How to Help Your Pet With Dog Dermatitis

Dog dermatitis is a very common health issue that canines will face at some point in their lives. Skin problems have a number of causes, including chemicals that can affect every dog or allergic reactions to various substances that will affect one dog but not the next.

Look for dog dermatitis in areas that have the least amount of hair, generally the nose, stifles, feet, chin or scrotum. Sometimes it takes multiple exposures to the irritant before the dog dermatitis shows up, other times it’s a single exposure that will produce redness, swelling or moist and weepy spots or blisters. Some dog dermatitis will turn into a scaly outbreak and can crust over.

Dogs with dermatitis will sometimes lose hair in the affected area. Excessive scratching at the itchy spots will produce wounds that can become infected, which is why immediate treatment for dog dermatitis is recommended.

Many dogs will have reactions to soaps and shampoos that their owners use on them. Veterinarians caution owners to never use products made for humans on their canine counterparts – the chemicals are often far too harsh for the canine skin and can cause dog dermatitis. Alkalis, detergents and acids will also cause breakouts.

Some dogs will experience what is called allergic contact dermatitis after repeated exposure to various chemicals to which they eventually become sensitized. These rashes look like normal dog dermatitis but will spread more rapidly. Flea collars and synthetic fibers are the biggest catalyst for allergic contact dermatitis, but other irritants include paint, wool, leather, rubber dishes, wood preservatives and dyes. Some medications have been found to cause this condition.

Most allergic contact dermatitis can be treated with topical ointments that have antibiotics in them. Some veterinarians will recommend corticosteroids, which are taken orally.

Some dogs will experience canine atopy, which is a seasonal itching issue that will not produce any abnormal skin signs until the dog continually scratches at the area. It occurs in the ears and the underside of the body most often. Dogs might flap their ears with vigorous headshaking or rub their faces on the ground to try to ease the itch. The dog might also experience a runny nose and watery eyes.

For excellent, over-the-counter products that improve the health and happiness of your pets, try the  ProLabs line of products. ProLabs designed Skin Soothe to address hot spots, footpad injuries, skin fold dermatitis, incision sites and other skin conditions. The product relieves itching, is easy to spray onto the affected area(s), is not oily and won’t cause any staining. It’s steroid and antibiotic free and has no sting. Skin Soothe actually uses the power of zinc to soothe and heal the skin.

Puppy Nutrition: Build a Healthy Dog Now

Puppy food isn’t just a marketing ploy by pet food companies – it is a specially formulated blend of ingredients that give your puppy a good start to a healthy life. Puppy nutrition is a serious issue that all puppy owners need to spend some time and effort investigating.

Despite their tiny frames, puppies need around twice the nutritional value in their food than grown dogs require. Puppy nutrition includes ingredients that help muscles and bones, which are growing extremely fast, to develop properly. Internal organs are also rapidly expanding, and foods that address puppy nutrition will allow these parts to grow into healthy organs.

Most dog food production companies know that the proper puppy nutrition includes 30 percent more protein than what is included in adult dog foods. There are also a variety of minerals and vitamins that are included in puppy foods that give the immune system and skeletal growth a boost.

Most puppies will be on their special blend of puppy nutrition for about a year, but it can vary per breed. If a veterinarian determines that the puppy is developing too rapidly, which can cause a variety of health concerns including joint issues, he/she will take the puppy off the puppy nutrition diet and offer other suggestions.

So what’s the best choice of puppy food and what are my options? Good question. There are a few types of food to choose from – dry kibble, moist and semi-moist. Your puppy might have a preference, but most vets will tell you to make sure it is high in protein and will probably be less likely to recommend the moist blends.

For dental health, most vets will steer you away from the moist varieties and to the dry kibble as it is a more effective teeth cleaner. Dry kibble is also easier to digest and has fewer additives. Furthermore, the moist varieties are comprised mostly of water, which means they’ll have fewer nutrients, though there are exceptions.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials is the authority on which foods are best for your puppy. Most reputable dog food companies will meet this standard set by the AAFCO and try to surpass the standard. The less expensive puppy foods you see at grocery stores will likely meet the AAFCO standard, but just barely.

If your budget allows, stay away from the minimum and try for a higher quality product. And just because it’s somewhat more costly doesn’t mean it’s the best product – read the labels and look for the quality ingredients.

One key in reading labels is to identify the first five ingredients on the label. These make up the largest portions of what’s in the food. Protein-rich foods should be in the top five. Fats, vitamins and minerals are also key ingredients that should be listed.

