HAIR SHEDDING IN DOGS

Before knowing about hair shedding, it is essential to know about hair growth cycle in dogs.Hair cycle consists of an active growth phase ,termed as anagen phase,in this hair reaches it's genetically determined length.It then enters into a transient Catagen phase.then it proceeds to enter the resting phase termed as telogen phase.Dogs have a telogen - predominant cycle.The anagen phase lasts from one month to a year or more.The hair then enters into telogen phase & remains there for a prolonged period of time.In this hair is tightly bound to follicle & will not readily fall out or pulled out. In the Nordic breeds, the telogen phase lasts for years.At some points telogen hair falls out and is replaced by a newly developing anagen hair.This fall of hair is known as HAIR SHEDDING.

Hair shedding is one of the biggest nuisance faced by dog owners.Almost every dog regardless of age or breed sheds hair.Often a little bit of shedding is normal where as excessive shedding is a cause of concern.Some breeds tend to shed more, notably Retrievers,Setters,Spaniels & Shepherds whose hair coat have to be combed or groomed regularly.Some have thicker undercoat and shed more.Dogs shed to get rid of old damaged or extra hair.
The causes of hair shedding in dogs are also believed to be climatic changes,some because of poor nutrition,pregnancy or lactation stage also contribute to this.Another very important factor commonly noted in Malaysia is frequent bathing,this results in reduced body oil that leads to dull, dry and lusterless coat.So bath your dog once a week which is most ideal in a tropical climate.But in winter bathing can be done once a month.Despite this combing and brushing especially for thick coated breeds must be practiced and not to be taken lightly.

Some of the tell-tale signs of excessive hair shedding that needs immediate attention are:

1) Hair shedding due to change in feed supplement.

2) Hair shedding due to allergies or any other diseases.

3) Hair shedding in stress, long illness & poor diet.

4) Hair shedding due to lack of grooming.

5) Hair shedding in large patches leaving bald spots may be accompanied by chewing or scratching.

Follow following points to reduce hair shedding as well as effectively removing hair.Always brush your pet with right kind of brush like Slicker brush,Shedding blades, Metbreakers and Love Gloves,Feed an appropriate good quality pet food, Feed a fatty acid supplement in diet rich in Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids especially, Control allergies & fleas, Bathe your pet occassionally in summer with good quality oatmeal shampoo, Cover your furniture and car seats, Clean home by vacuumed cleaner, Remove hair from upholstery and from your dog's bed at earliest using Tap Roller, Have regular check-ups of your pet from your VET.

The most effective way to have manageable hair is good brushing.The Slicker and Rake brushes are best to be used on the double coated breeds such as Collies etc. because they reach under the outer coat and pull out the soft, undercoat.

For dogs with thicker hair coat you should brush regularly and remove long , straggly, hairs from ears, neck and underside with finger and thumb. For the long coated dogs, brushing alone is insufficient because only the top coat will benefit, while the under coat which gets matted, usually remains untouched. For these coats, you need not only a bristle brush or a metal comb that will be able to penetrate through to the skin. It is advisable to look for a professional groomer or a veterinarian for severely matted coats.Generally short coated dogs should be brushed regularly with a firm brush . This should be used in a long, sweeping strokes following the lie of the fur.For grooming follow the sequence from back ,belly, chest, limbs and lastly tail .

Hair Loss In Dogs(Alopecia)

Alopecia is the partial or complete lack of hair in areas where they are normally present.There are many causes of hair loss.Any disease that effect hair follicle can cause loss of hair.Alopecia may be hereditary or acquired.Acquire again may be inflammatory or non-inflammatory.
Hereditary Alopecia

: It is caused by lack of development of hair follicles e.g. Baldness of Dachshunds;Color dilution alopecia of Doberman Pinschers ;X-Linked ectodermal dysplasia in German shepherd ;Hairless breeds of dogs are Maxican Hairless, Chines Crested ,American Hairless Terrier.
Acquired Alopecia

: in this dog is born with normal hair coat & has normal hair follicles at one time but later on develops hair loss because of destruction of hair follicles.Diseases leading to acquired alopecia are:
Hyperadrenocortism( Cushing Disease):-

More common in Pomerians,Chows,Samoyeds.In this hair loss start at neck,tail,back of thighs & progresses to trunk; dog appears to have a 'puppy coat',skin darkens.Treatment is Mitotane,Deprenyl,Ketoconazole.
Hypoadrenocortism(Addison's Disease):

