Archive for the ‘Ringworm Cats’ Category
The Itchy Dog: is it an Allergy?
Scratching is a very common symptom in dogs, and you as an owner should aim to nip it in the bud early before self trauma causes secondary injuries to your dog. However, before wondering whether your dog could have an allergy, you must rule out the common parasitic (fleas and mites), bacterial (hot spots) and fungal (ringworm and yeast) infections. See my article Is your Dog Scratching to explore these in greater detail.
Just as allergies have become more common in children these days compared to several generations ago, veterinarians are seeing far more allergies in pets too. It is difficult to explain this phenomenon, theories range from alterations in the content of pet foods to the use of modern day household cleaning products or simply genetic evolution. One thing is certain, whatever the cause, allergic dogs benefit hugely from avoiding the offending allergen or, if that is impossible, appropriate treatment to minimize the itchiness.
Lets start with the presenting signs of an allergy in dogs. Itchiness can manifest itself not only as obvious scratching at the neck and flanks, but also as face rubbing, foot licking or chewing and over grooming. Foot licking, for example, is often perceived by owners as normal, when in fact the dog is responding to itchy feet in the only way it can, by licking them. The skin between the toes may turn red and sore due to the compulsive licking, and in white dogs such as West Highland White Terriers and Bichon Frises, the fur is stained brown by saliva.
Ear infections are another common sign of an underlying allergy. Though general waxiness, hair in the ear canals, lack of ventilation, bacteria and yeast may trigger the infection, an underlying allergy is often the root cause of the itchiness. If your dog gets recurrent ear infections, by eliminating an underlying allergy you may prevent your dog from going over the itchiness threshold and developing full blown ear infections.
So, what are the common allergies in dogs?
For convenience they are best separated into 4 categories.
1)Flea bite hypersensitivity
2)Adverse food reaction
3)Atopic dermatitis
4)Contact dermatitis
Flea bite hypersensitivity is relatively straight forward to cure. It is a simple case of eliminating every single flea on the dog and, crucially, in his/her environment. The itchiness is caused by an allergic reaction to the flea saliva, and so even a solitary flea can trigger a scratching frenzy. To rule out flea bite hypersensitivity, all animals in the house (dogs and cats) should be treated with a reputable veterinary spot on medication monthly without fail, and the house should be thoroughly sprayed with an insecticidal spray.
Adverse food reactions are more difficult to treat as it can be difficult to isolate the precise ingredient responsible for causing itchiness in your dog. Not only that, treating adverse food reactions requires owners to be exceptionally disciplined and motivated in preventing their pet having even a single treat unless the exact ingredients are known to be safe.
There are two ways of diagnosing an adverse food reaction (also known as a food allergy). For those readers for whom cost is not an issue, a blood test can be done to measure for ingredient specific antibodies in the bloodstream. The blood test is quite costly, and if combined with a blood test for environmental allergens is usually upwards of $400 (£200). The company performing the blood test then provides a list of ingredients (chicken, beef, pork, rice, wheat etc) and a score next to them, suggesting which ingredients are best avoided. The owner then picks a commercial diet which does not include any of these ingredients, or indeed a special home cooked diet. The second way to diagnose an adverse food reaction is to conduct a dietary trial. This involves picking a very bland hypoallergenic diet and feeding your dog exclusively that for at least a month, preferably 6 weeks. The author usually suggests turkey and rice, as less dogs are allergic to turkey than chicken. Of course if your dog happened to be allergic to rice or turkey, which is rare but nevertheless possible, you would be none the wiser as the itchiness would continue and you would assume you had ruled out a food allergy having done the turkey and rice dietary trial. Remember if you are doing one of these trials, then your dog must not be given any treats, especially not pigs ears, chews, boneos, dental sticks or any rawhide products. Literally nothing must be swallowed other than turkey and rice (and water!) for the entire trial period.
If you have ruled out flea bite hypersensitivity and ruled out an adverse food reaction, the next step is to consider an environmental allergy, also known as atopic dermatitis. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis usually begin between 1 and 3 years of age, though any age is possible. The itchiness is often seasonal, which is consistent with a pollen allergy, though some dogs are itchy all year round. There are certain breeds which are predisposed to this condition: Boxers, Bull Terriers, Dalmations, English Bulldogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Shar Peis, Shih Tzus and West Highland White Terriers being the most commonly affected. Diagnosis is usually made based on the history and ruling out all the other causes of itchiness, and many vets will treat the condition on these presumptions. However, definitive diagnosis can be achieved via a panel of injections into a patch of skin, or blood tests. Neither of these are particularly effective and generally not performed unless the owner is prepared to attempt a desensitization programme. This involves a long term course of injections given by your vet on, say, a monthly basis to desensitize your dog to the offending allergen, and so make the allergic reaction much smaller when he/she does come into contact with it.
Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by your dog coming into contact with a chemical that is an irritant. It therefore only tends to affect the stomach, groin and feet of the dog, and is characterized by reddening and drying of the skin in these areas. It can also be seen when owners shampoo their dogs with a product that is not intended for use in dogs. Contact dermatitis is rare, but easily ruled out by careful use of cleaning products around the household. Just think, did the itchiness coincide with the introduction of a new carpet cleaner, washing powder or fabric softener?
By far the best treatment for any allergy is avoidance of the cause. By careful investigation and following the steps above this is often possible, especially for flea bite hypersensitivity, adverse food reactions and contact dermatitis. If avoidance is impossible though, as is the case for many cases of atopic dermatitis, then seasonal or lifelong treatment may be indicated. Steroids are very effective at stopping itchiness caused by allergies, but long term use can lead to undesirable side effects, such as adrenal gland disease. Long term steroid use should only be used as a last resort, when other medications have been tried and failed. These other medications include antihistamines, essential fatty acids and medicated shampoos.
