Products to Help Your Pet Endure the Winter Extremes

 

 

Recently, across the United States, winter weather systems brought large amounts of snowfall, sleet, ice, and extreme cold, impacting many of our travel plans and daily lives. This is no exception for our furry friends. At VetRxDirect, we carry products to help protect and ensure your pets are happy and healthy throughout the year, including the harsh winter. 

One common thing we forget about our pets during the cold winter months is the health of their paws. Wearing dog boots or paw protectors works well to keep their paws safe from possible abrasions from walking on ice or stepping on sand on sidewalks. However, if you have a dog like mine who does not care for boots, cleaning their feet is essential. online loans. During the winter, deicing substances are often littered throughout city streets and sidewalks including sodium chloride and other toxic chemicals, which can irritate the paws of your pets. ASCPA recommends cleaning your dog’s feet with a damp towel and towel dry after including the legs and stomach, which are places where these chemicals and substances may linger. Similar to us, dogs may also benefit from the use of petroleum jelly or balm for their paws or a moisturizer for dry skin.

One balm product that we carry at VetRxDirect is Demoscent Bio Balm. This is a fragrance-free product that moisturizes dry, cracked skin and protects exposed skin areas, including paw pads, nose, and elbows, from the harsh effects of winter. Furthermore, Dermoscent produces an Essential Mousse, which is a no-rinse cleansing foam for dogs and cats that deodorizes and gently cleans, which makes it ideal for removing the deicing material and harsh chemicals found on streets and sidewalks. This product is made from all-natural ingredients that include fatty acids from hemp oil to hydrate the skin and help support the natural skin barrier. Lastly, to protect your pet’s skin and coat during the winter, Dermoscent Essential 6 Spot On. This all-natural topical treatment consists of a hydrating blend of fatty acids and 10 essential oils to hydrate irritated skin and help the coat shine on dogs and cats while leaving a great scent. Dermoscent skin care products are great for everyday pets, including those who enjoy some time in the snow. Learn more about winter skincare with Dermoscent. If you have a dog that enjoys substantial time outside in the winter, Pad-Tough is a topical spray that provides a protective covering and works to toughen the skin of the foot pads and elbows on your dog. 

VetRxDirect has a wide selection of prescription and over-the-counter products for pets.  Continue to follow our blog for more helpful tips and tricks to care for your furry friends and help them live their best lives!

About the Author

Tibbers in the snow
Tibbers playing in the snow!

My dog’s name is Tibbers. He is a three year old Pomsky who enjoys nibbling on snowballs and sleeping anywhere that is cold. His favorite spot to sleep during the winter is near our sliding doors since it is extra chilly.” 

Tin Tran, B.A. PharmD Candidate 2024, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy

 

 


This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health. 

 

Winter Skincare With Dermoscent for Dogs and Cats

The snow, ice, and cold temperatures of winter bring a set of challenges for our animals. Despite their layer of fur for protection, dogs and cats can experience dry, uncomfortable skin. Indoor heating can dry out the air and circulate allergens throughout your home. Cold weather and frozen surfaces can cause frostbite. In fact, winter skin and coat problems are a common concern. Just as you may take extra steps to keep yourself healthy when the weather turns cool, we’ve put together some tips for your pets too. We’ve also featured a few Dermoscent skin care products below.

Humidity

Make sure your home is comfortable for you and your pets all winter long by controlling the humidity levels. If you have forced air or a central furnace system, it will emit dry heat throughout your home. This low-humidity environment quickly dries out the skin and nasal passages and causes static electricity shocks. To combat dry air, try using a humidifier and fixing cold air drafts.

Winter Allergies

Allergies are more common during the warmer months when pollens, grasses, and bugs are more plentiful. Dust mites and mold are common indoor allergens that trigger reactions in people and pets. Continual scratching caused by allergies and irritants can cause dry skin to become damaged and prone to infection. While they cannot survive freezing temperatures outdoors, fleas can thrive indoors during winter. Consider using preventatives all year long to keep your pet from being bitten.

Diet & Nutrition

If your dog or cat’s skin is easily irritated during winter, talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s current diet or incorporating supplements. Poor nutrition, including low levels of dietary protein and essential fatty acids, can also cause a dull hair coat.

