Apr 11, 2021 | Allergies, Beagle, Dogs, Pet Basics 101, Skin & Coat
Beagle Skin health
Beagles are happy, energetic, compassionate and loving dogs and most families would love to have a beagle as a pet. And like other dog breeds, beagles also have health problems-they are predisposed to certain diseases. One of the health issues of beagles is that they are prone to skin infections/problems.
What are the common skin diseases of beagles?
As with other dog breeds, skin problems in beagles can be caused by numerous agents including infectious agents (bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites), external irritants, allergens and trauma (burns, radiation).
Bacterial dermatitis (pyoderma)
Bacteria that can cause skin infections include Staphylococcus intermedius (most common causative agent), normal resident bacteria of the skin (Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp.), Pseudomonas sp., and E.coli.
Areas such as lip folds, facial folds, neck folds, axillary areas, dorsal or plantar interdigital areas, vulvar areas, and tail folds are especially prone to bacterial pyoderma because the warm and moist conditions in these areas allow the bacteria to overgrow and colonize the skin surface.
Dermatophytosis
Dermatophytes (Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes) are the common fungal agents that cause skin problems in dogs. In dogs that have dermatophytosis, the affected area(s) are alopecic, scaly patches with broken hairs. Papules and pustules can also form in the affected area.
Mange and external parasites (fleas and ticks)
Mange mites (Demodex sp. and Sarcoptes scabei) can also cause hair loss and dermatitis. Fleas and ticks can also trigger dermatitis. A condition called flea allergy dermatitis is common in dogs and flea bites cause severe irritation and dogs may develop hypersensitivity to the flea saliva (which is injected during feeding/biting).
Allergy (Atopic dermatitis)
Allergens in the environment can trigger an allergic reaction which is mostly observed in the skin (allergic inhalant dermatitis or atopy). Allergic inhalant dermatitis is a very common allergy in dogs with ~10% of the canine population suffering from the condition. The most frequently affected areas include the feet, face, ears, axillae, and abdomen.
Food allergy is also a common type of atopy in dogs. Foods that most frequently cause allergies to dogs include beef, chicken, corn, wheat, soy, and milk.
Other causes of skin problems
Nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, excessive estrogen production or administration can also result in skin problems (often seen as hair loss).
How do I know my beagle has skin disease?
Generally, problems in the skin are manifested as:
- Itching and scratching
- Inflammation of the skin (dermatitis)- seen as reddening of the skin (erythema), scaling, pustules
- Scratching
- Loss of hair
- Licking
How are skin diseases diagnosed?
With skin problems, the vet will need to make a thorough examination of the dog (type of lesions, location/affected area(s)) and know the dermatologic history. The vet may also need to perform tests to help him with the diagnosis such as Wood’s lamp examination (dermatophytosis), fungal culture, allergy investigations (dietary tests, patch testing, and intradermal testing), skin scrapings, combing of hair coat for fleas or lies, and biopsy. In some cases, the skin infection or itching may be idiopathic after all diagnostic tests have been performed. In cases of idiopathic skin diseases, corticosteroids or antihistamines and essential fatty acids can be given.
What is the treatment for skin problems?
To effectively treat skin infections require that the underlying cause should be determined. Bacterial pyoderma is treated by oral antibiotics (given for 21-30 days; longer duration of treatment for chronic cases).Dermatophytosis is treated by giving the dog antifungals such as Itraconazole, fluconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole, and griseofulvin. Insecticides can be given if there are fleas and ticks. So look at the best fleas and tricks products.
What Beagles eat plays a big role in their skin health. Switching to a hypoallergenic or hydrolyzed diet (where proteins are broken down for easy digestion) can reduce allergic reactions. Beagle skin has helpful bacteria that keep it healthy. When these bacteria are out of balance, skin issues like redness and itching can happen. Using special shampoos or probiotics may help restore balance and improve skin health.
Until the underlying cause is determined, topical and systemic therapy may be given. Cleansing and antiparasitic shampoos are available and can be used for routine cleansing (remove dirt, excess oil from the hair coat). Medicated shampoos that contain chlorhexidine and benzoyl peroxide are widely used for their antibacterial property. Antiseborrheic shampoos contain tar, sulphur and salicylic acid and they can be used for seborrheic dermatitis. In the case of antifungal shampoo, they have not been shown to shorten the course of infection and are best avoided.
Adding omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, or zinc supplements to their diet helps soothe inflammation and improve skin repair. Always ask your vet before starting new supplements.
