Dandruff isn’t always a case of dry skin in dogs. From fungal infections to allergies and disease, Fido’s flaky skin can be a symptom of more serious problems. Dogs with dandruff often display symptoms from itching, licking and scabbing to balding and thick or calloused skin. Alongside his dry or oily flakes, these are symptoms of inflammation and it is important to understand their cause to treat the condition effectively.

 Dandruff can be a red flag that Fido is experiencing some serious inflammation and one common culprit is allergies. Whether he’s reacting to something in his diet or the surrounding environment, your pet’s flaky skin is a telltale sign that something is awry. If you suspect your pet’s dandruff is caused by his diet, talking to your veterinarian about a special diet is the best way to improve his skin condition. If, after eliminating high-risk ingredients such as wheat, corn, soy, rice and beet pulp, his skin improves, you should continue following the diet to ensure Fido stays healthy. Environmental allergens such as dust, pollen or mold are more difficult to treat, but can be improved by several measures. Give your dog more frequent baths with a soothing shampoo to remove irritants from his skin and reduce allergens in the home by vacuuming weekly, keeping windows closed, and washing your dog’s bedding regularly. 

If allergies are not the source of Fido’s flaky skin, fungal or bacterial infections may be the culprit. These infections irritate the skin, causing it to dry out and shed excessively. Some endocrine disorders such as Hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause dandruff, as does infection by parasites. Other common medical causes of dandruff in dogs include mites, which cause Cheyletiellosis or “walking dandruff” and requires weekly treatments with a mite-eradicating dip to treat. If you suspect any of these are the source of your pet’s dandruff, take him to the veterinarian for an examination to diagnose the problem.

 Of course, dandruff is often just a symptom of dry skin, especially during the winter months. Be sure to bathe and groom your pet more frequently when dandruff is present to keep him clean, remove potential contaminants and stimulate oil production in his skin. You may also consider giving your companion supplements such as fish oil, zinc and vitamins A and E to nurture his skin and immune system. Even stress can lead to dandruff, so do your best to minimize changes in your dog’s life and eliminate anxiety-inducing events. You can shop for pet oils or sprays that help replenish fluid in your dog’s dry skin and even invest in a humidifier to keep Fido’s skin supple during the dry winter months.

Many dogs suffer from seasonal allergies, but science is shedding some light on a supplement that can help relieve Fido’s itchy skin: omega-3 fatty acid. Thousands of dogs suffer from atopic dermatitis, a skin condition often linked to pollens, molds and other environmental allergens, especially during the warmer months of the year. Left untreated, this minor skin condition can lead to major infections due to itching, scratching and open wounds, so it’s important to treat dermatitis at its source. Fortunately, science is shedding some light on how we can help our canine companions combat this inflammatory skin condition. Pet food has come a long way in recent years, but most dogs still don’t get the omega-3 fatty acids they need through their diets. Dogs can’t product these carbon chains on their own, so it’s important they get omega-3s such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in their diet. Pets deficient in these unsaturated fats have been found to experience more frequent sensitivity to allergens, leading to excess itching. By supporting your pet’s immune system, omega-3 helps combat allergic reactions—but not all omegas are created equal. Omega-3 comes from many sources including flaxseed oil, canola oil, walnut oil, and soybean oil, but this form of the molecule, called alpha-linolenic acid or ALA, is not readily useable by dog’s bodies. Instead, it’s much more efficient to provide pets with omega-3 in the form of EPA and DHA, found primarily in cold-water fish such as salmon and some types of algae. Another source of these readily available omega-3 fatty acids is krill, a tiny sea creature. Krill oil has the benefit of being environmentally sustainable, as it’s lower on the food chain than fish, and lower levels of toxins that can bioaccumulate further up the food chain.
 There are, of course, hang ups no matter what type of omega-3 supplement you chose. The dose of omega-3 needed to treat health conditions in dogs has not been established with any degree of certainty, so choosing the right dose for your pet can be a guessing game at best. Fortunately, omega-3s are incredibly safe in moderate doses, so most pet owners don’t need to worry about feeding Fido too much of the beneficial fatty acids. It’s also important to find an omega product that has been preserved to prevent oxidation, which leads to rancid oils. In many omega-3 products, it is also important to find out what method manufacturers use to remove mercury that can bioaccumulate in fish. Whatever type of supplement you choose for your pet should be high-quality and list the amount of  EPA and DHA contained in the product. There is still significant research required to establish the best way to treat your dog’s dermatitis with omega-3s. However, science points more and more to the benefits of the fatty acids, as long as Fido is receiving a high-quality product to supplement his food.