ProLabs, a cutting-edge pet health company, offers supplements to keep your dog healthy throughout its life. If you’ve made the mistake of giving your puppy too much moist foods and are starting to notice some issues with its breath, ProLabs offers Breath Refresh, which uses zinc to freshen your puppy’s breath and cleanse teeth without brushing.

Dog Multivitamins: Myths and Truths to Know

When you wake up in the morning, aside from brewing a cup of coffee or setting yourself up with a bowl of cereal, you likely pop a multivitamin to start your day. What dog owners are finding out today is that for many canines, a vitamin supplement may be helpful as well.

The practice of adding dog multivitamins to the daily routine is becoming more common than ever. In fact, by some estimates, about a third of all canine lovers are giving dog multivitamins to their pooches. We want our best friends to live the longest and happiest life we can give them. Dog multivitamins can help this happen, whether it’s for better joint health or to keep shedding at a minimum.

About one-fifth of all dogs will develop joint issues at some point in their lives. For some dogs, genes predetermine the onset of osteoarthritis. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take action and slow the onset of the issues and dog multivitamins or similar products, like joint health supplements, are a crucial step in the right direction.

Some of you might have heard that dog multivitamins with calcium in them can be detrimental to your dog’s health. This is a myth. Indeed, an overdose of calcium in a puppy’s diet can be an issue, particularly with larger dog breeds, but dog multivitamins, if administered a properly indicated levels, shouldn’t cause this problem. Some of you might also be avoiding dog multivitamins because they contain vitamin A, which has been shown to cause joint problems. An overabundance of vitamin A will pose joint issues, but the best dog health supplements are balanced with just the right amount of vitamins and minerals.

Another myth that keeps dog owners from making a dog multivitamin part of the routine is that they contain vitamin D, which in large quantities can cause muscle weakness in dogs. It’s true that too much is not good for muscles, bones or the appetite, but dog multivitamins are nowhere near the level of overdose in this vitamin. The best course of action is to pick a few product on the market today and present them to your veterinarian. Your vet will know exactly what will be right for your dog.

One of the go-to companies is ProLabs Pets, makers of a proven joint health supplement FLEX Rx. FLEX Rx is a supplement that can help dogs of all sizes. FLEX Rx is the first of its kind to address joint problems with pro-inflammatory AA metabolites. The recipe also has an antioxidant built into it that is around five times more effective than vitamin E alone, and it’s being recommended by vets around the country.

Dog Bad Breath: What to do Besides Brushing

It becomes painfully obvious how spatially unaware dogs are when your “best friend” gets up close and personal, panting in your face with dog bad breath. It’s got a unique aroma all it’s own and in some cases, all the brushing in the world won’t get rid of it. What’s a pet owner to do?

Most of the time we think the odor is emanating from the mouth. But the dog bad breath that seems to never go away is the type that can originate in the gut, lungs, throat or stomach. Even the best toothbrush won’t solve issues this deep.

Most of our dogs get bad breath from tartar and plaque build-up, most often caused by using a lower quality food or allowing your dog to eat off your plate or table scraps too often. Not all dogs are accepting of a toothbrush in the mouth, which means the owner is less likely to brush on a regular basis. If left untreated, this tartar and plaque build-up can get into the gums and cause some serious problems.

Brushing isn’t the only way to keep teeth and gums healthy. Several pet care companies offer dental products that are good at keeping the build-up to a minimum, and your dog probably sees these products as a treat. Dental bones, as most companies label them, not only clean the teeth, they also provide some vital nutrients to keep your dog healthy. Some dental treatments can be a bit harsh on dogs with sensitive stomachs, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you’re new to the dental bone market.

Rawhide bones are also an effective means of keeping your dog bad breath from waking you up at night. A common warning with these rawhide bones is that if swallowed in too large of pieces, it can block your dog’s digestive tract, which can be deadly. It’s best to only allow your dog to enjoy the rawhide while under your supervision.

There are also sprays on the market now that will treat dog bad breath. Some of these treatments are made with all natural ingredients and some come in powder form. Read the ingredients carefully and give your vet a quick call to make sure what you’re putting in your dog’s mouth meets their standard for safety and good health.

