DERMagic Skin Care for Animals Blog

Oliver Timmy Teper, the DERMagic Man...

2012-01-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

Introducing Koukla's fave heart throb, Ollie (The Man) Maltese. We are going to let him tell his own story through a series of Facebook notes he sent as he was going through a nasty skin issue. OK, Ollie, you're on, little cutie:

"I had to run back since I was taking the picture myself, only had 10 seconds for the self timer to click. Its hard when you have paws and using mom's digital without her permission. Wood...woof...Nap time now...very pooped!"

Oliver Timmy Teper
I visit the vet tomorrow morning. My allergies are acting up :(
January 6 at 6:31pm · · Comment

- Adelia Ritchie Tell me about this allergy stuff!
  January 6 at 6:34pm ·
- Oliver Timmy Teper
  My skin was doing great since I started using Dermagic (you remember)
  All of a sudden I started getting these patches of dry skin (round & pink) I had it around my forehead, right ear, and my hind legs. By the time anyone notices it's already dry. But, the one in the ear area is not inside my ear but on the tip of my ear. My sores/patches are flaky. I'm not itching, so Mom is taking me tomorrow. What do you think Dr. Ritchie? My hair still looks good :) and Mom bought more shampoo :)
  
  January 6 at 7:00pm ·
- Adelia Ritchie Let me send you some Skin Rescue Lotion. You don't want this to get worse and shampoo won't fix it. ♥
  January 6 at 7:29pm ·
- Oliver Timmy Teper Adelia, mom just read about the Rescue Lotion. Yup, everytime I have a rash my vet diagnoses this as "seborrheic dermatitis".
  January 6 at 7:46pm ·
- - Adelia Ritchie Seborrheic dermatitis is a name that describes symptoms, but says nothing about the cause, which could be anything but is most often a yeast, a form of fungus. Let's hope this is a yeasty thing, because that will be banished in a flash with DERMagic. ♥ ♥ ♥ you sweet thing!
    January 12 at 3:57pm ·
  - Oliver Timmy Teper Thank you sooo much ! I'll cross my paws and hope its a yeasty thing.
    Woof...woof....♥
  arf...arf...Adelia, I just received your package. Mommy is going to bathe me tonight....I ♥ you my sweetheart....Check my status in a day or two....I'm so yappy !!! Woof ♥ Ollie
  
  "Last week I was breaking out on the forehead and belly. I used the [DERMagic Skin Rescue] Shampoo Bar once and the forehead mess went away :D and I am not itchy or red. The dark speckles in my under belly - gone. Right now Mom is applying the rescue lotion on only one hot spot...that's all. Puppy licks to Adelia ♥"
  
  Busy morning Adelia. My groomer said I look 100% better :) Its only been a week. Irene said I have alot of SASS !! Woof...woof...Ollie T
  
  Hey Gorgeous :P I'm feeling magical and oh sooo yappy. Tell Koukla that her mommy will be surprised soon...not telling...but I'm just yelping...
  Woof...amazing transformation. Mom had a huge smile all weekend :D
  Dad could not believe the difference...arf...arf...arf...I'm a yappy Maltese.
  
  DERMagic Experience is magical. Check out my pics. The first one am checking out the products and the second one I kind of posed :D Woof Woof..This Maltese is a yappy little man !!
  
  Yawn :O Woke up this morning...looking rejuvenated :) No itching, no flakiness ! On the road to being a handsome Maltese again !! Arf...arf...my skin is pink again and my hair is white and gorgeous :D
  
  **NEWS FLASH** I am the little man...looking good after the DERMagic dipping. What an experience. I gave Mom a bad time..yelping and kicking in the tub. Arf...arf...all those little dark speckles disappeared and the places I had hot spots are close to vanishing. Now to apply the rescue lotion. I must give a big doggie Thank you and Hug to Adelia ♥
  
  Getting ready to be DERMagic Dipped....may the magic begin. I'll update my status once I'm out of the tub. I have yappy feeling about this ;)
  
  GET DERMAGIC....I'M LIVING PROOF THAT IT WORKS......DR. ADELIA RITCHIE ROCKS !!!!! WOOF WOOF.....ARF...ARF...I'M SO YAPPY.......!!!!!!
  
  Just returned from the vet. I weigh 4lbs 13 ozs...all due to my daily stretches and laps around the living room :) Okay, Dr. Quan completely agreed with Dr. Ritchie and that I should start using the rescue lotion. Dr.Q said my hair looked good and that the little patches were not that bad but need to nip it now. I go back in 2 wks to see how I am doing.....A big THANK YOU to Adelia....she totally ROCKS !!!!
  
  Adellia, returned from the groomer. I am looking good. Mom used some Hot Spot Salve that she had when she bought the shampoo. I was yellow polka dots last night....but looked better after my grooming. Irene the groomer even said there was improvement. If only I could talk ...my first words would be "DERMAGIC" it works and I'm living proof :) ♥ ,♥ Oliver
- You can follow Ollie's adventures on Facebook! And follow DERMagic for news, tips and special deals!

Green Clean Your Dogs!

2011-10-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

Has the term "Greenwash" become a bad word? 

Here's one definition: Greenwashing is a term used to describe companies that carelessly jump on the eco-friendly bandwagon in an attempt to cash in quick. They may convert some traditionally carbon heavy services to electronic format or offer one or two green products while masquerading as an authority on environmental education.

Ouch! Well, we all know they're not talking about us!  

Here at DERMagic, we maintain a sense of humor about trends and fads, and this is one we think is really fun, especially because we use it in the complete opposite connotation.  We have another meaning for Greenwash (although no one in the company will allow me to use that word. So we'll call it "Green Clean"!): 

· "The heck with shipping heavy liquids all over the planet!"
· Give the heave-ho to plastic bottles of shampoo!
· Kick the SLS and other preservatives, texturizers and chemicals out of your dog's bath!
· Embrace Certified Organic Shampoo Bars!
· Hug those recycled cardboard boxes!
· Love the natural essential oil scents!
Lather like crazy on both long and short haired dogs!
Rinse squeaky clean in a flash, saving the Earth's precious water!
· Chase away fleas and other pests the organic, non-toxic way!
Green Clean your dog and we'll plant a tree for every 10 bars we sell!

Now let's get out there and erase that carbon pawprint. Whether you call it “Green Clean” or “Green Wash”, do the earth a favor and shampoo bar your pets!

Oh, and by the way, our newest shampoo bar, the Skin Rescue Bar (also known as “The DERMinator”), has recently been awarded the Pet Product News Retailers’ NUMBER ONE Grooming Product for the entire year.

Yes, we're proud. Have an amazing "clean" weekend, folks!

Dr Adelia E. Ritchie

President

DERMagic Skin Care for Animals, Inc.

Is your dog losing hair? Skin turning black?

2011-05-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

We want to show you a real dog with a real problem that so many dogs experience. Meet Gus, son of Angela. Gus had been diagnosed with a thyroid problem and was losing his hair, and his skin was turning black. This picture below shows how widespread this disease had become.

Many dogs with this problem are diagnosed with "bilateral Alopecia" or Alopecia X. You can read more about this on our website, but basically this is a medical term that describes the obvious symptom of hair loss. It says nothing about what is causing it. When you take your dog to the vet and say "he's losing his hair", the vet might respond by telling you "It's Alopecia", which is exactly what you just said to him but in a different language.

There are so many possible contributors to this problem, but what ultimately happens is that, regardless of why the dog's immune system was diminished, something nasty gets under the skin and causes this specific problem, and very often it's simply the common yeast (a type of fungus) that lives on all dogs. If it gets under the skin, this is what can happen... and there is only one way to get rid of it and get the hair back.

Here's Angela's story: Ok DERMagic....we are loving your products!!!! Gus is doing so much better!!! He has a thyroid problem and was losing his hair! His skin was turning black too! :( He also has allergies...his paws would get really red and he would bite them until they would bleed....until....we used the Hot Spot Salve product...it is instant relief for him! This picture is what his skin looked like when we started the product...I must say...he also enjoys us applying the Skin Rescue lotion...hehe... :)

Then, we heard from Angela and Gus a couple months later in late April: Here is a pic that I took today of Gus!!!! His skin is not black and his hair is growing back!!!! We are so happy!!!! Thank you DERMagic!!!!! We will keep you posted! :)

Angela wrote a wonderful article in FIDO Friendly's blog about Gus's skin problems and all the treatments they tried. I suspect many of you have similar stories to tell. I personally nearly lost a dog to black skin because the vets gave up and wanted to euthanize her. No way was THAT going to happen! And that's why we are here today, because no one seemed to know what to do to reverse black skin disease.

So back to Gus today: DERMagic .....look at my baby!!! His hair has completely grown back!!! We are so excited!!! :)

Well, Angela and Gus, we are so excited too! Gus is a very handsome fellow and doesn't he look proud now with his hair restored!

We are going to include a link to this story in our newsletter, which goes out to lots of veterinarians... with the sincere hope that no one will ever have to lose their dog again, or even have to live with the agony of the itching and pain their pet is suffering with this horrible disease. There is an answer... and it's topical, contains no steroids, antibiotics or antihistamines, and is completely safe and natural.

Today, like most other days in this business, my heart is happy because we were able to help Gus and so many others like him. This is the only reason why I come to work in the morning. Thank you, Gus and Angela, for making my day!

Puppy love and licks to all! - Adelia

We're not too proud to brag...

2011-04-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

We have a lot to brag about! For one thing, we have experienced incredible growth over the past three years in spite of a very serious global recession -- one that has put a lot of companies our size right out of business. And more, as we enter our sixth year, it's fun to take a look at how we're doing... and the best place to look is at what our customers and their fur kids have to say about DERMagic products. Here are just a very few raves selected from hundreds that arrive in our mailbox every month:

Those shampoo bars are the best things I've ever used. Thanks again, Nathan from Australia

I just wanted to leave positive feedback on DERMagic shampoo. After my dog went to a professional groomer for the first time, her belly started turning black within the week. So I knew something was up, but didn't know what. Some time went by and it spread, so I went online and found your product. Under her fur is pink again! I know that I would've had problems if I hadn't used the shampoo. She really likes getting a bath with DERMagic, and she smells good! Thanks! Sara

I had such faith in your product after using it on our Pom for horrible black spots on his tummy and groin area, that I went ahead and used it on our cat. I figured the all natural ingredients couldn't hurt her. The scraped spot on her muzzle that wouldn't heal turned out PURRRRRFECTLY!!! Her right muzzle was BARE, and a month later filled in with fur!

One of my friends spent over $3000 last year with her dog's allergies. DERMAGIC cleared it up -- and she is spreading the word! - Lin in Virginia Beach

I took Yogi to a vet in Eagle Point, OR, today. This vet only sees him when we have his teeth cleaned as they are nearly an hour away from us. They are a wonderful teaching animal hospital and very, very reasonable. Anyway, they had a notation on Yogi's chart that he was "bald" and thought I'd brought in the wrong dog!! It was amazing, the vet who examined him was so impressed, she immediately asked for information. I had my cover letter, pictures and your pamphlet all ready for them!! Debbie in Oregon

Your lotion is the BEST! My Akita had Black Skin Disease, and now all her hair is back, no bare spots and even her tail is full! Thank you for making this product! - Austin, Manhattan Beach, CA

Best thing since sliced bread! I would recommend it to everyone!!! Thanks for helping my lil furbabies and their flea dermatitis!!! You are the best!!! Tiny Timmy Joanne L McGonagle The Tiniest Tiger

My golden hasn't scratched at his hot spot since I used your WONDERFUL products today. Thanks loads. Debbie M.R.

Thank you all for all your comments. Hearing words like this every day is what makes it worth coming to work in the morning! Keep 'em coming!

Warmest regards,

Adelia

Yogi's Miracle Recovery from Black Skin Disease

2011-02-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Dr. Adelia and DERMagic:

I have written to you before about the remarkable success of your products on our Yogi Bear. I wanted to further update you with both story and picture.

Yogi was diagnosed with the "Black Skin" condition in 2005. He was 10 years old at that time. As the condition worsened, so did Yogi's health - but we were told the condition was cosmetic and his other problems were age-related. My husband and I both now feel that your products saved Yogi's life.

Dr. Adelia told me that Yogi's energy would improve as well as his appetite, which they both did. But to us, the amazing thing was little quirks to his personality also returned. Even though he is nearly 16 years old now, Yogi is sleeping less, more interested in people and his surroundings and just a happier little guy in general. We also have seen a change in his bladder. When we began using the Skin Rescue Lotion, Yogi needed to urinate three times to empty his bladder as his stream was slow, much like a man with an enlarged prostate. In the last month, we have noticed that he is no longer needing to "3 pee", he will go one time and back kick and strut like he did a good job. He always used to do this. We don't feel there is any other explanation other than his improved health from using DERMagic.

The first picture was taken in mid-June, 2010, three weeks into using DERMagic. You can actually see the pink, healthy skin emerging. The second picture is Yogi today. Other than his tail, he looks like a pretty normal Pomeranian. He is nearly blind and hard of hearing but otherwise a very happy little dog! Thank you again, we are forever grateful.

Tom & Debbie Gilman

2010-12-01T00:06:00.000-08:00

Keeping America Green… One Pet at a Time…

What does it mean to be a “green company”? What is a “green company” anyway? I’m really wondering, because to some folks, especially looking back to the greenwashed Nature's Pathway at Superzoo last September, apparently just wearing green shirts in the trade show booth was enough to qualify.

At DERMagic, we have a different idea about what “green” means, or rather, what it should mean. But, as Kermit says, “It ain’t easy being green.”

Below are some of the green things we actually do now. Every effort we make, and that anybody makes, really matters.

