[Wasagdu] [seeing-eye] Information on dry skin and paw problems.

[Debby Phillips]

Hi all, I think this article is timely, being spring.   Debby

 ---- Original Message ------
From: "Charles Crawford" <CCrawford at RCN.com
Subject: [seeing-eye] Information on dry skin and paw problems.
Date sent: Sun, 13 Mar 2016 16:10:15 -0400

Hi Everybody,



Here is an article that I read in a newsletter I receive from the 
Sunset
Eastern Animal Hospital in Las Vegas.  I think it may be of 
assistance to
folks with dogs who scratch a whole lot, or have other skin or 
paw related
problems.



Enjoy and happy times to all the pups,



Charlie Crawford and my little Razen in the sun.



Text of article...



Animal Dermatology: Caring for Your Pet's Skin









      How to Treat Dry, Scaly Paws



      Dry, scaly paws are just as uncomfortable as dry, flaky 
hands.
Luckily,

      there are a few things you can do to keep your pet's paws 
in good

      condition.



      Wash Paws After a Trip Outdoors



      Since pets do not wear shoes, they pick up all sorts of 
things on
their

      feet.  During the winter, walking through rock salt can be 
particularly


      damaging to paws, while lawn chemicals can cause irritation 
during the


      warmer months.  Wash your pet's paws thoroughly after every 
trip
outdoors

      to remove salt and other irritating substances.



      Moisturize Dry Paws



      Apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to your pet's paws to 
restore

      moisture.  Rub the jelly in thoroughly to avoid greasy 
spots throughout


      your home.



      Visit Your Vet



      If home remedies don't relieve dry, scaly skin, take your 
pet to the

      veterinarian.  Scaly skin on a dog's toes can be caused by 
a yeast

      infection, which can only be diagnosed by examining a small 
sample of
your

      pet's skin under a microscope.  If your pet has a yeast 
infection, your
vet

      may recommend bathing him with chlorhexidine, benzoyl 
peroxide or
sulfur

      shampoos and may prescribe an anti-fungal cream that's 
applied to the
paws

      and skin.





Irritated, itchy or inflamed skin is just as uncomfortable for 
your pets as
it

is for you.  Although you can complain about the problem, the 
only way your
pets

can let you know that they are suffering is by licking or 
scratching their
fur.

If your pet suffers from irritated skin, try the following 
suggestions.



Buy a Humidifier



During the winter, there is less humidity in the air, which means 
skin tends
to

become dry and itchy.  If your cat or dog scratches more often 
when the
weather

turns colder, or you notice dandruff flakes, dry air may be the 
culprit.
Adding

a humidifier to your home can increase the moisture level in your 
home and
make

both you and your pet more comfortable.



Change Your Pet's Diet



Itchy, flaky, red skin may be a sign that your pet is not eating 
a balanced

diet.  Since your pet's nutritional needs may change as he or she 
ages, you
may

occasionally need to change the type of food he or she eats.  
Look for foods
that

contain ingredients that are good for the skin, such as omega-3 
or omega-6
fatty

acids.  Not sure which food is best? Ask your veterinarian for a 
few

recommendations.



Use Soothing Shampoos



Shampoos that contain harsh chemicals tend to dry skin, which 
only worsens

itching and irritation.  Combat the problem by using a 
moisturizing shampoo
when

you bathe your pet.  During the winter months, cut back on 
bathing.  Bathing
your

pet too frequently removes natural oils that keep skin soft.



Make Brushing a Daily Habit



If you are like many people you brush your pet when you remember, 
but do not


make it a regular habit.  In addition to helping your pet look 
well groomed,

brushing also helps distribute oils through your pet's skin which 
prevents

dryness.



Skip the Chemicals



You may not spend much time sprawled out on your kitchen or 
bedroom floor,
but

your pet probably does.  Strong chemicals in floor cleaners, 
carpet cleaning

products and room deodorizers can cause skin irritations.  Skip 
those harsh

products and look for products that contain more natural 
ingredients that
won't

harm your pet's skin.



Vacuum Regularly



Mold spores, mites and dust can trigger allergic reactions in 
sensitive
pets.

Vacuuming your home several times a week, or daily when your 
pet's allergies


flare up, can remove some of these allergens.  Wash bedding often 
to remove

allergens too.  Chances are no matter how clean you keep your 
home, your
allergic

pet will still experience some symptoms, such as hair loss due to 
constant

licking, an unpleasant odor, ear infections, and red spots, 
pimples or
scales on

the skin.  Your veterinarian can diagnose allergies with a skin 
or blood
test.

Allergy medications and injections can help relieve symptoms.



Protect Your Pet from Fleas



Fleas quickly reproduce once they invade your home.  It's easy to 
prevent

infestations by using topical and oral medications that protect 
your pet for


months at a time.  Treat your yard with a flea spray in the early 
spring to
keep

the pests far away from your pet.  If you do use a spray, don't 
let your dog
or

cat outside until the spray has dried completely.



Do you have concerns about your pet's skin? Call us and schedule 
an
appointment

today.  We will help you identify the cause of your furry 
friend's problem
and

find a solution that will make both of you happy.



End of text.

--
The Seeing Eye
Independence with Dignity since 1929


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