Ahhh, Valentine’s Day. ‘Tis the season for lovers everywhere to stroll hand in hand through the park, exchange gifts, and celebrate their relationship with the one they love. If your dog is the love of your life, you can certainly share the day with him. Even if you have a partner, three is definitely not a crowd when that third person has four legs and a wagging tail.

 

What if you’d like to find that special someone to share your life? Valentine’s Day is the ideal time to look for them, and it’s important that they too are a dog lover. These days, many relationships begin online, and subscribing to dog friendly dating sites such as www.doglover.biz  means your new partner is likely to love your dog as much as you do.

 

While your dog will always enjoy walking hand in leash with you, he’ll also appreciate a little gift as a token of your affection, especially if it is liver flavoured.

 

You may have to think a little outside the box. Fido isn’t likely to appreciate the traditional Valentine’s Day bunch of flowers. Their perfume will probably leave him cold, and if he nibbles on them, he may end up spending the day at the veterinary clinic. If eaten, many plants can give our dogs a sore belly, with vomiting and diarrhea.   

 

 

Sweets For The Sweet

 

I love chocolate, and in my opinion, it’s one of the five basic food groups! Anyone who gives me chocolate on Valentine’s Day has a good chance of winning my heart. Although my dogs would be delighted to share my treats, chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and death in dogs. As little as 100g of milk chocolate will make a 7kg dog unwell. This gives me the perfect excuse to eat all my Valentine’s chocolates myself.

 

If your dog does steal your chocolates, contact your vet straight away, as early treatment will result in a happy outcome for both of you.

 

You can still share something yummy with your dog. Consider giving him treats made with carob, which is quite safe for him. Alternatively, put on an apron and whip up some homemade dog biscuits.

 

Smelling Nice

 

Another popular gift at this time of year is cologne. Although your dog probably prefers rolling in the fragrance of dead fish or old compost, this doesn’t win him any friends when it comes to getting up close and personal. The solution – Fur Breeze. This all-natural dog fragrance doesn’t just mask that doggy smell, it actually eliminates lingering odors from his coat and bedding.

 

Choose either citrus vanilla or rosemary peppermint fragrances, and you won’t need to hold your nose when your dog wants a Valentine’s Day hug.

 

You also want to make sure that both you and your Valentine have fresh smelling breath. Nothing is worse than that road kill flavored slobber your pup so eagerly shares with you! Pick up a bottle of Dog Smog Remedy- it’s a breath freshener for dogs that also helps with the other end– gaseous emissions!

 

Time, Toys and Tuxedos.

 

Perhaps you’d prefer to choose a gift for your dog that lasts a bit longer. If your dog is active and enjoys a game, he’ll love a gift of a new ball or toy. Make sure you buy a toy that lasts; it can be so disappointing when a gift breaks the first time he plays with it.

 

Any relationship is improved by spending quality time together. Giving your dog a massage or a thorough brushing is as much a gesture of affection as anything you can buy or make, and is a great option for when the budget is tight. Your dog will appreciate the extra attention, and you’ll both feel warm and loving afterwards.

 

Have you seen the latest dog fashions you can buy for your dogs?  Booties, hoodies, and even formal wear – your dog will turn heads wherever he goes, and you’ll be proud to be seen with such a well-dressed companion.

 

Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to show those you love just how much they mean to you. Don’t forget to include your four legged best friend in your celebrations. After all, their love is unconditional.

For a while now we’ve been hearing stories about dog’s with red tear stains being given Eyemunity and seeing a noticeable improvement in their itchy skin and allergies.

Although Eyemunity was actually formulated to remove the staining caused by Epiphora (a yeast bloom caused by a bacterial infection) the results come as no surprise. In fact they make perfect sense; allergies, after all are an autoimmune response and Epicor, the active ingredient in Eyemunity, modulates some of the factors involved in immunity. (Most noticeably Ige levels)

Well now we have more than anecdotal evidence to rely on. Results from a study published in Advances in Therapy (2009:26(8):795-804) found that Epicor "significantly reduced the severity of allergic symptoms." The study (a human trial of 96 subjects) was a randomized, double blind test that included a placebo. The results were measured through in-clinic visits, validated questionnaires and serologic (blood serum) testing.

This is good news for  millions of owners who’s dogs suffer from allergies and itching. Eyemunity provides a long term complement to the arsenal of topical products available for itchy, allergic dogs.

The all natural formula is an easy-to-use supplement that’s added to a dog’s food once a day. Unlike other tear stain products on the market it contains no pharmaceutical antibiotics so doesn’t come with any of those nasty side effects. You can use Eyemunity for as long as you like and not only will it clear up any tear stains but it will also improve a dog’s overall health and comfort. Especially if he’s plagued by allergies.

For more in tear stain control click here

For more on Epicor the active ingredient in Eyemunity click here

For a list and explaination of the ingredients in Eyemunity click here

 

Knee injuries are one of the most common reasons that your dog will limp on his back leg, and it may take several months for him to recover. That means you’ll not be able to enjoy his company when you go for your afternoon stroll, and he’ll have to miss out on chasing his favorite ball for a while.

