10 Surprising Skin Problems Your Dog Could Have

Most dogs scratch at some point in their lives, just like humans, but if you notice that your dog is going a bit nuts with the scratching or has dry, itchy skin or smells bad, there could be something more going on. Skin problems are quite common in dogs, unfortunately, but their causes might surprise you.

1. Yeast Infection. That`s right, dogs can get them, too. That unpleasant odor you`ve noticed on your pet could be due to small open sores (often caused by eczema) that have developed a yeast infection. The more open sores or raw skin your dog has, the more likely he is to get a yeast infection.

2. Immune Deficiency. Some dogs have compromised immune systems and this can let all sorts of problems take hold. These usually manifest themselves in the form of skin irritations, red itchy skin or even small pustules that break open when scratched.

3. Allergies. Even dogs suffer from allergies and this can cause the itching. Take note of any new scratching after switching foods or if your dog has been exposed to new substances, since this can indicate an allergy to something in the food or object.

4. Chemical Irritation. Most pet owners don`t realize that the shampoos and flea treatments they use can be full of irritating chemicals that cause skin problems in their sensitive and even non-sensitive pets. Many skin problems clear right back up after switching to organic products.

5. Malnutrition. Do you buy the cheapest food available? Then it`s possible that your pet isn`t getting all the nutrients he needs. When dogs suffer from malnutrition, they often develop skin problems and itching. This is easily remedied by providing a well-balanced food.

6. Boredom. All that scratching might not be related to anything medical at all. Some dogs simply scratch and bite at themselves because they are bored or lonely. Animals that are left alone for large portions of the day or that are closed up in a small space for long periods of time commonly suffer from this.

7. Staph Infection. Staphylococci is frequently the cause behind some nasty skin lesions that can result in reddened skin, boils and hair loss. The skin affected usually oozes and gets crusty, but this is a treatable condition, once it`s been identified.

8. Mites. Most pet owners assume their dog has fleas when they see their pet scratching away, but there are actually quite a few other parasites that cause itching, as well. Mites can be picked up from the grass, even and are so tiny that you`ll probably never even see them, but their bites and burrowing in the skin can cause severe itching.

9. Reaction to Medication. If your dog recently began taking medication for any condition at all, it`s possible that he is simply having a bad reaction to the medicine.  Talk to your vet to find out if this is a possibility.

10. Scabies. Due to lack of cleanliness, scabies is actually caused by mites, but those that live in filth. Chances are, if this is the issue, your dog isn`t being kept clean enough.

There can by a myriad of reasons as to why your dog is itchy. Fleas are the most often blamed culprit, but it could easily be the dog shampoo that is being used against the fleas that`s causing the problem. In some cases, the smelly, itchy skin is caused by an actual disease or a poor immune system, both of which need to be treated. Your dog doesn`t have to suffer, so if you notice the itching isn`t going away, be sure to take action.

Show Your Dog Who`s Boss: The Importance of Pecking Order

Dogs are creatures that enjoy traveling and hunting in packs. They always have an alpha dog, one who is the leader, and are very aware of the social order in the pack. In the domestic setting, your dog will be seeking his or her position in the "pack", or family. It`s very important that you be the alpha in this case and that your dog understand he is lowest in the pecking order.

Why Dogs Shouldn`t Be Dominant

If you allow your puppy to become dominant, you`ll have a real issue on your hands later on.  Dogs who take on the alpha role in the family tend to be more aggressive and try to do their own thing. It can rapidly disintegrate into a power struggle which usually ends up with the dog being confined or tied up and not spending much time with the humans.

Alpha dogs will tend to lay down the law in the household and it can be very unpleasant to live with. Most people who end up getting rid of their dogs have a dominance issue going on. Since the last thing you want to do is give up your cute little puppy, it`s important to start early with this training.

Becoming the Alpha Human

Being the dominant one means you need to assert your authority, but that doesn`t mean hitting or kicking your dog. You can gain respect by understanding just what your puppy`s behavior means and by imitating the behavior of an alpha animal.

Spend plenty of time with the puppy. Trust is a big part of being in charge and you need the puppy to trust you, something that will only happen if you are firm and loving. There are also some good exercises to do.

For very young puppies (up to 3 months of age), you can let them know you are in control by picking them up. Turn your puppy on his back and keep him there, gently, for about a minute. If the puppy offers resistance, just growl at him. Puppies tend to be very responsive to a low growl, even from a human.

Eye contact is very important when you are establishing your dominance. Staring your puppy down will let him know just who is in charge. It`s important to only do this with younger dogs or those who are already aware that you are the alpha, however. Don`t look away and try not to blink, since these are signs of submission and will let your puppy know that he is in charge.

