Prevention Begins in Puppyhood: Coat & Skin Care



     “Although many skin diseases like allergies cannot be prevented, routine bathing can lessen the severity and slow progression. It is important to start getting the new puppy used to getting regular baths,” says Dr. Melissa Hall of Animal Dermatology Clinic, Pasadena, California. In addition to lessening the severity of many skin and coat conditions, bathing can also help prevent the development of others, such as bacterial or yeast infections along the skin.
To introduce bathing to a pup, “Use lukewarm water and avoid spraying the face. Move slowly at first starting with the paws, to get the puppy used to the water. Don’t fill up the tub too high because you won’t want to overwhelm the puppy,” says Dr. Hall.     
    Make it a fun experience and offer plenty of praise and other rewards. Introducing this experience now will help if your Lab, as an adult needs medicated bathing for the more serious medical condition - or from the occasional roll in the mud. Dr. Hall recommends bathing your dog at least once a month with shampoos made for dogs. “If your pet’s coat seems dry, there are now many great conditioners available.”  continued on Page 2

New Doctor Joins Animal Dermatology Clinic



    Animal Dermatology Clinic is pleased to announce that Megan Frazer, DVM, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Dermatology has joined the group.
     Dr. Frazer is a native of Southern California where she completed her undergraduate training. She was part of the charter veterinary class at Western University of Health Sciences. She then completed a small animal internship followed by a residency in dermatology. She completed her residency and achieved Diplomate status in 2011.
     Dr. Frazer’s first dog growing up was a cockapoo with chronic ear infections. This introduced her to the challenges of veterinary dermatology. Her love of dermatology grew throughout veterinary school. She currently has two dogs, both with chronic allergies that she is managing. In her free time she enjoys reading and traveling.
     She will be seeing cases in our San Diego, CA clinic 858-560-9393 and at our new satellite location in Ontario, CA. Call 949-936-0066 for Ontario appointments

Coat & Skin, cont.


     Brushing keeps your pup’s coat looking healthy and shiny. “For short coated dogs like Labradors, heavy brushing is not necessary. It helps to reduce shedding, but I recommend not to over brush.” Too much pressing can actually cause skin trauma. “Avoid using too much pressure or brushing the same location over and over again, especially with the metal wire brush. It can become painful and irritating,” says Dr. Hall. Introduce brushing with a gentle brush and light strokes. Do this every day. Over time, it establishes a bond between the two of you and establishes your role as the pack leader. It also teaches your pup to learn and stay still and accept your touch.
     Of course, coat and skin care isn’t just about grooming. Keeping your pup up-to-date with preventative medications to thwart unwelcome visitors is also important: “Fleas are not only a pest that cause increased itching, hair loss, and bacterial infections; they also carry other diseases and parasites like tapeworms. The majority of infectious diseases (from fleas and other parasites) are easily preventable with topical and environmental medications.” Many medications are oral, and puppies are often not thrilled about the idea. To make it easier on your pup, wrap the pill in a treat such as a small piece of cheese.
      Treats bring up another very important component to keeping your pup’s skin and coat healthy, and it only requires your Lab’s love of food: nutrition. According to Dr. Hall, “It is good to have a diet that is balanced for your dog’s age and nutritional needs. It should have a good source of fatty acids like fish oil.” Some dogs develop food allergies, so if your Lab’s skin seems to be showing the problem and there are other symptoms such as diarrhea, make a visit to your vet.
      “By taking an interest in your pup’s coat and skin, you have the better chance to prevent infections and catch problems early to ensure a better response to veterinary therapy in the future,” says Dr. Hall.

Reprinted with permission: Just Labs, March/April 2012 www.justlabsmagazine.com

Life Lessons Learned from a Dog




-If you stare at someone long enough, eventually you will get what you want.

-Always give people a friendly greeting. A cold nose in the crotch is most effective.

-Leave room in your schedule for a good nap.

-Be direct with people; let them know exactly how you feel by peeing on their shoes.

-When you do something wrong, always take responsibility (as soon as you're dragged shamefully out from underneath the bed).

-If it's not wet and sloppy it's not a real kiss.

-Those things in the litter box are not Almond Roca®

Source: Pet Academy


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