Some dog bad breath is a clue to a serious health issue. Sweet or fruity-smelling breath is often a symptom of diabetes. If your dog smells like he’s just taken a gulp of urine, it’s possible that he/she is experiencing an issue with the kidneys. Liver disease often comes with a bit of vomiting, yellowing eyes and skin, and a particularly horrid case of dog bad breath.

ProLabs is one of the companies that veterinarians across the country have recommended for problems like dog bad breath. ProLabs has a line of veterinarian-quality products for many issues that affect your dog – from fleas to joint problems to bad breath.

Pain Management for Animals: What Ten Years Has Taught Us

Guest Post for ProLabs Pets by Dr. Joel the PetVet

While the issues of pain and pain management have always been a mainstay of concern for physicians and their patients, it wasn’t until 2003 and the organization of The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM), that any real focus was placed on promoting, enhancing and advancing pain management in animals. 

IVAPM is now a unique multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to advancing the field of pain management in animals. This multi-disciplinary organization actively works to gain and promote the knowledge related to the biology and clinical treatment of pain in animals. The Academy continues to seek to improve the standard of care for treating animals in pain by developing guidelines of care, providing continuing education, promoting humane and ethical research in animal pain and establishing credentialing of veterinary specialists in the area of animal pain management.

Mary Ellen Goldberg, BS, LVT, CVT, SRA, has been involved in veterinary medicine for over 33 years, and during that time, she has seen “pain management undergo a complete about face”. Intensely involved in analgesia work, Mary Ellen is currently the Executive Secretary and Co-editor of the IVAPM Newsletter and a member of the Examination Committee; she is a member of the American Academy of Pain Management (Human) and the American Society of Pain Educators.

Here is an excerpt, below, from remarkable review that Mary Ellen wrote for the IVAPM members:

“Pain management and osteoarthritis are not new topics, coexisting in discussions for decades. … When I look back on my ownership of pets, I can’t believe how I had certain signs and symptoms “staring me in the face”: As my dogs aged, I remember thinking they were old and stiff and accepted the conventional wisdom that this was a normal developmental process. I chastise myself now for not asking ‘Why’? Maybe because I, too, am now old and stiff, this has become a topic near and dear to my heart.

I attended a meeting for a newly introduced product, FLEX Rx, marketed by ProLabs^®Ltd., a subsidiary of AgriLabs^®Ltd. … FLEX Rx is a combination of catechin extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechua. With a unique mode of action that inhibits 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzymatic metabolism and evenly suppresses Cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), it manages joint health without adverse effects. No other product on the market does both.

Osteoarthritis is sustained by the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA). It is caused by injury or repetitive use and is not necessarily a disease caused by aging. AA inputs occur from damage to the joint and diets, particularly those containing corn. When AA can no longer synthesize through the COX route, it shunts to the 5-LOX pathway, inducing inflammatory leukotrienes.

FLEX Rx does not completely shut down COX-1 and COX-2 because there are certain benefits to these enzymes. FLEX Rx produces a balanced COX suppression, allowing the positive effects to occur while removing the negative ones. At the same time, FLEX Rx inhibits the negative effects of 5-LOX: pain and inflammation. It is the latter that causes the destruction of tissue.

Anybody who uses them is well aware of the problems that can occur from long term use of NSAIDS: gastric ulceration, peripheral edema, elevated systolic blood pressure (BP), renal insufficiency and hypertension with chronic COX-1 inhibition.

Here is the beauty of FLEX Rx:

• It has no side effects with fewer adverse effects than placebo in efficacy studies.
• It has been clinically proven to work faster than Cosequin DS (glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate).
• It can be safely combined with NSAIDS for a period of time; toxicology studies showed no resultant GI ulceration.

 FLEX Rx is a liver-flavored tablet that comes in a bottle of 60 chewable tablets. The active ingredients in FLEX Rx are currently available on the human market (Limbrel^TM) for “the clinical dietary management of the metabolic processes of osteoarthritis (OA).”

After attending the ProLabs meeting, I strongly recommend using FLEX Rx for joint health in dogs. FLEX Rx is available at your neighborhood or online retailer. For questions about using it for your dog contact: Joel Ehrenzweig, DVM at drjoel@prolabspets.com or 1-866-637-7716.

Dog Skin Problems: Annoying, But Avoidable

A dog that gets through an entire lifetime without developing some type of problem with their skin is indeed a rare dog. Dog skin problems have many causes, from allergies to parasites to harsh shampoos (human shampoo can cause severe irritation on canines).