Training your dog to follow your commands is also a good way to establish dominance. Let him know that only when he obeys will he receive treats and attention.

Getting Extra Help

It can be challenging to take on a puppy that is in the middle of his rebellious stage and you may find that it is too difficult to prove you are the alpha. If this is the case, consider taking your dog to obedience classes where you will be shown exactly how to go about dealing with those common defiant behaviors.

It`s a good idea to start nice and early with your puppy. Establish your dominance right from the start and chances are you`ll have very few problems, apart from the occasional test, for the remainder of your dog`s life. It`s the only way to ensure that your family and the puppy will get along just fine.

Keeping Your Pet Healthy

As a pet owner, you want your dog to be happy and healthy. Apart from the standard care, what can you do to ensure that your canine friend is in great health and lives a long, pleasant life?

1. Invest in good food. Even though the whole dog food subject is a completely new article. Without going into great detail-what you feed your pet is the most important factor in there health. If your looking to save money don’t do it with your pets food. If you research pet foods you will find that most are inadequate to say the least. Here is a good source for evaluating dog food www.dogaware.com

2. Provide fresh water. It`s pretty easy to forget this one, particularly if your dog tends to flip his water dish frequently. Get a wide-base bowl and keep it full of fresh water, since it`s just as important for animals to stay hydrated as it is for humans.

3. Keep him entertained. Bored dogs are more likely to chew on things they shouldn`t and ingest something that could cause problems later on, so keep your dog supplied with fun toys and bones to chew on and make sure he gets lots of exercise and attention. There are automatic toy dispensers that will provide your dog with a new toy every so often, keeping him busy if you are away for an extended amount of time.

4. Make regular visits to the vet. Your pet will be far healthier if you catch any potential problems early on. These trips can also keep your dog up to date on vaccinations and deworming, another important step in maintaining health.

5. Get lots of exercise. Just like humans, animals tend to get fat and lazy if they aren`t exercised enough. Get out and go for a walk with your dog, take him to the dog park for a run or just toss the ball for him in the back yard. Depending on the breed, you may need to do this for more than an hour a day. Smaller dogs need less exercise, of course.

6. Catch problems early. Most health problems are preventable if pet owners pay attention to the early signs. If your dog is scratching, suffering from eczema or has digestive issues, get help sooner, rather than later. This means less time for disease to spread. Grooming times are a great opportunity to look over your dog’s skin, coat, eyes and ears for anything that looks abnormal.

7. Keep him clean. Not just your dog, but his environment needs to be clean and hygienic. This means picking up poop, cleaning up spilled food and washing his bedding from time to time, on top of regular  baths for your canine pal. As  always I recommend using a natural dog shampoo on your furry friend.There is no need to use unnecessary chemicals on your dog.

8. Put dangerous toxins up high. Things like pesticides or human medicines should be kept locked up. Just think of it like baby proofing. Your dog could die from eating something you leave out, so take care and put all those cleaners in a safe place.

Every pet owner wants their pet to live a long life. A good start is to keep your pet happy and well-fed and make sure that any diseases or other health issues are treated right away. Your dog is important to you, so be sure to keep him healthy. You`ll be rewarded with a happy animal and one that will live a long life, keeping you company for years to come.

bark + bath

I may have touched upon this point in a previous post, but some points bear repeating, and this topic address a question I am often asked: Do you make essential oil products for cats?

In a word: "No." and here's why:
While dogs react similarly to humans with regards to essential oils (albeit in smaller doses), cats have unique bodies and livers that do not process things they come into contact with very quickly. Concentrated chemicals (including natural essential oils as well as artificial perfumes, cleaning products, and many other household products) which can be eliminated fairly quickly from a dog or human's body, can quickly overwhelm and poison a cat.

Care should be taken in cat households not to use perfumed products or products containing essential oils, as even inhalation can hurt a cat. Be especially cautious of using cleaning products that they will come into direct contact with (such as floor or upholstery cleaners).

Bathing Your Puppies: A Wonderful Bonding Experience

Before taking your dog to a groomer, consider what you are missing out on. Sure, the water everywhere and hair in the drain can be a pain, but when you bathe your furry friend, you are participating in a wonderful bonding experience for the two of you.

In addition to building trust, bathing your own dog (after six weeks of age) allows you to examine her body for anything out of the ordinary and prevent potential problems.

Keep your dog safe in the tub by using a non slip mat and having an extra pair of hands to stabilize your dog while bathing. Use a mild, low lather shampoo and faithfully avoid getting any water or shampoo in her eyes, nose or ears.

Rinse thoroughly, and then rinse again!

Be sure to give her a thorough brushing before and after  bath time .

What is Sebum and Why is it Important?

Sebum is oil secreted by glands in human and dog skin. This fatty oil provides moisture and protection to the skin, as well as preventing bacterial growth. Sebum also keeps skin and hair pliable and glossy.

