EPA Alert for Flea and Tick Control Products

Folks,

When we talk about skin allergies in dogs, we recognize that many allergic reactions stem from a flea bite, no matter how careful we are in keeping them away from our dogs.  

However, flea control products have the potential to be quite harmful too.  The EPA has recently issued a special alert for spot-on pesticides (http://dogtravelnetwork.com/dog_travel_news/?p=456).  Please read this report if you use the monthly flea control drops.

A natural alternative to get rid of fleas and discourage them from approaching your pet between baths is to use aromatherapy from organic essential oils.  Our certified organic shampoo bars are wonderful for this purpose.  Plus, they lather very well, rinse very quickly and easily, and are an excellent value.  One bar lasts longer than a 16-oz bottle of shampoo, is easier to use, and is less than half the price.  (Read a Secret Shopper review here.)

Please use caution with any flea and tick treatment that is applied topically.  Check the ingredients and go online to find out how these things really work and what the risks are.  Almost in every case, a natural solution will be much more pleasant and certainly safer.

Health, happiness and dog love...

Dr Adelia

Allergic dermatitis - 'tis the season...

Fleas. Grass fungus. Grass seed and pollen. Ants. Mosquitoes. Scabies mites. Ticks. The list goes on. There are so many things that our furry friends can get into that we will never know about.

Whenever a dog scratches, his nails can open the protective barrier of the skin and allow an infection to take hold. Whatever the cause, this is the time to nip it in the bud. The most effective treatment is prevention, and early detection is the key.

First, ask your dog’s permission to check his underbelly. Turn him on his back and begi

n your inspection at the genitals and the area where the rear legs join the body. The skin here should be almost white, depending on the color of the dog overall. It should look clean and pure, maybe even very slightly pink. Then check his legs at the joints for any irritations or spots. From there, turn him over and check his rump area near the tail, and work your way forward on the dog, combing the hair aside and looking closely at the skin underneath.

There should be no red or rusty or black dots on the skin. These look like tiny pinpricks or blackheads, but are flat or flush with the skin. This may even look just like dirty skin. This first appears in the groin area, usually near the genitals. If you see this, or rusty discoloration, you’ve already got a problem. Visit www.dermagic.com for more details and how to correct this before it becomes serious.

Don't let the "summer itch" get a grip on your pet!

Best wishes!

Dr Adelia