The skin is the largest single organ of the body. When you dog’s skin is irritated you both suffer. Itching, chewing and shedding are the three major complaints made by dog owners to their groomers and veterinarians.

Common Symptoms that something is amiss.

1. Itching

2. Chewing

3. Dandruff

4. Smelly discolored skin

5. Recurrent ear infections

6. Hot spots

Having seen all of the above symptoms doggedly, I would first check for a flea allergy or just plain fleas!

The second ailment that comes to mind is hypothyroidism. This is (basically) when the thyroid gland doesn’t secrete enough hormones to control the metabolic rate. Other symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, darkening of the skin or scaly skin. Ear infections too. A trip to the vet is required here! This will cost you a blood test. Once you know what you are up against there are gentle shampoos, skin-conditioning sprays that help to topically make your dog feel better.

Some dogs have the look of a systemic yeast infection. The have chewed their feet and the base of their tail. The ears will reek and you can see a yellow crust cropping up not only in the ears but also between the toes and sometimes anywhere the skin flaps over itself.

Usually diet is a culprit. Yeast, fungus and bacteria are normal critters that live in the body. There is no single factor to blame for an upset in the balance between good bacteria and bad. Poor nutrition from cheapo dog food could be a factor as well as repeated use of antibiotics.

What to do? Once again hit up the vet. For immediate relief I use a medicated shampoo made just for dogs. A soothing, warm bath with aloe, oatmeal or tea tree oil does wonders. While ion the tub, message your dog from heat to tail, giving the shampoo’s ingredients time to soak in and heal the skin. I recommend an all-natural rinse of baking soda and water or apple cedar vinegar and water. One teaspoon per gallon of warm water poured over the dog and pat dry.

There is nothing worse than going in for a belly rub you notice that your dog has fleas! The best way to attack is on all fronts. A flea shampoo followed by a flea dip is a good start. You must treat the house- the whole house. A female flea drops 20 to 30 thousand eggs at a clip. And I do mean drop. They drop off everywhere the dog goes and hatch on every surface. That includes tile and hard wood. If you do not bomb every inch of your house, you will be doomed. Keep using your Frontline regularly- right through the winter. The inside of your house, on your dog’s body is the perfect place for vacationing flea families! And remember, fleas can hang out for three months with out eating so don’t skip the frontline.

I have many different products to treat the outside of your dogs’ skin. It is always good to treat the inside as well. A teaspoon of apple cedar vinegar in his freshened water every day can help as well as offering him a spoonful of plain yogurt. Those live cultures do wonders for the digestive tract. Avoid dog food with the words “by- products” which mean beaks, feet and feathers. Check your label for dyes too.

There are many ways to help your dogs’ ailing skin. If you find yourself lifting your dogs ear and saying “eeeewwww!’ than call your local groomer or give me a call anytime! Aimee at Aimee’s’ Hair of the Dog

203-458-7946

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