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For a glossy coat

Here are some common canine skin problems

CANINE GROOMING The animal's hair has to be trimmed regularly

Skin problems are among the most common reasons for canines to visit the vet. Let's look at the types and treatment available.

Allergies: Severe itching, scratching, rubbing and licking can lead to skin infections. If your dog is scratching itself, suspect fleas or lice but if you can't find any, take him to the vet. It can be allergic to things it has touched, eaten or inhaled or the most common reason, the floor cleaning liquid. This can be treated with an antihistamine and by keeping his surroundings clean.

Hot spots: If licking is confined to one area, a hotspot can develop. Bacteria spreading rapidly in the irritated area can cause bald, circular patches of painfully inflamed skin. These patches will heal naturally if the dog is kept clean by trimming the hair around them, and keeping it aired.

Ringworm: This fungal infection is transmitted by cats, rodents or even wet soil. The hair around the infected area has to be trimmed and anti-fungal medication prescribed by the vet has to be applied once a day for six to eight weeks. A medicated bath or oral treatment may also be needed. Bedding and anything else that the dog touches should be washed with hot water, detergent and bleach.

Mange: Mange mites like Demodex are found in the dog's hair follicles and in humid weather or when the dog's immune system is weak, they multiply fast and cause hair loss. If left untreated, they turn into severe infections and cause pain and irritation to the animal. Scabies or sarcoptes mites are highly contagious. They burrow under the skin, causing intense itching, crusting and hair loss, especially on the elbows and ears. They are transferable to humans too. Cheyletiella mites can multiply in such large numbers that they make the skin flakes on the dog's coat look like they are moving. Scraping of your dog's skin and examining it under a microscope will identify the type of mite, and treatment may be prescribed accordingly. It may include baths and an oral or injectable parasiticide.

Dandruff: Often caused by dry skin, this can be treated with baths or supplements of essential fatty acids. Flaking accompanied by a dull, greasy coat and bad odour points to a disorder called seborrhoea.

Lumps: Under or on the skin can be a cyst, tumour or abscess. Tumours that have an unusual shape or colour or grow quickly can be cancerous and need to be looked into right away.

Adoption Table has two lovely mongrel pups, Motilal and Dolly, both 5-months-old and vaccinated. Call Bernadette at 98840 21048.

Volunteers needed for Dr. Dog programme. Anyone with super friendly, neutered dogs can contact Mrs. Rajiv at 94440 18194.

Pet's Choice Pick Of The Month is Vrinda Ramesh, who helped save over 50 migratory birds from death. Her timely call and follow-up ensured that the baby birds were removed to a safer place before the predators, both animals and human, could reach them. More on the story on our website www.bluecross.org.in.

If you know someone who deserves to be mentioned for their compassionate or courageous feats, mail us at bci@bluecross.org.in or blucroz@gmail.com or snail mail to MetroPlus Column, Blue Cross of India, 72, Velachery Road, Chennai-32.

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