You're an absolute rockstar at surviving your dog's teenage stage – give yourself and your pup an extra treat this week. It's hard raising a dog, and you're undoubtedly doing a great job.
This week, we'll delve into the wild world of dog skin health because, let's be honest, sometimes our canine companions can have more itchy spots than a scratch-off lottery ticket.
We've got you covered with tips and tricks to maintain that luscious fur and prevent any "uh-oh" moments. And because we believe in nourishing our dogs from the inside out, we'll also dish out some fruit and veggie knowledge.
Yes, you read that right! We'll reveal which delicious fruits and veggies are safe for your pup to munch on without causing a trip to the vet. Let's dive in!
This week's focus:
Bathing tips
Making positive associations with grooming
Hot spots
When things get itchy
Choosing the right flea and tick preventatives, and more
Does Your Dog Hate the Bath?
Does your dog absolutely love the water when it's a pool, lake, or beach but runs for the hills if you mention a B-A-T-H? What is it about the tub that's so different? Well, for one, it's all about choice. Being stuck in a tub is more stressful because dogs feel trapped.
But there's lots you can do to help them feel better about bath time at home. This is a great time for straight distraction, so grab some peanut butter and a lick mat, and let your dog work on that while you lather them up and rinse them off.
We may think of a day at the salon as a relaxing and pampering experience – but for many dogs, the thought of being bathed and coiffed is not high on their must-do list.
If your dog gets overly stressed at a traditional grooming salon, consider having a mobile groomer come to your home. To make grooming faster and easier for everyone, keep up the consistent brushing at home to prevent mats, and pair brushing and handling with treats to help your dog learn to cope with being handled.
In some cases, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about calming supplements or medications to help your dog get through a grooming appointment.
Dogs with skin issues often exhibit an increase in problematic behaviors according to a variety of studies. According to one study, dogs with atopic dermatitis showed higher instances of mounting, chewing, hyperactivity, and more. Sensitive skin means your dog has trouble relaxing and sleeping due to sensations on their skin, and lack of sleep contributes to behavior struggles. They literally are uncomfortable in their own skin!
Implement a regular at-home coat and skin care regimen, such as brushing and bathing to make sure that your dog is set up for skin care success. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice excessive itching, skin redness or irritation, or excessive self-chewing or licking.
How Long Should You Keep Using Food Treats in Training?
One of the most common questions dog trainers hear is, "When can I get rid of treats?" Well, the real answer to this question is never. But let's clarify that. You will not need to use treats AS OFTEN as when you first introduce a new skill or trick. Once your dog has a good foundation and can solidly perform the cue when asked, then you can start phasing out how frequently you give treats.
But you don't just stop rewarding your dog altogether! You wouldn't keep showing up to work if you stopped being paid, right? You want to incorporate real-life rewards (covered in the next section) and start to think of yourself as a slot machine.
Reward your dog with food just often enough to keep them motivated to respond to training cues. You might also notice that after a year or two of training practice, the "work" itself becomes rewarding for your dog. Even more so when you invest in building a strong relationship built on trust.
Your puppy is always learning. But are you always rewarding them for making good choices? You should be!
Obviously, you can't be feeding them treats all day, every day, when they do something you like, so think about other real-life rewards you can use to reinforce good behavior. This includes attention, praise, petting, toy play, getting to go outside ... whatever your puppy wants in that moment (if it's safe and appropriate) can be used as a reward. The more you do this, the more you'll see your pup offering polite behaviors!
If you notice that your beloved canine companion is giving increased attention to a particular spot on their body, they may have their own ‘hot spot’!
Hot spots on dogs are typically red, inflamed, and oozy skin lesions that are painful, itchy, and pretty smelly. They can very quickly increase in size. Small hot spots (one or two) can be treated at home if spotted early. Always use caution when treating hot spots at home, though. Your dog may not seem painful, but they are and may bite when you attempt to clip or clean the area.
Gently and carefully clip the fur away with an electric trimmer, clean the area with a pet-safe antibacterial wash or sterile saline, keep it moist with an antibacterial ointment, and prevent your dog from causing further trauma to the site (use socks to cover paws or a cone). If the area doesn't improve in a few days, worsens, or spreads, it is best to get veterinary care for your dog.
There are many reasons your pup may be itchy. It can be caused by something as simple as dry skin or more complex as allergies.
When dogs scratch, they damage the skin barrier, which can result in a skin infection, further intensifying the itching. If you notice your dog is scratching more than just periodically, consult with your veterinarian sooner rather than later to prevent prolonged discomfort and possible health complications for your dog.
Flea and Tick Preventatives – Over-the-counter or Prescription?
Flea and tick prevention is an important part of taking care of your dog (and you, as parasites on your dog can infect you). To best protect your dog, prescription preventatives are better than over-the-counter since they require closer regulation and oversight to ensure they are being used safely and correctly as compared to OTC brands.
All forms of prescription preventatives are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). OTC brands are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) only, as they are considered pesticides vs. an actual drug.
OTC brands are missing some important benefits of their prescription counterparts available only from veterinarians, such as not lasting as long, only killing adults and not baby parasites, treat only one parasite, containing ingredients pests are resistant to, and some contain dangerous ingredients. When in doubt about what to use, consult with your veterinarian.
Looking for a fun way to burn off some doggie energy without having to go for a walk or romp in the park? Get your puppy a flirt pole! It can be played indoors or outside. Be sure to use it safely: keep the lure on the ground (avoid your dog jumping up to catch it), and avoid sharp turns. Let your pup catch it and make a big deal with they do! Then practice drop it so they can chase it again.
The phrase, 'eat your veggies', applies to your dog too! Knowing what veggies are safe and unsafe for your dog is the first step to incorporating them into their diet. Safe veggies can be a great low-calorie treat option you can happily share with your dog. Additionally, the added fiber has several benefits, one of which is helping your dog express their anal glands.
Even though veggies have great benefits, use caution because too much of a good thing can become a problem. Large amounts of veggies can cause gastrointestinal upset and gas; as with anything, safety and moderation are required.
Fruit can be a great addition to your dog's diet but not all fruit is safe, such as grapes – they are toxic for dogs. Always check that the fruit you are giving your dog is safe. Do not allow your dog to consume the seed/pits, skins, or rinds. Only give in moderation since fruits can be high in sugar and cause weight gain.
Some fruits have a high water content and can help maintain hydration. Fruits can also be a great way to hide medications since some are 'moldable' and some have natural 'pockets' such as dates to stick a pill in. As with any new treat, only give a little bit to be sure your dog can tolerate it and that it doesn't cause any issues.
We've reviewed products for safety, efficacy, and durability. What we recommend is veterinary and behavior-approved.
Dog Itchy? Go to the Vet – But You Can Try These Medicated Shampoos
An important aspect of treating and managing skin-related issues is topical treatment. Medicated shampoo can significantly help in providing your dog comfort.
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