Grooming Services: A summertime guide to dealing with sensitive skin in dogs.
Skin problems are common in dogs, especially during the warmer months. Every pet owner should be aware of a single bump on their pet’s body. Every minor infection can worsen during the summer if not treated and diagnosed promptly. While long-term medication and professional consultation are unavoidable in such cases, vet-prescribed medication is critical.
If you are unsure what that allergy means or if it is dangerous, consult with your veterinarian about your pet’s current situation. Seasonal allergies (from pollen and dust, etc.), pests, or microbes are all possible causes.
While some scratching is normal, excessive scratching can indicate an underlying problem. Other signs that something is wrong include inflamed, red skin or skin that is painful to touch – if you notice any of these, it’s time to act.
Well! Every pet has a different skin type; some can easily adapt to the changing seasons, while others cannot and will most likely become ill as a result. Here are some signs that tell about your dog’s skin condition:
- Excessive moulting or patchy hair loss
- Skin that is dry, scaly, and flaky
- Itchy, red skin
- Scabs and bumps
- Excessive scratching, shaking of the head or licking
- Rubbing on furniture or other items
- Dry scalp and hair shedding
- Excessive sweat and bad body odour
How can you treat a dog’s dry skin?
It can be difficult to treat allergies in dogs that cause dry skin. Because there is no reliable diagnostic test for food allergies in dogs, your veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet. Beef, soy, corn, wheat, dairy, chicken, and eggs are the most common ingredients that cause food allergies in dogs.
The treatment for your dog’s dry skin is determined by the cause, so the first step is to make a diagnosis. While the Internet is full of useful information about canine health, the best way to determine the cause of your dog’s skin problems is to consult with your veterinarian.
If your dog is showing signs of dry skin, here are five things you can do to help him this summer:
- Moisturise their skin daily
Oils benefit your dog’s skin health by supplementing essential fatty acids that may be deficient in their diet. These fatty acids aid in the replenishment of your dog’s skin barrier. That’s good news because a strong barrier reduces the likelihood of allergens entering their system through their skin, resulting in itching and inflammation.
- is are very important
Though it’s a good idea to keep your dog out of the hottest midday sun, it’s not always practical, so apply a dog-safe SPF to areas with short or no fur – noses, ears, and bellies if they sunbathe – Remember, just like with people, to reapply if swim! Fragrances can also be irritating to your dog’s skin, so it’s best to avoid them.
- Beware of insects bites
Some dogs enjoy chasing insects and can get stung if they come into contact with a wasp or bee. If they are stung, use tweezers to remove the stinger, then use a soothing, antibacterial spray to relieve the sting. If your dog has been stung more than once, seek advice from your veterinarian.
- Avoid excessive sunbath
Yes, as we know playing is very important for dogs but if it is excessively hot outside please let them play in the evening instead.
We generally follow the rule that if it’s too hot to walk on a pavement barefoot, it’s too hot for a dog walk – so do your best friend a favour and spend some time in the shade instead!
- Visit your vet
Many skin and coat issues can be resolved simply by changing your diet and routine, others can be a sign of something more serious. If you notice any skin issues, consult your veterinarian.