Tips for Better Skin Healthby Dr. Sarah from Lifes Abundance October 2010 Newsletter
While underappreciated or even unrecognized as an organ, skin has amazing properties. For starters, it’s the largest organ of the body. Both tough and pliable, skin has many functions, including regulating body temperature, helping to prevent dehydration and protecting against injury and disease. Without skin, our cats couldn’t have hair, and everything that was on the inside would be exposed, making snuggle sessions a little on the icky side!
Canine and feline skin shares many similarities with human skin, but there are significant differences. They do have three layers of their skin, with the same nerves and blood vessels running throughout. Even though the pigmented skin in dogs contains melanin, dogs do not have the ability to tan like humans do. Also, they have apocrine glands (similar to human sweat glands), however, dogs do not sweat like we do. Instead, dogs have eccrine glands in their paws, which secrete a watery substance like sweat, although this typically only occurs when they are nervous and under stress. Now you know how it is that they can sometimes leave little damp paw prints when exiting the veterinary office!
As the body’s first line of defense to environmental factors, the skin is subjected to all sorts of insults and injuries. Critters of all stripes, from fleas to ticks to parasites (like mange mites) bite and damage the skin. Additionally, skin is under repeated assault by foreign objects, nibbling teeth, scratching claws and constant licking, all of which can weaken and impair the skin’s protective barrier. Skin can also be affected from the inside out by infections, hormonal imbalances, allergies and immune disorders.
Young pets are particularly suspectible to skin problems because their skin is more sensitive and their immune systems are not fully developed. Kittens, for example, are prone to ringworm (fungal) infections and puppies are predisposed to demodectic mange. If your puppy or kitten develops a rash, loses hair, or has bumps or warts, consult with your veterinarian to determine if treatment is necessary.
The bottom line is, healthy skin is a vital part of pet health, and its condition is a reflection of a pet’s overall well-being. Vulnerable to attacks on all sides, it’s very important that pet parents regularly monitor their pet’s skin health. Skin normally does its job well as the body’s protector, but sometimes even skin needs an extra boost. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah reviews some common causes of skin and coat problems in dogs and cats, and reveals some safe and natural home remedies that promote overall skin health.
For more information about the Lifes Abundance Pet Food that Dr. Sarah is talking about in the above video, please visit: Lifes Abundance Dog Food
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Showing posts with label food allergies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food allergies. Show all posts
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Healthy Skin Starts from the Inside Out
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Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Allergies and Healthy Skin and Coat
Healthy Skin and Coat
Info obtained from: www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medical/canine-allergies.html
(Remember to always check with your vet before introducing new products to your pet. Many vets are now recognizing the need for holistic allergy treatment instead of the tried and true (and possibly ineffective or dangerous) standby of corticosteroids. If your vet is not helpful, keep looking until you find someone you are
comfortable with. Remember that the success or failure of treatment will rest mainly on you. There is no magic pill to deal with many of these problems. Unfortunately, there is also not necessarily a "cure", only systematic treatment options.)
Is your dog's coat not as lusterous as it used to be? Is it dull and course. Does your precious dog suffer from skin sores and excessive scratching. Does your dog have hot spots?
A majority of skin and coat problems are believed to be caused by allergies and poor pet food ingredients. Allergies may also play a role in chronic ear infections.
About Food Allergies or Food Sensitivities:
Dogs are not allergic to a dog food per se, rather they react to one or more of the ingredients found in the food.
Some of the most common culprits are beef, pork, chicken, milk, whey, eggs, fish, corn, soy, wheat and chemical preservatives.
Many animals are now developing allergies to lamb as well. This was once thought to be very hypo-allergenic, but the more it is used, the more sensitivities are springing up.
The first step in diagnosing a food allergy is to eliminate all possible allergens and feed ONLY a homemade diet with ingredients the dog has never eaten before. The diet should be a protein and a starch. Good examples are one part lamb, rabbit or venison mixed with two parts rice or potatoes. NOTHING else can be fed during this time; no biscuits, chewable heartworm pills, chew toys or any table scraps! You must also keep the dog away from feces if he or she is prone to eating stool.