... Recycling and reusing materials, like cartons and cases, used and reused styrofoam peanuts, natural cornstarch packing peanuts, printing on both sides of the paper, etc. Everything gets a second and third chance around here. Not only is this a very practical Green practice, it helps keep costs down and the savings are passed on to our customers.

...Creating packaging for all our products that is recycled, recyclable, reusable or from renewable sources. Our organic shampoo bars are an excellent example, packaged in simple recycled cardboard boxes.

... Seeking manufacturers who adopt an Earth-friendly philosophy in their practices, procedures and products. One example, Oregon Soap Company, our shampoo bar manufacturer, plants a native tree for every ten shampoo bars that we sell. (Hint: Help us reforest the Oregon wilderness! Buy more shampoo bars!)

... Using vendors and service providers who are conscious of their carbon footprints and are doing something about it. We use UPS for most of our shipping, and for a very small additional investment (pennies, in fact), we completely offset the carbon footprint of all our packages sent out via UPS.

... Using natural and organic ingredients in our products... rather than synthetic and "artificial." Example: our Cell Restoration Crème contains only five ingredients, all organic. And nothing else -- no preservatives, emulsifiers, texturizers, stabilizers, or any of that stuff.

... Manufacturing all our products exclusively in the USA. This is a "green" practice because the carbon footprint from shipping pallets of inventory from a manufacturer across the ocean is excessive and unnecessary. Further, we do this to help protect jobs here in the US. And further, we are more able to monitor the quality of products supplied by our vendors and manufacturers when they are close by.

Well, maybe it ain’t easy being green, but it’s what we do and what we all must do much more of.

Best to all!

- Adelia

Holistic Veterinarians

2010-11-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

Greetings, Everyone! We have recently returned from the annual conference of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) in Covington, Kentucky, where we introduced our natural and organic skin care products to practicing veterinarians.

We have known for a long time that veterinarians and their furry clients need effective topical products that can eliminate the itching and infection from the outside in, while nutrition and immune system strength are built up from the inside out. Dog skin problems can be very tough to diagnose, and it can be even more challenging to restore healthy skin and coat.

In the case of dog skin allergies, this is especially true. Often, the allergy symptoms have been raging for so long that difficult-to-treat secondary infections have set in. Also, too often veterinarians prescribe steroids like Prednisone to treat the symptoms. These may offer temporary relief, but it is well-known that steroids only make the situation worse in the long run and will take a serious toll on your furkid's internal organs.

There is a wonderful paper published on the AHVMA site entitled "Natural Treatment for Dogs with Allergies," by Dr Lea Stogdale, DVM. Clicking on this link will automatically download this very helpful paper to your desktop. The only thing we would add to these recommendations would be the use of our Hot Spot Salve or our Skin Rescue Lotion for stubborn spots and rashes, to kill the infection fast.

Maintaining good nutrition and a healthy environment will go a long way toward preventing any dog skin problems, but when they inevitably appear in spite of all the love and care, now there's a fast and affordable alternative to traditional medications.

Check our website for locations of veterinarians who use and prescribe DERMagic products for dog skin problems. Our products are also available online or at pet supply stores, grooming salons and spas nationwide and in Canada.

Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble

2010-11-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Soap? Shampoo? Liquid soap?
Shampoo bars?

Which is best? How to choose?
It’s all so confusing. We just want to get our pets clean, right? And we want to do it without irritating or drying out their skin, and we want a healthy, shiny coat. And we don’t want to spend a fortune, and we want to protect the environment while we’re doing it too. Oh, and we want it all to be made in the USA, and to be organic or all-natural and packaged in something “green.”

But that is the customer’s viewpoint. What then are the major concerns of the manufacturers? They need for production costs to be as low as possible (off-shore manufacturing, inexpensive ingredients and packaging), they want high dilution ratios, competitive price points, multiple “flavors” in order to occupy maximum shelf space in retail stores, and high profit margins. In other words, most shampoos on the market are not the highest quality. They're not about what we want or need, but about what they want to sell us.

So let’s go a little deeper. What’s in shampoo and what’s in a soap? What’s the difference?

It all started about 5000 years ago when someone in Babylon made a soap-like substance from animal fat (or tallow) and kept it in a clay cylinder. It was surely an accidental discovery, one for which the entire world should be extremely grateful. Imagine being stuck in an elevator with a bunch of strangers who had never known soap.

Well, humans are an inventive bunch, evidenced by the proliferation of soaps over the millennia: Castille soap (made with olive oil), floating soap (whipped full of air bubbles), glycerin soap, French-milled, scented, soap-on-a-rope, and so on. And then, more than 4000 years later, William Shepphard patented liquid soap in 1865.

Liquid soap was introduced to the public consumer in 1980 by the Minnetonka Corporation. For years they had a lock on this market by buying up the entire supply of the plastic pumps needed for the liquid soap dispensers. A few years later the Colgate Palmolive company bought the liquid soap business from Minnetonka and a new industry was born.

Liquid hand soap, liquid dishwasher detergents, liquid shampoos, liquid cleaners of all kinds, and the market exploded, including products for shampooing and conditioning our dogs, cats and horses. There’s a soap for everything... and if you don’t believe me, just visit www.soap.com.

What’s in liquid soap? Here’s a typical example from a major manufacturer: Water, Ammonium C12-15 Pareth Sulfate, Magnesium Isododecylbenzenesulfonate, Lauramidopropylamine Oxide, SD Alcohol 3-A, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance, Pentasodium Pentetate, DMDM Hydantoin, Sodium Bisulfite, D&C Orange No. 4 (active ingredients: Triclosan 0.12%). Doesn’t reading this make you want to smear it all over yourself? Scary.

So, what’s the difference between liquid soap and liquid shampoo? You be the judge. Here is an ingredients panel for a popular shampoo manufactured by this same major company: Water, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamide MEA, Glycol Distearate, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Panthenol, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Ammonium Xylenesulfonate, Disodium EDTA, PEG-7M, Citric Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.

Well, what about the ingredients in good, old-fashioned bar soap? Here’s one of the top-rated soaps: Saponified Coconut and Palm oils, Sage Extract, Rosemary Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Lemongrass Oil. Bearing in mind that most commercial bar soaps contain many ingredients that no one would consider “natural,” good-quality soaps are simple, containing just a few ingredients, most of which are instantly recognizable.

In my next blog, I’ll continue this discussion, delving a little deeper into terms like detergents, surfactants, and saponification, plus a little organic chemistry! Bottom line? If you’re going to put stuff on or in your pet, you should feel obligated to understand what those things are and what they do. We’ll make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about the care of your furkids.
Until then, keep it clean, folks!

Dr Adelia Ritchie
www.dermagic.com

Swanson Health Products Chooses DERMagic Skin Care for Animals

2010-09-08T00:14:00.000-07:00

Guaranteed lowest prices on over 7,000 natural health and wellness products
Friendly & helpful customer service (available by phone, email or LIVE chat online)
Family owned and operated since 1969
On-site purity and potency testing to ensure quality and safety

We are very proud that Swanson Health Products has chosen our line of natural skin care products for pets for their online store. Founded in 1969, Swanson Health Products is the realization of one man’s dream of bringing wellness to the world. Today, the company carries on that dream, reaching millions of health-conscious people in the United States and around the world. And we consider it the highest of honors to be a part of that dream.

The company has a fascinating history, beginning with Leland Swanson, born in North Dakota to Swedish immigrant August Swanson and his bride Selma Nelson. And as Swanson Health Products moves closer to its 45th anniversary, Lee Swanson speaks to the company’s success. “It’s like my dad said back at the beginning, ‘the satisfaction and goodwill of our valued customers is our most important asset’.”

The folks at Swanson Health Products are very choosy about the products they carry... so check them out! And not just for pet products! They also have an amazing Health Library with articles written by doctors and natural health practitioners, informative videos and Swanson Health Talk Radio with Dr. DeSilva. Take good care of yourselves!

Very best wishes,

Adelia

DERMagic Products in MudBay Stores!

2010-08-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

Mud Bay has been around Washington State since 1988, when the first store was established in Olympia. And now, they're opening 3 new stores (Mercer Island, Gig Harbor, and Redmond) to bring the total to 20 locations!

And for us, the big news is that Mud Bay is now carrying the DERMagic product line. And this fits right in with the Mud Bay difference: Instead of carrying supplies for every pet, Mud Bay focused on the healthiest foods and highest quality supplies. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, Mud Bay focused on using natural food and accurate information to contribute to the health of dogs and cats and the happiness of the people who care for them.

Mud Bay has a very interesting history, well worth reading. And while you're on their site, check out Cooper's Story, about how DERMagic stopped Cooper's itch, written by a dog lover who also happens to work at Mud Bay...

So check it out! And check us out too... We're proud to be a part of the Mud Bay retail system -- healthy foods, happy stores, knowledgeable staff.

The Earth in Crisis

2010-08-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

Peak Soil

The Silent Global Crisis, BY STEPHEN LEAHY

Folks, here at DERMagic we worry a lot about ingredients. We look at what they are and where they come from, their quality and purity, the sustainability of their source. And we look at whether or not these ingredients are organic or from organic farms.

For just one example, we use natural beeswax in some of our formulations, and we are deeply concerned about what is happening to our pollinating honeybees in the last decade. Our lives literally depend on the health of these tiny creatures. If they disappear, the absence of beeswax will be the smallest of our problems. There is no replacement for beeswax, and certainly not for honeybees.

But looking even deeper, beyond the creatures, beneath the vegetation, what is the nature of the soil that our plant materials come from? How are these materials processed to preserve and protect the natural goodness in them? And where and under what conditions will these plants be grown next year or in ten years?

We are gravely concerned about what is happening globally to the soil that allows us to exist. Yes, for now, we think about maintaining the high quality of our products through natural and organic ingredients, and through buying only from suppliers who share our ideals. But looking ahead, we are concerned, not just about our company and our products, but about the future of our existence.

I ask you to click on the link below and read about what is happening around our planet. We are not asking for anything... no donations, no sign-up, no email address. Just read this excellent, carefully researched paper and let this awareness sink in. I still believe it's not too late.

http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/eij/article/peak_soil/

DERMagic Skin Care for Animals Now Offered in Eastern Canada

2010-08-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

Mon Ami Pet Wellness Distribution is the exclusive distributor in the Maritimes for DERMagic: A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Animal Dermatitis – Relief from Dog Skin Problems

DERMagic Skin Care for Animals, Inc., is proud to partner with Mon Ami Pet Wellness Distribution to offer our products across eastern Canada. Severe dog itching, skin allergies, mange, black skin disease and hair loss, hot spots, dandruff or seborrhea, cuts and sores and other secondary dog skin problems resulting from flea or mite allergies and even trauma -- these conditions are miserable for your pet, and for you. Until now, it has been difficult to treat these common problems without steroids, antibiotics or strong chemicals.

Visit dermagic.com for more information on our award-winning products and on how to recognize and treat skin problems in your dogs and cats. Contact monamiinfo@eastlink.ca to offer these fine products to your customers in Canada or visit Mon Ami Pet Wellness Online Store to order in eastern Canada.

Whitnie - the formerly hairless Pomeranian...

2010-08-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

PUFF WHITTY - DERMagic Poster Child

Many of you know that there's nothing worse than having to watch your little furkid suffer day after day with some kind of skin problem, no matter what it is. I've been there with my own dogs, one of which I nearly lost to a mystery skin disease that left her hairless with open sores. That was little Shenanigan the Yorkie, the first life saved by DERMagic.

But that was then... Today, no one and no animal should have to suffer like this, and that's why we work so hard to get the word out about DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion. It really works to end the problem, permanently, without steroids, antibiotics, or antihistamines.

When we say it, that's one thing. But when pet parents who have been through this ordeal, with very expensive vet bills and steroids and no results over very long periods of time, when these folks send us their before and after photos, and we can share them with you, this is what tells the story.

We have posted a slide show that shows Whitnie the Canadian Pomeranian (also known as "Puff Whitty"), who lives with Cherie D. in Saskatchewan. Whitnie was in pretty bad shape when they finally found DERMagic at Metro Pet Market in Regina, SK.

Here's what Cherie wrote to the folks at Metro Pet: "Here are some before and after pictures of Whitnie's amazing transformation. Big thank you for helping us along throughout the past 6 months. Whitnie is gonna love you guys forever."

Please watch the slide show and forgive us all for not being brilliant cinematographers... but the message is clear: DERMagic works. And we guarantee it.

The Best Singles Ad Ever Printed

2010-07-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

Reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal:

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me... Call (404) 875-xxxx and ask for Annie, I'll be waiting.....

More than 150 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society, according to our source. Call your local animal rescue organization today, and find the companion you've been longing for.

What's in a Name?

2010-07-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Why do we spell DERMagic with the funny capitalization?

"DERMagic" is how we spell our name, with the first four letters capitalized. We actually kicked this around in focus groups for a long time before we trademarked our logo and officially incorporated under this name. What we needed to convey in our name was that this product line was for skin (derma), and that it wipes out skin problems like magic.

It isn’t spelled "Der Magic." There’s actually a German company out there who does a “magic” show, we think for kids. Pretty cool, and makes much sense for this spelling. But this is a different company and no connection to us.

And our focus groups considered a simple spelling of Dermagic, with no peculiar capitalization. Not bad, we thought, but then people were pronouncing it “DermaJEEK” or “Derma Magic” and other strange things.

So, in the end, we have DERMagic, and we love it. And our pets love it, and they couldn’t care less how we spell it! So just ask for it at your local pet supply shop or at your groomer. They will know what you mean no matter how you pronounce it! End your pet’s skin issues today, the natural way, like magic!

DERMagic works! Guaranteed.

Just a-Walkin' the Dog....

2010-07-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh.... summer... Lovely, warm, sunny morning... birds chirping, dew on the grass, my beloved Shih Tzus stopping to sniff every tree or shrub along the way... Such sweet little mutts they are.