Grooming & Bathing

In the winter, reduce the number of baths you give to your dog or cat. Soaps and shampoos can strip the natural skin oils and dry it out, causing flaky, itchy skin. Instead, try a moisturizing or waterless shampoo. You may also try bathing wipes for spot cleaning. Regular brushing encourages blood circulation and distributes oils to help moisturize the skin and hair coat.

Exposed Skin

Dogs and cats grow their own winter coat, but this does not mean they are always protected from frostbite and skin injury. Frozen surfaces The most vulnerable areas to frostbite are on paw pads, ears, and tail. Learn more about the signs of frostbite. Monitor weather conditions closely and limit your pet’s time outdoors, especially during wind chill, extreme cold, and winter weather warnings. Snow and ice can cut paws, so before going for walks, keep paw pads hydrated and protected with a spray or balm. When you return home, wash their paws to remove any potentially toxic or irritating substances like salt, ice melt products, and antifreeze.

VetRxDirect offers a variety of products to meet your pet’s skincare needs through every season. Check out these products from Dermoscent, and visit our website for more information.

Dermoscent Dermatology Products For Winter

Dermoscent Essential 6 at VetRxDirect

Dermoscent Essential 6 Spot On is a topical treatment of omega essential fatty acids, natural essential oils, and Vitamin E to moisturize and regulate the skin. It helps reduce dandruff, deodorize, regulate dryness and greasiness, control shedding, and protect skin. Essential 6 also helps maintain healthy skin and reinforces the skin barrier for dogs and cats prone to allergies.

 

 

Dermoscent Essential Mousse at VetRx DirectDermoscent Essential Mousse is a soap-free, rinse-free foaming cleanser for dogs and cats. This pH-balanced, gentle formula cleans dirt and dandruff and deodorizes with soothing natural ingredients. It contains essential fatty acids which moisturize dry, sensitive skin and nourish the haircoat. This waterless cleanser helps extend the time between bathing and is ideal for quick clean ups.

 

BioBalm at VetRxDirectBioBalm is designed to nourish your dog’s dry skin. It moisturizes and protects exposed skin areas including the paws, nose, and elbows. It helps prevent cracking, chapped, dry, and thickened skin. Ideal for calluses and soothing irritation between the toes. Bio-Balm is water resistant making it ideal for winter skin hydration and for protecting the paws.

 

 

 

How do you keep your pet healthy and happy during the winter? Leave us a comment below!

Summer Skincare For Dogs and Cats

Summer is a great time to enjoy the backyard, or take our pets with us for a variety of exciting excursions, from camping and hiking, to boating and swimming. You may take extra steps to keep your skin protected when the weather gets hot, like sunscreen, bug spray, or protective clothing, but our pets have some skincare needs too. Summer is a prime allergy season and bugs can easily make their way inside to the air conditioning. We’ve put together some summer skincare tips to help out!

Mosquitoes, Bugs, and Parasites, Oh My!

Ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other insects are out in full swing during the summer months. If you are getting bit and itching, chances are your pet is too. Talk to your veterinarian about how you can keep your dog or cat protected from bites. There are many products available such as collars, topicals, sprays, shampoos, and dips. Try these tips for keeping critters away.

Seasonal Allergies

Just like us, dogs and cats can develop allergies and sensitivities to things in the environment like pollens, molds, grasses, trees, or bites from fleas or bugs. These allergens are very common during the summer. Allergies cause excessive scratching, biting, licking chewing, rubbing, sneezing, foot chewing and redness of the skin. If you notice changes in the skin or your pet is constantly itching, contact your veterinarian for treatment options and to determine the cause. You may also ask your veterinarian about whether your pet would benefit from an antihistamine or other medication.

Grooming & Bathing

If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, you may need to up the bath time, especially if they like swimming. Bathing helps physically remove dirt, debris, allergens, and parasites from your dog or cats’ haircoat. You can also try using waterless shampoo to help reduce time in the tub. Aside from controlling shedding and making them look good, regular brushing also helps encourage blood circulation and distributes natural oils to help moisturize the skin. Check out the new Furbliss grooming brush.

