Dog Grooming: The Dirt on Dog Fur

Soft and white. Red and curly. Smooth and brown. Your dog’s fur is its most distinctive feature. It’s the reason we love petting our dogs and it’s the attribute that makes them so darn cute.

But your dog’s coat is about more than just good looks. It protects her from the environment, microorganism and foreign objects. Fur also acts as insulation keeping her cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Dogs also use their coats to communicate. Ever seen the fur on a dog’s back stand up when it’s mad? That’s its fur talking!

So your dog’s coat serves a purpose, but it can also cause some problems. Fur gets pretty dirty because it traps dust and pollen that can cause allergic reactions for you – and your pet. Fleas and ticks take cover in fur. And let’s not forget the “s” word: shedding.

So, what’s the best way to keep your pet’s coat clean and healthy?  It depends on the type of coat.

Here are a couple of pointers on dog grooming based on common coat types.

Smooth, short coats:

  • Brush weekly with a rubber or bristle brush
  • Bathe as needed but at least every three months

Dense, short coat:

  • Brush weekly with a slicker brush to work out tangles and mats
  • Bathe as needed but at least every three months

Long, smooth coat:

  • Daily brushing with a slicker brush will keep the coat neat and tangle free
  • Some dogs will need regular, light trimming to maintain shape
  • Bathe as needed but at least every three months

    Dylan by Landon - Dog Grooming Flickr Photo

    Courtesy of Landon/Flickr

When it comes to bathing, you can let the pros handle it for a price or do it yourself. Summer time is ideal for outdoor doggy baths because it’s less messy. If you choose to bathe your dog in the tub, be sure to use a non-stick mat to keep your dog from slipping. Don’t use too much water (a few inches is enough) and rinse thoroughly avoiding the dog’s eyes, ears, and nose. Avoid using too warm of water as this can exacerbate any skin irritation your dog may have.

Which dog shampoo should you use?

Antiseptic, deodorizing, conditioning, antimicrobial – there are lots of great shampoos on the market. Choose the type that matches your pet’s needs or have your veterinarian recommend a shampoo.

We stock a wide range of shampoos for dogs. So order one up, grab your dog and just add water! Which dog grooming shampoo do you use? Let us all know by leaving a reply below. Thank you.

Happy bathing,

Wes

Seborrhea in Dogs

Courtesy of digital_image_fan / Flickr

Courtesy of digital_image_fan / Flickr

Let’s face it; dogs can stink from time to time. It can be caused by a pleasant dunk in the water, rolling around in a funky pile of leaves or a medical condition known as seborrhea. Caused by an overproduction of sebum, the oily exudation emits a scent every dog owner dreads. In other words, it is responsible for that rancid dog smell that sends people running for the hills.

Both forms of the disease, primary and secondary, produce flakes of dead skin as their most common symptom. These dandruff-like flakes can be either unctuous or dry, depending on the sebaceous glands. Shed from the hair follicles and the epidermis, the scales tend to stick to the hair or fur.

What causes seborrhea in dogs?

In most cases, an underlying medical issue is to blame. Common culprits include allergies, hormonal imbalances, parasites (fleas, ticks, and mites), infections (especially yeast infections), thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, dietary deficiencies, environmental factors, obesity, and fungal infections. In rare cases, testing may not reveal any underlying medical problem.

At-risk breeds

Because they have different types of fur and hair, some breeds are more likely to suffer from the disease than others. Irish Setters, English Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Basset Hounds, Chinese Shar-Pei, and West Highland White Terriers are just a few of the breeds that are at an elevated risk of primary seborrhea. Most affected animals develop dry or greasy skin flakes that get caught in the coat. For obvious reasons, oily flakes are more likely to stick to the hair or fur, making them harder to remove, and much smellier to boot.

Problem areas for all affected breeds include the hocks, elbows, front of the neck and chest, and the hair that borders the ears.  Seborrhea that is oilier can also accumulate in the ear canals, which can cause a painful condition called ceruminous otitis.

Treatment of Seborrhea in Dogs

Although incurable, primary seborrhea is treatable. Rinses and shampoos for dogs  are used to control scale formation, which varies based on the specific problem. For example, if a pooch has mild dry flaking, he will require a moisturizing shampoo or rinse that rehydrates the skins and keeps scaling in check. For more severe flaking, however, he may need a shampoo that contains salicylic acid or sulfur; the same ingredients that are in most dandruff shampoos for human beings.

For oily seborrhea, moisturizing is obviously not the intention. The shampoos and rinses that are used to treat the condition contain ingredients that dry out the hair follicles, such as benzoyl peroxide and coal tar. Both have proven remarkably effective at removing the greasy flakes that stick to hair shafts like glue.

Ask your pet’s veterinarian about Oxiderm Antiseborrheic Pet Shampoo to help you fight seborrhea on your dog.

One alternative to shampoo that is meant to specifically address seborrhea is  DOUXO Seborrhea Spot-on. It is intended to be focused on troubled areas rather than be applied from head to tail, and can limit inflammation and infection.

Secondary seborrhea in dogs.

As the name implies, the secondary version of the disease is triggered by another disorder. Diseases that are frequently linked to secondary seborrhea include demodectic mange, hypothyroidism, scabies, canine atopy, dermatitis, flea allergies, hormone disorders, and others.

Because the symptoms are similar, secondary seborrhea is treated the same way as primary seborrhea. The only difference is the symptoms usually disappear as soon as the underlying disorder is identified and treated. It is for this reason that veterinarians always look for the primary cause when they encounter a case of seborrhea. Every now and then, they are faced with a case of secondary seborrhea that does not have a primary cause. These patients suffer from idiopathic seborrhea, which means that the cause is unknown. When this occurs, the dog’s doctor must simply manage the symptoms of the disease.