The Seresto flea and tick collar provides up to eight months of flea and tick prevention for pets, making it one of the most convenient treatments. With the huge range of flea and tick treatments on the market, many pet owners turn to the most convenient and cost-effective medications to fight an infestation. That’s why the Seresto collar has become thousands of consumers’ go-to solution for pest prevention. This revolutionary flea and tick treatment provides up to eight months of protection from biting pests, protecting dogs and cats from disease and giving owners peace of mind. Manufactured by time-honored veterinary science company Bayer, Seresto contains two active ingredients that fight fleas and ticks. An insecticide proven to be highly toxic to biting insects, Imidacloprid fights fleas at both their larval and adult stages. It is found in hundreds of other pet, garden and home products and works by binding to receptors that block pathways in the nervous system of fleas and ticks. Because it is much more effective on insects’ nerve cells than mammals’, Imidacloprid has been proven to be safe for use on dogs and cats. Seresto's other active ingredient, Flumethrin, also attacks the nervous system of parasites, fighting fleas in their nymph, larval and adult stages. This pesticide is found in low doses in the collar and does not pose a risk to pets or to the people around them. In fact, field trials found only a small percentage of dogs and cats faced minor side effects, such as irritation, hair loss, scratching and hair discoloration around the area of the collar. Imidacloprid and Flumethrin work together to fight fleas and ticks for up to eight months, thanks to Seresto’s revolutionary design. The active ingredients are contained in a polymer matrix that slowly releases medication from the center of the collar to its surface. Seresto begins work almost immediately on contact with an animal’s fur and skin, where it forms a thin layer of protection against fleas and ticks. This odorless and non-greasy shield prevents parasites from attaching to your pet, where they can cause allergic reactions and transmit disease. And, because Seresto’s sustained release ensures a steady, low dose of medication, your pet will receive safe protection for up to eight months from each collar. Seresto is water resistant and provides effective treatment for pets that spend a great deal of time in the water and receive regular baths. The collar has been deemed safe for use on dogs seven weeks or older, cats 10 weeks or older, and comes in several doses for dogs of varying sizes. Seresto has even been found safe for pets who chew on their collars, so you can rest assured that your companion is getting the best and longest-lasting protection from fleas and ticks.

It’s important to take him to the vet to diagnose any underlying conditions, you can treat your dog’s dry skin at home with a few simple, vet-approved remedies. When your pet is feeling under the weather, your veterinarian should be your first line of defense. After all, seemingly minor symptoms can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition. But for familiar and small ailments, such as itchy or dry skin, some at-home remedies can help cut costly vet bills while providing your pet with relief. Here are a few vet-approved home remedies if Fido can’t stop scratching his dry skin:   Vitamin E Oil: As in humans, vitamin E oil has a host of benefits for our dogs’ skin. While Fido may not be as interested in vitamin E’s anti-aging properties as you are, a massage with the antioxidant-rich formula can provide powerful itch relief—and it’s OK if your dog licks off the small amount on his coat.   Yogurt: A daily dose of plain yogurt can help keep your pet’s gut bacteria in balance, boosting his immune system and in turn helping him combat skin conditions. Because our pets’ digestive systems differ from our own, you may also want to try probiotic supplements designed specifically for dogs, available through your veterinarian as well as over-the-counter. Make sure the supplement includes the National Animal Supplement Council seal to ensure you’re buying the real deal.   Oatmeal: Oatmeal’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a quick fix for pets with itchy skin. Grind the oatmeal into a fine powder with a food processor or blender and add it to a warm bath to create an itch-relieving soak for your four-legged friend. To treat hot spots, mix the ground oatmeal with a smaller amount of water to create a poultice, which you can apply directly to inflamed areas.   Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is touted for soothing upset stomachs, but it can also provide relief to pets with dry skin. Leave some brewed tea in the refrigerator to chill, and spray it onto your pet’s itchy spots. You can also try a tea bath for your dog to provide full-body relief.   Exercise: For dogs that can’t stop scratching, exercise can be the ultimate distraction. While Fido is playing and running, his mind is not focused on his itchy skin. Taking him outside can provide relief while providing you with a chance to elevate your own heart rate and bond with your pet.   There’s no silver bullet when it comes to relieving a pet’s itchy skin, but you can help him find relief. Remember that it’s important to address the underlying cause of his discomfort and not just the symptom of scratching, which can range from allergies to fleas, pollen or dust to mange, infections or a more serious underlying disease. Be sure to consult your vet if Fido’s symptoms persist to rule out any serious health concerns.