Protect Paw Pads

Have you ever walked barefoot outside in the summer? HOT! Pavement, sidewalks, sand, and natural surfaces heat up quickly from the sun and can cause burns when dogs touch them. Try checking the temperature of the pavement before going for a walk. If it’s too hot for your hand, then it’s too hot for paws. You can also try walking your dog in the morning or at night when it’s cooler outside. Apply a thin layer of BioBalm on all four paws before any outdoor activities or walks.

VetRxDirect offers a variety of products to meet your pet’s skincare needs in every season. What is your favorite summer activity with your pet?

MicrocynVS Wound Care Solutions for Dogs and Cats

MicrocynVS is new line of topical skin and wound care solutions for animals. They are formulated with pure hypochlorous technology to encourage optimal healing and serve as an antimicrobial. Microcyn VS products aid in debridement, irrigation, and cleansing of wounds and help eliminate odor. They also help reduce bacteria, fungi, and spores on the skin. All MicrocynVS products have a non-toxic formula and do not contain steroids, antibiotics, or blech. They do not harm healthy tissue and help relieve minor irritations. They are designed for all animal skin types including dogs, cats, and horses.

MicrocynVS Wound & Skin Care at VetRxDirectMicrocynVS Wound & Skin Care

Wound & Skin Care Spray cleans, treats, and heals your pet’s wounds in an easy to use spray. Use for antimicrobial cleansing and irrigation of wounds, or moistening wound dressings to help reduce infection, irritation, and swelling. Ideal for cuts, abrasions, rashes, burns, abscesses,  as well as post-surgical sites, hot spots, lacerations, and irritated skin.

Hot-Spot & Anti-Itch Spray GelMicrocynVS Hot Spot Spot & Anti-Itch Spray Gel

Hot Spot and Anti-Itch Spray Gel soothes itching, irritation, redness, and inflammation. This easy to use, thin gel formula includes the skin protectant dimethicone, which helps provide a skin barrier to keep out debris, irritants, and infection. Ideal for hot spots, rashes, scratches, abrasions, mud and rain rot, mane and tail eczema.

Eye and Ear Wash at VetRxDirectMicrocynVS Eye & Ear Wash

Ear & Eye Wash is designed to safely cleanse sensitive areas of the skin, and around the eyes and ears. Use to cleanse and flush dirt, debris, irritants, and keep out infection. Ideal for daily eye and ear cleaning or during ear infections, pink eye, and eye discharge.

MicrocynVS Ophthalmic GelMicrocynVS Ophthalmic Gel

Ophthalmic Gel helps cleanse and flush the eye of irritants, dirt, debris, and other contaminants. This thin gel helps soothe burning, stinging, and itching. Ideal for animals with allergies, eye abrasions, irritations, and pink eye.

VetBiotek Skincare Solutions for Dogs and Cats

The VetBiotek skin care line for dogs and cats offers a variety of topical shampoos, waterless mousse, sprays, wipes, and ear solutions. Designed for antiseptic cleansing, they aid in the treatment of skin and ear infections, seborrhea, allergies, and a variety of other skin conditions. VetBiotek uses a key ingredient called Microsilver BG, a pure microscopic metallic silver that is a natural antimicrobial and penetrates biofilm. Biofilm is a natural slime-like coating that forms a protective barrier over bacteria, yeast, and fungi. This protective layer can make these organisms more resistant because it does not allow antibiotics or medications to get in. The film must be broken in order for the antibiotics to get in do their job, therefore causing them to break down and die. The Microsilver keeps working overtime to help prevent the area from being infected again.

VetBiotek topical products also contain Ceramide III, a skin-identical molecule which helps enforce the natural skin barrier. Additionally, it discourages the loss of water through the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. VetBiotek shampoos and conditioners also use soap-free formulas

BioHex Available at VetRxDirectBiohex Shampoo and Wipes

BioHex is an antiseptic and cleansing shampoo. It contains chlorhexidine and miconazole. BioHex Wipes are ideal for skin folds, facial areas, between the toes and footpads, and other sensitive skin areas. Like the shampoo, they contain chlorhexidine and climbazole for an antifungal.

