Health Related
There are 3 types of ear infections: otitis externa, media, and interna. Otitis externa is the most common, in which inflammation affects the layer of cells lining the external portion of the ear canal. Otitis media and otitis interna refer to infections of the middle and inner ear canal. These infections typically result from the spread of infection from the external ear.
What causes ear infections?
Ear infections are typically caused by bacteria, yeast, or a mixture of both. In puppies, ear mites can also be a source of infection. The canine ear canal is more vertical than that of a human, forming an “L” shape that tends to hold in fluid. This makes dogs more prone to ear infections. Ear infections are very common in floppy eared dogs such as the cocker spaniel, poodles, and shih tzus, however can be found in dogs with erect ears as well.
What factors influence ear infections?
Moisture, allergies, endocrine disorders, autoimmune disorders, wax buildup, foreign bodies, injuries to the ear canal, and excessive cleaning are all factors that can influence ear infections.
What are the symptoms of an ear infection?
Head shaking, scratching at the ear, dark discharge/“dirt”, odor, redness/swelling, pain, itchiness, and crusting/scabs in ear are all symptoms of an ear infection. Not all dogs will show these symptoms, however most dogs usually show dark discharge/“dirt” and redness of the ear
What should my next step be if I notice any signs of a potential ear infection?
Please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible! This will help treat any ear infection hopefully prior to it reaching the middle/inner ear! If your dog has an ear infection, your vet may prescribe ear cleaner, topical medication, antibiotics, and/or anti-inflammatory medicine. Most minor ear infections will clear up in 1-2 weeks once appropriate treatment begins. Severe infections can take up to several months and can become chronic. It’s important to stay on top of your pet’s ear health! Severe ear infections can lead to deafness and more!
How can I prevent ear infections?
Thoroughly dry your pet’s ears after swimming/bathing/exposure to water. Moisture in the ear canal can lead to ear infections, so it’s important to ensure your pet’s ears are dry! Managing any pre-existing conditions can also help reduce ear infections. Regular cleanings can help to spot symptoms of ear infections and clean any debris from the ear.
How can Angel’s Pet Bathing help?
We clean your pet’s ears after their bath! This helps to ensure their ear canal is dry and help prevent infection. During the cleaning, we will spot any potential signs of an ear infection and notify you so you’re able to determine your next step!
Hot spots are a very common skin condition in dogs particularly in the summer months. These itchy sores can seem to appear out of nowhere. Mild hot spots are typically red, itchy, and appear similar to an insect bite. More severe cases can worsen and spread, turning into a painful oozing lesion. While they are quite frustrating, treatment usually is fairly easy!
What causes hot spots?
Hot spots usually are triggered by scratching, licking, or chewing the affected area. The resulting trauma to the skin causes inflammation and secondary bacterial infections. Unfortunately, this only makes the area itchier and more uncomfortable which causes a self-perpetuating cycle of itching and scratching. Any condition causing itchiness for your pet has the potential to result in a hot spot.
Typical causes of itchiness in dogs:
Parasites, fleas, food/environmental allergies, ear/skin infections, preexisting skin conditions, dirty/matted coat, and moisture trapped in the coat are all typical causes of itchiness. Many of these conditions can be chronic and result in recurrent hot spots.
Certain breeds with heavier coats such as German Shepherds, St Bernards, Newfoundlands, and Golden Retrievers are predisposed to developing hot spots. Hot spots are more likely to occur in warm and humid weather. Dogs that are frequently wet from swimming, bathing, or inclement weather are also more prone to hot spots due to the excess moisture being held by their coats.
Treatment:
Very mild hotspots usually resolve on their own in most dogs. Some hotspots do require treatment from a veterinarian. Clipping the hair around the hot spot can help to prevent matting. Cleaning with gentle antiseptic solutions, bathing with chlorhexidine shampoo, prescribing topical/oral antibiotics and/or steroids, prescribing allergy medication, and applying an Elizabethan collar may be ways your vet recommends to treat your dog’s hot spots. The most important thing to allow hot spots to heal is to prevent your pet from licking/scratching/chewing the area. Certain pets who are prone to hot spots and have a thicker coat are more likely to need veterinary treatment.
