What causes Dog skin problems?

For all of their growling and teeth-baring, a lot of dogs are pretty sensitive, especially when it comes to their skin. Among the most common triggers of skin problems are diet or environment changes, and the latter can include anything from a new state to a newly mown yard or using a new detergent on your pup’s bed.

If you notice any inflammation on him and know that you recently made a food or detergent switch, try giving him his previous food or re-wash his bed in the previous detergent and watch him for a day or two. If the irritation doesn’t subside, cart him into the vet’s office for a check-up. Other major skin problems can be caused by fleas or other parasites, which you’ll find more information about elsewhere on my Dog!

What’s the right way to cut my dog’s toenails?

If you look closely at your dog’s claws, you’ll see a translucent section of nail alone and an opaque section of tissue below the nail. If you decide to cut his nails by yourself, use that section of tissue as a guide – never cut above it, as it can result in bleeding and infection.

Use clippers of a size appropriate for your pup’s claws and make sure the blade is sharp since dull blades mean that you have to apply more pressure and can be more traumatic for your dog. If you do cut too high and he starts to bleed, apply pressure using a paper towel or clean cloth soaked in warm water. If you’re an extremely well-prepared owner and have a styptic pen, even better. You can find styptics in a drugstore with bee sting treatments, or just ask the pharmacist for help.

Some dogs don’t like to have their nails clipped or even have their paws touched. In those cases, it’s really in both of your best interests to take him to a groomer or the vet to have them clipped by a professional. It takes less time, cuts down on the risk of injury, and is just more pleasant for both of you.

Footpads

If you decide to clip your dog’s nails yourself, use extra caution not to nick the pads on his feet. Footpads are even more prone to infection than other areas of the body, and a cut pad can be attractive to ground-level parasites.

Also be careful if you run with your dog for extended periods on cement or gravel, as some breeds’ pads can easily split or crack due to stress. If his footpads begin to bleed, apply pressure using a warm, wet cloth. The bleeding should stop within 30 minutes.