When a dog’s nails bleed it can be very painful for the pet as well as cause a possible infection. Treating the nail quickly and properly is the key. N  ails may bleed due to a wide range of accidents such as catching a cracked nail in the carpet, breaking a nail while running outside or trimming a nail too short with the nail clippers. There are also some internal organ diseases that may affect the nail to crack and crumble, exposing the quick.

If your dog has been sprayed by a skunk you need to use an odor neutralizing shampoo immediately. The longer the skunk odor is in the coat, the harder it is to get the smell out. Skunk spray is an oil with a sulfur- alcohol compound in the musk. Old fashion home remedies like tomato juice or vinegar really do not fully remove the smell since these remedies just mask the odor. Odor neutralizing shampoos work well on odors caused by dirt, feces, stagnant water or just a strong “doggie smell”.

Normal ears are pink and clean with a neutral smell. Ear problems could manifest in the following ways: scratching and shaking the head, bad odor in one or both ears, colored discharges ranging from black and waxy to green or yellow, inflamed and swollen ear flap, tilting of the head, and hearing loss. D  ogs that are active outdoors are likely to pick up foreign objects such as dirt and stickers. Dogs that have hair in their ears may trap excess moisture in the ear canal. Ear care requires weekly checks of the ear for dirt and debris. Pulling ear hair and shaving a ventilation strip to allow for air flow followed by a gentle ear cleaner is a good weekly routine.

Shedding is just a natural part of owning a dog. Light is the biggest contributor of the shedding cycle. Artificial light in a house can cause indoor dogs to shed more than outdoor dogs.   Other factors which can affect shedding are illness, disease, hormonal changes, pregnancy, skin problems, bacterial infections and stress. Double coated dogs shed at least once a year.   Short coated dogs shed in a mosaic pattern and can shed year round. When a dog is in a shedding cycle it is good to bathe, dry and brush the dog to remove the dead coat. This helps the skin to breathe. Removing the dead coat will help uncover hidden matting, hot spots and many other skin problems. See your veterinarian if you see excessive shedding, bald spots or symmetric hair loss.

A dog with excessively oily or excessively dry skin is likely to have seborrhea. One major symptom of seborrhea is greasy hair because of the excess oil the skin is producing. D  ogs with this condition often scratch and cause hair loss, scaly inflamed skin with flakes and a foul odor. This is chronic in some breeds but can also be brought about by allergies, fungal or bacterial infections, parasites and skin diseases. Solutions include shampoos or coat and skin treatments that gently remove the oil while treating the skin.

Our pets suffer with allergies much like us humans. Allergies usually fit into 2 categories with our pets; food allergies and inhalant allergies such as grasses, trees, molds and other seasonal pollens.   Signs of allergies might include any one or more of the following; itchy skin, chewing and licking of the feet, watery eyes, nasal and eye discharge, chronic ear infections scratching or chewing.   Hypo-allergenic shampoos use ingredients that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction including the absence of fragrance or cologne.

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints. Large dogs are affected more than small dogs because of the extra strain placed on the ligaments and joints. Dogs will experience different degrees of lameness, stiffness and joint pain. Damp and cold surroundings increase pain and stiffness. Natural products such as peppermint oil can help relieve the inflammation. 

There are multiple causes of tear staining, including excessive tearing, genetics, health, diet and allergies. The most common cause of tear staining is excessive tearing. Eliminating excess tearing is one of the best ways to stop staining. If there is any foul odor associated with the staining a vet visit is recommended. W  hen the facial hair is wet it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast to grow. Keeping the hair away from the face will prevent hair from falling into the eyes causing irritation. A change in diet and drinking bottled water can also help control excessive tearing.