Complications of Seborrhea in Dogs

The most common symptom of both secondary and primary seborrhea is severe itching, which can result in subsequent medical conditions that are more serious than the disease itself. In particular, skin infections and folliculitis can be caused by excessive scratching. The former might be treated with a course of antibiotics, while the later can often be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids; both of which control itching and swelling.  Dietary supplements that contain omega-3 essential fatty acids from fish oil may also have salubrious effects on the skin and may help alleviate some of the more serious secondary symptoms of seborrhea, such as skin infections and folliculitis.

Pet parents are encouraged to ask their dog’s veterinarian about omega-6 topical applications to help reduce the symptoms of seborrhea.

When to seek veterinary care for seborrhea in dogs.

Dogs scratch themselves for lots of reasons. They might have fleas, ticks, mites, or skin, environmental, or food allergies. This makes diagnosing the disease difficult for pet parents who trust home remedies. It is for this reason that dog lovers be acutely aware of the more specific symptoms of the disease.  What are they?

Unlike fleas and ticks and any other irritants that cause your animal to scratch at his skin, seborrhea produces flaky, dandruff-like skin that is either oily or dry and often has an offensive odor. So, if your dog smells and he has itchy, flaky, red skin, odds are seborrhea is to blame.

What Supplements are Available for Skin and Coat Health in Pets?

Fatty Acid Supplements for Dry Skin in Pets

Just as it is for us, skin is the single largest organ for both dogs and cats. As a result, it is subject to a whole host of problems, the most common of which is dermatitis.  Although all domesticated animals with feathers or fur scratch and lick every now and then, when the itching is nearly nonstop, the problem may be a diagnosable disorder.  There are many reasons why your furry friend is scratching incessantly. Fortunately, all of them are treatable.

Types of Dermatitis in Pets

Environmental, parasitic, infectious, and allergic reactions are quite common in pets, but may be difficult to diagnose, since there are many causal agents. The nutritional form of the disease, on the other hand, is typically much easier to treat. Often the result of cheap pet foods, these brands do not contain the protein, vitamins, and minerals your dog or cat needs with each meal. As a result, his coat may become dry and dull and hair loss may ensue. Dry, flaky skin is another common symptom.

Signs of Nutritional Dermatitis in Pets

As much as their owners may love them, millions of cats and dogs live their entire lives in discomfort because they consume low quality pet foods. Most of these economical brands are chock-full of unhealthy fillers and ingredients our pets literally cannot stomach.  In more extreme cases, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite inevitably ensue. But for the average cat or dog, itching and scratching are the most common symptoms of nutritional dermatitis.

Even after their pets exhibit the aforementioned symptoms, some owners are reluctant to switch their pet’s food. It isn’t because they don’t care. In most cases, they believe the labels on the cans, bags, and boxes describe nearly every food as “complete and nutritionally balanced.”

How to Fight Nutritional Dermatitis in Pets

Our cats and dogs are mainly meat eaters. So, when you feed them foods that contain corn, wheat, and soy, it’s no wonder they have trouble processing it.  Proper nutrition can and often does improve minor health issues, such as dry skin. It can also make a remarkable difference in comfort and quality of life. With that said, improved eating habits alone may not be enough to restore your pet’s coat and skin.  When combined with a healthy diet and prescription medications, supplements can help clear up most acute or chronic skin problems.

What are omega fatty acids for pets?

Americans have always adored panaceas. Hey, who wouldn’t   A single pill or nostrum that can solve all our problems…what could be better? Omega fatty acids are the latest catholicon pet owners have embraced with open arms.  A blend of acids derived from natural oils, they are said to support heart and skin health. But do they really work?

Although they may not be a cure-all, there is amble evidence to suggest fatty acid supplements are salubrious for both humans and their pets. When taken on a daily basis, they can be used to treat the itching and scratching often associated with dry and flaky skin.

Common Omega Fatty Acid Supplements for Pets

Omega 3-6-9Omega 3, 6, 9 for Dogs and Cats: Sold in soft gel capsules, this daily supplement provides all the healthy benefits of fatty acids in a single dose. Although it is formulated for management, Omega supplements can also help restore normal coat and skin health in pets that suffer from pruritis and seborreheic diseases and conditions.  This particular medication contains heavy doses of Vitamins A and E and other natural antioxidants, which have been proved to add moisture to dry skin.

Optima 365 GroupOptima 365: A dog or cat with dry or unhealthy skin will invariably have a dull, lackluster coat. Some pets even experience increased shedding because their skin is dry and flaky. A daily supplement can help correct these problems in short order. Most contain Omega fatty acids, which can produce real results in only a few weeks.

Sold in chewable tablets and liquid form, Optima 365 is an oral supplement for dogs and cats. Numerous laboratory tests have shown that it can significantly reduce shedding, particularly in aging dogs. Skin and coat health should improve soon after the supplement is administered.

essential fatty acid bath oilEssential Fatty Acids: A topical solution sold in spray form, this Essential Fatty Acids supplement contains omega fatty acids mixed with natural moisturizing factors. It is designed specifically to replenish the epidermal barrier in dogs and cats to restore proper moisture balance to skin immediately following medicated or routine shampooing.

Have you tried any of these products or any other omega fatty acid supplement with your pet. Let us know you experiences and suggestions in the comments section below. Thank you.