When grooming any type of breed, you have to be very careful not to injure the skin. Slicker brushes, clippers, and scissors can all cause serious injury to a dog’s skin. For dogs with sensitive skin, use tools lightly and take special care when grooming a dog with skin problems. Skin conditions are for a vet to deal with, and not for the groomer to try and solve. Skin problems that can be caused by or aggravated by grooming include the following: Allergies: Many dogs develop allergies from food, external environmental sources, or inhaled substances. In dogs, allergies are most likely to show on the skin. The most common type of allergy in dogs is the flea allergy dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Allergies can develop as rashes, hives, severe itching, and/or baldness. Never brush over rashes or hives. If hair is tangled, work through gently with a comb. Allergies can trigger a nasty cycle as they cause itching, which causes scratching and licking, which causes more irritation. Even after the fleas are eliminated, the negative effects on a dog’s skin can last for a long time. Always consult your vet for any signs or symptoms of allergic reaction. Your vet can advise you about how to properly groom hair over these areas.

Read the rest of this entry »

Objects which become lodged in various parts of an animal’s digestive tract are referred to collectively as foreign bodies. The subject is complex as the object may become arrested at any one of a number of sites. Not only will the symptoms vary but also the seriousness of the situation, therefore the subject will be discussed from beginning to end, dividing the various types of foreign body cases into geographical or anatomical areas.

Read the rest of this entry »