Spring has sprung bringing with it pollen, grass, dust, mold, and other environmental allergens. Spring also means ticks, fleas, and shedding. Fortunately, there are some simple remedies that will help you have a great season.
Allergies and other environmental irritants can cause:
- Compulsive licking or scratching
- Dry skin and dandruff
- Bald spots
- Hot spots
- Excessive shedding
- Discomfort or distress
- Fleas and ticks
- Mites (parasite insects) can’t always be seen by the naked eye.
- Environmental allergies like inhaled pollen or contact with grass can cause itchy feet, groin, armpits, and belly.
- Dry skin can cause itchy, flaking, and red skin.
- Yeast infections (usually found in the ears and/or around the toes) can cause scratching of ears and chewing on feet.
- Fungus (i.e., Ringworm) causes round itchy lesions with loss of hair at the edges.
- Diseases of the thyroid or other medical conditions and,
- Anxiety or boredom.
What can be done to help ease the itch? The first step is trying to identify the cause. Once a cause is determined, a remedy can be applied.
Pinnacle Pets’ Flea Tick Bath repels fleas and ticks without the use of any harsh pesticides. With ingredients derived from plants, this shampoo is safe for pets and humans. Flea and Tick Baths can help relieve symptoms and drive away pests. However, it is not a replacement for monthly flea and tick medications.
Pinnacle Pets’ Shed Control Treatment: is a shampoo with a conditioner that removes loose hair and dead skin from your dog’s coat making it appear shinier and lessening the shedding. A non-irritating, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner is ideal to promote healthy skin and coat. Enriched with Omega Fatty Acids, Vitamins, and Plant Extracts to help protect against excess shedding of loose hair. Following the shampoo and conditioner, a high-velocity dryer is used to blow out the undercoat thus reducing the excess shedding of loose hair. The de-shedding treatment is followed by a Furminator tool which is a fine-combed brush also used to remove the undercoat. Our Shed Control Treatments are recommended every 4-6 weeks.
Pinnacle Pets’ Healthy Skin and Coat Treatment is formulated with 3% Chlorhexidine Gluconate. It is quick and effective at fighting stubborn skin conditions associated with yeast, bacteria, and other microorganisms. It is a mild, moisturizing formula that is even safe to use on puppies! If your Veterinarian has prescribed a medicated shampoo and they wish to have our stylist use it during the service, we will be more than happy to accommodate your doctor’s request.
An oatmeal-based shampoo and conditioner; Sooths and moisturizes dry itchy skin while eliminating allergens and debris that get trapped in their fur. Because it is so gentle and healthy for the skin and coat, oatmeal baths can be given weekly without the worry of drying irritated skin.
Nail trim and file; Not only is Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed important, but it is also important that their nails are filed to diminish the damage the nails can do to a dog’s sensitive skin. Nails that are not filed can have sharp edges that can further damage their skin and open it up to infections.
Astroturf instead of grass; While digging up your lawn and putting down astroturf is not a feasible solution for most homeowners, reducing the time a dog with grass or pollen allergies is in contact with grass can be beneficial. Our doggy daycares use K-9 grass (a special astroturf for dogs) to reduce dog allergies and the mess that comes with dirt and mud. Artificial grass doesn’t support the ecosystem for ticks, fleas, and other parasitic pests to thrive. Another benefit of K9 grass is that it is sanitized on a regular basis to minimize pollen and bacteria build-up.
Fish Oil and Omega 3 supplements; Fish Oil and Omega 3 supplements can decrease excess shedding, dandruff, and dry skin leaving a soft, shiny, and healthy-looking coat.
Chew toys and exercise; Help alleviate chewing and scratching from boredom by providing safe and healthy chew toys. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise every day to provide an outlet for excess energy.
Once the source of your dog’s itchy behavior is determined, definitive actions can be taken to help ease your pup’s discomfort this spring. See Pinnacle Pets associates to learn more.
*Shedding and hair loss more than normal may indicate underlying illness or disease. Pinnacle Pets always recommends seeing your veterinary service provider regarding skin conditions. Some conditions require more in-depth treatment.