Protective too, the little Changelings. Joggers and bikers who use the sidewalks for exercise, instead of for walking like the rest of us, get exactly what they should expect when they sneak up behind us at full trot. (Get it? SideWALKS... not SideRUNS or SideBICYCLES.)

We nearly sent a runner to the hospital this morning. These days, with high-tech running shoes in stealth mode, it's impossible to hear a runner coming up behind you. The dogs don't even hear them. But suddenly, Skoshi stops in mid-pee, now at full-on attack on the aggressor who materialized at my side... out of nowhere and running at full trot.

With two leashes and spread out across the walkway, we managed to capture an ankle and send the jogger flying, luckily into the grass and not the pavement.

Please explain to me why he was angry at US? He could have seriously injured my dogs!

People... please pass this on to all your running and biking friends... and tell them to use the jogging trails, use the bike lanes, and stay off the sidewalks. We have nowhere else to walk our animals in the city and suburbs. And you should know by now that it's not smart to surprise a dog, under any situation. When you see dogs ahead, GO AROUND THEM!!! Cut them some slack, runners! And bikers, stay the heck off the sidewalks!

Be a Hair-o

2010-07-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

Pet Hair Needed in Oil Disaster Cleanup... reads the headline in this July issue of The Whole Dog Journal. Pet Hair Donated for Oil Spill... reads a similar header in July's Pet Age. There are many more articles, and much on the internet, but these two just happen to be open before me as I sit here eyeing the masses of hair sprouting from my two Shih Tzu furkids.

The idea is simple: densely packed hair, and even feathers, can act as an efficient filter to extract oil from contaminated water. Any hair will do: pet hair from dog groomers and human hair from hairdressers has been bundled into boxes across the USA and shipped to central warehouses.

Matter of Trust, a San Francisco based non-profit organization has been coordinating volunteers to stuff the hair into nylon stockings to create oil-busting mini-booms. There’s been a huge response: warehouses in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida are storing thousands of tons of hair while efforts are being made to work out how best to use it. This photo shows a mountain of packed mini-booms currently stored in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.

Unfortunately, some engineers are saying that using the material is not feasible. The stuffed stockings can sink, resulting in even more garbage that will need to be cleaned up in the aftermath of the crisis. Commercially made booms containing manufactured oil-grabbing materials are said to more effective and easier to use than hair stuffed nylons. BP and the USA Coast Guard have now asked organizations collecting the hair to stop doing so.

Regardless of this negativity, Matter of Trust continues to maintain databases of donors and warehouses of these mini-booms. And, these are being deployed in the Gulf right now.

To get in on the action, go the the Matter of Trust website and register, and they will keep you up to date on the most current shipping addresses for donations and what's needed most right now. Hair, fur, and feathers not needed in the Gulf Coast right now will be stockpiled for future (Goddess forbid) spills around the globe.

PS - It is beyond my comprehension that it is probable, even likely, that this can or will happen again, and that we seem to be planning on it. This is another story, another rant, another loud screaming to come from Mother Nature. But think about it. Please think about it, really hard.

The Pet Postcard Project

2010-06-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

What is The Pet Postcard Project?

THE PET POSTCARD PROJECT is the brainchild of writer Nikki Moustaki.

One bowl (or one pound or more) of pet food for every qualifying postcard received goes to animal shelters! To date, this project has raised nearly $18,000 and 90,000 pounds of food for shelter animals!

Pet Postcards" for this project are homemade postcards featuring your own pets that you make and then snail mail into The Pet Postcard Project. Each card you send earns food for shelter dogs (sometimes 1 pound per card, sometimes more!). So far, this project has earned 90,000 lbs (that's 360,000 meals!) of food and $18,000 for shelter animals, and has received thousands of cards -- funny, weird, sad, cute, profound, and above all, all filled with LOVE for a beloved pet.

Check out these winning entries for the May project! This video is guaranteed to make you smile. One of the winners for June will receive the DERMagic Groom & Go Travel Kit! We are proud to be one of many sponsors for this outstanding campaign. Please pay a visit to The Pet Postcard Project and send in your postcards today!

Cheers! Adelia

Dog Stamps to the Rescue!

2010-05-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

Stamps to the Rescue!
"Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet"

The awesome and talented Ellen Degeneres is spearheading the new USPS commemorative stamps, Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet. Stamps to the Rescue, and Halo^®, a pet food company of which she is part owner, will donate a million meals to animal shelters around the country to promote the release. That's a bunch! So please support this initiative and use the stamps to send a message about pet adoption.

So order yours now, while you're thinking about it! http://www.stampstotherescue.com/

Hugs and puppy love... Adelia

A Heartfelt Testimonial from Paul Meshke and his Westie

2010-05-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Dr. Adelia,

I have a 6-year-old Westie who about two years ago began developing lesions on his nose. I'm not sure if they hurt him, or itched, but he would rub his nose on the carpet, or scratch until it would bleed. The vet prescribed antibiotics, which made them go away for about a month, then they would reappear.

After a couple of visits the vet said she had no idea what they were and suggested a biopsy, which I decided I would do only as a last resort. It was also suggested that he see a "Westie allergy specialist." Several different products were recommended, none of which had any affect on the problem.
Before having the biopsy done I thought I would give your product, Hot Spot Salve, a try. I purchased a jar, used it as directed for three days, the lesions disappeared, and after two months have not returned. The dog does not rub his nose, the sores are gone, and the hair has grown back where it had been rubbed off.
I am not sure what is in your product that worked, but it sure did. I will recommend this product to all the Westie owners I come in contact with.

Paul Meshke:

Does your dog have tear stains?

2010-05-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings, Folks!

A quick note from the dog park yesterday. I met a couple who has four snowy white Maltese with NO tear stains on their faces. I wondered if they used a prevention product like Angel Eyes, or if they used a stain remover.

Well, no! It's so much simpler than that. These people accidentally discovered that pure well water or bottled water fed to their dogs instead of normal tap water is all it takes to prevent those ugly rust-colored facial stains. Apparently something in our public drinking water (like fluoride, possibly) is causing this.

Please try a change of water! According to this couple it only takes a few days to notice the difference. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we didn't have to give our pets internal potions to counteract something that their drinking water is causing?

Let us hear from you on this!

Best wishes for healthy pets... Dr Adelia

Got "Groomer's Hands"? Detergent Dermatitis?

2010-05-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

We have been hearing from groomers! They are telling us we've been marketing one of our products all wrong.

DERMagic Cell Restoration Crème is for dog skin that's healing after an infection has been vanquished, for that tender new pink skin that's renewing itself as the old dead skin flakes and peels away. It's also for Chinese Cresteds, famously naked and very sensitive-skinned. Also, it does wonders for cracked paw pads from hot pavement or icy sidewalks in winter, or chapped noses, or for helping surgical incisions heal more quickly.

But when groomers started using it, they discovered something wonderful: It helped their hands too! They tell us that we should recommend all groomers use this product on their hands at night, after a full day of dunking in shampoos and who knows what kinds of potions.

So we're recommending it! DERMagic Cell Restoration Crème isn't just for dogs any more! It's organic, made with shea butter, sesame oil, aloe gel, rosemary essential oil (great for skin!) and vitamin E. All organic, pure and natural... and so moisturizing.

Groomers! We know you're ordering this product for yourselves, and it's OK with us! And ladies, it's fantastic for neck and cleavage, or for dry skin on legs, and for elbows, and for removing make-up, and for softening those heels for summer shoes, and......

Got a Stinky Dog? Is Bathing the Answer?

2010-05-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

Do you bathe your dog too often? Most people do, especially those with small dogs.

The Daily Kibble blog for today talks about stinky dogs and bathing. If your dog is seriously smelly, if you see chunky dandruff, especially around the rump and tail area, or if his coat is dull and greasy feeling, your dog isn't dirty. He has an infection causing an excessive production of sebum (from sebaceous glands in the skin). Bathing will do nothing for this problem except make it worse.

Take a look underneath your dog, around the belly, teats and genitals. If you see specks that you may have mistaken for dirt or "old age", and they don't rub off or disappear with bathing, your pet is infected with a common fungus of the yeast variety, and you've probably also had some problems with yeast in the ears.

This calls for DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion. Bathing will not solve this problem, but this amazing product will get rid of the fungus, clear up your dog's skin, end the seborrhea, and restore your furry love to beautiful condition, without steroids or harsh veterinary shampoos.

Give it a try with no risk. All DERMagic products are guaranteed to end skin problems, fast!

DERMagic Cell Restoration Crème Earns International Attention!

2010-04-22T00:33:00.000-07:00

Report from Vienna Airport, Austria
Tuesday, April 21, 2010

Is it a Liquid or a Solid? Inquiring travelers want to know!

Security workers at the Vienna International Airport today were reported to be searching all baggage for a certain DERMagic product, in a very busy airport clogged with desperate travelers delayed by the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud over Europe.

Why DERMagic Cell Restoration Crème? Prior to the volcanic eruption, it was believed that this creme was a solid, like butter (and it does contain a large percentage of organic shea butter). Desiccated travelers world-wide use this luscious crème to keep their faces hydrated, and to moisturize hands, arms, feet, throat, and any dry and itchy place while in flight.

Because this product has been classified as a "cosmetic butter," travelers could toss a jar into their purses or carry-on bags without worry about passing through airport security. That is, until now.

At the Vienna check-point, this traveler observed a committee of several security workers discussing the contents of her half-empty jar of this precious crème, ultimately coming to the conclusion that it was a threat to international security and must be disposed of immediately. This reporter was dismayed to watch as the security worker unceremoniously dumped her last bits of moisture-giving crème into a large trash bin, along with a few dozen half-empty water bottles, scissors, nail clippers and wine openers from other hapless travelers.

Travelers, beware. DERMagic Cell Restoration Crème is now classified as a liquid, must be carried in smaller containers and included in your little ziplock baggie with your other cosmetic liquids. DERMagic announced today that they will notify their customers to only carry the two-ounce size onboard their flights from today forward.

DERMagic Home Page Gets a Makeover!

2010-04-15T01:17:00.000-07:00

We’re very excited to bring you our updated home page!

In the left side menu, the button changes color on mouse-over, and a flyout list of information and articles appears. Check these articles out. You will find a lot of help here for most anything that bugs an animal's skin.

Do not miss our 10-minute video, with a complete description of the DERMagic System, how and why it works, some heartfelt testimonials, and a short history of the company.

The improved button also sends a flyout list to you with all our product offerings. Here you have a hidden choice: You can either click on one of the menu options to will be taken to all the details for a particular product, including photos, product size, and price, Or, you can click again on the PURCHASE button to see a screen with all the product images displayed on one page! Another click and you’re in the shopping cart!

Don't forget to check out our blog periodically too. If you’re here from having clicked on a link from Twitter or Facebook, that’s the little green button just beneath the navigation bar near the top. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook! You will be rewarded with discounts and specials from time to time, as well as announcements of new products, and other current info we think you will find interesting and useful.

"Greenwash" your dogs!

2010-04-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

Has the term "Greenwash" become a bad word?

Here's one definition: Greenwashing is a term used to describe companies that carelessly jump on the eco-friendly bandwagon in an attempt to cash in quick. They may convert some traditionally carbon heavy services to electronic format or offer one or two green products while masquerading as an authority on environmental education.

Ouch! Well, we all know they're not talking about us!

Here at DERMagic, we maintain a sense of humor about trends and fads, and this is one we think is really fun, especially because we use it in the complete opposite connotation.

We have another meaning for Greenwash:

"The heck with shipping heavy liquids all over the planet!"
Give the heave-ho to plastic bottles of shampoo!
Kick the SLS and other preservatives, texturizers and chemicals out of your dog's bath!
Embrace Certified Organic Shampoo Bars!
Hug those recycled cardboard boxes!
Love the natural essential oil scents!
Chase away fleas and other pests the organic, non-toxic way!
GREENWASH your dog and we'll plant a tree for every 10 bars we sell!

Now let's get out there and erase that carbon footprint. Do the earth a favor and greenwash your pets!

Poochie Glam - New retailer in Canada

2010-04-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Check out this fun Spa, Salon, Daycare boutique in Laval, Quebec. http://www.poochieglam.com/. If you're in the vicinity of Laval and you have a poochie with an itch or just in need of some glamming up, please do visit this wonderful establishment! Tell them DERMagic sent you!

Is Your Dog Getting Older? Arthritic?

2010-03-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

From Daily Kibble: Therapeutic Wares for Arthritic and Aging Dogs

Draper Canine Therapy is a new line of dog jackets, blankets and beds featuring the revolutionary material Celliant/Holofiber, which in humans has been proven to contribute to relief from soreness, stiffness and swelling, and even to increase energy and help muscles recover after exertion.

When Draper saw what it could do for humans, the company decided to create a therapeutic line using the same materials for arthritic and aging dogs.

We love this idea! This is one of many good ideas for extending the quality of life of our older little buddies. Take a look at this rig designed for Mr Peabody, who owns Lisa S. in Portland, OR. At two shows in Washington State this month, Mr PB was trotting all over the place, visiting his major girlfriend (me) and making sure he was keeping up with all the activities on the show floor.

And for a really special treat at bath time or any time, give your dog a break from gravity by letting him soak in a large tub or pool of warm water to soothe his aching joints. Toss in a couple handsful of our Anti-Dandruff Salt Scrub, made from Dead Sea salt, Epsom salts, and lots of other soothing ingredients, including Rosemary essential oil. The salts will make your dog even more buoyant, will chase away pests and stimulate his skin, and the aromatherapy will delight you both.

Restrictions on Tick and Flea Products

2010-03-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

EPA to Tighten Restrictions on Tick and Flea Products

By Kim Chipman, March 17 (Bloomberg)

"The Obama administration said it will increase restrictions on tick-and-flea “spot-on” pesticides for pets because of a rise in adverse reactions in cats and dogs, including seizures and death.