This diet should only to be fed for a short period, while testing for allergies. It is not nutritionally complete enough for long term use. Check with your veterinarian before beginning the test. If the symptoms improve during the trial diet, go back to the original food for several days. If symptoms reoccur you know that something in the food is causing the reaction.
The next step is to return to the trial diet and add one new ingredient a week (i.e. add beef for one week and if no symptoms occur add corn the next week for one week).
Once you have discovered the allergen you can look for a commercial food which does not contain that ingredient. (The author of this blog recommends Lifes Abundance Dog Food. Lifes Abundance does not contain wheat, corn, soy or chemical preservatives that are known to cause allergies in some dogs. Lifes Abundance Dog Food has never, ever been on a pet food recall list either.)
Keep this in mind too. Just because a food is labeled "Lamb and Rice" or labeled with another so-called commonly known as hypoallergenic ingredient do not immediately assume it is hypoallergenic. Many of those dog foods contain wheat, corn, soy, beef or chemical preservatives.
This process of elimination is trying and time consuming. It may take up to 10 weeks to see an improvement. However, some professionals believe that it is the best method available to test for food allergies.
In the meantime, you might consider switching your dog to a food that has been successful for dogs with food allergies such as Lifes Abundance Dog Food. If your dog shows improvement you know you are dealing with a food sensitivity, you just won't know which ingredient to avoid. If there is no improvement, you will need to begin the elimination testing.
###
From Blog Author:
In order to help overcome your dog's frustrating and often time painful symptoms, think about a thorough and holistic approach. Lifes Abundance offers a holistic line of products that work together synergistically.
First, think about switching to a wholesome, nutritious food such as Lifes Abundance Dog Food to provide a solid daily nutritional foundation. Once a good foundation is established, a daily supplement is required because every pet has unique nutritional needs. Advanced Daily Supplement with Phytonutrient Power provides the additional nutrients to support the optimum health of your precious dog.
If your dog is itching and scratching, Soothing Mist for Dogs and Cats may help. Its an herbal blend that enhances the natural life cycle of healthy skin.
Ear Care Formula for Dogs and Cats cleans ears by bringing dirt and debris to the surface. It also helps eliminate odor and helps dissolve ear wax. It soothes the ear during application and long after. It does not contain alcohol.
For those older dogs or those dogs that have a tendancy toward joint problems consider Agility with Glucosamine and MSM. It's a natural, holistic multi-action joint support supplement.
When bathing your dog or cat, Revitalizing Shampoo and Bath Fresh Mist for Dogs and Cats are just what your pet needs. The shampoo and conditioning mist are naturally infused with a harmonizing blend of certified organic herbal extracts, pure plant botanicals and natural fruit extracts. These products detangle and nourish the coat's natural condition, leaving it soft, luxurious and fragrant.
If you give your dog a treat, think about giving a healthy treat such as Life's Abundance Wholesome Hearts or Tasty Rewards Training Treats.
All of the above mentioned products are designed to work well together and the may help in providing your dog with an abundant, happy and healthy life.
###
Blog Sponsored by Life's Abundance Dog Food
Click the following to order products listed on this post:
Lifes Abundance Pet Products
###
Info obtained from: www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medical/canine-allergies.html
(Remember to always check with your vet before introducing new products to your pet. Many vets are now recognizing the need for holistic allergy treatment instead of the tried and true (and possibly ineffective or dangerous) standby of corticosteroids. If your vet is not helpful, keep looking until you find someone you are
comfortable with. Remember that the success or failure of treatment will rest mainly on you. There is no magic pill to deal with many of these problems. Unfortunately, there is also not necessarily a "cure", only systematic treatment options.)
Is your dog's coat not as lusterous as it used to be? Is it dull and course. Does your precious dog suffer from skin sores and excessive scratching. Does your dog have hot spots?
A majority of skin and coat problems are believed to be caused by allergies and poor pet food ingredients. Allergies may also play a role in chronic ear infections.
