and can become terminal.

• The typical allopathic veterinary treatment is steroids to reduce inflammation, usually in the form of prednisone.

Allergies

• Remember that an allergy is a reaction to an allergen. To treat an allergy, the thing that is causing the allergic response must be removed from the dog's environment.

• The result of an allergic response is often a failure of the immune system to protect the dog from infection, whether bacterial, fungal or yeast, and any skin infection must be treated with a topical application that eliminates this infection.

“Natural”

• There are many natural products on the market, but beware! The "natural" label is not regulated and can mean just about anything.

• Look for products with certified organic ingredients, and avoid products containing harsh chemicals.

• Read the labels. Go on the internet and find out what the ingredients are, where they come from and what the side effects might be.

Vet TestedAnd approved!

Does your dog suffer from skin problems or allergies?

We can help.

• STOP ITCHING• PROMOTE RAPID HEALING• SPEED HAIR REGROWTH• FIGHT INFECTIONS• GENTLE AND EFFECTIVE

DERMagic All Natural Skin Care For Animals

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