“These are poisons,” Steve Owens, assistant administrator in the Environmental Protection Agency’s pesticides and toxic substances office, told reporters today on a conference call. “They are products designed to kill fleas and ticks.”

"The EPA will start reviewing product labels to determine which require more information and will develop more stringent testing and evaluation requirements, the agency said today in a statement. Names must be different for products to treat cats and dogs to avoid confusion, the agency said.

"Merck & Co.’s Defend, Merial Ltd.’s Frontline and Bayer Healthcare LLC’s Advantage products are among dozens of brand names registered with the government as of May last year, the EPA pesticide office reported."

We have reprinted a portion of this article because we receive so many questions about this topic, specifically about the safety of flea and tick repelling products that are applied directly to the skin. While the EPA states that most incidents or deaths result from inappropriate application (e.g., using a larger dose on a smaller animal), we have seen adverse reactions on many dogs even when the products are used according to the manufacturer's directions.

Please read the full article for further details on this issue. The fact that the EPA is interested in this issue is of great concern to us. Consider carefully. The risks of an infestation of fleas and the resulting diseases they can bring must be carefully weighed against the risks of using strong toxic chemicals to keep them away.

One recommendation we have for you is to place a few drops of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca) on the outside of your dog's collar. Do not let it touch your dog's skin directly. It does not take much to be effective. We do not recommend this for cats.

We wish you the best of good fortune as we move rapidly into flea season.

Best wishes - Dr Adelia

The DERMagic System: total skin care for dermatitis in dogs

2010-03-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

The story of DERMagic begins with Shenanigan, our three-year-old Yorkie who was about to be euthanized after six months of unsuccessful treatments by several veterinarians. Shenani had a particularly nasty form of black skin disease, compounded with an underlying fungus, probably yeast. She was never properly diagnosed. The first prototype of DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion saved her life and restored her beautiful coat to show condition.

Now our story is about saving dogs and cats from miserable itch and painful skin conditions. Watch our video and hear the heart-felt testimonials of three delighted pet parents whose pets are no longer tortured by itchy skin!

Are you using Atopica for your dog skin allergies?

2010-03-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

If your dog is on Atopica, a prescription immuno-suppressant, read below what the vets know about it. Allergies cause the immunity of dog skin to be depressed and this allows infections (both fungal and bacterial) and infestations (like mites) to enter and spread. Atopica is another name for Cyclosporine.

THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD

Atopic dermatitis is not only one of the most common skin diseases in dogs; it is also one of the most frustrating conditions seen by veterinarians. Most vets do not know how to diagnose and treat this condition without prescribing harmful drugs.

MOVING BEYOND TRADITIONAL THERAPIES

Traditional treatments have taken a quick-fix approach (e.g., steroids, shampoos, antihistamines, etc.) with unpredictable, far from ideal results. Many dogs continue to suffer, while their owners feel helpless and hopeless.

86% of clients have been frustrated by their dog's atopy*
64% have visited multiple veterinarians to treat their dog's atopic dermatitis*
This product, although FDA-approved, is dangerous because it only relieves SYMPTOMS, but doesn't treat the CAUSE and does not treat the resulting infection.

As with all drugs, side effects may occur. In a field study, the most common side effects were gastrointestinal signs. Gingival hyperplasia and papillomas may also occur during the initial dosing phase. ATOPICA is a systemic immunosuppresant that may increase the susceptibility to infection. ATOPICA is not for use in reproducing dogs or dogs with a history of neoplasia.

What is cyclosporine (Atopica)?
Cyclosporine is a medication designed to suppress the immune system, to treat auto-immune diseases like psoriasis. Though powerful, it causes very few serious reactions when used for short periods of time (days, weeks, or a few months). It is considered a short-term treatment for psoriasis and is safest when given for less than one year. Problems with kidney function, including kidney failure, and hypertension can occur in cases where the drug is used for over one year.

Please check our website and read about allergies and how to treat the manifestation of allergic responses, safely and with no side-effects with DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion. Don't crash your pet's immunity to skin disease! Rescue him from it with our all-natural, topical products that are 100% guaranteed effective, or your purchase price cheerfully refunded.

Be safe, and keep your pets safe and infection-free this season!
Dr Adelia

DERMagic Products Now Available in Canada

2010-03-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

Good news for our beloved "neighbors to the north"! It has been expensive for our Canadian friends to buy DERMagic products on our website. We love our customers but we don't like this! Our goal is to make our products available all over the world without costing an arm and a hind leg for shipping. And we're getting there!

Meet our friends at Metro Pet Market in Regina, Saskatchewan. You may contact them by phone, fax, email, or just drop in and take your four-legged buddies with you!

DERMagic Awarded FIDO FRIENDLY Top 100 Pet Products!

2010-03-11T13:29:00.000-08:00

DERMagic Skin Care for Animals product line is awarded Fido Friendly magazine 2010 Top 100 pet products of the year! Best skin care products for dogs and cats on the market. Buy your issue now and read about Holly Madison and her dog Napoleon in the Vegas Hei$t! www.fidofriendly.com

DAILY KIBBLE on Dog Skin Allergies

2010-03-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

Does your dog have skin allergies?Or is it something else?
Dog skin allergies are becoming increasingly common. Food, carpeting, blankets, dust mites, mold spores in the air, pollen, plastic food dishes, and ornamental plants all have the potential to trigger allergies in dogs. In some instances, a highly allergic pet may be diagnosed as having several allergies at once. And the severity of allergies, which can be seasonal or year ‘round, varies greatly. The most common symptom of an allergy is intense itching (known as pruritus), which may be localized at spots or might be systemic, covering the pet's entire body.
Pet owners expect their dogs to scratch themselves now and then. However, excessive and persistent scratching, licking, biting and hair loss may be signs of an allergy. When a vet diagnoses a dog’s itchiness and inflammation as a potential allergy, there are some expensive vet bills and treatment costs awaiting this pet parent.
But what if it isn’t an allergy? Even if the condition began as an allergic response to something, the itching, scratching, chewing may be the result of a secondary infection that set in as a result of a crashed immune system either from the allergy or from the steroids administered to treat the symptoms. To learn more about steroid-free allergy care, click here.

The World's Cutest Ewok. Oh Wait! It's a DOG!

2010-03-07T18:01:00.000-08:00

When it comes down to the decision whether to write a blog entry or to play with my dog, most of the time Koukla wins. She's the Boss of me, after all, and I have to do whatever she says. Just look at that face... Who could resist it?

Koukla is a Shih Tzu, with all the skin problems that Shih Tzus can have. We keep her skin in great condition with Darwin's Natural Pet raw organic food, but there's always a critter or a fungus lurking, especially this time of year with Spring springing all over! Sure enough, something bit her on the neck and made her itch like crazy, so out came the DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion! The very next day, the booboo was scabbed over and healing, and not itching at all.

Keep it handy! Bug Bite Season is coming soon to a neighborhood near you!

Best wishes for an itch-free summer!

Dr Adelia

Top 5 Facts about DERMagic and Black Skin Disease in Dogs

2010-01-20T14:04:00.000-08:00

Folks, did you know these things?
DERMagic Reverses Signs of Black Skin Disease or Alopecia X in Dogs
DERMagic products are made from all-natural and organic ingredients - no steroids or antibiotics
DERMagic provides a safe and effective topical solution for skin conditions in pets
DERMagic relieves dryness, itching and restores skin color and helps hair or fur regrowth
DERMagic is proven as tested by Striker, a Pomeranian formerly suffering from Alopecia X

Read more here! And if you shop our website, you'll receive 10% off The DERMagic System if you enter the coupon code "beat bad skin".

New DERMagic Retail Locations

2010-01-18T23:33:00.000-08:00

Greetings and Happy New Year!

DERMagic Skin Care for Animals is starting off 2010 with a "howl"! We have added 11 new retail locations to our website. If we haven't reached a pet shop or groomer near you, please ask them to contact us! It's time to get ready for the "summer itch" season, and nothing works to quickly get rid of dog and cat skin problems like DERMagic.

Best wishes to all our customers in the coming year. We're feeling totally pawsitive about it!

New DERMagic Retail Location in Canada

2010-01-16T16:27:00.000-08:00

Folks,

We have had so many inquiries from our beloved neighbors to the north, and at last we are most pleased to announce a brand new outlet for DERMagic skin care products in Canada.

The Metro Pet Market is located at 1637 Victoria Ave., Regina, SK S4P 0P8, Tel: 306.352.9663. They specialize in all-natural, biologically-appropriate food, including raw unprocessed foods.

Visit their store for all your pet needs. Also, Metro Pet Market will have a large booth at the 2nd Annual Regina Pet Expo on January 30, 2010, at the Conexus Arts Centre.

Pet Friendly Portland, Oregon

2010-01-13T09:52:00.000-08:00

Folks,

We used to live in Portland, OR, and we have recently learned that this is the pet-friendliest city in the US! Daily Kibble just did a great piece on this beautiful city, and we're sharing it with you here today.

When you visit this town with your dog, you'll see water bowls outside shops, dog treats offered in stores, and lots of dog friendly parks and walking areas. It's a paradise for pets and for people too.

Our organic shampoo bars for dogs are handmade in Portland by the Oregon Soap Company. And for every ten bars sold, they plant a tree. How green can you get!

That's just the way it is out here in the great Pacific Northwest! Green and friendly and beautiful. We love it.

Skin Rescue Lotion... Dogs and Cats!

2010-01-07T09:58:00.000-08:00

Greetings, Everyone,

Did you ever wonder why our Skin Rescue Lotion was once named "Hot Spot Lotion"? Well, back in the day, we believed that hot spots were the most common skin problem in dogs and that customers would be looking for this name in the product name.

It turns out that "allergies" and "yeast" and "alopecia" and "hair loss" and "mange" and "black skin disease" and so many other names for dermatological problems are just as common. In fact, it seems that so-called allergies are the most commonly diagnosed skin disease in dogs these days.

For customers who are looking for a product that will help their animal (and we mean "cure", not just relieve symptoms temporarily), the term "hot spot" is not going to be their top search word.

What our lotion does is eliminate skin disease that's caused by an infection or infestation, whether it's mites, bacteria, fungus (and yeast) or just an insect bite. And in order to help our customers find the only product that is guaranteed to solve problems like these, we needed to clarify the product name.

And now we have it. Canine Skin Rescue and Feline Skin Rescue Lotion. The same amazing product (Hot Spot Lotion) in a very handy tottle! Still made in the USA and loaded with organic ingredients. Safe, non-toxic, and guaranteed to work!

Look for it on store shelves near you soon!

Best wishes,

Dr Adelia

Groomers are first line of defense for healthy skin and coat

2009-12-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

Serve and Sell: Combining grooming services and retail products in one business promotes pet health while boosting the bottom line.

By Janet Randall

“Groomers are the first line of defense when it comes to healthy skin and coat,” said Dr. Adelia Ritchie, president and founder of the Bellevue, WA-based company, which manufactures a comprehensive skin care system for animals. “I have spent a great deal of time trying to figure out what groomers need. I learned they are looking for ways to treat skin problems, which could help avoid vet bills.”...

Tami Vornbrock is one of these groomers offering product to

customers. Vornbrock, who owns The DogSpa of Seattle, a full

service grooming salon in the Washington city, said she’s “new

school” and likes to build relationships with her customers by teaching

them anything they want to know about grooming.

“I like to offer my customers an alternative to antibiotics and steroids

for treatment of hot spots and yeast infections,” Vornbrock offered.

“I perform the initial service for them and then send them home with

product. I’ve had great success with DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion.”

In turn, groomers’ needs have been a focal point for product

development at DERMagic Skin Care for Animals Inc. and other

grooming product companies. With manufacturers considering these

needs, the result can be better-made products for groomers to use

in their businesses and sell to their customers...

(Read the full article at http://www.petproductnews.com/web-exclusives/serve-and-sell.aspx)

Pet Vacations!

2009-11-30T12:02:00.000-08:00

N.J. company provides an alternative to kennel stays, according to APPA News Brief today!

Buddy's Sleepovers and Playdates, founded by Howard and Marilyn Beutel, is building a network in New Jersey of host families who take care of pets while the owners are away. So far, 80 families have signed on to take in pets including dogs, cats, parrots and ferrets. According to APPA, boarding ranks behind surgical vet visits and ahead of food costs for the biggest annual expense for dog owners. Star-Ledger (Newark, N.J.), The (11/30)

But if you live in the Seattle, WA metropolitan area, here's the only choice for you and your pet for your holiday getaways! It's Pet Vacations ! Call Lynda at 425.644.PETS, or email her at petvacation@earthlink.net.

Send your pet on his own vacation next time you leave! Pet Vacations is Skoshi and Koukla's home away from home when I can't take them with me. Don't tell, but I suspect Lynda lets them sleep in her bed!

Happy Holidays! Adelia

Striker, the Rescue Pom, in full coat!

2009-11-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, Pet Lovers!

Here's one more thing to rejoice about: For those who have been following the story of Striker, the little rescue Pomeranian, here's the latest installment showing Striker in glorious full coat after having been nearly naked just a few months ago.

Striker is our official DERMagic Poster Child for Black Skin Disease (Alopecia X). DERMagic works, and Striker is proud to show you just how well it does!

Best wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Adelia

Black Skin Disease in Dogs (Alopecia X)

2009-11-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

Does your dog suffer Black Skin Disease (Alopecia X)?

The term “Alopecia” is nothing more mysterious than the medical word for “hair loss,” originally from the Latin via Greek “Alopekia,” meaning “fox mange.” The disease itself, however, is little understood. This condition in animals is called “Alopecia X” because the cause(s) of this condition are still relatively unknown and the treatments tend to be by trial and error (or, as some would suggest, random).