About Food Allergies or Food Sensitivities:
Dogs are not allergic to a dog food per se, rather they react to one or more of the ingredients found in the food.
Some of the most common culprits are beef, pork, chicken, milk, whey, eggs, fish, corn, soy, wheat and chemical preservatives.
Many animals are now developing allergies to lamb as well. This was once thought to be very hypo-allergenic, but the more it is used, the more sensitivities are springing up.
The first step in diagnosing a food allergy is to eliminate all possible allergens and feed ONLY a homemade diet with ingredients the dog has never eaten before. The diet should be a protein and a starch. Good examples are one part lamb, rabbit or venison mixed with two parts rice or potatoes. NOTHING else can be fed during this time; no biscuits, chewable heartworm pills, chew toys or any table scraps! You must also keep the dog away from feces if he or she is prone to eating stool.
This diet should only to be fed for a short period, while testing for allergies. It is not nutritionally complete enough for long term use. Check with your veterinarian before beginning the test. If the symptoms improve during the trial diet, go back to the original food for several days. If symptoms reoccur you know that something in the food is causing the reaction.
The next step is to return to the trial diet and add one new ingredient a week (i.e. add beef for one week and if no symptoms occur add corn the next week for one week).
Once you have discovered the allergen you can look for a commercial food which does not contain that ingredient. (The author of this blog recommends Lifes Abundance Dog Food. Lifes Abundance does not contain wheat, corn, soy or chemical preservatives that are known to cause allergies in some dogs. Lifes Abundance Dog Food has never, ever been on a pet food recall list either.)
Keep this in mind too. Just because a food is labeled "Lamb and Rice" or labeled with another so-called commonly known as hypoallergenic ingredient do not immediately assume it is hypoallergenic. Many of those dog foods contain wheat, corn, soy, beef or chemical preservatives.
This process of elimination is trying and time consuming. It may take up to 10 weeks to see an improvement. However, some professionals believe that it is the best method available to test for food allergies.
In the meantime, you might consider switching your dog to a food that has been successful for dogs with food allergies such as Lifes Abundance Dog Food. If your dog shows improvement you know you are dealing with a food sensitivity, you just won't know which ingredient to avoid. If there is no improvement, you will need to begin the elimination testing.
###
From Blog Author:
In order to help overcome your dog's frustrating and often time painful symptoms, think about a thorough and holistic approach. Lifes Abundance offers a holistic line of products that work together synergistically.
First, think about switching to a wholesome, nutritious food such as Lifes Abundance Dog Food to provide a solid daily nutritional foundation. Once a good foundation is established, a daily supplement is required because every pet has unique nutritional needs. Advanced Daily Supplement with Phytonutrient Power provides the additional nutrients to support the optimum health of your precious dog.
If your dog is itching and scratching, Soothing Mist for Dogs and Cats may help. Its an herbal blend that enhances the natural life cycle of healthy skin.
Ear Care Formula for Dogs and Cats cleans ears by bringing dirt and debris to the surface. It also helps eliminate odor and helps dissolve ear wax. It soothes the ear during application and long after. It does not contain alcohol.
For those older dogs or those dogs that have a tendancy toward joint problems consider Agility with Glucosamine and MSM. It's a natural, holistic multi-action joint support supplement.
When bathing your dog or cat, Revitalizing Shampoo and Bath Fresh Mist for Dogs and Cats are just what your pet needs. The shampoo and conditioning mist are naturally infused with a harmonizing blend of certified organic herbal extracts, pure plant botanicals and natural fruit extracts. These products detangle and nourish the coat's natural condition, leaving it soft, luxurious and fragrant.
If you give your dog a treat, think about giving a healthy treat such as Life's Abundance Wholesome Hearts or Tasty Rewards Training Treats.
All of the above mentioned products are designed to work well together and the may help in providing your dog with an abundant, happy and healthy life.
###
Blog Sponsored by Life's Abundance Dog Food
Click the following to order products listed on this post:
Lifes Abundance Pet Products
###
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