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I have talked about the dog's coat before and here I am doing it again, because it is ever so important to understand this aspect of your favorite pooch. What's more it is what we spend are time working on and caring about, so here I go again.
Dogs have very
sensitive skins. The skin is well protected by the coat, except in the
hairless breeds. Each primary hair of the coat has an associated oil
gland. Many dogs grow more than one type of fiber in their coats, the
softer, finer fibers are known as secondary fibers and may not have an
associated oil gland. Each primary fiber sometimes has several
secondary fibers. Only primary fibers have muscles attached to them.
These are strongest along the nape of the neck and back and some can
even be found in the tail.
The function of the
oil gland is to produce a light oil to protect the hair fiber, keeping
it supple and to resist the penetration of dirt, dust and moisture into
the coat, and hence onto the skin, where these pollutants would become
irritants. Regular brushing assists in keeping the coat clean. It
stimulates oil production and keeps the little glands free from debris
and prevents them becoming blocked with dead cells and thickened
secretions.
On the other hand,
washing and excess swimming removes the normal oily secretions, leaving
the hair less protected, so that dirt and water may penetrate the coat
and irritate the skin. The skin is also left without its normal oily
coating which would keep it supple, clean and elastic. It becomes dry,
irritable, brittle and itchy.
Problems with the coat
also arise during hot summers. The coat will insulate the dog up to a
certain point, beyond which the dog rapidly overheats, causes the skin
to redden and again it becomes itchy. In these conditions the natural
oil may become thickened and less easily spread along the hair fibers.
This may cause blockage of the oil gland ducts, exacerbating the
problem.
Much the same condition may occur during normal molting periods, when
"hot spots" occur where ducts have been blocked with secondary hairs,
dead cells and other normal debris on the surface of the skin.
These problems may all occur in all dogs, but some dogs are much more sensitive than others.
This problem of skin damage is usually known as eczema in dogs.
The first sign of the
developing problem will be chew or scratch marks on the surface of the
coat. At this stage the dog should be treated with a dip, spray or
powder for fleas, and his bedding and any place where he rests should
be sprayed with a reliable product , that as well as containing
insecticides, should also contain insect growth regulators. All areas
frequented by the dog should be kept damp to allay dust problems, quite
independently of the presence of fleas.
The area of the coat containing the ruffled appearance should be parted
and the skin beneath and surrounding the region should be closely
examined for any damage.
If the skin is damaged
it should be immediately treated with a reliable antiseptic powder,
such as are readily available for human use from supermarkets. This is
usually adequate when damage is minimal.
Having removed the threat of fleas, even a single flea can create
extensive eczema in a susceptible dog, consider what other factors may
have caused the dog to become itchy.
Have you changed his
diet? Have you given him some delicious tidbits? Is it very hot? Is
he/she changing coat? Is his yard dry or dusty? Has any of his routine
been changed? There are many more questions you should ask yourself
too, such as: Have you bathed the dog? Did you remove all the shampoo
and conditioner?
If there is a negative
answer to any of these questions and any further ones you can think of,
perhaps the dog has an allergy to one or more things.
If flies are a bother, use a good repellent on the dogs coat
surrounding the damaged places. Do not apply repellent to the damaged
area. Flies often bite dogs on the ears, noses, tail and other spots,
giving rise to skin damage. This should be treated as above and the dog
should have repellent applied to his coat during the day. If it is
applied early in the morning, the application needs to be repeated in
the afternoon.
When the skin is damaged and there is a red raw eczema.
This may occur within twelve hours of the first damage to the coat and
it may spread at an alarming rate as a weeping, stinking, wet eczema
The dog is a sorry mess. The affected area, very frequently the rump,
back or sides, is red raw, seeping and has a very unpleasant smell. The
animal needs immediate veterinary attention. It is very unwise to wait
and see. It will only get worse.
Secondly, Elizabethan
collars, or "buckets over the head" are recommended to prevent the
animal doing further damage to the eczema. A smart dog will find
something to rub on, if he cannot get his teeth to the itch. The mental
torture such a device must cause a dog is beyond belief. Have you ever
had an awkward itch you could not scratch for even a few minutes?
Wasn't that agony? What is the point of curing the dogs eczema if you
are going to torture him mentally, perhaps spoiling his temperament for
life.
Alternatively, the
itch may be eased with the use of oral antihistamines. This will treat
the inflammation by neutralizing the histamine which causes the itch
and reddening. The area of the eczema will need treating with
antiseptics that deal with bacteria, fungi and yeasts. The best form is
again powder for the same reasons as before.
Once the weeping has
stopped and there is scabbing. A lotion or ointment is needed to keep
the scab supple, or it will itch and be attacked by the dog, creating
further problems. The substances used on these extensive areas of
damage need to be non-toxic if the dog should lick them, be
unattractive to flies, and should repel dust and dirt. This is a fairly
tall order.
At different times
such substances have been marketed, but mostly they have been
unsatisfactory and removed. Silicone based lotions are quite good,
combined with aloe vera they work quite well, once any infection has
been treated. Wheat germ oil is also very effective.
I hope that you now
have a better understanding of your canine friend's coat and this
assists you in looking after him/her better.
New & Expanded Services Dog Walking & Pet Feeding For those that are looking at other options of pet minding , walking, feeding ect. we are excited to offer to you the “ We mind your business” services. These services have many benefits as we come to your place and take care of the dog, cat Or even reptiles ( that’s if you have any ) take out the garbage, water and collect the mail. All this whilst you are at work or on holidays. One of the other benefits is that we keep an eye on your house to see that everything kosher!….that’s peace of mind for you. The costs are as follows: Feeding service One visit per day $20 Twice a day $35 (walk included plus free poo pickup and home security check) One visit including walk $25 Additional services At home play: $25 Puppy socialisation and grooming introduction(in salon): $35 Poo pickup: 1 visit p/w 2 visits p/w 3 visits p/w* 1 dog $20 $35 $50 2 dogs $25 $40 $55 *This service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for three weekly visits and Tuesdays and Fridays for a two weekly visit. Pet transport: Please call us or see in store for details. Public holidays and peak seasons will incur a 15% surcharge. Book before 31st of Feb to receive a hydrobath at half price Meet our new staff member Gabe Hogan
I
have a love of domestic animals; I grew up with dogs, rabbits and
birds. As a child, I would offer milk to the local cats and apples to
the local horses. Now I support two dogs and two cats, three of which
chose me.
I studied at Genazzano and completed an advanced diploma in Professional Writing and Editing. I aspire to one day, publish children’s literature. I have 16 months Kennel experience where some of my duties included walking, bathing, feeding & medicating many types of four legged creatures. Thailand is a big part of my life as my parents moved there to work in my final years of study. I lived in Bangkok for one year and over eleven years, I developed a love of all things Thai. |
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