What can I do to help keep my beagle’s skin healthy?
Feed your dog a complete and balanced diet that will meet his nutritional needs.
Whether your beagle is a puppy or an adult, make sure that he is getting the right amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Dogs also require linoleic acid, an unsaturated essential fatty acid that is important for coat and skin health, found in corn, safflower, sunflower and soy oil.
Regular grooming
Brush your dog’s coat at least once a week and bathe your dog for 1-2 times per week. Brushing the haircoat will not only provide the bonding you need with your pet but it will also help massage the skin and release natural skin oils. Regular brushing will also give you the time to check for presence of ticks, fleas or other skin and haircoat problems.
Regular check-up
Bring your dog to the vet regularly to have him checked for skin parasites or early signs of skin and hair coat problems. Skin problems can be caused by an underlying disease condition and it will help your dog a lot if the disease is diagnosed and treated early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Beagle skin allergies?
Beagle skin allergies are often caused by food allergens like chicken or beef, environmental triggers like pollen or dust mites, and flea bites. Contact with harsh shampoos or cleaning agents can also irritate their skin.
How do you treat Beagle dermatitis?
The treatment depends on the cause. Flea allergies need flea treatments, food allergies require diet changes, and infections may need medication. Vet-recommended soothing shampoos can help calm irritation.
What are common symptoms of skin problems in Beagles?
Beagles with skin issues may scratch or lick excessively, develop red patches, lose hair, or have flaky skin. If these symptoms appear, consult your vet.
Are there home remedies for Beagle skin problems?
Home remedies like oatmeal baths or coconut oil can soothe the skin, and diets with omega-3 fatty acids promote skin health. However, a vet should address the main problem for lasting relief.
Source by Richard Kitchen
Apr 8, 2021 | Allergies, Dogs, Papillons, Pet Basics 101, Skin & Coat
The papillons, also known as butterfly dogs get their distinct butterfly wing-looking ears with fringed hair. They are delicate, quirky-looking dogs with abundant, silky flowing coats. They do not have an undercoat and their hair is quite long. Although they are not as sensitive as other toy dogs when it comes to papillon allergies, papillons can still suffer from it and even cause it to their owners. Are papillons hypoallergenic? Owners should always be on the lookout for any allergic symptoms their pets may exhibit.
Are papillons hypoallergenic?
Papillon dog allergies are not considered hypoallergenic dogs. They have a single coat but still shed lightly throughout the year. Their shedding and dander can trigger papillon allergies in sensitive individuals. While they produce less dander compared to heavy shedders, they are not a safe choice for people with severe dog allergies. Regular brushing can help control shedding, and frequent cleaning can minimize allergens in the home. If you have allergies, it’s best to spend time with a Papillon first to see how you react before bringing one home.
Common Allergy Symptoms in Papillons
Symptoms that your papillon is having an allergic reaction could include excessive scratching, itching and licking of the ears, muzzle, paws or other parts of the body. Other symptoms could also include hair loss, recurring ear infections as well as changes in bowel movements. A pap experiencing an allergic reaction could also salivate and start licking his body, orange or red tinged hair is a sure sign of papillon allergies. Difficulty breathing is a symptom mostly experienced by humans rather than dogs.
Causes of Allergies in Papillons
Papillon dog allergies do not always begin from birth some papillons get them even well into maturity. Allergic reactions can come from food, parasites, insects, molds, pollen, changes in the weather, rage weed and fall seasons. Knowing what your dog is allergic to does not have to be a trial and error experience, just like with humans there is a test available to determine elements or food that dogs can be allergic to. Knowing is winning half the battle by helping papillons avoid such allergens. There are a few basic allergens that dogs can be susceptible to, these inlcude;
Flea and Bacterial Allergies
This is most common especially to hairy dogs. Papillon dog allergies can suffer from extreme itching on the bite area, causing redness, hair loss and sometimes even sores. The flea is actually not as dangerous as its saliva which passes through your pet and causes the allergic reaction. Flea bites are harmful to both dogs and humans an can be addressed by proper grooming, cleaning and a medicated shampoo if necessary. Garlic added to the dogs food is known to repel fleas and other bugs. You can also spray vinegar water on the dogs’ outdoor living space to get rid of the bugs. Bacteria can also affect dogs, normally it would also cause severe itching and lesions, this could be a Staph infection; if this is the case immediate medical attention is needed for both dog and owner.