The disease manifests initially as thinning hair, sometimes accompanied by itchy skin and sometimes not, followed by bald patches, followed by blackened or dark gray skin. Eventually, the dog can become completely bald with deep charcoal-gray skin. Often, the dog will smell really bad.

The Pomeranian on the right was suffering Alopecia X. For many dogs with this disease, there appear to be no other symptoms, and the disease can be regarded as “cosmetic.” This is actually the approach many vets will take, suggesting that the dog wear a sweater to prevent getting a chill. The disease could be genetic, however, or rather, the tendency or susceptibility to contracting this disease may be part of the dog’s genetic makeup. And it is true that some breeds seem more prone to Alopecia X than others, with Pomeranians leading the pack.

Black Skin Disease can manifest in other ways and other places also, often beginning on the belly and inside the back legs, as shown on the right. Generally, this type of disease is associated with overall itchiness and skin eruptions. A bad odor might be present, causing the owner to bathe the dog more and more frequently, making the disease worse and the dog even more itchy. When itching is present, veterinarians will often prescribe steroids (cortisone or prednisone) to reduce the inflammation. Please note that we never recommend steroids, as they disrupt the dog’s natural immune system and the disease will become worse. Further, the use of steroids will encourage mange mites and bacteria to move in, with grave results.

For more information on the causes and treatments for this disease or just to get your questions answered, email us at info@DERMagic.com, or visit us at www.DERMagic.com, or call us toll-free at 877.814.7497

Skin Rescue Lotion for Dogs and Cats

2009-11-11T21:48:00.000-08:00

New Packaging for DERMagic!

It's a new package and a new name for our best selling product. Formerly known as DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion, it's been renamed to more accurately reflect what this product does! It quickly takes care of hot spots, of course, but also wipes out yeast, mange, black skin disease, and helps restore normal hair growth in cases of alopecia. For all those allergic reactions, no other product comes close. And now it's so much easier to use!

For dogs, "Hot Spot Lotion" has become "Skin Rescue Lotion" and is now packaged in handy "tottles" in 4 oz and 8 oz sizes, both available in retail stores near you or online (8 oz only).

For itchy cats, our Feline Skin Rescue is now available in a 4 oz tottle too! This product is amazing for getting rid of crusty, scabby skin and treating a wide range of skin problems in cats.

We hope you like the new packaging. And as always, our products are Made in the USA with all-natural and organic ingredients.

DERMagic works! We guarantee it.

Dog Shampoo Bars are Organic! says Pawnation!

2009-11-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

Helena Sung and her dog Jasper discovered our products recently and had this to say:

Of the DERMagic products I tried on my dog, the standout was the Certified Organic Shampoo Bar, made with coconut, castor, sunflower, jojoba and olive oils, and scented with rosemary and lavender. It smells pretty and looks nice, but best of all, it works great. It lathers up nicely and I can hold the bar and my dog with both hands while giving him a bath. I use the bar of soap every night on my dog's paws and it is not drying. It also works spectacularly well getting my dog squeaky clean, and his white fur shining bright. Best of all, it is gentle and my dog's skin has suffered no reactions to it. At $7.95 each, these shampoo bars for dogs are a must.

Read the entire article here or visit our website to order natural and organic products for effective skin care for your pets.

Stay healthy! Dr Adelia

Fancy Poodles at SuperZoo!

2009-09-16T20:44:00.001-07:00

Hi Folks!

Wow... Extreme grooming! Just a sample of the fun we're having (and seeing!) on the show floor at SuperZoo this week.

Groomers are becoming the front line of defense against all types of dermatitis, including allergic reactions, by using DERMagic products as part of the grooming process.

Ask your groomer about it!

Happy Tails! Dr Adelia

DERMagic's Going to SuperZoo!!

2009-09-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks!

Come to Vegas and visit us at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center September 15-17! We are in Booth 2312 and very excited to introduce our new Feline Skin Rescue Lotion!

Until recently, this wonderful product was called "Hot Spot Lotion" but it does so much more and deserved a much bigger name and new packaging, which will also be unveiled at SuperZoo.

We hope to see you there! ~ Best, Dr Adelia

Black Skin Disease in Dogs

2009-09-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Dr Adelia's Dog Blog Followers: Here's a wonderful letter from one Pomeranian breeder to another. This story is so inspirational that we are compelled to pass it on to everyone out there whose little ones are suffering from skin problems that their veterinarians have given up on. Please read on and have your hearts warmed and filled with hope. - Dr Adelia

Dear Caitlin:

You are more than welcome to ask me questions! I love this stuff. I know that sounds like I'm making a sales for DERMagic but I can't believe what it has done for my little pound puppy, who was from a Pom breeder.

I volunteer at a local animal shelter and have always been great at not bringing any little ones home with me until I saw Striker. I had to put down my 16 year old at Christmas who had that great Pom skin problem and it just happened that Striker had the same thing as she did. To make things short... I was going to a Grooming Show the next day and came across DERMagic booth and decided to give it a try with, in the back of my head "this will never work and I'm wasting my money. "Out of all of the shampoos I've used this is the only one that really works. I first started only using it on his rump a couple times a day (this is the Lotion I'm talking about) just in case it really didn't work.

And after a month or so the old black skin started flaking off (kinda gross but was an interesting process) then pink showed along with little starts of hair. I bought another bottle and started in with the neck. And now we are having to groom him like a chia pet. lol. Gotta love it.

I'll send you a few images of him in another email. He looks fat now but it's all fur. :) I laugh because I need to get a comb through him because I found a little pin mat near his rump. I would have never thought I would laugh at him for getting a mat, but whose problem is that now. ha

I do have one regret that I would have had the lotion from DERMagic, long ago with my other pom, Litosha. I spent so much money on tests from vets and pills for her, I think you know what that is like. And I could have used the lotion and been happy.

I did buy the shampoo and conditioner and used it with the lotion. I can't remember if I had to or not but I just wanted to make sure I had all the right components going for a positive outcome. You'll see in the images that its pretty darn sweet stuff. I can't say enough about it. I think the shelter I volunteer at is about to kick me out by talking about it all the time I'm so impressed with it.

If you do use it, please send me some images of the progress, I would love to hear what you have to say and feel about it. Believe me you'll want to see it too in the end. Shoot weekly images for something fun to see!

Have a Dog Gone Sweet Day!

Deana Mc Eachern
Dog Gone Sweet Dog Training

Now I have the problem of TOO MUCH FUR!!! LOL

Eat, Nap, Play

2009-08-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

In my next life I'm coming back as one of my own dogs. This drawing exemplifies the lifestyle all my little furbears live, as well they should, with no worries, plenty of food, comfy shelter and tons of love and attention...

But not all animals are so fortunate. One of the rescue centers we work with is Circle L Ranch Animal Rescue & Sanctuary in Arizona. Most of these animals have been saved from euthanasia and are available for adoption. Such delightful, sweet and grateful doggies!

At Circle L Ranch, any dog who isn't adopted gets to live out his life in comfort and grace, with a cool tile floor and a soft bed. Check out this doggie resort! Better yet, adopt a loving orphan. There's one waiting for you.

Best wishes and dog love...

Dr Adelia

Bite the Big Ones !

2009-07-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Best of April - June 2009

The One We Loved: DERMagic Certified Organic Shampoo Bars for dirty dogs. The one-handed cleaning action of these moisturizing bars made washing our squirmy pups a breeze. Plus, the relaxing scents of the essential oils mellowed out our usually bath-anxious furry guys.

Hey, Ideal Bite... YOU guys are the ones WE Love. Thank you for this amazing review!

Dr Adelia

Lunch with Sean Fay, Envision Response

2009-07-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

It's finally summer in Seattle (and Bellevue!), WA, and it's de rigeur to dine outdoors every chance you get. Today was one of those perfect days... warm, sun shining, a handsome and talented entrepreneur to have lunch with and trade ideas with... In other words, a perfect afternoon.

Sean Fay is the CEO, Founder, Chief Creative Director of Envision Response, an award-winning direct response marketing firm in Seattle. We will all be at SuperZoo together too, one of the largest pet product trade shows in the world, coming soon to Las Vegas!

Hanging out with interesting and talented folks like this makes entrepreneurship so fun and exciting. I vow to do more!

Enjoy your summer...

Dr Adelia

Twitter specials

2009-07-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

Tweety Bird Specials!
Take 10% off any Web order through August 31st, 2009.
Simply key in the code Twitter1 to take advantage of
this one-time discount.

DERMagic loves to ‘tweet'! Don't miss our tweety-bird
specials! They won't be announced anywhere else.
Follow us on Twitter now!

DERMagic PAWS Pack

2009-07-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Folks,

Be the first to jump in on this special Twitter Promotion for our PAWS Pack travel kit for dogs!

Tweet Tweet! DERMagic PAWS Pack (http://tinyurl.com/kv6l6l), online Twitter special discount 10%. Enter code Twitter1 at DERMagic.com.

Feel good about giving back to Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS.org) while treating your dog to the best of skin care.

Happy Summer!

Dr Adelia

Pomeranians love DERMagic

2009-07-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Meet Striker the Pomeranian on the day Deana, a Washington state Pom lover, brought him home from the shelter. It's easy to see why she fell in love with this little guy. Just look at that face!

Unfortunately, his face was his best asset, because his other asset was practically bare. This photo was taken in February 2009.

Deana started using DERMagic products on him hoping to restore his skin color to normal and to begin regaining a respectable coat. Here are two more photos, taken in June 2009.

We have had a few laughs about "Mr Fuzzy Butt" but it's no laughing matter when one's butt isn't fuzzy. Deana says "DERMagic works pretty darn sweet!"

And it does. DERMagic all-natural Hot Spot Lotion works like nothing else to eliminate mange, hot spots, ringworm, fungus, yeast, bacterial infections, and other dog skin problems resulting from an allergic reaction or an insect bite. And for helping wounds heal fast, nothing beats DERMagic!

Have a happy, healthy and problem-free summer!

Best wishes... Dr Adelia

Skoshi's Allergies

2009-06-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

With the business I'm in, my dogs are not allowed to have skin issues! But no matter who you are or how well you take care of your animals, these things are going to happen.

My poor little Skoshi, a black and white Shih Tzu, has been suffering from a severe allergic response to something that bit him over the weekend, possibly a flea or an ant. The photo on the left of his upper right front leg, taken on Sunday, shows a raging hot spot, several of which had developed overnight from his scratching and biting himself.

When a dog is highly allergic, his entire body will feel hot and his skin will seem to glow pink. Skoshi tries to run away from his skin, and his behavior becomes very strange. Sometimes he even growls at the demon in his skin not understanding why he feels so tortured. Skoshi was itching all over his body, even though the bites were only on his belly.

Here's how we fixed him up: First, a bath with our SLS-free peppermint and tea tree oil shampo o. (Sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) is a known irritant and you will find it in nearly

every shampoo on the market.) Then, after clipping the hair around the wounds, we treated the inflamed areas and bites with our hot spot salve twice a day. The photo on the left was taken on Tuesday, only two days after applying the salve.

Today is Thursday, and he is almost completely back to normal. This weekend we'll give him another bath and check him over carefully before pronouncing him cured!

Contact us at info@dermagic.com if you have any questions about your dog's skin condition, and follow us on Twitter @DERMagic.

Rescue Dogs at Circle L Ranch

2009-05-17T05:41:00.000-07:00

Meet Deborah Wilson, MD, founder of Circle L Ranch in Arizona, a nonprofit sanctuary and rescue for horses, dogs, cats and farm animals who would otherwise have been euthanized or slaughtered for meat.

One of our goals this year at DERMagic was to find just such an organization... one that we can support by helping resolve skin issues in their rescue animals, and possibly making them more readily adoptable, and certainly more comfortable as they live out their lives in safety and love.

We just returned from a delightful and productive visit to one of the ranch facilities in Prescott, hosted by the delightful Stacy Mantle, who is Marketing Director for the foundation as well as a published author, animal lover extraordinaire and all-around renaissance woman. I'll be talking more about her later in this series.

In a desert climate like this... hot, dry, full of fleas and ticks, blazing sun and all the hazards of summer... dogs are particularly vulnerable to infections and infestations, many of which initially appear as dry skin, scaly dandruff or a rough scabbiness on the rump and tail area. And many of the animals rescued have some serious skin problems just from not having been cared for properly. We are going to try to help as many of these as we can, working with Deb and Stacy and the staff at the ranch.

But we need help. Part of the treatment for animals that are really itching and biting themselves all over is to cover them with a tee shirt to protect the skin while it's healing. We need tee shirts for all sizes of dogs, but especially the medium to larger dogs. Old doggie tee shirts, people tee shirts, any kind of soft cloth (cotton is best in that heat) old baggy torn ancient dirty old ragged tee shirts are wonderful and we need dozens and dozens of them.

We also need e-collars and vet wrap. We need anti-flea drops. Doggie socks and booties... None of these items has to be new. If you can donate old tee shirts or any other items we mentioned, please send us a note right away and we'll tell you how to get them to us. Or if you prefer to donate cash, click here. (All donations benefit Circle L Ranch, an animal rescue in the state of Arizona, with a 501(C)(3), nonprofit status for the purpose of rescuing and re-homing animals that would otherwise be euthanized or shipped off to slaughter.)

We're going to be writing about our wonderful visit with Deb and Stacy and all the dogs and horses and lambs and goats and the dedication and devotion of the "Two Kims" ... but that's a story for the next installment. Stay tuned. There's so much more to come!

Meanwhile, take a look at this photo and you'll see why I want to come back in my next life as a Circle L Rescue Dog!

Dog Love for All! Dr Adelia

How to shop for dog shampoo bars!