Hot spots aren’t just painful for your pet, but can also be stressful to treat.  These tips may help you. Hot spots aren’t just painful for your pet, but can also be stressful to treat. Whether they’re caused by a flea allergy or emotional distress, it’s important to get to the root of the problem so you can stop it at its source.   Hot spots are an immune response that causes parts of your dog’s skin to overproduce natural bacteria, producing red, irritated or even oozing lesions. While any pet can develop the painful condition, hot spots are most common in breeds with thick coats, pets with poor grooming and those suffering from all types of allergies. Left untreated, they can spread fast, so it’s important to address the problem as soon as you notice your pet is suffering from these irritations.   Treating the wound should be first on your list of priorities after you notice your pet is suffering from hot spots. Begin by carefully removing the hair in and around the infected area, and then disinfect the spot with diluted povidone-iodine or another antiseptic. Continue cleaning the wound as often as needed to keep it clean, dry, and pus-free—at least twice daily in the early stages of treatment. Because hot spots can spread quickly and cause fever or serious skin conditions, take your pet to the vet if his sores continue to grow after several days of at-home treatment. Be sure to prevent your companion from licking or chewing the infected area by covering it or outfitting him with an e-collar.   Once you’ve cleaned your pet’s hot spots, watch him closely to determine what’s causing the problem. Insect bites, including from fleas, can cause irritation, as can allergic reactions to everything from food to pollen, grass, or mold. Hot spots can also arise from emotional stress, such as separation anxiety, changes in living situation or even boredom. Pay attention to what seems to trigger your dog’s condition. Note any changes in his environment, such as moving house or introducing a new pet to the home, that could be causing your dog stress and if you suspect his hot spots are due to emotional upset, work to minimize upheaval from these changes. Some dogs experience hot spots as a reaction to flea bites, so groom your pet with a flea comb regularly and ensure his flea treatments are up-to-date. A good grooming routine can also help ensure your dog doesn’t suffer from hot spots. Though less common, underlying conditions, such as sciatica, can cause pets to chew on their skin above the painful spot, too.  

Many pet owners choose to eat plant-based diets, but it’s less clear whether their dogs can thrive on vegetarian or vegan meal plans. Fortunately for plant-based pet parents, dogs are highly adept at getting the nutrients they need from a variety of foods. Many pet parents choose to live vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, but it’s less clear whether their canine companions can thrive on similar diets. Owners’ main concern when switching Fido to a meat-free meal plan is whether their pet will get all the nutrients he needs to stay healthy. Fortunately for plant-based pet owners, dogs can lead healthy lifestyles without consuming meat.   Canines belong to the order Carnivora, but in reality, our companions are omnivores and scavengers adept at eating a variety of foods. This means the canine body is able at transform certain amino acids—the building blocks of proteins—into others, so dogs can get the amino acids they need without eating meat. However, dogs process food differently from humans and will have a few special needs when eating vegetarian diets. Dogs cannot produce vitamin D in their skin, for example, so they must receive this nutrient from their food.   As with any diet, buy only commercial pet foods that have undergone feeding trials and meet Association of American Feed Control Officials standards when switching Fido away from eating meat. If you plan to make your own vegan or vegetarian pet food, it’s essential to consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your pet is getting the nutrients he needs. While replacing meat with eggs and dairy is a relatively easy switch to make in your pet’s diet, owners wishing to feed their dogs a vegan diet—one completely free from animal products—will need to pay close  attention to their pet’s nutritional intake. The right balance of different plant-based proteins, such as from beans, corn, soy and whole grains, can still provide the needed amino acids when carefully monitored.   Potential problems to watch for when switching your pet to a meat-free diet include low protein intake, imbalance of certain amino acids such as taurine and L-carnitine, and deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus and iron that are obtained through eating animal products. If nothing is done to fix these deficiencies, they can lead to serious medical problems, such as reproductive or growth failure. It’s best to avoid feeding puppies or breeding dogs a vegetarian diet to avoid potential complications from these deficiencies. You should also schedule more frequent wellness exams—at least two per year— to ensure your pet is thriving on a meat-free diet. Skipping the chicken and beef can be highly beneficial, however, for certain dogs that suffer from food allergies.   After making sure your pet will get the vitamins and minerals he needs eating a meat-free diet, the only hurdle to overcome is with picky eaters who are accustomed to beef, chicken or other animal proteins in their food. If Fido turns his nose up at his new food, try gradually mixing increasing amounts of the new food into the old, until he switches seamlessly to his new, plant-based diet.

