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Have
an itchy dog? Consider these grooming tips before turning to chemical
treatments.
By Bark
n Bath
Many dogs today suffer from itchy, irritated skin caused by a
variety of factors. Their owners often fret that they are suffering
from allergies and take the dog to the vet, who prescribes medication.
However, in many cases, the “itch factor” may have
a simpler cause and solution. Dogs have a more sensitive skin
than we humans do, and are often exposed to a variety of irritants
in their indoor and outdoor environments. Before turning to medicated
products, try these grooming tips, which may help to alleviate
your dog’s irritation.
When
your dog goes outside, even for a short walk, her coat picks up
a variety of
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things that can cause irritation. Brushing your dog
daily will remove these pollens, grasses, and other outdoor itch
causers as well as stimulating her skin’s circulation and
preventing matting. Brush carefully and down to the skin, taking
care not to tug on tangles, and using a soft bristle brush on
sensitive areas. Use a dog
detangler, or trim out matted hair if necessary. Allowing
mats to develop also makes it more likely for your dog to develop
an irritation. Examine your dog’s skin as you brush, looking
for early signs of skin irritation. Finding problems early on
may make them easier to treat. Be sure to praise your dog for
her patience in these sessions, and she will grow to look forward
to them.
Bathing
should also be done on a monthly basis, following a thorough brushing.
Use a natural, low lather, low irritant dog
shampoo, wet your dog down thoroughly with lukewarm water,
and apply the shampoo using your hands. Avoid getting water or
shampoo in her eyes and ears, and lather all over, right down
to her skin, then rinse thoroughly to cleanse all remaining lather
from her coat. Be sure you wash and rinse her feet as well, and
make sure that she is not standing in water while you bathe her.
Shampoo residue is a major cause of skin irritation for dogs.
After rinsing, towel dry your dog, and avoid using any coat finishers
or blow dryers, which can also cause skin irritation in a sensitive
dog.
Grooming
is essential for a dog’s overall health, helps you identify
skin problems early on, and is a great way for you to bond with
your dog as well!
© Bark n Bath.
Reprinted by permission only.
Bark N Bath Articles
What
to Look for in a Dog Perfume
When
you are shopping for dog perfume, remember to ask yourself what
you are looking for. Obviously, you want a perfume that deodorizes
that dog odor, but don't you also want a product that won't dry
out or irritate your dog's skin? Although the term "perfume"
typically indicates a product made with a high concentration of
fragrance oils suspended in an alcohol base, you should look for
a dog perfume that is alcohol free in order to keep your dog's
skin from drying out. Also, artificial fragrance oils may contain
a variety of undisclosed chemical ingredients which could potentially
irritate your dog's skin. Look for a product which uses natural
essential oil as it's scent.
Do
You Know What's in Your Dog Shampoo?
It is important to choose a dog shampoo which addresses
your dog’s grooming needs without exposing these sensitive
animals to artificial perfumes or detergents. In
today's modern society, we often expose our companion animals
to a variety of artificial perfumes, insecticides, and detergents
found in common grooming products and treatments. While these
products usually do their jobs effectively, some of their ingredients
can cause both allergic and nervous reactions in dogs. You are
left with a squeaky clean, flea free, pina-colada scented dog
that itches like the dickens, and will often rush off to find
some soothing mud to cool her skin and remove the overwhelming
perfumed scent from her coat.
Throw
a Dog Birthday Party!
Dog birthday parties are becoming increasingly
popular. You can celebrate even if you don't know your dog's birthday.
Just choose a date to commemorate the day your puppy joined your
family, and prepare to lavish him with love! You
could celebrate at a dog park, but if you have an appropriate
sized backyard, why not invite your puppy's playmates over for
a fun off-leash day right there?
Have
an itchy dog? Non Chemical Grooming Tips
Many dogs today suffer from itchy, irritated skin caused by a
variety of factors. Their owners often fret that they are suffering
from allergies and take the dog to the vet, who prescribes medication.
However, in many cases, the “itch factor” may have
a simpler cause and solution. Dogs have a more sensitive skin
than we humans do, and are often exposed to a variety of irritants
in their indoor and outdoor environments. Before turning to medicated
products, try these grooming tips, which may help to alleviate
your dog’s irritation.
How
to Create a Unique Dog Gift Basket
If you are looking for a dog gift for a pet lover, and want something
that stands out from the crowd, consider putting together a spa
gift basket for the dog! You will be providing quality products
for the owner to use on their dog's sensitive skin, and giving
the owner the gift of a great smelling dog! Here is how to make
your dog gift set look great!
Treat
Your Dog’s Feet to a “Pawdicure”
Your
dog’s feet work hard to provide traction and shock absorption
to this natural runner. Ensure you keep them in top shape with
a periodic pawdicure and these common sense tips!
Lavender
Essential Oil and Dog Aromatherapy
Lavender
is among the gentlest of all essential oils. Its light floral
scent is said to calm and relax those who smell it; it is also
purported to possess healing qualities, and is often put to use
on itchy skin as a healing aid. Essential oils are made by distilling
pure plant material. They are different from fragrance oils, which
can be made with a variety of artificial ingredients. In addition
to smelling good, essential oils are said to posses certain therapeutic
properties.
Dogs
Welcome: Dog Friendly Hotel Accommodations
If
you are one of the 29 million dog owners who like to travel with
your pet, you will be happy to know that many fine hotels will
now welcome you and your pooch with open arms and luxurious services.
We tracked down a couple of spots in the northwest where your
dog can enjoy the good life. The world's going to the dogs and
we couldn't be happier about it!
Dog
Grooming Tips to Consider
Can you regularly groom the type of dog you want yourself, or
can you afford to have it done professionally? Inquire about the
cost with your local groomer before deciding, and talk to others
who own such dogs. Starting from a young age, praising your dog
during and after the grooming process, and brushing and bathing
on a regular basis will help to ensure that you both enjoy this
time together. Your dog may not enjoy being bathed at first, but
remember that you aren't doing your dog a favor by letting him
get so stinky that you don't want to cuddle him! Dirty skin, matted
hair, and uninspected wounds can also lead to more serious problems.
Praise him effusively, of course, and keep grooming sessions short
when he is a puppy so he doesn't become bored.