Treated with Prednisolone Sod. Succinate &Dexamethasone Sod.Phosphate.
Hyperthyroidism:

Can be treated with Methimazole.
Hypothyroidism:

Hair loss starts at lower neck beneath the chin going to the brisket,at the side of body,back of thigh& at top of tail.Treatment is Thyroxin.
Hyperestrogenism:

Rare disease in which female animal have excess of estrogen,can be caused by cancer of ovaries.There is symmetrical loss of hair & are easily removable;hair fall around perinium & genitals.Treatment go for Spaying.
Hypoestrogenism:

This leads to thinning of hair in vulva & then will worsen and spread to whole body.Treatment is Estrogen replacement therapy.
Hormonal Imbalance:

Hair loss is on neck,tail & back of thighs,skin darkens.Treatment is use of growth hormone like Melatonin.
Hair loss during Pregnancy & Lactation:

There is sudden & widespread hair loss.Hair will grow back after period of pregnancy & lactation is over.
Acanthosis nigricans:

Inherited form seen in Dachshunds.Secondary form caused by friction showing scratching & hair loss.Secondary form can be treated by Steroids & Vit.-E supplementation.
Allergic & irritant dermatitis:

Skin get red,small blisters on areas of skin seen,itching & hair loss in chronic form.Treatment-restrict exposure to allergens & irritants, give steroids and antihistamines.
Chemotherapy:

Dogs with continuously growing hair e.g.Poodles and Maltese,often lose hair.Treatment-None, but hair will start regrowing after discontinuation of chemotherapy.
Demedectic mange(Red mange/Puppy mange):

Caused by Demodex mite infection.There is loss of hair ,scalliness ,redness, pustules,ulcers , itching & darkening of skin.Treatment-Don't give Steroids.Give Amitraz dips to dog.
Flea allergy dermatitis(Flea bite hypersensitivity):

There is intense itching,redness,hair loss,papules,crusts,scales.Treatment-Control of fleas in environment & on dog.Use steroids & antihistamines for itching.
Lice:

There are many species of lice that effect dogs.It leads to itching ,hair loss,crusts & rough hair coat.Treat the dogs with Pyrethrin,Ivermectin & Permethrin.
Malassezia:

Symptoms are itching,redness,hair loss,greasy scales,severe infections leads to hyperpigmentation.Treat with Ketoconazole,Miconazole & shampoos.
Nasal solar dermatitis:

This is due to hypersensitivity to sun rays.Treatment-Avoid direct sun rays & use topically Corticosteroids solutions on effected parts.
Pressure sores:

Generally lesions occurs over bony prominences like elbows.Initially areas appears red,hairless and progress to draining ulcers & may become infected.Treatment-Keep area clean and prevent contact with urine.Provide soft beddings.Give antibiotics and do bandage over effected parts.
Ringworm:

Occurs due to infection with several type of fungus.There is hair loss,scaliness,crusts,pustules,vesicles,itching,draining nodules called Kerion.Treatment-Miconazole,Lime sulphur dips,orally tab. Griseofulvin or Itraconazole.
Sarcoptic mange:

It is due to infection with Sarcoptes mites.Symptoms are intense itching,self trauma,hair loss,papules,crusts & scales.Treatment is Amitraz(Mitaban) dips,Ivermectin.
Seborrea:

Clinical signs are scales,dry or oily coat depending on the type,odor,some scratching,hair loss.Treat underlying cause if present; antiseborrheic shampoos;fatty acid supplementation.
Vit-A responsive dermatosis:

This may not be actual due to deficiency of Vit-A,but does respond to increase level of Vit-A in diet.More common in Cocker Spaniels.Symptoms are Seborrea,odor,hair pulls out easily,pads of feet thickened,thick scales on chest & abdomen specially around nipples.Treatment is supplementation of Vit-A for lifetime.
Zinc responsive dermatosis:

Clinical signs are crusting,scaling,redness,hair loss,sometimes oily skin and secondary bacterial infections are common.Treatment-Correct any dietry deficiencies,use medicated shampoos & treat secondary infections.
It is best to use dog shampoos that promotes hair growth in dogs such as Ectokyl,Malaseb,Oxydex,Petban.Shampoos that promotes hair growth in dogs has vitamins & minarets which boosts the dog nutrients to bring back the life & shine to their hair.Generally use of dog shampoo is the first choice to save dog from being hairless But always consult your Pet' VET. before any kind of treatment.