Bringing home a new puppy? Here is your guide to the first-year vaccinations you’ll need to get your companion to keep him healthy. When you bring your puppy home, you’re committing to provide him with a home for life. Caring for your new pet doesn’t stop with providing a loving home, however; he will also need a series of vaccinations to protect his health during his first year and throughout his lifetime.   Vaccinations are designed to protect your pet against an array of illnesses. By injecting a small amount of bacteria, viruses or other infectious organisms under your dog’s skin, the injections produce an immune response. After being exposed, you dog’s body is able to identify these agents and release antibodies to fight them rapidly in the future. Your puppy should receive his first round of vaccinations at age six to eight weeks. Here is a schedule of core and optional vaccinations as your new companion grows:   Six to eight weeks: Your puppy should receive his distemper, measles and parainfluenza vaccines. Distemper causes flu-like symptoms initially and results in severe neurological symptoms and often death. Parainfluenza virus is one of the causes of kennel cough, a contagious, cold-like condition in dogs. Some owners also opt to protect their pets against Bordatella—one of the most common agents responsible for kennel cough—at this age, especially for puppies in boarding or social settings.   Ten to twelve weeks: As he gets older, your pet will need the DHPP vaccination, a combination shot that arms him against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus. This is important because parvo is a serious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, often with fatal results. Some owners also opt to protect their pets against Bordatella at this age.              There are several optional vaccinations your growing puppy can receive, including against                   Coronavirus, an incurable and Leptospirosis, a treatable disease often caused by contact                     withand Lyme disease, a treatable condition passed to dogs through tick bites.   Twelve to twenty-four weeks: Your growing pet will need to be vaccinated against rabies, a severe and fatal virus that can spread to humans and other mammals.   In addition, your dog will need boosters for DHPP every three weeks until he is 16 weeks old, with a minimum of two vaccines given. Depending on when his vaccine series begins, your pet may receive up to four DHPP vaccinations in his first year. After that, he should receive the vaccine every one to two years.   Rabies vaccinations are also required by law in the United States, with boosters given every one to three years.   Opinions differ on other adult vaccines. While some veterinarians believe too many vaccinations can pose a health risk to your dog, others say annual vaccinations help prevent dangerous diseases. Some dog owners opt for titer tests, which measure a dog’s immunity levels, to help guide them in choosing which annual vaccinations to give their pet. For more information, visit https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppy-health/puppy-shots-complete-guide/.

Motion sickness doesn’t just affect people—it also impacts some of our furry friends. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can try to help your dog.   Just like their human counterparts, our four-legged friends sometimes get car sick. When Fido’s feeling woozy, it can make even a short trip an ordeal for both you and your pet. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can help curb his carsickness:   Make the vehicle comfortable: Motion sickness is caused when the motion you sense with your inner ear differs from the motion you see. The first step in helping your pet with carsickness, then, is to make his ride more comfortable. Face your dog forward in the vehicle and minimize his view out the window. You even may want to put your pet in a travel crate to prevent him from looking outside. Because the back seat of larger vehicles can be bumpy, keep your dog close to the front of the car. You can open windows, too, to increase ventilation and comfort.   Provide distractions: Some dogs get excited in the car and working himself up will only make your pet’s motion sickness worse. Take your pet for a walk or play with him before hopping in the car. Provide toys to distract energetic pets and stop frequently to give your companion a bathroom break and some fresh air.   Break the cycle: For some dogs, motion sickness becomes a conditioned response to riding in a vehicle. In these cases, you’ll need to recondition your pet so he no longer associates car rides with feeling sick. Try taking your dog on trips in a different vehicle or go on only short trips to spots your dog likes. You can also use treats to help Fido form positive associations with the car or buy a special toy that he only has access to in the vehicle. If these tactics don’t work, you may want to try simply sitting in the car with your dog with the engine off. Over several days, slowly work up to trips around the block, and eventually, the neighborhood.   Turn to medication: Many puppies outgrow motion sickness, as do some adult dogs with patience and the training above. Some pets, however, will always experience some car sickness. If you try various treatments to no avail, you may want to ask your veterinarian about mild sedatives to help Fido find some peace in the car.