2009-05-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

Want to convince your dog that a bath is something he will actually enjoy? Here’s how!

Take your dog shopping. First, check our growing list of retailers for a location near you, and take Rover over there! Not only will the adventure will be a treat for him, you can get him to select his personal favorite scent of shampoo bar!

DERMagic Certified Organic Shampoo Bars for Dogs come in three incredible herbal aromatherapy scents: Peppermint/Tea Tree Oil (like our shampoo and conditioner), Rosemary/Lavender, and Lemon/Eucalyptus.

All three combinations are very beneficial for dogs and their coat and skin, but the fun part is that dogs actually have a preference for aromatherapy scents and they will tell you which is their favorite. Just hold each bar near your dog’s face to let him get a sniff, and then repeat (still in the box… a dog’s nose is vastly more sensitive than ours and he won’t need any help!).

Let him think about it for a moment, and then present all three at once. Your dog will clearly show you which scent he likes the best, either by trying to eat the box or by licking it.

Bath time may still not be a walk in the park, but having your dog choose his own aromatherapy scent usually means that he will be much more relaxed in the bath.

Enjoy! Send us your bath time photos! The sillier and messier and more fun the better! We’ll publish as many as we can right here.

Best wishes, always…
Dr. Adelia

Pet Life Radio with Stacy Mantle

2009-05-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

PetLifeRadio- Animal Party on Pet Life Radiogreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Folks, here's a wonderful radio "Animal Party" show with host Deborah Wolfe that aired last week on PetLifeRadio.com.

Episode 2 - We Tried It- You’ll Love It!

Join the Animal Party and check out the water bowl talk about justice for animal crimes, bears, blue fin tuna (aka toro) on your sushi menu, and hear Deborah Wolfe’s dog trainer’s review of ‘Marley & Me’ now on dvd. Do you know how many animals were domesticated in the last 4,000 years? Find out when cats and dogs first joined up with humans. Stacy Mantle from Pets Weekly Magazine joins Deborah to bring you their favorite new products for pets from self- cleaning litter boxes to hot spot remedies that work! Plus some strange treats like Bull penis sticks, surprise bargain finds and new ways of dealing with pet loss.

If you’ve ever bought an expensive piece of pet equipment only to find its junk or wasted time going back and forth returning an item that just won’t work right - this show is for you.. Stacy has 18 cat testers and several dog testers. Deborah has five dog testers, six cat testers, various barnyard animals who like to try new things and many eager doggie volunteer testers from the boarding campers at Camp Good Dog. Simplify your life with stuff that works; Products reviewed here were tried and tested by these experts and their many animals. One of the products reviewed was DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion!

Yes, it's the high season for flea allergies, hot spots, and many other skin problems. If you're vigilant and spot these skin problems early you can avoid that cycle of antibiotics and steroids!

Be well, wag more, bark less....

Dr Adelia

EPA Alert for Flea and Tick Control Products

2009-04-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-04-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

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

Helping holistic vets to end dog dermatitis naturally

2009-03-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

Holistic and Naturopathic veterinarians are beginning to discover the healing power of DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion and Hot Spot Salve for dogs, and DERMagic Feline Skin Repair for cats. Our before and after photos convince them to try these products, and that's all it takes. DERMagic works, every time. No more steroids!

April Showers bring itchy paws! We suggest keeping an old thirsty towel by the door and wiping your dog's feet thoroughly when he comes in from a romp in the wet grass. Don't let fungus get a toe-hold! (so sorry!).

Happy Spring!

Dr Adelia

Ain’t Too Proud to Beg

2009-03-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Ain’t Too Proud to Beg

DERMagic takes steps to maintain low carbon footprint.

2009-03-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

As part of our corporate goal to be as Earth-friendly as possible, not only with our products and packaging, but also in our processes, we are taking a fresh look from a new perspective at how we do everything at DERMagic Skin Care for Animals, Inc.

Right now we are looking at our packing and shipping operation in the contexts of “What is our carbon footprint?” and “How can we reduce waste?” and “What steps can we take to minimize our consumption of natural resources?”

These are huge questions, and we will be continuously on the alert for better ways to address them. Meanwhile, we already recycle or reuse everything we possibly can, and we buy materials that can be recycled or reused whenever possible. If we receive a shipment packed in Styrofoam peanuts, for example, we will save every one and pack your shipments with them! The additional benefit of this is that we keep our costs low and our prices low.

One of our most recent revelations is all about shipping and its hidden costs to our planet… specifically, it’s about getting DERMagic items from our warehouse to your home or shop. Moving products around the USA is normal and expected, but we see a consumer trend toward favoring locally produced products, and certainly toward domestic products, to save money if nothing else. This is one of the reasons we buy all of our ingredients domestically (with the only exception being Dead Sea salts, which only come from the Dead Sea!). And all our products are manufactured in the USA too. Both of these things will always be the case.

But these kinds of things are obvious, and everyone should already be managing their businesses and personal lives this way. We intend to look much deeper than this, and we will keep you informed of our ideas and actions on this subject.

In the meantime, you can be assured that DERMagic products are all-natural, and made with organic ingredients, and made in the USA, and these ingredients are from producers right here in the USA! Not only that, DERMagic works! And we guarantee it.

Best wishes, naturally…
Dr. Adelia

New! Certified Organic Shampoo Bars for Dogs!

2009-03-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

What could be more fun than washing your dog with DERMagic Peppermint and Tea Tree Oil Shampoo? We have the answer! And it’s brand new: Certified Organic DERMagic Peppermint and Tea Tree Oil Shampoo Bars! Also available in Lemon/Eucalyptus and Rosemary/Lavender, all three are scented with organic essential oils and contain no sulfates.

Our customers have been asking us for these for a long time, but it has taken us time and effort to find a manufacturer whose quality ingredients and high manufacturing standards met our strict requirements. Our very popular SLS-free shampoo and conditioner are still available at your favorite local pet supply shop or groomer (check our website for a location near you), or online at www.DERMagic.com.

Here are just a few of the advantages of our shampoo bars compared to liquids:

· A shampoo bar is small but oh-so-powerful. We find that they last longer than a 16-oz bottle of shampoo!

· When you have a wriggly pup in the sink, you need at least three hands to deal with the dog and the shampoo bottle and the hand that’s doing the washing. With a bar, one hand does double duty!

· Shampoo bars are lightweight, compared to liquids, and cost much less to ship.

· Our shampoo bars are Certified Organic!

· Bars are portable… and perfect for travel. No spills!

· We can ship shampoo bars anywhere in the world without feeling guilty about the environment. Compared to shipping shampoo, which is mostly water, the carbon footprint is reduced at least 75%!

· Our bars are packaged in natural cardboard boxes, which are post-consumer recycled and recyclable, with the added benefit of allowing the shampoo bar to breathe (which makes your home smell like heaven).

• And, my favorite, for every 10 shampoo bars sold, a tree is planted! Totally green...

· We’re sure there are more benefits! Send us your thoughts and we’ll post them here!

Best wishes,

Dr Adelia

Dandruff in Dogs

2009-01-26T11:33:00.000-08:00

Let’s talk about dandruff. You know… it’s that flaky stuff you see on the shoulders of someone’s black jacket, and it does not come from a healthy scalp.

The same is true for our four-legged best friends. Have you ever rubbed a dog’s back and seen big flakes, especially on the rump area? Most people think of this as “dander” and consider it normal for a dog. It's not normal; it's a disease. And, just like in human dandruff, it makes your dog itch.

Several factors can make this worse, including using a shampoo that isn’t correctly pH-balanced for your dog, or a feeding him the wrong food (check out www.DarwinsPet.com for the best fresh and organic home delivery). But whatever the cause, there’s a simple and inexpensive remedy that you and your dog will both love!

The remedy? Dead Sea Bath Salts. They’re very easy to use, too. The next time you bathe your dog, wet him down and rub a handful of these fantastic-smelling salts right into the wet fur on his back and give him a massage with them. Your dog will love the sensation of the crystals going deep and exfoliating his skin. When you see your dog smiling, you will know how much he loves this treatment. When you’re done, just rinse him off and shampoo as usual, letting the salts stay in the bath water.

These salts are powerful detoxifying and exfoliating agents, and will leave your dog’s skin smooth and itch-free. And you will love the aromatherapy, as will your dog. We recommend you “salt your dog” about once every six weeks to keep his skin healthy, free of dandruff, and resistant to infection.

Dr Adelia

The Weather Outside Is Frightful! Bring In Those Pets!

2008-12-23T16:19:00.000-08:00

This post is a replication of the Dec 21, 2008 posting on PetSource.Org. We don't normally use material from other blogs, but this is so important that we are reproducing it here for you. Read on!

Traditionally dogs and cats have been considered mostly outdoor pets (especially larger dogs), but the Humane Society is telling pet lovers that when it comes to cold temps everyone needs to seek shelter. Not only can the animals tongue become stuck to numerous things outside, but the freezing temps will most definitely freeze their water bowl and leave them without anything to drink. Per the Humane Society's Tips On Dealing Winter Woes "Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy.

Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal." Furthermore even if the temps in your area don't get below the freezing mark, a low wind-chill factor can also be deadly.

The dangers of leaving your pet out to fend for itself in the cold range from being exposed to salt and other chemicals used to melt the ice, to seeking shelter in recently parked vehicles, to simple not having enough food to keep them warm. However if you simply have no place to keep your pet during the winter months the organization recommends "If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic."

So there ya go, folks... Be careful out there! And really be mindful of what your pet is experiencing during these cold days!

And very happy holidays to all!
Best wishes,
Dr Adelia

Protect your pet from cold weather hazards!

2008-12-13T21:16:00.000-08:00

Now that winter has settled in most everywhere, there are some things you should consider when letting your dog or cat outside in the snow and ice.

In the great Pacific Northwest, our climate is usually pretty mild around Seattle, and we usually get mostly rain all winter long. But almost everywhere else, there’s snow and ice to deal with and

often very cold temperatures.

Here’s what can happen with your pet, what to watch for, and how to prevent or repair any cold-weather damage:

Suit up! A little jacket, sweater or fleece coat will really help prevent the skin from becoming dry, flaky and itchy from low humidity and cold temps.

Keep them dry! Rain combined with cold temperatures is a dangerous combination if your pet is left outside. If he gets wet from an outdoor potty break in the rain, do him a favor by toweling him off immediately when he comes in. My dogs love a big thirsty towel thrown over them, and then a mini-rubdown, paying special attention to the legs, feet and between the toes.

This also gives you another opportunity to make sure his feet and pads are in good shape. Check for any cracks in the pads or any redness between the toes. Put cotton socks on him!

A dog nose should be wet, but not necessarily cold. If it’s dry, keep an eye on it for a little while. If it stays dry, moisturize it for him with a little dab of DERMagic Cell Restoration Crème. If it’s cracked or chapped from frosty air, do this a few times a day until it returns to normal.

Exfoliate! Alternating from frigid air to overheated and dry indoor air is brutal on a dog’s skin (and the same applies to humans). Your dog’s skin can become very dry, leading to flakiness and itchiness and a vulnerability to all kinds of skin ailments. Nip this in the bud at the first sign of a flake! These usually appear on the rump near the tail, and can be spotted when brushing the fur backwards along the spine. Get rid of it instantly with a single treatment with DERMagic Aromatherapy Dead Sea Bath Salts! Wet your dog down and massage the salt crystals into his fur until they dissolve. Keep massaging a little while just to give your dog a treat (they love this!), then rinse and shampoo normally! Like magic, the flakes are gone, the pH of your dog’s skin is restored, and no more itchiness!

So, here in the Pacific Northwest, where the weather is always mild, this is what we are experiencing! Lots of snow, very cold, traffic accidents everywhere, and an outing with the dogs takes planning, little coats and sweaters, a hair dryer to get the little snow clumps off, and lots of time. Our dogs love the snow! Tell us about yours! We'd love to hear from you and see your Snow Pix!

Very Happy Holidays to all!!!

Dr Adelia

www.JerusalemShots.com

Pet Style News - Editors' Choice 2008 !!

2008-11-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

Pet Style News Editors' Choice Winner 2008!!

Developed by an organic chemist who also happens to own the company, this set attacks dogs’ skin problems on multiple fronts.

All-natural ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, essential oils and organic shea butter combine into a great aroma that will have pet owners wishing for their own kits. The products are developed, tested and manufactured in the United States.

One judge calls it a “terrific collection,” while another says the concept was “a very comprehensive approach to skin care.” 877-814-7497.

It's very clear that there's just nothing on the market that can compare with the DERMagic line for good skin health in your pets... Guaranteed!

Best holiday wishes to all!

Cheers - Dr Adelia

DERMagic is Seattle's Best of 2008!

2008-11-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

We have an extra special reason to give thanks today... because our skin care products for dogs were chosen as the "Best of 2008" by an independent panel of judges at Seattle Magazine!

Here's what they had to say about DERMagic Skin Care for Animals in the December issue just hitting the stands this week...

Best New Dog Spa Product

DERMagic’s aromatherapy Dead Sea bath salts
There’s nothing like soaking in aromatherapy bath salts after a long day of fetching the ball and chasing the cat. Thanks to Bellevue organic chemist Adelia Ritchie’s latest innovation, DERMagic, a line of natural skin care products for dogs, stressed pooches with dry skin can do just that with the Aromatherapy Dead Sea Bath Salts, which draw toxins from the skin, relieve itching and leave puppies smelling like they’ve had a day at the spa.

The best thing about these incredibly wonderful smelling, pH-balanced bath salts is that they eliminate doggie dandruff immediately. And, if there's any left over, you can toss them in your own bath for a decadent skin-softening soak. Don't forget to light a candle!

We're very proud to be able to offer these fine products nationwide. Please check our website for a listing of retail shops and groomers in your neighborhood, or simply place your order safely through our online shopping cart.

