Month: August 2022

There’s nothing better than sunny summer days! Whether you head to the lake, spend time by the pool, or just enjoy long walks around your neighborhood, you should be aware of skin care concerns that may pop up for your dog over the warmer months.

Pet skin health plays a big role in their overall happiness, and some extra issues may pop up while you’re enjoying all that summer has to offer. It’s best to start the summer off with a fresh groom so that your dog’s coat and skin are in good condition, so be sure to book that appointment at your groomer.

Supporting Your Pet’s Skin Health This Summer

It’s natural for your dog to lick and scratch from time to time, but what do you need to watch for when it comes to their skin health? Skincare for your pet starts with monitoring for any extra licking or itching and doing a quick scan to check for redness, hot spots, or parasite bites.

Here are some of the top summer concerns that can affect your pet’s skin health:

• Swimmer’s itch – This is an itchy rash caused by parasites that live in the water. These parasites can live within a dog’s body and reproduce, making them a serious concern for your pet. To avoid getting swimmer’s itch, dry your dog off with a dry towel as soon as they exit the water and avoid murky areas where there are a lot of weeds.

• Allergies – If you notice a red rash or hives, your dog may be suffering from summer allergies to things like grass or pollen. Skin treatment for dogs with allergies can range from topical creams to oral antihistamines. Be sure to find something that offers them relief to avoid excessive licking or scratching that can lead to mats and hot spots.

• Heat – Did you know that dogs can suffer from heat rash? In particular, breeds with skin folds, like pugs, are especially vulnerable to heat rash, but it can also affect any dog that’s been out in the sun for too long. Even if your pup loves to lounge in the sun, make sure you help them find relief in the shade or cooler temperatures indoors.

• Matting – Mats occur more frequently in the summer due to dogs shedding their winter coat, being wet more often, or rolling around in the grass. Matting can be very detrimental to pet skin health since it can cause skin irritations and make it difficult to find parasites that might be causing pain and discomfort. Make sure you brush your dog frequently throughout the summer and keep those regular appointments with your dog groomer.

Quality Pet Care and Grooming 

At Smoochie Pooch, we offer top grooming services, including skin treatments for dogs. From shed relief to skin hydration therapy, we can help your pet’s skin be the best it can be. With multiple locations, we’re ready to provide top-notch grooming and skin care services to dogs of all breeds. To find out more about our dog grooming services, contact us!

Questions about your dog’s skin care can come as a result of allergies, matted hair, injury, or pesky parasites. Since fleas love warmer weather, they’re certainly something you need to watch for all summer long as they can cause issues for your dog’s skin.

If you suspect that your dog may have fleas, seeking out a dog flea removal service is a good idea. Unfortunately, fleas can cause several issues if left untreated. Trust us when we say it’s best to get rid of these pests as soon as you can!

What Is a Flea and How Does It Impact Dog’s Skin Care?

Fleas are parasites that live outside their host but feast on their blood to survive. Fleas are very small, only about 2 millimeters in size, making them tricky to spot. As such, you may not notice the fleas themselves, but the effects they have on your pet, their health, and their skin.

An experienced dog flea removal service can tell you that fleas are built to survive your dog scratching, so even with their best efforts, they won’t be able to get rid of these parasites on their own. An adult flea can live a few months and female adult fleas lay thousands of eggs at a time, so their presence can grow very fast in a short amount of time.

A flea bite will produce a raised bump on your dog that is itchy, red, and swollen and can last for weeks. All it takes is one flea bite to send your dog into itchy misery and require their skin to have some much-needed care to relieve the discomfort.

How to Prevent, Treat and Watch for Fleas

The best way to handle fleas is to avoid getting them in the first place! Flea grooming for dogs, meaning regular grooming appointments, is one of the best ways to prevent fleas. Your dog’s coat will be manageable, making it easy to do a flea check, and your groomer will also be able to alert you to any concerning bites or irritations they notice on your dog’s skin. You can also ask your vet about bug spray and oral or topical flea protection.

Even with prevention, it’s best to know what signs to look for. You should be concerned about fleas if you notice:

• Flea bite marks.
• Flea “dirt” – take a wet paper towel and see if the dirt you see changes from brown to red.
• Hair loss.
• Scabbing or hot spots.
• Light or white gums.

If you have any suspicions, take your dog to the vet. It’s important to get confirmation and then choose the right type of treatment to deal with fleas quickly and effectively.

Flea Grooming for Dogs at Smoochie Pooch

At Smoochie Pooch, we know that pet grooming isn’t simply about having your pet look good. It’s about supporting their overall wellness by ensuring their skin, coat, ears, and eyes are well maintained and healthy. With knowledgeable groomers that have breed-specific knowledge and training in pet skin care, you can count on us to be the partner your dog needs to feel their best. To find out more about grooming your pet to prevent parasites, contact us.