When sebum is removed from your dog's skin and coat during shampooing (along with dirt), it can take time for her body to replace it. Shampoos made with detergents are especially drying.

Be sure to check your dog shampoo's that they do not contain harsh ingredients like detergents,that will strip your dogs fatty oil's from their skin and coat.None of our products contain ingredients that will strip your dogs sebum.We have added ingredients in our natural dog products that will moisturize your dogs skin and coat.

bark + bath

Natural Flea Control Requires a Committed, Holistic Approach

The most common question we have received this summer has been whether our Bark N Bath Natural Dog Products repel fleas and other insects. There is certainly a growing awareness of the potential side effects of chemical insecticides, and dog owners are increasingly searching for alternatives.

Certain essential oils have been shown to have insect repelling qualities, but the question of how high a concentration is needed to utilize these properties remains. At Bark N Bath, we have chosen to use essential oils that may posess these insect repelling qualities as well as being good for the dog's skin, but we use levels which are considered safe for dogs. These levels may be lower than those recommended by recent studies to repel fleas and other insects.

Consumers should be aware that "natural flea sprays" and other products may contain high levels of essential oils in order to be effective. Although these oils are naturally occurring, it is still possible to over expose your dog to them through continual use.

Our recommendation to dog owners searching for a truly effective natural flea control system is to talk to their holistic vet about the following factors:

Your dog's overall health. Your dog will be less likely to get a flea infestation if he is healthy and properly nourished.

Natural supplementation to your dog's diet. Many natural supplements can be added to your dog's food to aid in his natural ability to repel fleas and other insects.

Your dog's enviornment. Your home (inside and out) can be geared towards natural flea repelling by natural carpet powders, yard treatments, and more.

Your dog's grooming. (This is where we come in!) Your dog should be regularly brushed and bathed during the summer months. Soapy water will drown fleas, and regular brushings will help you spot a flea problem before it gets out of control. Regular grooming also keeps your dog's skin healthy and more able to "fend off" invaders. Finally, utilizing shampoos and grooming sprays made with certain essential oils could give you and your dog a slight edge over the fleas when used in place of artificially scented products.

There is no easy solution to flea control, so don't try to discard your topical flea treatments until you research and put into place a complete regimine of natural care with your vet.

 bark + bath

Blow Drying Is For The Dogs

For dogs who shed profusely, a blow-out after bathing can assist in the removal of dead hair and temporarily reduce the amount of hair found in your house (and clothes and car, etc.).

Professionals and do-it-yourself dog washes often provide low-temperature, high pressure dryers to aid in brush outs before and after bathing. Many dogs do not mind the air pressure, especially if it accompanied by a hand running massage-like through their coats. The noise can be too much for some, however.

Too much heat is not good for your dog's skin, one of the reasons a human hair dryer should probably not be used on a dog. The other reason is the requirement of holding onto the unit itself. Groomers and do-it-yourself dog washes should have a mounted unit that requires you to only hold onto the tube of the dryer, something you will appreciate when your dog squirms unexpectedly!

I have just had my first experience with a (non professional) home unit. It did not have as much pressure as the professional units, but the base sat on the ground and it had a long hose, enabling a good amount of reach and no worries about dropping the unit. Although It did seem to remove a good amount of hair from our company dog, .

bark + bath

Dog Bath Time: Is Tub or Shower Best?

Next time you prepare to bathe your dog, think "shower" instead of "bath". Standing in soapy water that gathers at the bottom of an undrained tub is not good for your dog's feet. It can dry them out and cause itching or irritation. If you are using a tub to contain your dog while bathing him, ensure it is a fully draining version.

 Also rinse your dog's paws off well at the end of bath time!

bark + bath

 Itchy Dogs – The Search for Relief

If you have an itchy dog, and your vet cannot help you identify an obvious cause, there are a few things that you should know.

Holistic (meaning whole) care indicates that the entirety of the animal is examined when there is a problem. That is, if they are itchy, don’t JUST look at what their skin is exposed to for an answer. Dogs are extremely sensitive, and need to be kept in a fairly “natural” environment.

After ruling out an allergy to inexpensive detergents used in their shampoo or laundry soap used on their bedding, look to rule out exposure to household cleaners, garden pesticides, or airborne chemicals such as artificial fragrance oils. Your dog’s home should be as free from artificial products as possible.

If relief can still not be found, examine your dog’s food. Many dogs have experienced relief from itching after switching to a higher quality, low allergen food, or to a raw food diet.

Dogs can also display itching if they are emotionally stressed. Ask your vet to recommend a local, certified practitioner before turning to immune suppressors or steroid treatments for your dog’s itch.

bark + bath