How do I prevent hotspots?
Identifying the cause of your dog’s hotspot can help with prevention! Treating pre-existing conditions and using regular prevention to protect against fleas/parasites can reduce the chance of your dog getting hot spots. Regular grooming and good hygiene also can aid in preventing hot spots. For dogs regularly exposed to moisture/wet coats, it’s important to thoroughly dry their coat down to their skin. These methods can help you prevent your pet from getting hot spots.
How can Angel’s Pet Bathing help?
After every bath, we thoroughly dry your pet’s coat with towels and the use of a force dryer. This will wick the moisture away from your pet’s skin, thereby reducing the chance of hotspots. We also identify and clean any lesions/hot spots found on your pet and notify you regarding them. By booking with us regularly, we can help keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy and catch any abnormalities such as lumps, bumps, abrasions, lesions, and more.
What are allergies?
Allergies are a misguided reaction to substances by the pet’s immune system. There are quite a few types of allergies in dogs. Food, skin, and environmental allergens all can be very challenging for pets and their owners.
Skin allergies, also known as allergic dermatitis, are the most common in dogs. There are 3 main types of skin allergies: flea allergy, food allergy, and environmental allergy. Flea allergy is an allergic reaction to flea bites. Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva which can result tin excessive itchiness. Food allergies/sensitivities are usually accompanied by gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms as well as itchy skin. Environmental allergens, such as dust, pollen, and mold, can cause atopic allergic reactions or atopic dermatitis. Usually these allergies are seasonal, so your pet may only be itchy during certain times of the year. All skin allergies pose the risk of a secondary infection. Since dogs typically scratch, bite, or lick the affected skin, they risk creating wounds that may allow a bacterial/yeast infection to occur. Skin infections typically require treatment through a veterinarian. The most alarming of all the types of allergies in dogs is an acute allergic reaction. Just like humans, dogs can also go into anaphylactic shock if they have a severe reaction to an allergen. This can be fatal if not treated as soon as possible. Bee stings and vaccine reactions are some of the most common allergens for anaphylactic shock. It’s important to keep an eye on your pet after any new vaccine, medication, or food item. Luckily, anaphylactic reactions are not very common in dogs.
Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
Allergy symptoms in dogs can vary depending on allergy and how your pet’s immune system responds to allergens. In general, the following symptoms may be a sign of an allergic reaction/allergy:
-Itchiness
-Hives
-Swelling of the body including face
-Red inflamed skin
-Diarrhea
-Vomiting
-Sneezing
-Itchy ears
-Chronic ear infections
-Itchy run eyes
-Constant licking
These symptoms could also be signs of another condition. Hives and facial swelling are usually indictive of anaphylactic shock and should be treated immediately. If you believe your pet may be having an allergic reaction/allergies, make an appointment with your veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis and to help develop a treatment plan for your pet.
How are allergies treated?
Treatment plans vary based on your pet’s specific allergy and what works best for their specific needs. Typically the best way to treat an allergy is by removing the cause. For example, if your pet has an allergy to fleas, the best way to treat the allergen is by removing the fleas. The same goes for food allergens, the best way to treat the allergen is by removing the food causing the allergy from your pet’s diet. Lifestyle changes can help to treat certain allergens, however in certain cases, your veterinarian may prescribe an allergy relief medication. Allergy relief medications can help to control the signs associated with the allergic reaction such as itching and any skin infections that may have developed. Most veterinarians will recommend medications such as Benadryl or Apoquel. However, this is not a choice that should be made without veterinarian approval.
How can Angel’s Pet Bathing help?
Angel’s Pet Bathing can help notify owners of symptoms/potential signs of allergies/an allergic reaction. We pay special attention to your pets skin during the grooming process to help catch any unusual signs! Any skin irritation, hot spots, dirty ears, red ears, excessive itchiness, and more will be reported to your veterinarian. As always, it is completely your choice to seek care for your pet based on these symptoms. We also offer special packages that may help your pet with their allergies such as our Deep Conditioning Treatment which can aid in adding moisture back to the skin/coat and reduce itchiness. We also offer hypoallergenic baths/grooms in which your pet will only have hypoallergenic products used on their coat/body. Typically most pets do not have a reaction to our products, however if you have reason to believe your pet may be having a reaction, please let us know! Some dogs have very sensitive skin and we are more than happy to help you and your pet find a product that works best for their needs.
