My home is comprised of myself and 3 females , namely, my wife 2 female chihuahuas, and a poodle – We also have a small male chihuahua so that I am not completely outnumbered. !
As you can imagine, grooming and primping is central to our home life, especially since my wife is an expert in the skincare industry, having worked with individuals, companies, and dermatologists from California across the U.S. into Europe and worldwide for appx. 33 years
She is a licensed esthetician and owns a clinical skin care spa in our town. Her fans are legend as her clientele base starts in our local community and reaches about 40 mi away into the homes of Hollywood producers and celebrities.
They all travel to see Kathryn to get their skin care treatments.
So what the heck does this have to do with your dog?
Well, if you have been to any pet product retailer in the last 5 years you couldn’t have missed the spa related products in the form of shampoos, conditioners, specialized brushes, and skin care related lotions and products that are packing
retail shelves.
Whether you buy special doggy shampoos and skin care products or use some of your own is not today’s topic.. but this trend is an indication that is some ways our dogs have needs and skicare health challenges that are similar to our own.
In fact, our dogs may suffer from some very common dermatological maladies. When they appear, if we don’t know what to look for we may feel prompted us to rush to the vet in a panic.
One such condition may be ACNE.
Dr. Jones, DVM recently sent me an email on this topic and I am excerpting it below so you will have the full scoop.
The article is actually taken from a section in his book and describes the SIGNS of what you may first encounter as:
“Pimples, blackheads or crusty sores on the lower lip. The chin may be swollen or inflamed.
CAUSES
Allergies, hormone imbalance, infected skin glands from poor grooming.
SOLUTIONS
CLEAN IT DAILY. Wash the chin with an antibacterial soap and a warm cloth. It will open the blocked pores, clear surface debris and allow the pimples to heal more quickly. Use a warm, but not too hot cloth. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
WARM COMPRESSES. A warm-water compress will open blocked pores and increase blood flow helping the body remove the infection. Soak a cloth in warm water and hold it onto the area until it turns cool. Repeat daily until the acne clears up.
THE PLASTIC CONNECTION. Some pets react to plastic, causing acne to break out. Glass or ceramic dishes, cleaned daily, are the best idea.
HERBAL:
CALENDULA. Will soothe the skin and help stop infection. Soak a cotton ball or gauze pad with the tincture and apply to the sore until it cools. It can be used in conjunction with a warm water compress. “END Dr Andrew Jones, DVM
So there you have it. My wife may have to open a pups division and offer skincare solutions for our best friends. If she does, I will let you know 🙂
Until then, if you notice any of the above symptoms on Fido, you know know what may be the cause. Of course if the condition appears serious, go to your veterinarian.
If not you may be able to treat Fido at home.
P.S. For more information on how to keep your dog happy and healthy, grab Dr Andrew Jones’ free DVD
covering dog health secrets at http://tinyurl.com/6z3ctbp
Disclosure:- If you purchase any product or service we recommend, assume we will be compensated. Do your own due diligence. I am not a veterinarian and often say so. If your dog has a health condition, call your veterinarian for health care advice and help