VetBiotek HexaDerm Max HexaDerm Max Shampoo

HexaDerm Max antibacterial shampoo helps reduce bacteria on the skin that cause skin infections. It contains chlorhexidine with deep cleansing and deodorizing action.

 BioSeb at VetRxDirectBioSeb Shampoo and Mousse

BioSeb is an antiseptic shampoo that helps reduce excessive oiliness and manage skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. It works as a degreasing cleanser to help remove scales, crusts, and flakes. BioSeb contains salicylic acid to lift dead skin cells as well as soften skin.

 

The VetBiotek dermatology products are best when used under the supervision of your veterinarian, and it is always best to ask them before using a new product with your pet. Ask your vet today!

Winter Skincare Solutions For Dogs and Cats

Winter’s cold weather and low humidity conditions can cause your skin to become dry and uncomfortable. This also affects dogs and cats, despite their layer of fur for protection. In fact, winter skin and coat problems are a common concern for pet owners. Indoor heating can dry out the air and circulate allergens throughout your home. Just as you may take extra steps to keep your skin healthy when the weather turns cool, we’ve put together some tips for your pets too.

Exposed Skin

Dogs and cats grow their own winter coat, but this does not mean they are always protected from frostbite and skin injury. The most vulnerable areas to frostbite are on paw pads, ears, and tail. Learn more about the signs of frostbite. Monitor weather conditions closely and limit your pet’s time outdoors especially during wind chill, extreme cold, and other winter weather warnings. Snow and ice can cut paws, so before going for walks, keep paw pads hydrated and protected with a spray or balm. When you return home, wipe their paws to remove any potentially toxic or irritating substances like salt, ice melt products, and antifreeze.

Humidity

Make sure your home is comfortable for you and your pets all winter long by controlling the humidity levels. If you have a forced-air or central furnace system, it will emit dry heat throughout your home. This low humidity environment quickly dries out the skin, nasal passages, and causes static electricity shocks. To combat dry air, try using a humidifier and fixing cold air drafts.

Winter Allergies

Allergies may burden your dog or cat throughout the warm weather, but during the winter months, pets usually spend most of their time inside your home. Dust mites and mold are common indoor allergens that are triggered in the colder months. If it’s already dry, continual scratching from allergies and irritants can damage your pet’s skin and make them prone to other skin problems or infections. While they cannot survive freezing temperatures outdoors, fleas can thrive indoors during winter. Consider using preventatives all year long to keep your pet from being bitten.

Diet & Nutrition

If your dog’s skin is easily dry or irritated during winter, talk to your veterinarian about trying a special diet or incorporating supplements. Omega fatty acids are important for healthy skin. Poor nutrition, including low levels of dietary protein and essential fatty acids, can also cause a dull hair coat.

Grooming & Bathing

In the winter, try reducing the number of baths you give to your dog or cat. Soaps and shampoos can strip the natural skin oils causing flaky, itchy skin. Instead, use a moisturizing or waterless shampoo. You may also try bathing wipes for spot cleaning. Regular brushing also helps encourage blood circulation and distributes natural oils to help moisturize the skin.

VetRxDirect offers a variety of products to meet your dog or cat’s skincare needs throughout every season. Check out these top picks for winter:

DermAllay at VetRxDirectDermallay is a gentle shampoo designed to relieve irritated skin. It contains ceramides to restore and repair damaged skin. It also includes colloidal oatmeal and safflower oil to soothe itching and hydrate dryness. Dermallay is soap-free is ideal for pets with sensitive skin or those with allergies. Leave on the Spray Conditioner for additional moisturizing.

 

 

Image result for 03 omegaO3 Omega features high potency essential fatty acids EPA and DHA from wild-caught fish oil. It includes vitamins A, D, and E. It helps promote healthy skin and coat as well as immune and joint health.  Giving O3 Omega to your dog or cat is easier since it comes in a variety of options including capsules, clip tips, liquid, soft chews, and mini bites.

 

 

PawTection at VetRxDirect

 

PawTector is a wax barrier for use in protecting your dog’s paw pads from the elements, such as ice, snow, and hot asphalt and pavement. PawTector can also protect against rough surfaces such as sand, rocks, stone, concrete, or salt. PawTection is water-resistant making it ideal for winter skin hydration and for protecting the paws.