What are anal glands?
Dogs have two small oval-shaped sacs on either side of the anus. The purpose of the glands is to produce a fluid with a strong odor (very pungent and fishy smell) unique to each dog. It’s believed that the expression of a small amount of this fluid marks territory. Most dogs can also involuntarily express their anal sacks when they are fearful or become stressed.
Many dogs will go through their lifetime without any issues with their anal glands. The majority of dogs will express their glands during defecation. There are times, however, when these glands can become full, impacted, or infected and the dog is unable to express them without assistance. Pet groomers can express most dog's anal glands externally. Some pets require an internal expression which should only be done at the vet's office.
How do I know if my dog should get their anal glands expressed?
There are a few tell-tale signs that can indicate your dog needs their glands expressed:
-scooting their butt on the carpet/rug/floor
-excessive licking/itching rear end
-strong odor that smells similar to a fishy scent
What causes anal gland issues in dogs?
Certain factors increase the chance of your dog developing impacted, infected, or abscessed anal glands. Here are some common factors:
-allergies
-genetics (small breeds are prone to anal gland issues)
-Insufficient fiber in diet
-chronic soft stool (harder stool causes pressure which will assist in expressing the glands during defecation)
How can Angel's Pet Bathing help?
Here at Angel's Pet Bathing, both our premium bath and premium groom packages include checking and externally expressing the anal glands if needed. Some plus sized pups/dogs with super short tails may be advised to visit a vet for internal expression as external expression can be impossible for some builds. Our staff is trained in proper external expression and will notify owners of any changes in color, odor, and consistency for that individual dog. If any changes are concerning, we will recommend checking with your vet. By closely observing changes in your pets, we have been able to catch multiple anal gland infections and even a case of anal sac cancer (pup was able to be treated and is cancer-free!) We take our jobs seriously and will always note any change no matter how minor!
Coat Care
With temperatures getting warmer, your dog may exhibit panting and increase shedding. A lot of owners start questioning whether or not they should shave their dog to cool them off/reduce shedding. Well this is breed dependent! Sometimes shaving can cause your pet to overheat!
What are double coated dogs?
Double coated dogs refers to dogs with two coats: a guard coat and an undercoat. Double coated dogs have a soft layer of hair close to the skin this acts as insulation. This allows them to keep warm and winter and cool off in summer. You may be thinking “Isn't all of that thick hair hot?” Quite the contrary! When your double coated dog starts shedding heavier during spring, their undercoat is the hair you typically find flying around your house. By shedding this hair, the guard coat (coarser hair on top of the undercoat) can allow air to travel through the coat. This helps to cool your pet down! Here are some examples of double coated dog breeds: German Shepherds, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers.
How does shaving affect my double coated dog?
When you shave a double coated dog, they lose their undercoat which takes away their “insulation.” By doing this, you are increasing their risk of sunburn, heat stroke, odd regrowth of hair, and failure to regrow hair. Shaving also does not decrease shedding, but rather changes the length of the hair being shed. Typically after being shaved the hair has a sharper point and is more likely to stick to your clothes, furniture, blankets, and more! In some cases, your veterinarian/groomer may recommend shaving for severe matting or certain health conditions.
What are my options?
In dogs with a longer coat such as Golden Retrievers, you can get a trim up. This can take some of the length off from their stomach, butt, legs, and chest. While it is quite rare for a trim up to cause odd/lack of hair growth, it is possible in some pets. In most cases, the hair grows back without issue. Deshedding treatments can also help to remove loose undercoat which helps your pet’s coat to breathe and with regular treatments can help reduce the amount of shedding in your home!
How can Angel’s Pet Bathing help?
We offer deshedding treatments, trim ups, and shaves! We can assist you in choosing the best option for your pet. While we typically do not recommend shaving a double coated breed, we are still willing to provide the service as long as the owner is aware of potential consequences.