General Dermatitis, often referred to as hot spots on dogs,  is a very frequent problem found in dogs. It proves challenging to take care of, as there may be many causes of hot spots on dogs.  Signs of hot spots on dogs range from reddening of the skin to extreme, persistent open sores with thickening of the skin, hair loss and odor.  This also makes their immune system weaker, and therefore more prone to fleas and ticks too.  Recent studies suggest chemical flea and tick controls also reduce the overall health and immune system of dogs, so using a natural flea spray can safely be used instead.

Since the skin reflects the health of the internal organs and immune system, hot spots on dogs are actually secondary to other chronic diseases such as intestinal disorders and allergies. Oral and topical remedies for hot spots on dogs are geared towards reducing swelling of the skin and strengthening the body’s defense mechanisms.  There are also holistic digestive support products that can help with cleansing the liver and kidneys.

Traditional treatment options for hot spots on dogs consist of antihistamines, oral and topical steroids, and avoidance of allergens.  Holistic treatments for hot spots on dogs consist of altering the animals diet, herbal skin tonic remedies, avoidance of allergens, the addition of digestive support supplements, nutritional supplements containing essential fatty acids (omega 3,6,9), essential minerals, herbs and antioxidants.

Allergic dermatitis is possibly the most prevalent skin disease that affects man’s best friend. “Atopic Dermatitis,” also called atopy, is the scientific term for allergies. Allergic dermatitis is a genetic disorder in which a dog becomes sensitized to external proteins referred to as allergens. In non-allergic pets, these allergens produce no symptoms. In dogs with allergic dermatitis, the allergens result in the clinical signs you commonly see, which include itching, along with the pet’s associated scratching and chewing. To alleviate some of your dogs itching, bathe them often with a natural shampoo bar  that gently cleans and moisturizes all skin types while protecting skin from insect bites.

Allergic dermatitis often appears within one to three years of a pet being exposed to environmental irritants.  Because of this, dogs fluctuate in the age at which they begin to display indications of hypersensitivity to allergens. While some canines may   show symptoms of allergic dermatitis as a puppy, some may not show signs until midlife or even senior  dogs. Typically, the animal suffers from itching and scratching, licks, and bites in the ongoing effort for relief. As a result of allergic dermatitis, dogs can suffer hair loss, continued licking and chewing, seborrhea, or thick and damaged skin.

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Traditional treatment options for allergic dermatitis and “allergies” consist of antihistamines, oral and topical steroids, and avoidance of allergens.  Holistic treatments consist of altering pet health with the animals diet, herbal skin tonic remedies, avoidance of allergens, the addition of digestive support supplements, nutritional supplements containing essential fatty acids (omega 3,6,9), essential minerals, herbs and antioxidants.

Skin problems in dogs can occur for many reasons. In this series we will highlight known causes, common problems, and explore both conventional and holistic treatments for skin problems in dogs.

Fleas, Demodicosis (red mange), dermatitis, sarcoptic mange, itchy, dry skin, hot spots as well as other skin problems can make life miserable for your family and your pet. The subsequent scratching, itching, chewing and licking contributes to the never-ending cycle that a dog with skin problems endures.

Fortunately, there are natural pet supplies available to combat fleas, reduce hot spots and skin irritations and help treat the actual problems, often times immune-related, that may be causing skin problems in dogs and disease.

Wondercide has helped many people with reports of ticks, tick bites, and information on how to kill and repel ticks. Ticks are not actually insects but arachnids, closely related to mites, spiders, and scorpions. They are divided into two groups, hard-bodied ticks and soft-bodied ticks. Both groups of ticks are capable of spreading diseases such as lyme disease, rocky mounted spotted fever, babesiosis, and more recently, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis.

The deer tick life cycle consists of 3 stages (larva, nymph, and adult) which can take up to 2 years for the tick to complete. In order for a tick to progress to the next life stage it requires a blood meal. Ticks almost always feed on small mammals or birds. After the tick bites and engorges themselves, the tick drops off the host to molt and progress to the next life stage. Peak activity of each stage differs by season.  Larval activity peaks during August, nymphs during the summer months (May, June, July, & August), and adults in spring and fall.  Lyme disease is almost always spread by infected nymphs. Larva is not born infected and adults are usually big enough to see and remove before infecting the host.  Very few cases of lyme disease are reported during the spring and fall months. The deer tick in the East and the related western black-legged tick are the only known transmitters of Lyme disease in the United States.

Tick bites are rarely noticed and often undetectable if the tick has already detached itself from the host. However, some symptoms of tick bites may include local redness, itching, burning, and localized intense pain. The majority of tick bites results in few immediate symptoms but can cause very serious health problems and painful neurological disorders. Prevent tick bites by protecting your family with natural tick spray  and remove the tick immediately if you find them on you, your family, or pets.

Heartworm prevention is on the minds of most pet owners and most conventional veterinarians sell them on fear. Most Holistic and Homeopathic veterinarians warn against buying into the profitable pill solution for heartworm prevention. It just isn’t natural.

Don't "buy" into conventional heartworm prevention.

The most complete and detailed review of holistic heartworm prevention can be found by reading Dr. Will Falconer’s e-book located HERE. It is a simple, 9 page document the clearly explains not only how to prevent heartworms, but how to prevent disease and other chronic illnesses in dogs and cats.

The top 5 areas crucial to health and heartworm prevention relate to: Nutrition, Vaccination (an interesting and widely debated topic between conventional and holistic practitioners), Toxic Exposure, Disease Outcomes, and Lifestyle.

A great way to prevent heartworms is to reduce the dogs exposure to mosquitoes. A quick mist of Wondercide EVOLV before outdoor play time will protect them.  EVOLV Flea and Tick Spray is also a natural and powerful mosquito repellent. By repelling mosquitoes that carry heartworm, you reduce the chance of your dog being infected. You love your pets and are committed to protecting their health. Our natural pet supplies provide you the very best in reliable, honest animal care.

In general, protecting your dog or cat by offering proper nutrition, exercise, and avoiding chemical pesticides, fertilizers and home cleaners will greatly improve your animals health and immune system. These simple steps will make them stronger and more capable to fight off natural predators that cause disease and illness caused by heartworms.