 

 

Hylagroom Mousse is a waterless, soap-free cleanser for dogs and cats with sensitive skin and coats. It features a hypoallergenic and pH balanced formula that gently cleans and hydrates. Hylagroom contains ceramides and essential fatty acids to moisturize dry and irritated skin and reinforce the natural skin barrier.

 

VetBiotek Products Bust Biofilms For Dogs and Cats

There’s a buzz in the air about bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics and these things called biofilms… So what is this all about? A biofilm is a collection of organic and inorganic, living and dead materials collected on a surface. Biofilms can be made of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, which stick themselves together with a slimy substance. Biofilms can be found wherever bacteria like to hang out like pet bowls, sinks, bathrooms, kitchens, etc. The slime-like substance of a biofilm also acts as a barrier to protect the bacteria allowing them to grow, reproduce, and thrive on whatever surface they have taken up residence. Learn more about biofilms.

Veterinarians have been on the lookout for these because they are making infections more difficult to get rid of, especially on the skin and ears. The biofilm protects the bacteria or fungus and does not allow antibiotics or medications to get in. The film must be broken in order for the antibiotics to get in do their job.

VetBiotek & MicroSilver

The VetBiotek line helps bust biofilms and offers a variety of topical shampoos, waterless mousse, sprays, wipes, and ear solutions. They are designed to help with antiseptic cleansing and aid in the treatment of skin and ear infections, seborrhea, allergies, and other skin conditions. VetBiotek uses a key ingredient called Microsilver BG, a pure microscopic metallic silver that acts as a natural antimicrobial. It works to break the biofilm coating, exposing the bacteria, causing them to break down and die.The Microsilver keeps working overtime to prevent bacteria from infecting the area again.

VetBioTek BioCalm at VetRxDirect

 

BioCalm Shampoo, Spray, and Mousse

Helps relieve skin irritation and itching
Gently cleanses and soothes
Includes essential fatty acids and ceramides
Waterless mousse is easy and mess free
Spray target areas like hot spots and foot pads

 

BioHex Available at VetRxDirectBiohex Shampoo and Wipes

Chlorhexidine & miconazole fight bacteria, yeast, fungi
Soap-free shampoo cleans and deodorizes
Convenient wipes for face, feet, and skin folds
Supports the natural skin barrier with Ceramide III
Works to reduce biofilms

 

HexaDerm Max at VetRxDirect

Hexaderm Max Shampoo

Chlorhexidine fights against bacteria, yeast, and fungi
Deep cleansing and deodorizing
Soap-free formula
Supports the natural skin barrier

 

 

VetBioTek VetOtic at VetRxDirect

VetOtic Ear Cleanser

Gently cleanses and loosens dirt and debris
Supports the natural skin barrier
Deodorizes and keeps ears dry
Promotes healthy ear environment

 

The VetBiotek dermatology products are best when used under the supervision of your veterinarian, and it is always best to ask them before using a new product with your pet. Ask your vet today!

Put the Hex – Ultra Hex – on Skin Conditions

Skin problems are one the most common concerns of pet owners. Dogs bite and scratch incessantly causing broken skin and sores. Cats lick their fur until it falls out. It’s tough to watch. For many pets it becomes a vicious cycle; irritated, broken skin is prone to infection that can spread causing even more sores, hot spots, and itching.

Skin issues are challenging to diagnose and control because they’re caused by a variety of factors that have similar symptoms.  The most common causes of skin problems in dogs, cats and horses are:

  • Environmental irritants
  • Parasites
  • Allergy to foods or pollens
  • Bacterial, fungal or yeast infections
  • Nutrition problems
  • Stress

Just reading that list makes my skin itch!  What to do? As always, the first step is to consult your veterinarian. After an examination, and possibly a test or two, your veterinarian will give you some treatment suggestions.  One might be more frequent baths. Recent research has proven the benefits of frequent bathing for some pets with skin problems because baths wash away the bacteria, pollens, and molds that build up in pet fur and get trapped against the skin causing irritation and infection.

