Dog Health Problems: Help Your Dog Have Healthy Skin
Posted: Wednesday, September 21, 2005
by Teri
DogDecor.com Dog Gifts and Supplies
The skin and coat of your dog are an important part of his overall health. As well as being protection from the outside elements, the skin and coat are also the first line of defense for your dog against bacteria and viruses. By paying attention to changes in skin and coat, you will be able to catch and treat illnesses before they become problems. You will be able to get pet meds in time to help your dog health problems. You will realize too when you need to improve the quality of the dog's diet, because his skin will be healthy when fed the best dog foods. Nutrition is extremely important to canine skin health.
Healthy skin should not be itchy or flaky. Healthy dog skin sustains the hair for a life cycle of around 44 days. This is shortened to as little as 30 days when the skin is not healthy. Thus, a dog that seems to be shedding more than usual might have unhealthy skin. Another consideration is the quantity of tangling and matting of the coat. It may seem to be only a cosmetic problem, but badly matted hair can cause dog health problems. It is likely to effect the dog's skin negatively. Canine skin, like all skin, needs to be able to breathe. Skin under severely tangled mats is often red and irritated. If you have a long-haired dog, it is very important to brush it regularly to prevent mats from forming. Treat the dog gently when brushing. Combing out tangles can be very uncomfortable for a dog. If the coat is badly matted, it should be clipped off. This is much less stressful than trying to comb out the matts.
How can I add nutrients to dog food recipes?
Brewers yeast is a nutritious substance that can be added to dog food, whether store bought or homemade. It is not the same thing as baker's yeast. Brewers yeast is a yellowish powdery by-product of the beer industry. It is rich with B-vitamins, protein, and trace minerals, such as chromium and selenium. Brewers yeast is reported to help improve the haircoat and skin of dogs with itchy dry skin. Nutritional yeast is a similar product. Dogs usually find these yeasts good tasting. Supplementing a dog's diet with brewers yeast has the added effect of providing a natural insect repellent. Garlic has the same effect. In addition, brewers yeast can be rubbed into the coat to help remove fleas. Another simple ingredient to add to dog food is ground eggshell which is rich in calcium and other nutrients. Try grinding them in liquid in the blender.
What are some ideas for homemade dog food recipes?
First, remember that any change in diet needs to be approached gradually. If you want to ease into homemade dog food, it should be safe, as long as you don't proceed too fast. Dogs need to eat a diet of 40 % protein foods (meat) and 30 % each starch and vegetable. Many experts sat to cook the meat first, but others suggest dogs are healthier on raw foods. Indeed, raw meat is closer to the diet of a dog's wild cousins. When choosing protein foods, don't overlook liver and other organ meats. They are extremely rich in iron and vitamins and dogs like the flavor. On top of that, they are often less expensive than other cuts of meat. Carrots are a good choice for the vegetable, while the starch can be a grain or pasta. Potatoes count as a starch and not a vegetable. Dried beans and other gas producing foods are not good to use in dog food recipes. To make sure the dog is getting enough nutrition, you can give him dog vitamins. In addition, you can add fish oil, such as cod liver oil, to the recipe.
What pet meds help dog skin?
Dogs need fatty acids in their diet in order to have healthy skin. Medicated shampoos are available, but if they are not right for the dog's particular problem, they may work to irritate the skin further. If a dog has red oozing spots, commonly called hot spots, there are some medications you can use. One home remedy is a tea bag compress, which will have a drying effect. Another good remedy for these spots is to spray them with Domeboro's solution, which is available at pharmacies. To control itching, try spreading a little Baby Orajel or similar toothache medicine on the hot spot.
Do dog allergies affect the skin?
Many dog skin problems are the results of allergies. Dogs can be allergic to pollen, chemicals, mold, or dust, just like people can. Dog allergies, however, tend to show themselves in itchy skin. In addition, some dogs are allergic to fleas so that even one flea can make them miserable. This condition is called FAD for Flea Allergy Dermatitis. Dogs with allergies especially need fatty acids in the diet. When fatty acids regularly supplement the diet, dogs are often able to get by on lower doses of medication for allergies or skin problems. Ingredients to look for in a fatty acid supplement are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. The Omega-3's come from fish oils, while the Omega-6's come from linoleaic acid. These fatty acids can help a dog's skin and coat improve even if it is already damaged. Nutrients, such as biotin, and fatty acids can be purchased in granule form which is easy to add to food or you can use capsules.
As you stroke and snuggle your dog, pay attention to the health of its coat and skin. When you see problems, take the time to add nutrients to it's dog food recipes or upgrade to the best dog foods. In extreme cases, your vet will prescribe pet meds such as Prednisone for dog allergies. Hopefully, though, the addition of some essential fatty acids will be all it takes to improve your dog's skin health.
Teri Fritts is the founder of DogDecor.com Dog Gifts and Supplies, an online shop featuring gifts, supplies, dog rescue information, articles and resources for dog lovers.
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