Train the Dog Blog

Dermatophilosis is a skin disease that animals can get no matter the age or gender, although the symptoms may vary. Usually contracted from farm animals like sheep, cows and horses, it is more prevalent in humid and warm climates. Typically, dogs with wet skin that have infestations like fleas and ticks have increased risk.

If you scratch off an infected area of the yellow crust, you will notice that there are many hairs underneath due to the follicle being impacted. This condition is very common in dog and cats. It is best to get your pet to the vet for testing to stop the spreading.

Testing from the vet is necessary for a diagnosis. If the dog is scratching a lot and you notice pus from this area, it more than likely is Dermatophilosis. Proper diagnosis is needed to determine treatment.

Make sure that you let the vet know that your pet has been around farm animals. The vet will sample the infected area through testing. Upon a determination of Dermatophilosis, the vet will prescribe proper treatment.

This condition can transfer to humans so we suggest you wear protective gloves when administering medication. Your vet might prescribe a certain shampoo for your dog if the condition is not too severe. As with all medications, read the directions and be consistent with treatment.

For severe cases, your vet might prescribe an antibiotic to be given orally over a number of days. Typically, penicillin is prescribes but any type of antibiotic will work. Be sure that you are constant with the prescribed medication in order to achieve results.

It is likely that the vet will schedule a follow-up appointment to check the dog\’s progress. Usually they will give about 2 or 3 weeks for the medication to take affect. Continue to watch your dog during this time to make sure that the condition does not worsen.

With skin conditions like this, you want to be extra careful. It is possible for the dog to pass this condition onto a caregiver or a family member if they suffer from an immune deficiency. Take caution if necessary and quarantine the dog in a safe place away from people.

There are precautions you should take when dealing with topical medications. We suggest that you wear rubber gloves while shampooing your dog to protect you against the transfer of this condition. Following the logical steps will keep you and your family safe.

Have a Pet that you Care For? Check out Catherine\’s recommended Pet Supplies for Dogs website that uses nature\’s highest quality ingredients. They have the most amazing Natural Organic Dog Shampoos available.

Making the decision to have a dog or cat is a big step. As pet owners, most of us treat our pets like our children. If we don\’t have children, then for most of us, our pets are our children.

I bet we have all known people who have decided to get a dog before children just to see if they can handle that commitment. Well, pets can end up being with you a lot longer. Well, unless the run away or you decide you can\’t handle the responsibility that comes with having a pet.

I don\’t think people think about how long of a commitment it is to raise a cat or dog. Some can live 20+ years. That\’s sometimes longer than our children stay with us and you are feeding your pet, taking them to the doctor and boarding them when you take a vacation.

When you have children, they do eventually leave the nest and start their own lives. Sure they come and go but for the most part, they are in college, they marry and start their own lives. And there you are, living with the cat or dog they could not live without.

So looking back on the idea of a pet to see how you would handle the responsibility of children might make you second-guess that decision right? We love our pets unconditionally and they bring us great companionship. But had we thought about the long-term responsibility we were going to have with a pet, we might have thought twice.

I have grown to love our cats and they are a great comfort to me in this quiet house. Little did I know when my daughter begged and pleaded for a pet that she would not take them when she moved out. She has gone on to college, loves her carefree life, and I am hiring someone to watch them so I can take a vacation.

I never realized it until now. It\’s funny to me remembering when my daughter was becoming increasingly independent and getting ready to venture out on her own. I felt sadness that she would be leaving soon, but now realizing I have the cats to keep me company is a blessing.

All our pets desire is food, affection and a warm lap to sit in. Love your pets like you\’ve loved your children and they will be there for you when the kids have come and gone. They are all gifts and we can\’t keep them forever, but we are lucky enough to have them for a time and that is the true gift.

Now, back to the original question, are you ready for a pet? Remember that your children will eventually leave, and their pets are there to stay. Pets can enrich our lives long after the children are gone, and that\’s something to think about as well.

Have an Animal that you Care For? Check out Catherine\’s favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs website that uses nature\’s highest quality ingredients. They have the most amazing Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.