 

Although knee injuries can occur in any breed, some breeds are more at risk than others. Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, St Bernards and Labrador Retrievers seem to be more prone to hurting their knees. Smaller breeds such as the Bichon Frise and Miniature Fox Terriers can be born with a loose kneecap, which can predispose to joint injury. Lastly, breeds such as Chows who have very straight hind legs may be more likely to injure their knees purely because of their conformation.

 

In many cases, knee injuries occur while you’re playing with your dog. You throw his ball and he twists to grab it as he runs past, and ouch! He limps back to you on three legs. If he leaps into the air to catch it, he can land awkwardly, and that too is a common cause of injuries to this joint. If your dog is like mine and has dug several short cuts to China in your backyard, he may trip in a hole as he runs, and twist the joint.

 

It’s obvious when your dog has hurt his knee, as he is suddenly lame, and won’t walk on the sore back leg. You might not be able to tell which part of his leg is hurting, but your veterinarian will be able to confirm that it is the knee that is sore. It’s important to get that diagnosis quickly, so you can plan the best treatment program for your dog.

 

There are several options for treating a knee injury in dogs.

 

1. Rest. We’re very familiar with the Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation regime when we sprain a joint. However, your dog may not sit back and let you do this to him. Often, the best we can hope for is rest. This means no walks, no chasing balls, and no romping with the other family pets. Ideally, keep your dog confined in a crate as much as possible, and only take him outside on a leash to go to the toilet. If you’re used to spending lots of time walking and playing with your dog, you’ll feel nearly as frustrated as he does.

 

2. Pain relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as meloxicam will reduce swelling and take away a lot of your dog’s pain. These need to be prescribed by your veterinarian. Be careful: if your dog feels better, he may want to walk and play more than he should, which can make his injury worse. Make sure you follow your vet’s guidelines regarding restricted exercise, even if your dog wants to do more.

 

3. Weight loss. Any leg injury will take longer to heal if it has to carry excess weight. If your dog is a little generous around the waistline, it’s time for some tough love. It’s even harder to take weight off your dog when you can’t exercise him. Put him on a strict diet, and don’t give in to those big brown eyes. It really is for his own good.

 

4. Physical Therapy. Your vet can give you guidelines on how to slowly increase your dog’s exercise, and gently bend and stretch his knee, so that it maintains its flexibility and increases its strength. Alternatively, ask for a referral to a specialist physical therapist. How you exercise your dog after his knee injury is as important as anything your vet can do, so follow her directions to achieve the best outcome for your dog. Underwater treadmills and swimming are great for exercising his knee joint without putting any weight on it.

 

5. Joint Resolution. This product contains glucosamine and collagen, both of which are known to improve joint health and reduce lameness. It also contains herbs which reduce pain and inflammation. It’s a safe and natural way to support your dog’s knee joint as it heals, and you can relax knowing that there are no dangerous side effects.

 

6. Surgery. If your dog has in fact torn a ligament in his knee, it will leave the joint very unstable and may result in arthritis. The best way of treating a torn ligament is orthopedic surgery to restabilise the joint. Unless you have pet insurance, this will make a huge dent in the family budget. After surgery, all of the above treatment options are useful as your dog recovers from his operation.

 

 

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

 

There are many reasons for trying to prevent your dog from injuring his knee. He won’t be in pain, he won’t miss out on the fun activities you share, he won’t be at risk of developing arthritis in his joint, and he won’t use up all your spare cash with his veterinary care.

 

Is it possible to prevent these injuries?  It is, to some extent. Don’t let your dog become overweight, or he will put more strain on his knee ligaments as he runs. Don’t throw balls that encourage your dog to jump, because he may land awkwardly and injure his knee.

 

At the end of the day, dogs will be dogs, and they do hurt themselves. We can only do our best. If your dog does injure his knee, treatment is available that will have him out enjoying his walk with you very soon.

 

 

 

 

 

by Audrey Harvey

 

Dogs with a normal healthy skin and coat don’t smell offensive, and they don’t itch. If your dog smells awful, has a greasy coat and is constantly scratching, it means there is something very wrong.

 

In many cases, the problem is a fungus called Malassezia. This little yeast organism is responsible for skin infections that are especially itchy, smelly and greasy to the touch.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment  

It’s not hard to diagnose Malassezia infection on your dog’s skin. Your veterinarian will apply some sticky tape to his skin, and gently peel it off, picking up some yeast organisms in the process. He will be able to identify the organisms under the microscope.

 

There are several options for treatment, depending on the severity of the infection. If it is only a small problem, you may be able to control it by regularly bathing your dog in an anti-fungal shampoo and applying an anti-fungal ointment. More severe cases need to be treated with anti-fungal tablets.

Where does Malassezia Come From? 

Small numbers of Malassezia live on the skin of all dogs, and neither you or your dog notice any effects. Before they can cause skin problems, there needs to be a change to the surface of the skin that allows them to grow and multiply. Large quantities of yeast on the skin result in the familiar musty odor and itch.

