Q & A: Shedding, Natural Remedies for Skin Problems, Feces Eating & Anal Gland Issues

Okay, we’ve been getting questions on some interesting topics lately…

Question: Shedding Much More Than Usual!

“I have always taken great pains with the care and grooming of my Siberian Husky, making sure that he is immaculate at all times. But when I brushed him today though, I got two full buckets of hair. I know dogs are supposed to shed, but never have I seen anything like this. He actually looks bald! Can you tell me why?”

Answer:

As they say in life, you can overdo any good thing. If you keep him “immaculate at all times” then I would assume that his diet is also the very best, probably supplemented with vitamins and minerals that his system really doesn’t need.

This happens all too often. Owners who have nothing but good intentions run out and try to do everything possible to make sure their dogs and puppies are in good health. They buy all of the supplements, they attempt dog training from every angle possible, and they just plain go overboard on care – often mentally or emotionally debilitating the animal is some way.

But I digress – about the shedding issue, these types of haircoat problems can usually be traced to one of the following three causes:

1) Parasites
2) Dietary deficiencies
3) Hormonal imbalances

Only a veterinarian can properly diagnose which of these three things may be causing your dog’s problem. Schedule an appointment immediately and be sure to write a detailed list of all supplements and food intake that your dog has had over the last several months.

Question: Why Rabbit Pellets Can Cure The Feces-Eating Dog

“Some time ago I picked up a magazine article in the latest issue of Dog World and a man wrote in to the editor that he was having a severe problem with his dog eating feces. This man’s pet would literally eat feces from any animal at any time. The magazine suggested that he feed his dog rabbit pellets.”

“Well amazingly I had to try this same advice when my 2-year old Chihuahua started this same disgusting habit. And guess what? It worked! Now I’ve just got to find out exactly why it worked. I’ve asked as many as four different veterinarians and none can tell me why. Can you help?”

Answer:

When a dog eats feces, it is generally an indication that a certain mineral is lacking in the dog’s diet. This can be the case regardless of what the dog is fed or how good you consider his nutrition to be. The same is true of dogs who eat cement or occasionally, dirt. The chlorophyll inside the dog’s body is converted into more complex substances and stored. Some dogs, however, eat their own stools out of boredom and not from a mineral deficiency. Rabbit pellets are not a magical solution, but you just happen to find something that contains a substance that your dog needs – the rabbit pellets. Just don’t go overboard on them and try to discuss this with a canine nutritional expert.

Question: Natural Remedies For Skin Problems?

“My 12-year-old Pembroke Walsh corgi has been getting sebaceous cysts all over her body for the last few years. They are getting worse all of the time. They are huge and look like tumors. People are almost afraid to touch her. I had her on a raw food diet for a year, but it did not help. She has had numerous ailments all her life, including very bad inhalant allergies. I feed her only the best quality food and treats. What can be done about this?”

Answer:

One of the skin’s major roles is to eliminate bodily wastes. The more inefficient the metabolic functioning is, the greater the quantity of resulting waste byproducts. It’s good that you’ve got your corgi on a raw diet, but she may not be efficiently processing this good food.

It’s similar to a car that’s out of tune being unable to utilize high quality gasoline. This is where dietary supplementation comes into play. Digestive enzymes like Prozyme and antioxidants like Cell Advance by Vetri-Science are great choices.

There are numerous homeopathic and herbal formulations that will address the associated allergy condition. You can find these on the internet or through health food stores, especially onces specializing in pet products, but it’s always best to work with a veterinarian who specializes in alternative therapies. Also, be cautious of and research giving her further vaccinations.

Question: Natural Remedy For Anal Gland Problem?

“My two-year-old dachshund has an anal gland problem. Recently I noticed he expelled fluid, enough to form a large stain on a pillow. This has happened several more times over the last few months. I brought it to my vet’s attention but he said it was normal. I have never had this problem with my other dogs.”

“The vet said that I could drain the glands a bit every few weeks with a paper towel but cautioned that doing this too much could cause the glands to fill more. I talked to another person who had to have her Chihuahua’s glands drained monthly all his life. Could it be cause for concern?”

Answer:

Your veterinarian was right to voice concern over expressing the glands too often. The occasional gland squeezing is alright if it brings more long term relief. When an actual infection is lodged in the glands, having your veterinarian pack the glands with an ointment used to treat ear infections can work wonders.

There have also been beneficial results from the use of ingredients that bulk up the stool, such as bran. However, if you go this route and it works, it is recommend that you only use it sporadically.