If your pet is diagnosed with a bacterial, yeast, or fungal infection your veterinarian may prescribe a medicated shampoo containing Chlorhexidine Gluconate. This is a safe, broad-spectrum antibacterial that helps cleanse the skin and control bacterial, yeast, and fungal skin infections.

Why should you ask your pet’s veterinarian about Ultra Hex:

Lovet UltraHex Shampoo at VetRxDirect.PharmacyUltra Hex, manufactured by Lovet, is an excellent medicated shampoo that contains Chlorhexidine Gluconate 4%. What’s great about Ultra Hex is that it’s soap-free and moisturizing so it’s easy on your pet’s sensitive skin while leaving her fur smooth and silky. While Ultra Hex is therapeutic, it’s also made with Non-Irritating Fragrance Technology™ so your pet will smell like lovely Japanese Cherry Blossom — not that terrible medicated smell you get from other antiseptic shampoos.

VetRxDirect is proud to be an online retailer for Lovet premium brand veterinary products including Ultra Hex shampoo. Lovet manufactures their products in an FDA registered facility and only sells to veterinarians!  Questions? Leave a comment below.

Find UltraHex and other great products for your pet at VetRxDirect.Pharmacy:

Dog Grooming: The Dirt on Dog Fur

Soft and white. Red and curly. Smooth and brown. Your dog’s fur is its most distinctive feature. It’s the reason we love petting our dogs and it’s the attribute that makes them so darn cute.

But your dog’s coat is about more than just good looks. It protects her from the environment, microorganism and foreign objects. Fur also acts as insulation keeping her cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Dogs also use their coats to communicate. Ever seen the fur on a dog’s back stand up when it’s mad? That’s its fur talking!

So your dog’s coat serves a purpose, but it can also cause some problems. Fur gets pretty dirty because it traps dust and pollen that can cause allergic reactions for you – and your pet. Fleas and ticks take cover in fur. And let’s not forget the “s” word: shedding.

So, what’s the best way to keep your pet’s coat clean and healthy?  It depends on the type of coat.

Here are a couple of pointers on dog grooming based on common coat types.

Smooth, short coats:

  • Brush weekly with a rubber or bristle brush
  • Bathe as needed but at least every three months

Dense, short coat:

  • Brush weekly with a slicker brush to work out tangles and mats
  • Bathe as needed but at least every three months

Long, smooth coat:

  • Daily brushing with a slicker brush will keep the coat neat and tangle free
  • Some dogs will need regular, light trimming to maintain shape
  • Bathe as needed but at least every three months

    Dylan by Landon - Dog Grooming Flickr Photo

    Courtesy of Landon/Flickr

When it comes to bathing, you can let the pros handle it for a price or do it yourself. Summer time is ideal for outdoor doggy baths because it’s less messy. If you choose to bathe your dog in the tub, be sure to use a non-stick mat to keep your dog from slipping. Don’t use too much water (a few inches is enough) and rinse thoroughly avoiding the dog’s eyes, ears, and nose. Avoid using too warm of water as this can exacerbate any skin irritation your dog may have.

Which dog shampoo should you use?

Antiseptic, deodorizing, conditioning, antimicrobial – there are lots of great shampoos on the market. Choose the type that matches your pet’s needs or have your veterinarian recommend a shampoo.

We stock a wide range of shampoos for dogs. So order one up, grab your dog and just add water! Which dog grooming shampoo do you use? Let us all know by leaving a reply below. Thank you.

Happy bathing,

Wes

Seborrhea in Dogs

Courtesy of digital_image_fan / Flickr

Courtesy of digital_image_fan / Flickr

Let’s face it; dogs can stink from time to time. It can be caused by a pleasant dunk in the water, rolling around in a funky pile of leaves or a medical condition known as seborrhea. Caused by an overproduction of sebum, the oily exudation emits a scent every dog owner dreads. In other words, it is responsible for that rancid dog smell that sends people running for the hills.

Both forms of the disease, primary and secondary, produce flakes of dead skin as their most common symptom. These dandruff-like flakes can be either unctuous or dry, depending on the sebaceous glands. Shed from the hair follicles and the epidermis, the scales tend to stick to the hair or fur.