Inhalants
Are papillons hypoallergenic? Well, these are also called atopy or hypersensitivity allergens in the environment. Symptoms would include scratching, itching and salivating that cause orange or reddish fur, This would include those that can be inhaled, it may come as a surprise for new dog owners, but they can be allergic to pollen too. Other inhalants include cigarette smoke, molds, mildew, dust, and dust mites. This is usually treated with antibiotics, shampoos and antihistamines. Hypersensitation or exposing your pet to the allergen little by little to get the papillons immune system going is often used as the last resort.
Food Allergies
This type of allergy is often easy to spot, and it can cause an immediate reaction. Food allergy can be differentiated from intolerance judging by the symptoms. Intolerance often causes diarrhea or an upset stomach while papillon allergies can show similar symptoms as atopy. Dogs can often be allergic to specific foods such as beef, dairy, eggs, chicken, lamb and fish.
With allergies, prevention is always better than the cure and it is important to know what your pap is allergic to. Although papillons are generally healthy dogs, they are fragile and severe allergic reactions can be fatal to them.
Can Papillons Trigger Allergies in People?
Yes, papillon dog allergies can cause allergies in humans. While they’re not as sensitive as some other small dog breeds, they can still trigger allergic reactions in their owners. People who are allergic to dogs may experience symptoms like sneezing, itching, or watery eyes when around Papillons.
Specific Allergens Papillons May React To
Papillons, like many dogs, can develop allergies to various things. Common allergens include:
- Pollen: Grass, trees, and flowers can trigger seasonal papillon allergies.
- Dust and Dust Mites: These are found in carpets, furniture, and bedding.
- Mold: Damp areas in the home can lead to mold growth, which some dogs are allergic to.
- Fleas: Flea bites can cause itchy skin and irritation.
- Certain Foods: Ingredients like chicken, beef, wheat, or soy might cause reactions.
- Cleaning Products: Harsh chemicals used in cleaning may irritate their skin or nose.
DIY Remedies and Preventative Care for Allergic Reactions
If your dogs have papillon allergies, here are simple things you can try at home:
- Regular Baths: Use hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoos to soothe their skin.
- Clean Their Living Area: Wash their bedding often and vacuum regularly to reduce dust and pollen.
- Wipe Them Down: After outdoor walks, use a damp cloth to wipe their paws and fur to remove pollen or grass.
- Control Fleas: Use vet-approved flea prevention treatments.
- Adjust Their Diet: If you suspect a food allergy, try switching to a grain-free or limited-ingredient diet (with your vet’s advice).
- Use Air Purifiers: These can help reduce allergens like dust and pollen in your home.
- Coconut Oil: Adding a small amount to their diet may improve skin health and reduce itching (consult your vet).
How to Avoid Papillon Allergies in Texas
- Keep them indoors during peak pollen seasons.
- Bathe regularly to wash off dust and allergens.
- Use flea and tick prevention treatments.
- Consider an air purifier to fight mold and dust.
- Limit outdoor exposure on super hot days.
Do Papillons shed?
Yes, Papillons shed, but not excessively. They have a fine, single-layer coat that sheds lightly throughout the year. Regular brushing can help manage the shedding and keep their coat healthy.
What makes a dog hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic dogs produce less dander and shed less fur, which reduces allergens in the air. However, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, as all dogs produce some dander and saliva, which can trigger allergies.
Are Papillons good for people with allergies?
Papillons are not hypoallergenic and may not be the best choice for severe allergy sufferers. They produce some dander and shed lightly. Spending time with a Papillon before adoption can help you see if they trigger your allergies.
Can Papillons develop allergies?
Yes, Papillons can have allergies. They may react to pollen, dust, mold, fleas, or certain foods. Allergies can show up as itching, redness, or sneezing.
How can I reduce allergy symptoms in my Papillon?
Regular grooming, a healthy diet, and keeping their environment clean can help. For persistent allergies, consult a vet for appropriate treatments or tests.
Source by Lea Mullins
Apr 5, 2021 | Dogs, Pet Pests, Pugs, Ticks
The beginning of spring marks the time when Pug owners everywhere should be ready to protect their dogs from ticks.
Known scientifically as “Rhipicephalus Sanquineus”, these blood-sucking bugs can carry disease as well as cause discomfort in our Pug dogs. In fact, ticks can infect humans with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, cause paralysis, and can even kill our precious Pugs.
Quite simply, ticks are parasites that live on the blood of their victims. Ticks have been blamed for causing the spread of disease among both people and dogs. They were shown to be behind the famous mass deaths of military dogs during the Vietnam War.
