Allergy flare-ups can be very uncomfortable for pets. While allergies cannot be completely cured, certain measures can be undertaken to manage allergy symptoms such as skin itching. There is also a need to identify the allergen to lessen exposure of the susceptible pet.

Cats and dogs that suffer from skin may display the following signs:

• Scratching, chewing, licking or biting of the paws or rump
• Redness and/or raw areas on the armpit as a result of intense scratching
• In addition to scratching, they may also rub their ears or faces against the wall or objects
• Shaking of the head or ears
• Hair loss
• Recurrent ear infections
• Skin infections

Gradual weight loss is not something to be overly concerned about especially when you are taking steps to help your dog lose weight. However, rapid loss of weight that occurs within a very short span of time should be brought to the attention of your vet.

Possible causes of rapid weight loss in dogs

Dehydration can cause rapid weight loss. But weight loss can also be due to the failure of the body to receive important nutrients and enough calories that are essential maintaining a healthy weight. These problems may be associated by the following conditions:

•    Reduced intake of calories due to loss of appetite, tooth and gum problems, and other reasons

• &nbs ... Read more »

Cherry eye is not a life-threatening problem in dogs, but if it’s left untreated, it can pave the way for eye problems later on. A cherry eye appears like a red bulge or mass in the corner of a dog’s eye.

What causes it?

Dogs have a third eyelid that gives added protection to the eyes. It also “sweeps” the eye clear of any dirt or debris, and contains a tear gland which produces about a third of the moisture in the dog’s eye. Sometimes, the tear gland also gets lose and slips out of place, further complicating the problem.

There is no exact explanation why the third eyelid and/or the gland slip out of place. In most cases, if one eye is affected, there is a higher risk of it happening to the other eye, although it ca ... Read more »

Are you thinking that perhaps your pooch would feel more comfortable and cooler if you cut his hair coat when the weather is very hot? Before you get your grooming tools, you need to consider some important things such as the breed of your dog and how many hair layers he has and what each layer actually does. This is particularly important if you have a double-coated breed.

Dogs don’t have the same type of hair coat. Some have a double coat that is actually made up of two layers of hair that functions to protect the dog from adverse elements in the weather and environment. The undercoat is softer and thicker compared to the outer coat (overcoat). The double layer is actually a natural insulator because it can trap cooler air and keep the dog’s body comfortable and cooler during hot weather. Most canine breeds with double coats should never be shaved unless it&rsquo ... Read more »

hiskers (also called “vibrissae”) are extremely sensitive sensory hairs that serve important functions to help dogs become more aware of their immediate environment. They are found on the sides of the dog’s muzzle, on the forehead, upper lip, and on the chin. Compared to regular dog hair, whiskers are thicker and coarser. Their roots are deeper and filled with blood vessels and nerves. Like hairs, whiskers also fall off as a part of the normal shedding process. While they will grow back, you should never try pulling off a whisker. There are groomers who want to trim your dog’s whiskers, but it is not a good idea to do so because it can significantly “handicap” your dog, making it difficult for him to “feel” what’s going on around his face, and it will significantly affect your pet’s self-confidence. Also, whiskers are extremely sensitive, and pulling on one will certainly cause your pet some discomfort and stress. Don&rsquo ... Read more »