Say you have an annoying itch. What you’ll probably do is goto the nearest pharmacy and ask the pharmacist for the most powerful cortisone or antihistamine that their store carries. Then you apply that medication like there’s no tomorrow!

Having an excruciating back ache or a smashing headache is a nuisance but if you have a skin rash you feel very, very itchy and it’s like you’re in living hell and your nails aren’t doing justice to what you feel.

Now imagine the same unbearable skin rash, only this time, you cannot go to your favorite pharmacy and you cannot just tell a doctor to treat you up because you cannot speak. Sounds like a horrible scenario? Well, this is how your four-legged bundle of joy actually feels when he or she has a dog skin rash!

Causes

Dog skin rashes are very difficult to treat because you never know what causes them. So, really the best thing you can do for your beloved dog is to prevent the skin rashes from occurring. Here are some ways on how you can avoid this from happening:

1. The number one cause of dog skin rashes are external dog parasites such as ticks, fleas, lice and mites. To avoid these external parasites, do not let your dog play with strangers’ pets unless you are sure they are not infected. Always keep your furry friend’s house parasite free by cleaning it well and in case that parasites do attack, treat your dog with a tick and flea shampoo or cream.

2. Internal parasites can also cause dog skin rashes so to avoid intestinal parasites, make sure that both the water and food that your loyal dog takes in are clean.

3. Comb or brush the coat of your dog regularly especially if your pup has thick and long hair. Tangled hair can cause the skin to become irritated which can lead to scratching.

4. Find a shampoo that does not dry out your dog’s skin if you like to bathe your doggie regularly.

5. Buy quality dog food to energize your dog’s immune system. Commercial grade dog food is usually just filled with extenders that have no additional nutritional value unlike good dog food.

Solution

But a dog cannot avoid skin rashes forever. Even though you may be the most caring & attentive dog owner there is, your dog will still likely get a skin rash at some point of his/her dog life. So what do you do in times when your furry friend is scratching and gnawing at his or her skin like crazy?

1. First of all, give your dog a bath. Find a shampoo that is both medicinal and at the same time, anti tick and fleas.

2. Check the food that your dog eats. If you’ve just changed your dog’s food brand, and he or she seems to have acquired the habit of scratching, then you may need to buy your old brand back because the new one is making your poor pooch itch. Better yet, consider some of the natural diets. Type in “BARF diet” on the Internet and you’ll find a lot of great resources. Keep in mind that certain breeds are pre-disposed to certain allergies (I.e. Shih Tzus tend to be allergic to chicken). If, in any doubt, talk to a holistic minded veterinarian or nutritionist who can show you the proper meal plan.

3. Some dogs are itching because they are restless. Giving your dog enough exercise might just do the trick.

4. You may also consider purchasing products that specialize in treating dog skin rashes. There are a variety out there but one of the most effective ones I’ve ever seen contains the Mayan traditional herb Tepezcohuite. (In fact, I was so impressed with its natural abilities that I created an all-natural dog balm called K9 KlearUp around this compound – www.k9klearup.com. It’s guaranteed to help clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems).

There you go! Simple solutions to help your dog’s skin rash and avoid the treadmill of recurring symptoms. Your dog should be wagging his tail again in no time!

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Brandon Roe is the publisher of “The Official Dog Coat and Skin Care Guide”, a detailed guide to help your pooch’s skin stay beautiful and healthy. Get your copy now at http://www.k9klearup.com/guide .

Brandon also developed K9 KlearUp, the world’s only organic pet balm that helps clear up the 17 most common dog skin problems… Guaranteed or your money back.

Is this a familiar scenario?  Every where you go around the house your devoted dog is by your side.  He knows when you are preparing his meals, when someone is due home from work he’s at the window waiting, or just when you are relaxing, he is also.

When you begin getting ready to give him a bath, then suddenly you can’t find him.  He knows whats up and doesn’t like it.  Most dogs don’t enjoy their bath, but here are a few tips to reduce your dog’s anxiety.

WHEN

Use your judgment and common sense. If he is covered in muck and mud, or smells like something is rotten, then the time is now.

Basically a minimum of 3 or 4 baths a year for a clean, indoor apartment dwelling dog is sufficient. Obviously many more baths are needed for your outdoor, active or working dog.

Regular brushing helps with removing dead hair, distribute natural oils and removes dirt. This alone helps decrease the amount of dog baths necessary.   A good brush, appropriate for your dog’s size and fur type, will give you and your pet a special time of bonding, and he will be so ecstatic and much more appreciative of time spent together.  Dogs will always prefer this over a bath anytime

WHERE

Do not bathe your dog outdoors in cold winter climates.  Using the proper dog shampoo and tepid to warm water, bathe your dog in the utility tub, a small basin or your bath tub, depending on your dog’s size.

Don’t let a wet dog go out doors in cold, frosty or damp weather.  The dog must be completely dry, especially down to the undercoat, that some dogs have.