Although it’s really true that a bug is a bug, it’s also true that there is some variety in the specific kinds of ticks such as the brown tick, the wood tick, the black tick and several more. One of the things in common is the fact that all ticks are very resistant to typical insect poisons, and this makes them very hard to control.
This can really gross people out, but it’s absolutely true that a female tick can produce several thousand eggs – yuck! They usually lay their eggs under the carpet, in a little whole in the baseboard, or some other dark and out-of-the-way place. Ticks lay their eggs in a safe place but never on the body of their victim. Once the eggs hatch after a month or so, they turn into larvae. Tick larvae seek out their first host, where they’ll suck down some blood and then detach to go find a place to hide out.
A few weeks later, the tick larvae transform themselves into nymphs, which are sort of like teenagers. These nymphs looks for another host to grab some more blood, then fall off to rest again. Then, after another few weeks, the nymph transforms into an adult tick. Of course, now the adult tick is ready to seek out another host like a Pug, where it will fill up on blood and mate.
Adult ticks can live for up to 2 years without eating…which is really bad news for Pug dog owners, as this means you can have ticks lurking in ambush.
A tick outside will look for a hunting ground, which means getting up into some low-hanging branches or into a pile of leaves. This becomes the launching pad for the tick when an unsuspecting Pug dog comes along for a potty break or just running by in play. The tick will literally launch itself and jump up to several feet to land onto its victim.
Once in your home, ticks will emerge from beneath rugs and carpeting, climb walls, table and chairs, and even up as high as wall pictures, to await the passing of a Pug. They may even have to wait up to six months, but a tick can instantly sense the approach of a Pug and jump on it as it passes.
Source by Michelle Arthur
Apr 2, 2021 | Allergies, Dogs, Skin & Coat
Itch, itch, scratch, scratch… thump-thump-thump… I honestly don’t know who whines more when our dogs have itchy skin problems, us or them!
As a professional animal communicator and master healer, I am often asked to work with dogs with skin condition problems. This can be a complicated tangled knot to unravel, fraught with a complexity of contributing causes.
Usually your vet will offer steroids to suppress the allergic reaction, antibiotics, and expensive medicated shampoos. All that does is suppress the symptoms for a little while and does nothing to resolve the source of the problem.
In the long term, your dog will suffer from a recurrent itchy skin problem which may be worse over time, developing hot spots and oozing sores. They will also suffer from the many debilitating side effects from the steroids themselves, which can shorten their lfie. AND, your dog may actually be allergic to the medicated shampoo!
What’s a caring, loving responsible dog parent to do?
Allergies are a symptom of a body experiencing toxic overload and systemic overwhelm. There are better ways to approach the problem. Here are the top 12 causes of itchy skin problems:
- Thyroid and hormone imbalance, including over active adrenals from stress. This can also come from spaying and neutering creating a sudden and dramatic effect like forced menopause…
- Food allergies including an allergy to rice, wheat, soy, corn, dairy, and nightshade plants like potatoes, tomatoes and peppers
- Poor quality polluted water, especially tap water or water that is bottled in plastic which has carcinogens like benzene in it…
- Heavy metals or other hidden contaminants in your dog’s food and environment…
- Environmental allergens like hay, pollen, grasses, weeds, contact with toxic plants…
- Chemical preservatives in the food, in the cans themselves or the packaging, bedding, shampoos, toys…
- Pesticides, both used orally and in the environment
- Wormers which are poisons that affect the liver and kidneys
- Antibiotics which have destroyed the intestinal balance of probiotics and enzymes
- Flea allergies, along with all the topical flea/tick treatments
- Parasites like pinworms, tapeworms, roundworms and the like which thrive in a polluted, toxic body
All of those things must be taken into account and addressed. However, the number 1 cause of skin problems that few vets will tell you about is this:
12. Vaccinations with their many side effects. Over vaccinating your dog can cause a great deal of chronic long term problems including auto-immune disorders and degenerative disorders, like joint pain and arthritis, diabetes, cancer and digestive problems.
So what can you do about it?
1. Go homemade – food, that is. No more commercial pet foods. Try feeding your dog a bionutritionally sound diet that includes organic steamed vegetables including garlic in a bit of broth (low sodium is ok), natural raw or lightly cooked chicken or turkey or lamb, a good quality grain, and add in the right supplements like vitamins B, C and E, and full spectrum trace minerals like zinc and selenium. Be sure to include a high quality fat like extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil which are all necessary for good health as well as happy skin and shiny coats.