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Adelia

A sad day...

2008-11-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

Greetings, everyone.

It's a very sad day for me, and for the owners of "TaiPan", who was euthanized today because of a skin disease gone rampant. I was at the vet with Skoshi to have his nails trimmed (he likes it when they do it, but with me it's another story), and TaiPan and his pet parents came in. By the look on their faces, I knew. I felt an overwhelming pang behind my eyes when I looked into TaiPan's sweet face. I think he knew. He was so calm, smiling almost, such gentle, sweet eyes. I started crying, and I'm crying now.

My heart is breaking into a million pieces. Such a fine dog, such a brave pair of owners.

The vet assistant came out and walked them all to the back room, and I burst into sobs and had to leave to compose myself.

Why won't these veterinarians listen to us? Our DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion could have saved this dog's life. And it has saved many canine lives. And we will save many more.

I will channel my frustration into positive actions to get DERMagic products into the hands of all animal lovers everywhere. I can't bear to see wonderful animals like TaiPan meet such a cruel fate.

My best to all pet parents, everywhere.

Sadly, but with hope,

Dr. Adelia

See the World, Miss the Skids

2008-10-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

Traveling can be fun and fascinating, but there's always a pang in my heart when I'm not with my Skids (who, incidentally, are my "kids" who can't get traction on the wood floors). Without Skoshi and Koukla to manage me, my life doesn't have a lot of inherent structure or discipline!

Both Skids are really bright in their own way. However, only Skoshi (my male, the elder half-brother to Koukla) understands the early signals of another trip for Mom. He also figured out that those black cases with handles (my roll-aboards) go with me when I leave... and it didn't take much more to figure out that if he got inside one he could go too! Well, sorry, little Skoshinator. I wish it were that simple!

Thankfully, traveling is done for a while and I can stay home and enjoy my little four-legged family. Well, mostly. I never enjoy the part about having to rush somebody to the vet for any reason. This time it was Skoshi's eye... and I knew it was going to require a specialist. However, specialists require a referral from the family veterinarian, which means two vet trips, two vet bills and probably a follow-up visit and bill. On those days when I don't want to throw Skoshi out the window for some reason, I'm happy to pay whatever it takes to maintain him in perfect health. Luckily, this time it was very minor, and ironically would have gotten better all by itself, if left completely alone, with no vet visits at all. This is both the good news and the ($$$) bad news, and I'm glad I have a sense of humor. And I'm even more glad we have really wonderful vets. And even borderline ecstatic that he's going to be perfectly normal in a couple days. Whew!

And "perfectly normal" means that Skoshi's not sleeping in my suitcases, but instead is snoring softly with his head, chest and front legs hidden under the overstuffed living room chair, in silent protest that the reading lamp is still on and keeping him awake.

It's so good to be home!

Cheers - Dr Adelia

Trade Show Fever!

2008-10-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

Wow. This past month has been an incredibly busy time for all of us at DERMagic with two huge trade shows! It's a lot of fun (and a TON of work!) to do these shows, and well worth all the effort. I know my dogs are happy to have me back at home for a while.

The SuperZoo show was in Las Vegas in September, still hot enough to scramble eggs on the sidewalk there. But nobody ever goes outside in Vegas! It was a great show for us. We introduced our amazing Aromatherapy Bath Salts for dogs, and gave away a gazillion samples. We use these as an exfoliating wet scrub for doggie dandruff, and it works first time, every time. Groomers and their customers love this idea as an extra "spa treat" for dogs at bath time.

Then on to Chicago for the H.H. Backer Christmas Show! Wow! Two floors of the Stephenson Convention Center were packed with acres of booths and an eye-watering array of everything imaginable for our beloved pets. It was a bit intimidating at first, with some booths stretching to the ceiling and occupying eight to ten times the floor space of our modest 10' by 10' corner spot. For both shows, we had made a conscious decision to exhibit in the All Natural or Nature's Pathway areas, simply because we believe folks who are interested in safe and wholesome treatments for animal dermatitis will gravitate toward the natural products.

And they came. From the minute the show opened right up to the closing bell (and a little beyond, actually), we never had a break from talking to new customers, shop owners, groomers, and pet lovers. They were attracted to our booth by the beautiful aroma of our Dead Sea Bath Salt scrub samples ("Yum! What's that SMELL??"), and we gave away nearly 50 pounds of little "mini-salts" for people to try...

And here's a great story and testimonial: On the third day of the Backer show, a delightful woman named Julie came to the booth and told us that she had purchased a small bottle of Hot Spot Lotion the day before, and tried it on her dog just to see what it would do. She had planned to take some before and after pictures for us, but, to her surprise, the scabby crustiness that she and her dog had been fighting for months was COMPLETELY GONE the next morning. She was utterly amazed, and came right back the next day and bought everything we had left for her store.

We love stories like this and we hear them every day. Tell us your stories and we'll publish them, along with a photo of you and your pet! Just drop me a line at info@dermagic.com!

Best wishes to all!

Dr Adelia

SuperZoo Road Blog

2008-09-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Las Vegas airport! We're on our way home after a very successful trade show... with a very sore back, aching feet, and a raw throat from talking incessantly for three days. But there's so much to talk about at DERMagic!

One observation from this crazy town: there's no way out. The hotels and casinos are designed to keep you inside. There are no signs pointing to any exit doors and the layout is intentionally confusing and befuddling. The good news is that one's legs get a couple of very intense workouts twice daily, both going to and returning from the convention center, through an incredible maze of twisted, slot machine-riddled pathways, and eye-watering blue smoke-fog, littered with the breadcrumbs of everyone else in my shoes who hopes to ever find their way back.

It will be heaven to be back in Seattle, rain or shine! Clear air, ubiquitous greenery and a mild climate are definitely my cuppa tea!

Having said all that, the location of a pet products trade show is really irrevelant. What's important are the great people we met, all the cool new stuff we saw, and the fact that DERMagic Skin Care for Animals had the most successful launch we could have imagined!

This is "National Spa with your Dog Month" and we are eagerly anticipating the arrival in our inbox of all those photos of you pet parents enjoying a lovely bath with your dogs!

And stay tuned for info on our next trade show, at the Backer Christmas Show in Chicago next month. We can hardly wait!

Have a fabulous weekend!
Dr. Adelia

Spa with your Dog!

2008-09-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

We're super excited to be able to announce a fun new "dog-i-day" this week, in conjunction with the launch of our new Dead Sea Aromatherapy Bath Salts. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you "National Spa with your Dog Month." That's right, we're inviting dog owners everywhere to submit their best family-friendly doggy bath-time photo -- be it in a tub or a shower, together or apart, barely wet or soaked to the bone -- to info@dermagic.com.

We'll select a winner in October who will receive a free DERMagic Luxury Spa Kit, valued at $59.95, and will also be featured on our blog and in the next DERMagic newsletter.

So please, send us photos of your bathing beauties! Heck, borrow a dog if you have to! ;o)

SuperZoo in Las Vegas!

2008-09-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

Like every other pet product manufacturer, we too must do the big trade shows to keep the buzz going! Trade shows are a lot of fun, but also an enormous amount of work and expense. But did I mention the show is in Las Vegas? Well, I guess the cat is out of the bag, if you forgive the expression, because everyone knows what Las Vegas is all about, right?

DERMagic has a lovely booth in "Nature's Alley", where all the natural and organic product manufacturers are exhibiting. We're in excellent company here. I'll tell you a bit more about the show and some of the people we meet here over the next couple of days. So stay tuned right here for news from "The Strip"!

Best wishes always,

Dr Adelia

Koukla, Koukla, Lend Me Your Comb!

2008-09-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

I want to introduce you to my littlest Shih Tzu named Koukla, which means "doll" in Greek. And a little doll she is! She was the runt of her litter and barely made it through... but these days she's definitely the alpha dog in my house. Her breeder called me one afternoon and invited me to come view the new pups, knowing that I would fall for this little thing. But it turns out that Koukla chose me! As I sat there on the floor with all these tiny little pups crawling around, Koukla was intent on pulling and chewing on my shirt tail, essentially saying, "Pick me! Pick ME!"

So here I am, two years later, on the sofa with the dogs, watching TV and working through my emails... and Koukla decides that I haven't had enough love for the day... She climbs up on a cushion, circles around in a nesting maneuver, and settles down close to me. She looks deeply into my eyes, heaves a heavy sigh as if to say, "Mommy, I just wish I had words to express how much I love you." I melt. And then she completely undoes me by resting her little chin on my shoulder. She knows full well that this simple action will completely distract me from whatever else I am misguidedly doing, to refocus completely on her little self. It works every single time.

Even a pampered and spoiled and completely rotten little mutt like Koukla can have skin problems sometimes. A couple of weeks ago, she got into something in the grass and was scratching herself raw under her neck and on one side. Fortunately for her, we have lots of DERMagic products around here! A little DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion, a little t-shirt to keep the lotion on her, and a few days were all it took to bring her skin completely back to normal.

If your little furry love is suffering from an itch or a hot spot, or even a cut or scrape, end the problem fast with DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion. Click here for some heartfelt testimonials from other pet parents who have learned first hand that DERMagic works! And we guarantee it. Just ask Koukla!

Best wishes and have a wonderful weekend!

Dr. Adelia

Harley Cat's a DERMagic Cat!

2008-09-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Meet Harley, the newest DERMagic Cat!

Harley is getting a bath today, and her human, Lee Tenneboe, has donned foul-weather gear in anticipation. We'll give you a full report on whether the neighbors had to evacuate due to local flooding... But I'm getting ahead of myself...

Harley is an adopted kitty, a mature cat who came to Lee's home with some scaly dry skin and some scabbiness on her back. She had been given a shorter haircut to get rid of some rather significant matting too. Lee was concerned about this skin condition, and rightly so.

Lee knows we are preparing to launch our new line of skin care products for cats, and we sent her some DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion (in case the problem was any deeper than just "dry skin") and some Aromatherapy Dead Sea Salt Scrub, to eliminate the dandruff and itchy feeling.

Here's what Lee told us: "The hot spot lotion is AMAZING!!! Overnight, the scabby stuff was GONE! I was completely blown away. I have used 2 different spray-on skin products recommended by a vet that did nothing for her skin and in one day, your product gave instant relief. She still has flaky dandruff all over, so I'm more than ever excited to try the bath salts (despite my 'fear' of bathing a cat!), but the area that I was worried about is healed. I have had pets all my life and I have NEVER seen anything like this! I didn't think it was possible for a product to be this effective, even though I'm a huge proponent of natural products, vitamins and herbs. You have my complete admiration and I am now a customer for life. Not to mention I will be telling everyone I know with pets about your products. I am in awe. Thank you so much, Dr. Adelia!"

Well, there ya go. A little food, a little love, a little DERMagic... life is good.

So, we haven't yet received the final report on the inundation of Lee's neighborhood from the cat bath, and we're hoping that no news is good news. Did Harley enjoy a back scrub with Dead Sea Salts? Is her dandruff banished for good? Will her new silky, flake-free coat attract a handsome Tom? Stay tuned right here... we suspect Harley will reappear from time to time... and Hallowe'en is just around the corner... and she is a BLACK cat...

Be safe, be well, and be sure to check our website for all our great products and specials for your itchy, scaly, hot spotty pet!

Dr. Adelia

PAWSwalk, Saturday, September 6, 2008

2008-09-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

Get your leashes ready and register today for the 17th annual PAWSwalk at Seattle's Magnuson Park. Featuring a healthy 5K walk, canine massage and agility, free give-a-ways, and a kids zone, PAWSwalk is the place to be on September 6, 2008!

Who is PAWS?

A Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelters homeless animals, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives.

Join us! DERMagic Skin Care for Animals is helping to sponsor this wonderful event (click here for a schedule of events and directions), and we'll have a booth in the vendor area. If your pet is suffering from any skin problems, now's your chance to come by and check out our great products.

We look forward to seeing you there on Saturday morning!

Cheers - Dr. Adelia

Hope for food allergies in dogs

2008-08-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

We live for testimonials here. We love to hear from all those folks out there whose pets are suffering and veterinary treatments just aren't working, but DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion is working!!

Here's a testimonial that came in just this morning, from a Teresa James in South Carolina:

"I used the shampoo, conditioner and hot spot lotion on my GSD named Shiloh. I had taken her to the vet every two weeks since I rescued her the last week in May for her terrible scratching. At one visit I counted that Shiloh had scratched 32 times in one hour. My poor dog was miserable. I decided to change her food because she wouldn't eat the vet food. I also went on the web and found your products. In the first week the hot spot she had on her neck, that was raw and red, has started to scab over and heal. She is now scratching much less. With the change in her food (she is allergic to chicken and grains) and your products, I am now sure we will be able to keep Shiloh. Thanks for a great product."

And thank you, Teresa, for your uplifting feedback. We really appreciate it!

We're so happy to hear about how DERMagic products help our customers whose pets suffer from dog allergies and hope that their stories might help you too. Let us hear from you, and include photos!

Best wishes,

Dr Adelia

Pet Shampoo

2008-07-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

Earlier today I was reading a wonderful review of some of our dog products in The Pet Blog. It's always lovely to learn that others love our pet shampoos as much as we do! But it's also good for us to be reminded that many people don't realize that dogs and cats are quite different and have different sensitivities, needs and preferences.

One particular difference is that cats are highly sensitive to certain essential oils, including peppermint oil and especially tea tree oil, which can be toxic to some cats. Animals have a very powerful sense of smell, and usually just a very tiny amount of anything scented will go a very long way where animals are concerned.

And most importantly, before you use any product on your pet, make sure that product is suitable for your pet. Don't use dog products on cats or vice versa!