In the warm summer time I bathe my dogs outside and let the heat of the sun dry them. They can run and shake, and take a nice warm sun bath.

HOW

Make sure your dog’s coat is combed and all the mats and knots are removed.  These will only become more difficult to remove after they are wet.

Also, make sure that you have a calm environment for bath time.  You don’t want the kid’s fighting and crying, stress from yourself and a rushed, hurried attitude.  Most dogs don’t enjoy baths, but will tolerate them if you are relaxed and gentle.

Make sure if using the tub, that your have a non slip mat down so your dog feels secure.

I use a shower head and long hose that is just perfect so my labs can stand up and I am comfortable also. If you don’t have this, use a large pitcher (plastic) to wet and rinse with. Wash the face first with a wet cloth, without soap. Some people put cotton balls in the ears for protection, and if it makes you more comfortable, do so. Just don’t forget to take them out after.

When you are finished the bath, the inevitable shaking will begin.  If you are quick on the draw you can get a dry, clean towel over you dog to absorb some of the water before you get a bath also.   It is inevitable that your will get wet anyway.  Using old clean towels, that are used specifically for clean ups and your dogs messes, dry the fur as much as possible. Most dogs love the rub down after their bath much more than the actual bath.

Some dogs enjoy getting blown dried with a hair dryer or ceiling fan after their baths, but if you do this, make sure you use the warm setting, not hot.  To prevent a hot spot on your dog’s skin, you must keep the dryer moving at all times.

When you bring your puppy home, giving him a bath regularly when he is little will help make this just another routine in his life, rather than something that is scary. As most of us pet owners know, our dogs can feel our moods, so make it a relaxing as possible, so it doesn’t become a struggle and unpleasant event every time

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Understanding your dog’s behavior will increase the bond between you and your dog. Taking care of your dog, and giving him the best, whether it be the best nutrition, or the best medical care or the best emotional connection will make you and your pet both extremely content.
Check out my tips and dog information at: http://recipes4gourmetdogs.com

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From my point of view as a long time pet dog owner. I have a lot of research time and suggestions to help other dog owners learn to treat a dog for skin disorders. In my experience the most commonly found problem is itching, and usually starts in one general area on the dog. If your dog has an allergic reaction to something, it will cause a skin infection or irritate the skin. If open wounds or scabbing appears on the skin this is a perfect place for bacterial infection to manifest.

Allergies are a very common occurance in canines. Skin infections much like ear infections are a couple, of the most common issues affecting a dogs health. Skin problems normally present themselves in “hot spots”, sush areas as eyes, mouth, stomach, anis, and armpits.

How To Treat Dog For Skin Problems;

You could apply a solution made of Oxy-Drops to the area. To mix the solution use 1 teaspoon of oxy-drops to1 cup of distilled water. You may then want to get a blood test done by your vet to find out the exact cause of the infection or irritation. As mentioned earlier itchy skin is one of the most commonly found signs of a skin irritation in dogs.

On the flip side, a dog that is allergic to fleas may have a severe reaction that can cause very itchy skin. These conditions can cause a dog to chew and scratch the area and leave open wounds where a bacterial infection can start. If your dog is always chewing and digging at their skin causing open wounds and sores, try the following.

The use of a shampoo that contains eucalyptus and aloe vera can greatly reduce itchy areas on your dog’s skin, and help to heal the irritated areas. Diets with vitamins, minerals and fatty acids can help keep your canines skin clear, clean and healthy. Dogs have a different reaction to allergies than we do as humans, we have nasal problems, where as dogs have skin irritations.

An allergy to food can also be a cause for skin problems in dogs, and can cause sickness in dogs aswell. Thankfuly food allergies can be stopped by simply changing your dog’s slimming pills, so it is an easy fix. A hypoallergenic food would clear this problem up quickly.

Here are the five most likely causes of dog allergies: fleas, food allergies, atopy, bacteria, and contact allergies.

Sometimes flea medications can cause more problems then the fleas themselves. These problems may include skin infections, irritations, even seizures. As you can see there are a number of causes of skin problems in dogs, and many ways to treat a dog for skin problems so you should always consult your vet.

One of the most commonly overlooked causes of skin problems in dogs, is an allergic reaction to something in the food they are eating. Some commercialy made dog foods contain minerals and dyes, that can cause an allergic reaction, or even be very harmful to your dog’s body system.

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JK is an animal lover, and especially loves dogs. He specializes in dog health care, and takes great pride in writing information that can be of great use to dog owners everywhere. To find out if the food you are feeding your dog is harming, or killing them visit http://www.symptomdog.com

Like people, dogs are not exempt from allergies. Your cuddly and furry friend will seem to be irritated at almost anything when these allergies attack. Just as with humans, these allergies are very uncomfortable and will need an immediate remedy to have things under control. There are five most common types of allergy that your dog can have namely food, flea, bacteria, contact and inhalant allergy. Each type of allergy has a particular characteristic which your dog can exhibit as a result of the condition.