 

Malassezia seems to enjoy oily skin, and any condition that increases oil production will also increase the numbers of yeast on the skin. The most common condition is an allergic reaction, however dogs with seborrhea will also have increased oil production, and a secondary Malassezia infection.

 

There are some less common predisposing causes. Some dogs have a deficiency in their immune system, which allows Malassezia to multiply, and others are allergic to the yeast. If this is the case you should start your dog on immune boosting supplements like Eyemunity which is an all natural powder your sprinkle in your dogs food. It’s filled with herbs that will support your dogs immune system.

 

Dogs with hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism are also  predisposed to Malassezia overgrowth.  The end result is the same - lots of yeast, itchy skin, dreadful odor and a greasy coat.

 

Fortunately, Malassezia infections aren’t contagious, but it can take a bit of work to clear them up.

 

Prevention is Best

 

Because Malassezia infection is secondary to some underlying skin problem, the only way to stop it recurring is to identify and control that underlying cause. Your veterinarian can help you with this, and your dog may need blood tests and allergy tests to get to the bottom of it.

 

In the meantime, the oatmeal in Comfy Dog Oatmeal shampoo for dry & itchy skin will soothe your dog’s skin inflammation, and ease his itch. Because it rinses clean, it won’t leave any residue on his skin, and it will leave him smelling minty fresh. Follow it up with Fur Butter leave in conditioner for longer term itch control. It leaves the coat soft and silky and has a lot of colloidal oatmeal to deal with the itchy skin.

 

If you notice any areas where your dog is particularly itchy, tackle them with Itchin’ for Relief. This all natural spray will quickly ease his itch and stop him scratching. It also contains Onion Bulb Extract which will help prevent any fungal infection.

 

It can be hard work, but if you control your dog’s underlying skin condition, and care for his skin and coat with Comfy Dog shampoo and Fur Butter, the Malassezia won’t have the opportunity to multiply. This means no yeast infection, no itchy skin and no smelly dog. It’s worth the effort. 

 

 

 

If your dog has ever had a hot spot, you’ll be familiar with how quickly they develop. You leave for work in the morning and your dog has a small patch of inflamed skin, and when you come home, he has a palm sized area of skin that is raw, oozing and extremely painful.

 

If it is large enough, a hot spot can also make your dog feel generally unwell and lethargic.

 

These acute skin infections are more common in dogs with heavy coats.

 

How Hot Spots Happen

 

Hot spots are also known as moist eczema or summer sores, and are basically a severe bacterial infection. The bacterial infection is secondary to an underlying skin problem, such as allergies, fleas or even heat and humidity. Some dogs have behavioral problems that cause excessive licking and grooming, and this too can allow an infection to develop. The skin becomes irritated, your dog scratches, and the bacteria that normally live on the skin multiply. The result is a hot spot.

 

Once your dog has started scratching, it becomes a vicious cycle and even if you control the underlying problem, the infection itself continues to itch. Hot spots don’t usually resolve by themselves.

 

These skin infections really hurt, and it’s important that you have them checked by your veterinarian as quickly as possible.

 

Treating Your Dog’s Hot Spot

 

Hot spots must be treated aggressively to stop them spreading any further.

 

1. The hair must be clipped away from the hot spot, to allow easier cleaning. In some cases, the hot spot is so painful that this can only be done with a general anesthetic.

 

2. The hot spot is washed in a gentle water based antiseptic such as iodine to start to kill the bacteria.

 

3. Your vet will prescribe antibiotic tablets to clear up the bacterial infection. She will also give your dog corticosteroids to reduce the pain and inflammation, so your dog feels better quicker. In most cases, an ointment isn’t used to treat a hot spot. It can be wiped off as your dog rolls or rubs on the carpet, or your dog may lick it off. Regular application of Itchin’ for Relief will reduce inflammation, stop itching and ease the discomfort. It contains no alcohol so it won’t sting on application.

 

4. Your dog may need to wear an Elizabethan Collar for a little while, just to stop him scratching at his hot spot, so it has a chance to heal. You can take it off to allow him to eat, but only remove it when you’re there to supervise him. He can very quickly undo all your good work and make his hot spot worse again. Instead of the standard collar, check out a Comfy Cone. Serves the same purpose but is much more comfy!

 

5. When the hot spot has resolved, it’s important to try and find the the underlying reason for the infection. This will give your dog the best chance of avoiding another painful skin infection.

 

Preventing A Recurrence

 

If your dog has had a hot spot, chances are he will develop another one in the future. Make sure he is flea free, and treat any allergies that will predispose to irritation and infection.

 

 If your dog is itchy, regular use of Comfy Dog shampoo will help. It contains oatmeal, which is known to soothe irritated skin. As soon as you notice any areas of inflammation or reddening on his skin, spray the area with Itchin’ for Relief frequently, and hopefully you will nip the hot spot in the bud.

 

Hot spots are a nuisance. Fortunately, with the right products, you can help prevent them from developing, and treat them quickly and effectively if they do occur. To read more about healing your dog’s hot spots, click here.