Skin Treatment Dog Recipes

Your dog's skin is a indicator of its health and resistance to disease and stress. Healthy skin and coat reflect a healthy and well-cared-for dog. But for some dogs, a lush, glossy coat is only a dream. According to what veterinarians say, skin problems rank number one among their customers. Dogs can suffer strongly from itchy, dry, flaky skin; greasy, dull, matted coats; bad odors; rashes; "hot spots"; and hair loss. Nothing is more discouraging than to see your pet constantly scratching, biting, and otherwise ravaging its coat and skin, all of which worsen the fundamental problem.

Since all dogs constantly harbor skin disease bacteria, it is important to pay special attention to the skin and coat so that a skin irritation doesn't become serious or chronic. The skin is the largest organ of the dog's body, and it will reflect hormone imbalances, poor nutrition, stress, allergies, and parasite infestation. Heredity plays a role in the skin sensitivity and unfortunately some breeds have more sensitive skin than others. Among the breeds that need additional precautionary maintenance are golden retrievers, Dobermans, dachshunds, Irish setters, poodles, beagles, fox terriers, and Scottish terriers.

precautionary care goes a long way in dealing with coat and skin problems—both from the inside and on the outside. There is much that can be done to keep the coat in top condition. If your dog has any skin problems, here's what you can do immediately:

• Do not feed your dog any foods containing additives or impurities.
• Give a balanced dietary vitamin supplement (Pet Tabs plus Zinc) for vitamins A, B, C, and E, and add brewer's yeast to your pet's food.
• For dry skin, add extra corn or safflower oil to the diet to provide essential fatty acids, and small amounts of cod liver oil for the coat.
• Keep the dog out of the sun. If your dog spends a lot of time poolside, use a sun block on its nose, especially if the nose is pink or very light-colored.
• Don't allow the dog to sleep next to radiators in the winter.
• If the dog has walked on salted surfaces during the winter, wash off paws immediately and rub petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on them for protection.
• Wash coat with fresh water after the dog has been swimming in marshy, polluted, or stagnant water.
• Get rid of the fleas.

Cleanliness is essential for the health of your dog's skin and coat. Daily grooming keeps the dog looking its best and also gives you a chance to inspect for parasites, burrs, mats, or any skin irregularities. Long-haired breeds need brushing and grooming to bring oil to the ends of their hair.

One last thing: Most dogs rarely need a bath. Too much bathing aggravates some coat conditions and increases dry coat and flaky skin. The correct shampoo is essential when you do bathe the dog. Shampoo made just for dogs is best. For hypersensitive skin, buy specially formulated dog shampoo from your veterinarian.

Skin problems in summer

• Fleas, ticks, mosquitos, sunburn, grass pollen allergies

Skin problems in winter

• Dry heat, chemically treated sidewalks, severe temperature changes

Here’s the full doggie spa routine:

• A luxurious bath with special dog soap
• An elbow and paw-pad rub with lanolin
• A comb-out with a lanolin spray