Immune responses can cause flare-ups, from underactive to overactive responses. Demodectic mange and bacterial infections are common when the immune system doesn’t handle exposure to these triggers. Some dogs will inherit a chronic skin allergy, which is called canine atopy. Dogs that experience this issue will itch around their ears, feet, muzzle and eyes. Pollen from trees and grass can often trigger a reaction, as can mold and mites.

Some dogs will face autoimmune skin diseases such as pemphigus foliaceus, which presents as blisters on the skin, which form scab-like substances. It usually starts around the head, but can spread over the entire body. Hot spots are also common dog skin problems. Your veterinarian will likely refer to it as it’s official name – actue moist dermatitis. It presents as an irritation on one particularly area of the body. If not treated, it can develop into a staphylococcus infection.

Many dog skin problems can be avoided through proper bathing. This not only makes it easier for you to enjoy your dog’s company (Fido does get stinky) but it can prevent dog skin problems from developing into potential life-threatening diseases. Some owners have a tough time getting their pets into the tub at bath time. Every dog is different, so what works for one owner might not suffice for another, but here are a few tips to consider to get that reluctant pet sudsy.

If you’re not having luck with the garden hose, there is good reason for it – your dog doesn’t like be shot with cold water any more than you do. Consider taking your pet indoors to a non-slippery bathtub where you can bath him/her in warm water. Dogs don’t like hot bathes either, so be mindful of how hot you run the water. A slippery tub adds to the anxiety, so add a rubber mat. Many owners prefer a hand-held shower device over a bathtub full of water.

Entice your pet into the bathing area with treats – make the experience positive. They may never enjoy being soaked with water and shampoo, but taking their favorite toy and some delicious treats will offset the bad. Also, have towels handy, a brush for grooming and the proper shampoo made for canines.

In many cases, dog skin problems need more than the regular bath. ProLabs, a company dedicated to providing your dog with a better quality of life, designed Skin Soothe to heal and aid hot spots, itching, dermatitis, wounds and foot pad injuries among other issues. Unlike similar products out there, Skin Soothe is veterinarian quality.

Will a Canine Joint Supplement Work For Your Dog?

With one in five dogs developing some form of joint problem in their lifetimes, it’s likely that you’ll one day be looking for a supplement to ease your dog’s pain. Canine joint supplement use is becoming more and more common as pet owners seek out a solution to address the pain associated with swelling, tissue and cartilage loss.

There are several issues that dogs face that could cause joint pain, including osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia or injury. Once dogs develop a degenerative joint disease, the cushion of cartilage in their joints deteriorates and bone-on-bone contact occurs, which is painful. You’ll notice your dog becoming less active, avoiding stairs, having difficulty rising from a prone position. Some dogs will develop a strange gait or put more weight on their front legs than their back legs in an effort to ease the pain.

Your veterinarian can determine the cause of the symptoms you’re noticing in your pet and recommend a course of action. Some dog owners will take preventative steps early in the dog’s life by including a supplement to their diet, a supplement that includes glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which are proven to stave off arthritis.


Once arthritis or other joint pain causing ailments set in, most veterinarians will recommend canine joint supplement with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which is considered a proper ingredient in intermediate-level joint issues. But once the joint pain and condition become advanced, veterinarians recommend a canine joint supplement with hyaluronic acid as one of the ingredients. This type of acid makes the remaining cartilage more resilient and also helps to bolster tissues in the joint.

Supplements are proven to address joint pain in dogs, but there are other steps you can take to keep your dog’s joints in the best condition possible. Despite their reluctance to stay active, owners are advised to keep up the daily walks. Not all dogs with joint issues are able to or should be made to run, but moderate exercise keeps bones strong and also helps build muscle around the joints, which takes some of the pressure off.

Overweight dogs are also at a much higher risk for developing joint pain. Keeping your dog on the proper foods as it ages will help to deter weight gain, particularly sudden weight gain, which is a major contributor to joint pain.

ProLabs created a supplement that addresses the swelling, cartilage health and joint lubrication needs of canines. ProLab’s FLEX Rx is designed to affect specific metabolites in your dog, which will slow down joint deterioration. The product isn’t like other over-the-counter supplements and is actually around twice as effective as most other popular choices.

Hear This: Dog Ear Problems are Easily Treatable

Some canine health problems creep up silently, leaving you completely unaware of an issue until it’s almost too late. Cancer is one of these unfortunate issues that too many dog owners have had the misfortune of experiencing. But some ailments, many of them very commonly leading to a visit to the veterinarian, can be avoided. Otitus externa is one of these issues.