What causes seborrhea in dogs?

In most cases, an underlying medical issue is to blame. Common culprits include allergies, hormonal imbalances, parasites (fleas, ticks, and mites), infections (especially yeast infections), thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, dietary deficiencies, environmental factors, obesity, and fungal infections. In rare cases, testing may not reveal any underlying medical problem.

At-risk breeds

Because they have different types of fur and hair, some breeds are more likely to suffer from the disease than others. Irish Setters, English Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Basset Hounds, Chinese Shar-Pei, and West Highland White Terriers are just a few of the breeds that are at an elevated risk of primary seborrhea. Most affected animals develop dry or greasy skin flakes that get caught in the coat. For obvious reasons, oily flakes are more likely to stick to the hair or fur, making them harder to remove, and much smellier to boot.

Problem areas for all affected breeds include the hocks, elbows, front of the neck and chest, and the hair that borders the ears.  Seborrhea that is oilier can also accumulate in the ear canals, which can cause a painful condition called ceruminous otitis.

Treatment of Seborrhea in Dogs

Although incurable, primary seborrhea is treatable. Rinses and shampoos for dogs  are used to control scale formation, which varies based on the specific problem. For example, if a pooch has mild dry flaking, he will require a moisturizing shampoo or rinse that rehydrates the skins and keeps scaling in check. For more severe flaking, however, he may need a shampoo that contains salicylic acid or sulfur; the same ingredients that are in most dandruff shampoos for human beings.

For oily seborrhea, moisturizing is obviously not the intention. The shampoos and rinses that are used to treat the condition contain ingredients that dry out the hair follicles, such as benzoyl peroxide and coal tar. Both have proven remarkably effective at removing the greasy flakes that stick to hair shafts like glue.

Ask your pet’s veterinarian about Oxiderm Antiseborrheic Pet Shampoo to help you fight seborrhea on your dog.

One alternative to shampoo that is meant to specifically address seborrhea is  DOUXO Seborrhea Spot-on. It is intended to be focused on troubled areas rather than be applied from head to tail, and can limit inflammation and infection.

Secondary seborrhea in dogs.

As the name implies, the secondary version of the disease is triggered by another disorder. Diseases that are frequently linked to secondary seborrhea include demodectic mange, hypothyroidism, scabies, canine atopy, dermatitis, flea allergies, hormone disorders, and others.

Because the symptoms are similar, secondary seborrhea is treated the same way as primary seborrhea. The only difference is the symptoms usually disappear as soon as the underlying disorder is identified and treated. It is for this reason that veterinarians always look for the primary cause when they encounter a case of seborrhea. Every now and then, they are faced with a case of secondary seborrhea that does not have a primary cause. These patients suffer from idiopathic seborrhea, which means that the cause is unknown. When this occurs, the dog’s doctor must simply manage the symptoms of the disease.

Complications of Seborrhea in Dogs

The most common symptom of both secondary and primary seborrhea is severe itching, which can result in subsequent medical conditions that are more serious than the disease itself. In particular, skin infections and folliculitis can be caused by excessive scratching. The former might be treated with a course of antibiotics, while the later can often be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids; both of which control itching and swelling.  Dietary supplements that contain omega-3 essential fatty acids from fish oil may also have salubrious effects on the skin and may help alleviate some of the more serious secondary symptoms of seborrhea, such as skin infections and folliculitis.

Pet parents are encouraged to ask their dog’s veterinarian about omega-6 topical applications to help reduce the symptoms of seborrhea.

When to seek veterinary care for seborrhea in dogs.

Dogs scratch themselves for lots of reasons. They might have fleas, ticks, mites, or skin, environmental, or food allergies. This makes diagnosing the disease difficult for pet parents who trust home remedies. It is for this reason that dog lovers be acutely aware of the more specific symptoms of the disease.  What are they?

Unlike fleas and ticks and any other irritants that cause your animal to scratch at his skin, seborrhea produces flaky, dandruff-like skin that is either oily or dry and often has an offensive odor. So, if your dog smells and he has itchy, flaky, red skin, odds are seborrhea is to blame.