2. Rebuild their digestive system. If they aren’t allergic to dairy, offer yogurt or cottage cheese, and/or add probiotics and enzymes to help them digest it.
3. Clean water only. Purify their water with reverse osmosis or another type of quality filter.
4. Use natural flea, tick, mosquito and parasite prevention.You can use an essential oils formula like Cedarcide, mulch your yard with cedar mulch, or try using The ShooTag which are all viable non-toxic alternatives to flea preventions and oral wormers. Beneficial nematodes will clear your yard of fleas and their eggs. There are also herbal remedies for parasites. Remember that if your baby can’t touch it, then it can’t be good for your dog either.
5. Soothe the itch naturally. Aloe vera gel and coconut oil can help soothe the itch, as can many homeopathic remedies, including rhus tox, pulsatilla, arsenicum, apis, nux vomica, belladonna and mercurius vivus. See a professional’s assistance to determine the right remedies for your dog.
6. Vaccinosis Homeopathic Protocol. No more vaccinations while your dog is ill, or you will make the problem worse because you should never vaccinate a dog who isn’t well. There are ways to calm the inflammation using homeopathic medicine. Again, contact me or see a professional for assistance in determining the right protocol for your dog.
The good news is this: Not only will your dog start feeling better soon, but you will too. Because what’s good for your dog, is also good for you.
Source by Val Heart
Apr 2, 2021 | Cats, Pet Pests
Parasites are organisms that survive by feeding off of other creatures. Among cats, parasites generally feed on the animal’s blood. Detecting internal parasites can be difficult, but a close inspection of skin and fur is usually all that is needed to uncover traces of external parasites such as ear mites and fleas. There are many types of worms that are internal parasites to cats. If you see small, rice like debris around your cat’s anus or in her bedding, take her to your veterinarian. He will need to run simple tests to identify what type of worm is present so that he can prescribe the proper medication to eliminate the parasite.
Coccidia are microscopic parasites. They live in cells within the lining of the intestines. The most common symptom is diarrhea. Left untreated, the animal becomes extremely weak and dehydrated. Fortunately coccidiosis is treatable. Drugs such as sulfadimethoxine (Albon) and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (Tribrissen) are effective in the treatment and prevention of coccidia. However, these drugs do not kill the parasites, but rather inhibit reproduction – elimination of coccidia from the intestine is slow.
Ear mites take up residence in a cat’s ear canals. As they feed, they cause intense itching. A cat suffering from an infestation of ear mites scratches behind her ears often and is seen violently shaking her head on a regular basis. If you look inside her ears, you will see dark flecks that resemble coffee grounds – these are the mites’ droppings. If you suspect ear mites, contact your veterinarian.
There are several effective treatments for ear mites, such as Fipronil (Frontline) and Selamectin (Revolution). Ear mites are easily treated with eardrops, but are very contagious to other cats. If you have a multi-cat household, isolate the infected cat as soon as possible. Ear mites are not transmitted from cats to humans.
Ringworm is not a true worm, rather the name for a type of fungus, related to the fungus that causes athlete’s foot in humans. It usually causes no discomfort, but is highly contagious to other cats and humans. If left untreated it weakens the immune system and leaves your cat vulnerable to other, more serious diseases.
Fleas are perhaps the most infamous pet parasite. Although they eat no more than a drop of blood each, a flea infestation can cause anemia in adult cats and death in kittens. In addition to literally sucking the life from your cat, fleas often transmit tapeworms, as serious internal parasite. Just a few fleas can cause great discomfort to your cat, especially if she is one of the many animals allergic to fleabites. The best way to conquer a flea invasion is to prevent it in the first place.
Daily grooming, especially if you allow your cat outdoors will help you keep one step ahead of the flea hordes. As you flea-comb your cat, dip the comb into a container of soapy water to kill the fleas. The soap film coats and suffocates the fleas.
Ask your veterinarian about preventative flea medications. These are given to your cat orally. The chemical they contain is harmless to your cat, but makes fleas sterile. It is absorbed into your cat’s blood, so when a flea bites her it cannot reproduce.
If your cat has had fleas in the past, it is very likely that you have flea eggs and larvae in your carpet and upholstery. Your veterinarian can suggest a “flea bomb” based on how bad the infestation is. It is important to follow the package instructions carefully and repeat treatment as directed in order to make sure all the generations are eliminated.
Source by Niall Kennedy