Otitus externa is the scientific name for an ear infection, generally manifesting as inflammation in the ear canal. This is a common problem because the ear canal of a dog is large, taking up a much larger percentage of the cranium than the canal of humans. There is plenty of surface area in a canine canal where parasites and bacteria gather, which can lead to infection, especially in dogs that get their ears wet or dogs whose ears aren’t cleaned regularly or thoroughly.

Bacteria and yeast are the culprits in many cases, though mites can also be an issue. Dogs that have ears that flap over the canal (which is the case in most canine breeds) offer an added assurance that humidity and moisture remain in the canal, an unfortunate physical attribute as this allows bacteria and yeast to thrive. And when allowed to thrive, the normally pink ear canal will become bumpy, swollen and red. In some cases a discharge will be noticeable. In other cases, such as when mites are present, there will be a darker, dirt-like material that presents itself in the canal.

Owners of terriers, poodles and other breeds that have hair in the ear canal know that such an anatomical attribute leads to more dog ear problems because these ears are more difficult to clean. Regardless, if you’re not checking your dogs ears at least twice a month, he/she is at greater risk for an infection, which can be painful if not extremely uncomfortable and irritating.

Vets report that the most common type of dog ear problems are caused by yeast infections, which leave the ear canal covered in a yellow or tan color. If your pet has this coloring in its ear and you’re brave enough to take a whiff, the yeast-infected ear will likely have a pungent odor. Most cases are easily handled with a topical medication that fights fungus.

The goal is to keep your dog happy and healthy, which means if you see it flapping it’s ears or pawing at them excessively, something is going on in their that needs attention. Dogs that shake their head/ears too vigorously are at risk of damaging the cartilage in their ears, which is likely as painful as internal dog ear problems.

ProLabs, a company committed to keeping your cats and dogs healthy, offers a product
called Clear Ear that keeps dogs clear of chronic health problems. The ear drops don’t stain, contain no antibiotics or steroids, wipes out itching and is safe for long-term use.

Dog Bad Breath – You Don’t Have to Grin and Bear It

Puppy breath has a unique quality that is enduring to most pet owners, but as dogs age, the breath turns into something less enduring. Halitosis, the name veterinarians refer to when the odor becomes an issue, is a result of bacteria that has built up around the dog’s teeth, inner mouth, lungs and gut. But it is an issue that can be treated successfully.

Bad breath is not always a symptom of bacteria. In some cases, the odor is an indication of other health issues that can be quite serious. A veterinarian can determine if it’s simple halitosis or something deeper and more serious than dog bad breath. The vet will need to know what your dog eats, how much it exercises, if its behavior has changed since the foul breath became noticeable. So, be prepared to answer these questions.

The distinctive odor of the breath can sometimes be an indication of what type of ailment your dog is facing. For instance, liver problems are often present with dogs that have yellowing eyes, rotten-smelling breath and a change in appetite. Dog bad breath that smells like fruit can be an indication of diabetes. If the dog bad breath smells like the dog has been drinking urine, it could indicate a problem in the kidneys.

Once the vet has determined the ailment associated with the dog bad breath, a treatment regimen can be assigned. Sometimes, it’s as simple as treating the plaque in your dog’s mouth. A cleaning can wipe out plaque and a change in diet with regular brushing can keep it from coming back. Some pet owners will brush their dog’s teeth daily. Others will take their pet into a professional for regular cleaning.

Not all dogs are keen to having you stick objects in their mouth and scrubbing their gums. The best advice is to approach your dog when it is very relaxed and at the same time of the day each time you do this. The brush you use should be designed for a dog’s mouth. Toothpaste is also formulated for canines – use it. Toothpaste made for humans can hurt your dog’s digestive tract.

Approach the dog from a sitting position and never force the brushing. If your dog resists, work up slowly by touching its gums and maybe brushing the front teeth. The goal in brushing is to work up to two minutes of brush time with each session. Regular brushing has proven to not only address dog bad breath, but gum disease and other oral issues.

Other actions for better oral hygiene include giving the dog toys that are safe to chew, but hard enough to assist in cleaning the teeth. Many pet companies offer treats that are designed to cleanse the oral cavity and the teeth of your pet, keeping breath fresh and certainly non-offensive.

There are a variety of products on the market today designed by companies like ProLabs. Ask your veterinarian which products best suit your canine.