DERMagic products are for dogs at this time, and you will see a happy little doggie on our logo for canine products. Soon we will be expanding our line to include special f ormulations for cats, so please stay tuned and watch for our skin care line for all your kitties!

DERMagic featured in Seattle Picks

2008-07-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, everyone!

Thought I'd share some exciting news: DERMagic was featured this week in Seattle Picks, a fun newsletter that goes out to fashionable folks throughout the Puget Sound area.

Just getting back from a swim at the lake with your pooch pal? Get your paws on the Peppermint and Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Conditioner mentioned in the article here.

Enjoy the sunshine!

-Dr. Adelia

Eastside Dog Free Skin Care Clinic for Pets

2008-07-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

Bring your dogs, your cats, your ferrets... any animal that has skin problems... to a free clinic at Eastside Dog (Cats Too!) in Redmond Town Center, Redmond, WA, on Saturday, July 12, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Does your pet have hot spots or mange? Dandruff or dry, itchy skin? Allergies? Crusty ears or raw feet? Well, we can help! For one day only, Dr. Adelia, founder of DERMagic Skin Care for Animals, is going to be on site to check out your pets and consult with you on how to get your pet back into perfect condition, dermatologically speaking.

We are entering the high season for fleas, which can cause severe allergic response. We are also entering hot spot season. We will teach you how to recognize the earliest signs of skin disease and how to get rid of them fast.

Here's the address: 7533 166th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052, across from REI. Click here to see a map or get directions.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity for a free consultation with Dr. Adelia, and an even better opportunity to keep your pet's skin soft, smooth, and healthy all summer. We'll see you there!

Animal Stories from Woodstock: Porky Returns

2008-06-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Campbell’s Tomato Soup and cheese sandwiches with the crusts cut off were standard lunch fare for us kids on the farm. We ate in the kitchen at an enameled-top metal table, white with red trim, sitting on metal chairs with red leather cushions. From my seat I could see out the front screen door onto the porch, where Porky and Tippy, our collie, would lie together on hot summer afternoons, cooling their tummies on the concrete floor.
But this day was different. I could see Porky was upset about something. She was pacing back and forth, uttering cranky little grunts, and I got the idea that she wanted to come inside where her people were. But Mom was not going to invite her in this day.

Porky was clearly unhappy about this. Her grumpiness became anger and her anger became rage, as she squealed and complained and stomped around on the porch. “Go away, Porky,” Mom yelled. Well, that did it. Porky understood rejection, and she did not like it. In a huff, she turned and trotted off, and the incident was over. Or was it?

As I took the last bite of my sandwich, there she was again at the screen door, her snout completely loaded with the greasiest mud she could find. Remember those mud puddles in the road where the tadpoles hatched? And when they begin to dry up, the mud becomes too slimy and disgusting even for kids to enjoy. This is what covered Porky’s normally pristine little face, and this is what she delicately and gently wiped, in a zigzag pattern, all over the screen door. When she was satisfied with her decorating, she walked away with a little snort and a smile, and I could hear her smugly thinking that revenge is sweet indeed.

As Porky matured, she became the manager of all the other animals on the farm, including the dogs. In our next chapters, Porky joins the hunt! Stay tuned!

Maintaining Your Dog’s Healthy Skin with Rosemary EO

2008-06-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

The ingredients in DERMagic products are carefully selected for their healing properties, as well as for their contribution to naturally preserving our lotions, crèmes and salves. We do not use artificial preservatives, for many reasons, but mainly because we believe they can do more harm than good.

In our newsletters, we will discuss our ingredients one at a time time: about why we use it, its properties and source, its value in healing, its components, and anything else we think might be of interest to you. We always invite your comments and suggestions (info@dermagic.com).

One of our favorite materials to work with is Rosemary Essential Oil from Spain, also known as Rosemarinus officinalis. This essential oil makes our entire lab smell like an herb garden in the south of France… absolutely heavenly! An aromatic shrub, Rosmarinus officinalis has scaly bark and dense, leathery needle-like leaves. Tiny pale blue blossoms abound from December through spring. The essential oils are distilled from both the flowers and leaves. Rosemary can grow to heights of five to six feet (close to two meters) in height. In southern California, I’ve seen hedges of this stuff! Just walking past these highly aromatic plants is intoxicating. The rosemary bush belongs to the mint family, which includes basil, lavender, myrtle, and sage. 

We use Rosemary essential oil in many of our products, not just for the aromatherapy effects, but primarily for its antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. In addition to its other desirable properties, Rosemary EO serves as a natural preservative for our Hot Spot Lotion, Hot Spot Salve, and Cell Restoration Crème. The most important constituents of rosemary are carnosol, carnosic acid, caffeic acid and its derivatives, such as rosmarinic acid. These compounds have powerful antioxidant activity. Rosmarinic acid is a strong anti-inflammatory agent and is well-absorbed into the skin.

Rosemary EO stimulates cell renewal. In people, it improves dry or mature skin, eases lines and wrinkles, and heals burns and wounds. It can also clear acne, blemishes or dull dry skin by fighting bacteria and regulating oil secretions. And it works the same way in animals. It is an excellent hair or fur tonic, improving circulation to the skin or scalp, and is helpful for dandruff in people, and dander in dogs. Regular use of rosemary oil helps in stimulating follicles, as a result of which hair or fur grows longer and stronger. Giving your dog a regular treatment with rosemary oil, as part of his bathing ritual, nourishes the skin and removes flaky dander. (See our article about our Sea Breeze Dead Sea Bath Salts).

What ingredients would you like to read more about? Do you have any questions about the ingredients in pet products? Send us your questions and comments (info@dermagic.com) and we'll respond in a future column! Meanwhile, be well!

Dr. Adelia

Animal Stories from Woodstock: Porky 2

2008-06-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

If you ever saw the movie “Babe”, you know how irresistibly cute a young pig can be. I’m certain the producers of that movie had heard about my little Porky, because Babe’s personality clearly was modeled after Porky’s… with one important exception. Porky had a pretty big ego, and a temper to match.

As a species, pigs are highly intelligent, affectionate and emotional. Porky, however, was at the top of her class in all respects. And she suffered a bit of species-confusion, shall we say, having only a young collie pup to hang out with, and a five-year old girl to relate to, one of which she tolerated, and the other she loved more than anything, including food.

Porky was a little princess. Spoiled rotten. Dainty and prissy to the point of not wanting to put her little feet down in wet grass. I remember my father laughing uncontrollably when watching her walk in the morning dew: step, shake foot, step, shake foot, step, shake foot… and so on.
So Porky became the world’s first house-pig, learning indoor manners with one lesson and never making a mistake on the carpet. Whenever our Collie came inside, Porky was right there with him.

Porky grew up so fast. She learned quickly and eventually took over the management of all the farm animals, including our hunting dogs. In the short time she shared our lives, she taught us just how much love, and intelligence, and willfulness, and downright sass an animal can exhibit. Hey, wait a second! Aren't these qualities that are reserved only for humans? You decide. Watch this space for more adventures! And write to u s with your favorite animal stories! We would love to share them!

Be well... Dr. Adelia

We’ve Officially Launched!

2008-06-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

After many, many years of hard work I'm thrilled to formally announce the introduction of DERMagic skin care products for dogs nationwide today! Check out our official news release here.

As many of my loyal customers already know, this has been a labor of love from day one, as I was determined to save my beloved Yorkie Shenanigan from what veterinarians claimed was an untreatable skin condition. Long story short, after much research and testing, the DERMagic product line was born and successful in not only saving the life of Shenanigan but in helping owners and their furry friends everywhere treat skin problems.

DERMagic uses only all natural, steroid-free ingredients that are approved by PETA as "animal friendly."

Tell us what you think! We take feedback from pooches too, at info@dermagic.com.

Proactive skin care for dogs...

2008-06-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

Today I spoke to a woman who is owned by an American Eskimo dog who has been suffering for two years with itching, hot spots and hair loss. She had just about given up after trying everything she could find on the market, with minimal results.

We are in the process of treating dogs with serious skin problems for our video... and we have been treating them for free so that we can take before and after photos, and maybe even get a testimonial from the dog owner. This woman today (I'll call her Ruth) told me that after only one day on DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion her dog seemed to be calmer and that our products were working.

She also told me something that horrified me. She said that one veterinarian had told her that the black (or brownish) speckles on her dog's underbelly (mostly these appear around the crotch area) were indications of healing. This is SO wrong! It's quite the opposite. When you see places on the underside of a dog that look like dirt but it won't wash off, this is when you need DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion right away (www.DERMagic.com).

Before your dog gets a problem this serious, there are a few things you can look for, and eliminate early. One sure sign of a problem brewing is itchy, flaky skin on the back around the base of the tail. We can usually fix this with our special detoxifying bath salts made with Dead Sea Salts from Israel, among other fine ingredients. Just before shampooing your dog, wet him down and rub these special salts into his fur and give him a good massage. The grains will exfoliate him and bring new cells to the surface. Often, just a good shampooing after this will eliminate the problem. No more dandruff! It's amazing... smells heavenly... and it works.

Also, on a weekly basis, turn your dog over and inspect his tummy carefully. The skin should be a healthy pale pink (on most dogs), and should not look "dirty." If you see tiny points of dark, sometimes looking like blackheads, this is the first sign of a serious infection under the skin and it's important to stop it right away. Our Hot Spot Lotion is completely effective in getting rid of this discoloration, and it stops the infection in its tracks, before it becomes systemic or erupts elsewhere in the form of hot spots or itchy rash. Our website will soon have some photos of this precursor condition (www.dermagic.com), so please check there if you have any doubts!

Good luck with your furry friends, and please contact us if you have any questions about the health of your dog's skin or fur (info@dermagic.net).

Best wishes! Dr. Adelia Ritchie

Animal Stories from Woodstock: Mud at First Sight

2008-06-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

One fine hot summer day, my parents took me to the county fair in Manassas, Virginia, about an hour’s drive from Woodstock Ranch. It was the most fun a little kid could ever hope to have all in one day. There were farm animals of every kind, proudly displayed by their 4-H Club owners, and rides and games, and about a million other little kids all running around laughing, playing, getting all dirty and sweaty. But this was a day when mud, dirt and animal smells were very good things.

At the sound of a loud bell ringing, my father grabbed me by the hand and rushed me over to a small corral that had been flooded overnight,making a gigantic, really gooshy mud puddle. And in this muck were about a dozen tiny pink piglets, all greased down with lard, racing around squealing and rolling and making no end of a huge mess. It was the County Fair’s Annual Greased Piglet-Catching Contest, only for kids five and younger. And the prize, if you could actually catch and hold onto one, was your very own little piggy to take home… not to mention a serious pile of filthy clothes!

Well, no one ever catches a muddy, greasy, wriggly little piglet. Never. I mean, think about it. How many people do you know who have ever done this, or who know of anyone who ever has? If a piglet doesn't want to be caught, it will not be taken… not until that fateful day.

With Porky and me, it was mud at first sight. She leapt into my arms, and that was it. She was mine and I was hers. I remember my father’s slightly rueful grin as I delivered my prize. We all knew our world had abruptly changed forever.

Don’t miss the Porky Pages! Sign up for our newsletter (www.dermagic.com) for this continuing saga, and to keep informed about our wonderful products and specials!

DERMagic for Cats

2008-06-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, my family lived on a 2500-acre eastern ranch in northern Virginia, where a residential subdivision called Aquia Estates now exists. It was a delightful place for a child to grow up, with all kinds of animals, wild and domestic (and some not sure which they were!). We had horses and dairy cows, chickens, and a coop often full of pheasant and quail chicks that my dad raised for hunting. There were birds of all kinds, deer, rabbits, raccoons and ‘possums, and, of course, plenty of fish for feeding all the little wild cats born of domestic cats that had been abandoned on our property by irresponsible pet owners.

I was worried, even at a tender young age, not only about the welfare of all these lost little kitties, but especially about all my bird friends who were at risk of being eaten! So it became my personal responsibility to feed all the cats on the farm. My father never liked cats much, for this same reason, but at least we never seemed to have a rodent problem!

My parents never knew about this, but I had found a leaky little boat abandoned in the old boathouse (surely antebellum), and a broken little paddle… perfect size for a five-year old girl! Bait worms were plentiful and easily dug up from the wet mud by the creek, and an old bamboo fishin’ pole with a rusty hook was all I needed to catch more than enough catfish to feed all my little adopted feline friends.

I would paddle out into the creek and spend an idyllic afternoon watching clouds, counting the deer on the nearby island, solving all the problems of the universe, and occasionally actually catching something. And somehow the cats knew when dinner was about to be served. As my rickety little craft approached the bank, dozens of cats of all sizes would appear from their hiding places in the forest… tiny ones, large ones, fierce ones, sweet ones, and many with bobtails indicating their mixed ancestry. “Chow time, Kitties!”

And then I would hear a distant voice calling me. Time for my own dinner, through the forest, down the road and just up the hill at our little house at Woodstock Ranch.

Soon, DERMagic Skin Care for Animals will be launching its products for cats! Although cats seldom have serious skin problems, they do have unique sensitivities from other animals, and only DERMagic has a hot spot lotion for cats that actually works, is all natural and organic, and safe for felines. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to be the first to learn about these products and about our “Launch specials.”

DERMagic Skin Care for Animals Blog

Oliver Timmy Teper, the DERMagic Man...

Oliver Timmy TeperI visit the vet tomorrow morning. My allergies are acting up :(January 6 at 6:31pm · Like · Comment

Oliver Timmy TeperI visit the vet tomorrow morning. My allergies are acting up :(

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Oliver Timmy Teper
I visit the vet tomorrow morning. My allergies are acting up :(
January 6 at 6:31pm · · Comment

Oliver Timmy Teper
I visit the vet tomorrow morning. My allergies are acting up :(