Food allergy happens when your dog becomes sensitive to a particular food. Depending on your dog, food like beef, chicken, fish, eggs, or grains can trigger an allergy attack. You can tell that your dog is suffering from food allergy when you see him scratching or licking a certain part of his body. Other symptoms can also include coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Because of the complexity involve in identifying the ingredient that triggered the allergy attack, it would be best if you cook special meals for your furry friend. Or you can try to give him food specially formulated for dogs found in your local grocery for the moment and check if the allergy symptoms disappear. When it does, you can slowly reintroduce food to your friend and identify the harmful ingredient that caused the allergy.

Inhalant allergy is another common type of allergy experienced by dogs. This allergy is often caused by environmental factors which your pet can inhale like molds, dust, pollen, or dust mites. You can tell if your pet is suffering from an inhalant allergy if he tends to lick or scratch a certain area of his body like the armpits or genital area. Because of this action, your pet will exhibit reddish-brown stains. One way to be sure that your pet is suffering from inhalant allergy is to visit your veterinarian and have him do an Intradermal Skin Testing. If indeed your pet is suffering from this condition, you can help him combat it by giving him baths using medicated shampoo and giving him allergy shots.

Fleas are pests which can cause allergies to your pet. The flea’s saliva is what causes the allergy and with constant scratching from your pet can result to sores, scabs, and hair loss. This allergy is pretty easy to identify because fleas can be seen by the human eye. It can also be easily remedied by giving your pet flea control products.

The presence of bacteria is another culprit to be blamed for your dog’s allergies. Your dog’s skin normally has bacteria living in it called the Staph bacteria and while most dogs do not get allergies from this, there are some that do and end up losing their hair due to scratching. The best way to combat this allergy is by giving your dog antibiotics.

The last type of dog allergy is known as contact allergy. This is the rarest form of allergy that can affect your pet. This allergy can develop due to contact with flea collars, pet sweaters or wool beddings. Usually, this allergy manifests itself through redness, itching, hair loss, and swelling. To remedy this allergy, you must identify the allergen and avoid making your pet have contact with it.

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These days, dog lovers can find dog beds at nearly any pet
store, online or offline. However, if you want to find a
high-class designer dog bed, you may need to head to an
exclusive online dog store or a brick-and-mortar pet
boutique.

Designer gear for dogs has grown into much more of
specialty over the last several years. Ever since
celebrities began bringing their tiny little dogs with them
wherever they went in those charming dog carriers, buying
top quality accessories for pets has become a widespread
phenomenon. People purchase dog carriers, dog clothing,
and designer leashes and collars. And, of course, people
purchase designer dog beds.

In fact, the designer dog bed industry has exploded into
its own specialty—there are some websites and stores
that sell nothing but different types of beds for pampered
pets.The variety available is rather unbelievable!

A regular, everyday dog bed—one that is shaped like a
pillow—can generally be purchased for less than $50.
Depending upon the size needed (which, of course, depends
upon the size of the dog) the price will vary. Add a
designer’s name to this very same bed, however, and the
price will double—at least.

That is not the only type of designer dog bed. These beds
come in just about any shape, size, and style
imaginable—and some that pet owners probably couldn’t
imagine.

Some designer dog beds are called ‘donut’ beds. These beds
have a solid bottom, albeit one that is extremely cushiony.
They also have a ringed edge, shaped like a donut, that is
just as cushiony as the bottom. Pets lucky enough to sleep
in these beds can relax in the center of the bed and rest
their weary heads on the ring of the donut.

There are also many styles of designer dog beds that are
shaped like miniature sofas. Dog owners can find styles
that match the décor of their homes. Various
fabrics, patterns, and styles of sofas are available from
which owners can choose.

Pampered pets can also sleep in designer dog beds that look
exactly like little beds. There are dog beds that have
headboards and footboards or ones without. These are ideal
to put in a bedroom for the dogs that like to sleep in the
room with their owners.

Specialty cushions are also available for several types of
designer dog beds. For dogs who are older or arthritic,
owners can purchase heated dog beds that heat up whenever
the dog lays down. Or, dogs in hot climates can be treated
to beds that contain cooling packs.

People who want to get the very best for their best friends
have loads of options—it may be difficult to choose!

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Joede writes about designer dog beds and vet recommended
dog supplies that you will find of
value.http://www.mammothoutlet.com auto insurance

You notice I am speaking in the past tense? Clever dog!! But that is because there seems to be a cure and it came from the lovely new vet who treated me after my ear was ripped in the pitbull attack. The vet noticed the bare patches on my legs and she prescribed an anti-histamine tablet called Periactin. I have been taking 4mg of this twice a day for a week, and yesterday Mum and Dad noticed that I had not been scratching!! I have not needed to wear a tee shirt, they have not had to stop me from itching and I can get on with the business of being a dog.

If your dog is having problems with itching, ask your vet to prescribe Periactin for him and see if it works for you.