Best Dog Food for Dog With Allergies

It has been estimated by several dog food experts and veterinarians that a large number of allergies in dogs are caused by the food they consume. Food allergies generally account for 10 per cent that is seen in dogs. It is third most common cause of dog food allergy apart from flea bite allergies and inhalant allergies. A food allergy can affect both the male and female dogs. Therefore, choosing the right blend of food can go a long way in eliminating the food allergies in the dogs.
Choosing the Best Dog Food
A vast majority of the dog owners does not know the best dog food that they should provide to their dogs with allergies. Many of them also do not even know the type of dog food they should choose for preventing dog food allergy. The following are the various tips or allergy information that the dog owners should consider while choosing a suitable dog food for dog care and curing dog allergies:

• The dog owners must try to find a dog food that includes probiotics. The probiotics boosts the immune system of the dogs and also regulates their digestion.
• The dog owners must not purchase a dog food that includes corn, dairy, wheat, etc as many dogs are susceptible to these ingredients. The dogs find it very hard to digest these types of ingredients which ultimately affects their digestive system.
• The dog owners generally have the habit of purchasing commercially prepared dog food. However, the dog owners must stay from buying contaminated commercially prepared as they contain additives and fillers that cause a lot of stress on the dog's digestive system.
• The dog owners must vie for a dog food that contains the extracts of grape seeds. The grape seeds are the excellent allergy elimination diet that is considered beneficial for boosting the immune system of the dogs.
• The dog owners must feed their dogs with the organic dog food as it is considered best for the digestive system of the dogs.

The dogs are just like the members of the family. They need special care, love and attention. Therefore, it is the utmost duty and responsibility of the dog owners to provide right kind of food and allergy treatment for their dog's health.

How Commercial Dog Food May Be Poisoning Your Dog slowly?

A good dog food is very essential for the well being of the dogs. If they are not provided with the balanced diet of dog food then there are chances that they may die of malnutrition. A vast majority of dog owners around the world find commercial dog food very much convenient to feed their dogs. However, they are unaware of the ingredients that go into the commercial dog food and continue to feed their dogs containing fatal chemicals. A commercial dog food is killing a large number of dogs worldwide.

The commercial dog food industry is multi million dollar industry and extremely profitable that boasts of providing rich and quality dog food to the dogs. However, these claims of commercial dog food industry are totally fallacious. The consumers are made to believe that they are providing healthy food to their pets. But the truth about commercial dog food is that they are feeding nothing more than cheap and degraded quality of meat, pesticides, chemicals, etc.
Many veterinarians and the nutritional experts recommend the natural dog food for the dogs care. According to them the natural dog is a healthy dog food consists of raw diet of bones and meat. But a large number of dog owners ignoring the advice of the experts provide commercially prepared to their dogs. A commercial dog food contains various harmful chemicals that make the dogs prone to various kinds of diseases, which are as follows:

• Bladder cancer
• Skin cancer
• Leukemia
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Blindness
• Obesity
• Kidney cancer
• Hair loss
• Chronic ear infection
• Dry skin

The ingredient of a commercial pet food usually consists of antibiotics, pesticides residues, etc. that may shorten the lives of your beloved dogs. Sometimes, the meats from the sick animals are also mixed with the commercial dog food. It consists of various fungal toxins that are extremely harmful for the health of the dogs. One of the biggest issues of commercial dog foods is that they are processed at moderate to high temperatures. Processing the food in the extreme high temperatures destroys some of the essential nutrients that are essential for the well being of the dogs.

Therefore, if you love your dog then it is your duty and responsibility to provide him the best and quality diet of dog food.

Selecting Best Dog Food
The consumers while selecting a quality commercial dog food must not be fooled with the false slogans embarked on the commercial dog foods. The following are the various points that the dog owners must keep in mind while selecting best dog food for their dogs:

• The dog owners while selecting the dog food must select the one that has an AAFCO guarantee label.
• The expiry date of the dog foods must be checked thoroughly by the dog owners.
• The dog food must be stored in the seal proof containers.
• The dog owners must try to avoid special formula dog foods as they may contain excessive fats and fiber that can give rise to various diseases.
• The dog owners must only select those dog foods that have been recommended by the veterinarians.

How to Protect Your Dog from Food Allergies?