The benefits of fish oil for humans have been touted for years, but few people know these supplements can also help our canine companions. Rich in omega fatty acids, fish oil can aid in everything from development in puppies to reducing inflammation in anthric pets, all while giving your dog’s skin and coat a healthy boost.   Omega fatty acids come in two major forms: omega-3 and -6. While omega-3 is found primarily in cold-water fish, shellfish, plant and nut oils and flaxseed, omega-6 is a common ingredient in processed foods and grains. Because many pet food companies use these grains as fillers, your pet may be getting too much omega-6 in his diet, which can turn on his body’s inflammation response. Fortunately, omega-3 can help balance the risks of an omega-6-heavy diet.   Fish oil supplements contain the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Both can be made only in a limited capacity in dogs, but pack some serious health benefits. EPA is anti-inflammatory and can help will help conditions that cause inflammation of the heart, kidneys, skin and joints, such as arthritis. DHA is vital to brain and eye development in puppies and can be especially beneficial when given to pregnant or nursing pets. Omegas also boost your pet’s skin and coat health and can ease inflammation caused by allergies and reduce itchy skin.   With so many benefits, incorporating fish oil into your pet’s diet may seem like a no-brainer. There are, however, some potential drawbacks to consider before adding fish oil to Fido’s food. Supplements can contribute to diarrhea in pets with a history of gastrointestinal problems and can interact negatively with blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory medications. In excessive amounts, fish oil can also interfere with the healthy inflammatory response of your dog’s immune system, which is important in controlling threats from infection, cancer and other abnormalities. Fish oil can also breakdown when exposed to the air, creating free radicals that can damage your pet’s cells. And, while this isn’t a health issue, per say, fish oil can sometimes contribute to bad breath, which is a downside for pet parents.   If you do choose to supplement your dog’s diet with fish oil, be sure to buy a high-quality product in a darkly colored bottle and store it in the refrigerator to reduce breakdown. While the recommended safe dose for dogs is 20 milligram of EPA per pound body weight (you don’t need to calculate DHA), you should talk to your veterinarian about the right dose for your pet. If using fish oil as a long-term supplement, discuss vitamin E supplements with your vet, too, as fish oil can contribute to vitamin E depletion in dogs.

Dogs have an exceptional sense of smell, but when it comes to their eyesight, they don’t see 20/20. In fact, our canine companions operate at around 20/75 vision, and that number tends to decline with age. No matter how old your dog is, however, vision problems can come into play and affect his quality of life.   Dogs are adept at adjusting to changes and poor eyesight will only become apparent when your pet starts making big mistakes. Even dogs with just 20 percent of their original eyesight can continue functioning as normal, thanks to their other senses and ability to memorize the floorplan of your house. Here are a few signs your dog’s vision may be declining:   When you throw a treat to your pet, he does not see it. He is reluctant to go up or down stairs, jump off the bed or go outside at night. When you move furniture, your pet bumps into it, and he hesitates in unfamiliar places. Your dog only registers food as edible when he’s close enough to smell it. There is a fuzziness in or on your dog’s eyes.   The best way to determine whether Fido’s vision is deteriorating is to establish a baseline for what his normal eyesight is. This can be difficult, as canine vision is different from our own, but with a few unofficial tests, you can determine what’s natural so you can track any changes. One technique is to simply observe your dog when a familiar friend is approaching him from a distance. Note how close the friend is when he reacts, and this is the distance at which he can see. Or, have someone hold your pet while you walk slowly toward him with his favorite toy and note at which distance he reacts to seeing it. These rough measurements will give you a baseline for a simple, at-home test to check whether you pet’s vision is declining in the future.   If you notice that your dog’s eyes are failing, discuss treatment options with your veterinarian. Loss of eyesight can be caused by aging, infections or hereditary factors, but diabetes and other conditions can also impact vison and there may be supplements, dietary changes and medications to help your pet. You can make life easier for a dog with bad eyes by providing him with a safe home environment. Clear walkways and leave furniture in place—or, if you must rearrange a room, do so gradually to help your dog adjust. This way, even older pets or those struggling to see can enjoy a high quality of life.