Activities For Dogs With Skin Diseases
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
While you'd like to think that under that fluffy coat of fur is perfect skin, that is not always the case when it comes to dogs. Lots of pups are troubled with skin diseases of varying severity and learning how to adjust your activities and day to day routines to accommodate your dog's skin issues can be a challenge. Luckily, there is plenty you can do with your dog despite their skin disease which means no matter what your pup's ailment, there is a way to make them happy.
Dog Wash
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Lotion/Skin Medicine
Towels
Treats
Dog Wash
Activity description
When you have a dog with a skin disease, you wish that there was something you could do to relieve their irritation. Most skin diseases leave pups itchy and uncomfortable leading to the dog being irritable and unhappy. Luckily, you can help! By treating your dog's skin in a gentle and attentive manner, you will be able to give them some relief. Your veterinarian may suggest having a dog wash day for your pup where you can really focus on aiding their skin disease. Doing so is a great way to have some fun with your pooch while also tending to their needs. This activity is not expensive, just the cost of some soap for your dog's skin, and can be done any time regardless of weather or time of year.
Step
1
Stock up
Before beginning your spa day with your dog, grab the supplies you will need that are directed to their specific skin disease. If your dog suffers from allergies, grab a soap that will help wash away contact allergens. If your dog has excessively dry skin, look for a soap that will moisturize. There are many types of dog washes so be sure you get one that will aid your dog's skin rather than irritate it.
Step
2
Cleaning time
Make the washing process as enjoyable for your dog as possible. Be sure to test the temperature of the water before you wash them as it should be nice and cozy warm. Wash your dog gently, keeping in mind that their skin is already irritated. Wash slow and thoroughly, focusing on any spots that may be particularly bothersome. Be sure to rinse all the soap off of your pup before getting them out of the tub.
Step
3
Dry and warm
Once you are done cleaning your dog and they are nice and rinsed, be sure to dry their fur as well. While a quick (and gentle) rub with a towel will suffice, you may want to try to blow dry your dog's fur (if they will let you!) to ensure they are dry, warm and don't have a wet coat that may further irritate their skin. Once your dog is dry, they should be feeling nice and clean and soothed!
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Redecorate
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Rugs
Dog Bed
Collar/Harness
Blankets
Activity description
When your dog is plagued by skin diseases, the things they come in contact with every day may be playing a very big part in the problem. For example, if your dog has allergies that are causing their skin to itch, maybe they are allergic to that dog bed they are sleeping on. Or maybe that dog bed has mites that are biting your pup that you don't know about. No matter what the issue, your dog could use a nice revamp of their belongings to not only help alleviate their skin issues but also to cheer them up (yes, dogs do get excited about new things too!). This project can be a little pricey depending on what you purchase but you can do it any time of year, any day you'd like!
Step
1
Assess
Think about where your dog likes to hang out the most. Is it the couch? Your bed? Their own dog bed area? Where ever your dog's favorite spot is, that is the place to focus on redecorating. If your dog doesn't have a favorite spot then use this project to make one for them. Every dog loves a space of their own and one that is not irritating to their skin is even better!
Step
2
Shop
Go shopping for a few new things that will make your dog's favorite spot even cozier. Opt for extra soft blankets, cozy dog beds and pieces that are easy to clean as you will want to do that frequently in order to help your dog stay comfortable. Buy a few pieces for your dog's new spot and take them home. Throw away your pup's old blankets and bed (you never know what type of bugs or irritants are lurking in there!), and set up their new items.
Step
3
Show it off
Bring your dog to their new, skin disease safe area and see how they react. Your canine buddy is likely to curl up in a nice ball and never move from their newly redecorated spot! It is amazing how happy a dog can be over a new soft blanket! Take notice if the new set up helps your dog's skin disease. Remember to keep the area clean and wash the blankets and bed as often as you can with pup-friendly, mild soap!
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Food Fun
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Easy
20 min
Items needed
Old Dog Food
New Dog Food
Activity description
While it may seem that there are tons of complicated and pricey ways to manage your furry pal's skin disease, it is hard to know where to begin and what actually works. One thing that many people have had luck with when treating all types of skin issues in dogs is to change your dog's food. What your pup eats may be causing their skin problems or, on the other hand, what you feed them may just help manage their skin. Lots of dog foods are made for canines with sensitive skin and treating your pup's problem may begin with what goes into their belly. This activity will require investing in a few different dog foods and can be done whenever your pup is ready to eat!
Step
1
Shopping
Head over to your local pet store or call up your vet to talk about dog food. Look into dog foods that are suited for sensitive skin and talk to a few people to see which is best for your dog's specific issue. Look up reviews online as well, as many people may have a dog with similar skin maladies to yours and have a preference in food. Buy about three new foods in small bags for your dog to try.
Step
2
Test it
Place a little bit of the new foods on the floor in front of your pup and see which your dog automatically gravitates toward. Once your dog has chosen a favorite, mark it down and try the same test again the next day, Does your dog choose the same food or go for a different one? Whichever your pup picks is the one you should try! Switch your dog over to the new food by giving them half the new food and half their old food for a few days and then slowly phase out the old food.
Step
3
Observe
After your dog has been eating their new food, make a point to check their skin every day. Is their skin disease becoming less noticeable? Less irritating? Or is it remaining the same? Give it about a month for the new food to really have an effect. If the food helps, hurrah! An easy fix for your dog's issue. If your pup's skin remains unchanged, try the process again with a different food after checking with your veterinarian for advice.
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More Fun Ideas...
Oil Pup
Ask your vet about rubbing your dog with coconut oil to give their skin a nice soothing comfortable treatment. Coconut oil is natural and antibacterial and will feel really nice on your dog's bothered skin.
Oatmeal Bath
If your dog enjoys getting baths, give them an oatmeal bath which has been proven to give dogs with skin diseases some relief. The natural oatmeal is also okay to ingest in case your dogs tries to eat their bath water!
Conclusion
It isn't easy to have a pup with a skin disease and it definitely isn't enjoyable for the dog. Give your dog comfort any way you know how by doing these easy activities with them. Not only will your pal get some relief from their skin disease but you and your pup will bond over solving the skin problem. Your dog will be even more loyal when they know you are trying to make them feel better!