How to Protect Your Dog from Food Allergies?
There are miscellaneous kinds of allergies which can affect the dogs. Sometimes it is very difficult to figure out what causes food allergies in dog as every dog is unique and distinct. There are various pet food ingredients that can trigger allergies in the dogs such as wheat, corn, dairy products, grains, etc. Some of the food items are even more insecure for the well being of the dogs such as grapes, sugar, chocolates, etc.
One of the major causes of allergy in dogs is the mixing of chemicals in the commercially prepared dog foods. The main intention of the companies preparing commercially prepared is to earn a large amount of profits by any means. These companies mix additives, fillers, etc in the dog food making them prone to various allergies and diseases. Feeding the dogs with these contaminated foods can lead to various illnesses among the dogs such as vomiting, gastrointestinal problem, and so on.
Dog Allergy Symptoms
Some of the common allergic symptoms that are visible in dogs are as follows:

• Dry skin
• Runny eyes
• Indifferent behavior
• Fur loss
• Persistent itching that is chewing paws or any other parts of the body

Preventing Dog Food Allergy
The dog owners must immediately take their dogs to the veterinarian if they notice any of the above given allergic symptoms. A majority of veterinarians in order to cure the dogs infected with the allergy recommend a diet of lamb and rice. It is believed that the lamb and rice are an allergy free dog food and they are usually not found in the commercially prepared dog food. It is often considered good for the skin of the dog.

Changing the diet of the dog can also help a great deal in preventing the dogs from allergic reactions. The food that is causing allergic reactions in the dogs must be aborted and instead they should be feeded with food prescribed by the veterinarian. The dogs should be provided with the high protein diet as they are considered excellent for the health of the dogs. The best premium all natural allergy diet is considered as an excellent dog food with allergies. The dog owners can also try out some homemade dog food recipes for allergies. A dog can be served a meal of rice that is even mixed with some alluring meat such as venison. A different brand of dog food diet that the dog has never tasted before can also be served to the dog. However, it is advisable dog owners must take their dogs to the veterinarian if the dog is infected with the allergic symptoms.

Can Homemade Dog Food Harm Your Dog?

In today's modern environment, a majority of large population all over the world are living very stressful and busy lives. They go for easy and swift solutions for any sort of problems. Likewise, the dog owners also prefer the convenient solutions foe their dogs by feeding them with the commercially made dog foods such as canned food instead of home made goods. By feeding the dogs with the commercially prepared food, we are just toying with their health. However, the scenario has changed over the years. Nowadays, more and more number of people are switching to homemade dog foods because of the recent reports of dog food contamination and inopportune dog loss.

The advantages of feeding your dog with the homemade dog food are many. The homemade dog foods do not contain any additives, fillers, etc and they are completely safe dog food for the dogs. It increases the longevity period of the dogs as it prevents them from the various deadly diseases. Since, the homemade dog food is devoid of any kind of preservatives and fillers, your dog will be happier, livelier and healthy.

Feeding your dog with the homemade dog food can be prime choice but at times this kind of dog food may not be suitable for the well being of the dog. Many homemade dog foods are deficient of essential dog food nutrition that is considered vital for the health of the dog. Moreover, there is a dearth of the certain nutrients such as vitamins and minerals in a large percentage of the dogs. The homemade dog food is certainly not a solution to this problem.

A dog owner, while preparing a homemade dog food must keep in mind that your pet is not a human. His needs are very much different from yours. At times, most of the dog owners ignore the essential nutrients needed by the dog while preparing a homemade dog. One of the basic constituent of any quality dog food is protein. The homemade dog food must be very rich in proteins. The main sources of proteins are eggs, meat, dairy products, etc. Some of the items such as garlic, onion, grapes, chocolates, walnuts, etc must be excluded from the homemade dog food diet. Therefore, it is suitable that the recommended homemade dog food recipe should be followed rather than substituting your dog with the other commercially prepared dog foods.

It must be ensured that the dog is getting quality homemade dog food enriched with essential nutrients. In order to provide the dog with the well balanced diet of natural homemade dog food, the dog owner must spare some of his precious time in discovering some of the balanced homemade dog food recipes. They can find some of the nutritious and healthy homemade dog food recopies online. Preparing a homemade dog food requires a great deal of knowledge and money as compared to commercially prepared dog foods. However, if you feeding your dog with the homemade dog food then you are safeguarding its longevity and healthier life.