Dog Health Problems

Sebaceous cysts are quite common in dogs.  A sebaceous cyst is a small cyst or sac which contains the secretions that have been produced by sebaceous (oily) glands.  These small cysts are also called wens, epidermal cysts, epidermoid cysts, and epidermal inclusion cysts. They are benign. They don’t cause your dog any pain.  And they will often disappear on their own. continue reading

A histiocytoma is a small skin tumor that arises on a dog.  It usually occurs on a dog’s head, ears, or legs.  The tumors are benign and they originate without any warning, usually on young dogs.  These small tumors are rather common in dogs.  Most of the time they will disappear on their own in a few months. continue reading

Scabs on dogs are a natural part of healing if your dog has had any kind of cut, sore, injury, or anything else that has removed skin.  When your dog has a scab it’s important that you make sure your dog leaves it alone so the skin can continue to heal.  Many dogs will try to lick or chew on their skin when they have a scab. continue reading

Fleas are a common problem for dogs and puppies.  It only takes a couple of fleas to drive your dog mad.  The itching can be intense and your dog can make his skin red and inflamed with scratching and even biting at his skin. continue reading

Seborrhea in dogs is characterized by skin that is either dry and flaky or which has greasy scales.  Your dog can either have primary seborrhea which is due to genetics; or secondary seborrhea which happens because of parasites, allergies, hypothyroidism, hormones, or nutritional problems. continue reading

Cysts on dogs are not at all uncommon.  They may occur on any part of the dog’s body.  They can occur inside or outside the body.  They are simple lumps that you may feel when you pet or groom your dog.  They are usually not harmful. continue reading

First of all, if you love your dog, don’t use a homemade dog shampoo that uses vinegar.  Your dog’s skin is a lot more sensitive than yours, and vinegar stings.  continue reading

K9 Advantix II and Frontline Plus are both popular monthly topical flea treatments.  K9 Advantix is manufactured by Bayer.  Frontline Plus is manufactured by Merial. continue reading

Program was one of the first of the “new generation” of flea control preventives developed in the 1990s.  Program is produced by Novartis Animal Health, which also produces Sentinel and other flea preventives. The active ingredient in Program is lufenuron. continue reading

Dogs can have dry skin for lots of different reasons.  Before you start trying a lot of home remedies on your dog it’s a good idea to try to ascertain why your dog has dry skin in the first place.  That means that a trip to the vet may be in order. Your vet can make sure that your dog is in generally good health and rule out more serious veterinary medical conditions that could be causing your dog problems.  Your vet could also point you in the right direction as far as treating your dog’s skin. continue reading