Matthew Homfray
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-itchy-dog-is-it-an-allergy-69692.html
To find out more information to kill ringworm, click here.
Natural Treatments for Dog Itching and Cat Bladder Infections
The skin: why your dog is itching
The skin is the largest organ of your pets’ body and reflective of what is going on in the body. Regularly brush your pet looking for fleas, lice or ticks. The hair coat should be soft and shiny.
If you are seeing areas of excessive shedding in your pet then you may be dealing with certain skin conditions such as mange, ringworm, hypothyroid disease or allergies; treatments for these are discussed in detail in my book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.
If your pet has areas of hair missing around the face that are not itchy, then he may have a type of mange called demodex. This small parasite shows up in pets with depressed immune systems.
One very safe effective treatment is Vitamin E given at 400IU per 40lbs once daily for 3-4 weeks.
If your pet has an excess of flaky skin (dandruff), then she may be in need of a essential fatty acid supplement. Flax is the best source for dogs at a dose of 1 teaspoon per cup of dog food. For cats use the liquid supplement (such as fish oil).
Take note of any palpable lumps or bumps.
Lipomas (benign fatty tumors) commonly occur on the chest wall. If your dog has a soft moveable lump on her chest, then it is probably a fatty tumor.
Sebaceous cysts are another common lump; they can often be distinguished by squeezing out a cheesy substance. They are also very soft. Lumps and bumps become more prevalent as your pet ages and their immune system weakens.
The most important thing in helping your pet is having them on a premium quality diet and supplementing with additional antioxidants. The ones I suggest using are Vitamin E, Vitamin C and specific flavonoids.
Any lumps that are firm, rapidly growing, not easily moveable should be considered serious and examined by your veterinarian.
Allergies are one of the most common reasons that I see pets. There are a huge number of allergens. The 3 main classes are Food, Fleas and Environmental. The most common signs are excessive scratching, paw and anal licking, hair shedding and excess dandruff.
If you suspect that your pet has an allergy, then the first 2 things that I suggest are to eliminate external parasites as a cause, and to feed a hypo-allergenic diet for 4-6 weeks (there are many available).
Some very helpful at home remedies that I often use are:
TO THE BATH. An oatmeal shampoo with cool water will ease the itchiest skin. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes then rinse well. With the most severe allergies, bathe your pet twice weekly.
SOOTHE IT TOPICALLY. Calendula ointment is a herbal medication that has been successfully used to relieve the itch. Apply a thin coat twice daily to affected areas.
THE SUPPLEMENT CONNECTION. Fatty Acid supplements are very helpful in decreasing the level of inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are most important. A great, inexpensive source is ground Flax Seeds; I give 1 tsp per cup of dog food. Cats are unable to metabolize Flax, so I only recommend the liquid supplement for them. Other sources include fish oil, primrose oil and specific veterinary supplements.
Evaluation of the Genital and Urinary system – cat bladder infections…
In male dogs look at the sheath of the penis to ensure there is no abnormal discharge. This is more common in intact males, so an easy remedy is to have your dog neutered. In female dogs examine the vulva. A common problem is skin fold infections.
These can be treated by washing the skin folds twice daily with an antiseptic such as Hibitane and applying a soothing cream such as Aloe Vera.
The urinary system is more difficult to evaluate, but there are some things you can do at home. Signs of a bladder infection are frequently urination, which may have blood and may be painful.
There are a number of home remedies for bladder infections, the most effective are Vitamin C and Cranberry juice. The Vitamin C acidifies the urine making it more difficult for the bacteria to grow, as well as dissolving the more common type of crystal, struvite. The Vitamin C dose is 250mg per 20lbs daily.
If you have a male cat, then it is imperative to determine that he is not completely blocked up. Using your thumb and other four fingers, palpate the entire lower abdomen. An obstructed bladder will feel like a firm distended balloon. If your male cat has this condition, it is an emergency and he must be treated by a veterinarian!
I discuss ways to prevent your cat from getting obstructed in my book; the most important thing is to feed a diet higher in moisture. This is accomplished with canned food. Then depending on the type of crystal he has it is important to either acidify the urine (with struvite) or make the urine more alkaline (oxalate crystals). An easy way to acidify the urine is to raise the meat protein level. Making the urine more alkaline involves decreasing the protein level and adding a supplement, potassium citrate.
If some of these tips and treatments have helped you, then get your copy of my book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, today.
Dr. Andrew Jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/natural-treatments-for-dog-itching-and-cat-bladder-infections-123211.html
To find a good dog ringworm cream, look here for more information.
Facts About Ringworm
Ringworm is a contagious disease that affects the skin and scalp usually. It can also affect only the skin on the feet, in which case it’s called athlete’s foot, or the groin, when it’s named jock itch. It is caused by a fungus that can grow directly on the skin. Different forms of fungal skin infections are very spread especially in warm climates. More children then adults have ringworm but adults can get it as easy as children if they involve in physical contact with an infected person, or with an infected animal, because animals can carry it too, especially cats.
Among the ringworm symptoms the most common is the appearance of several red itchy patches on the skin. The color intensity of the patches can vary from a lighter red to a brighter red and they take the form of rings, hence the name ringworm. The affected areas are itchy.
If the infected zone is covered by hair then that hair will fall down and bald patches will appear.
Ringworm can be diagnosed by doctors simply by looking at the infected areas, but they usually take a tissue sample from the skin surface to make sure.
The treatment for ringworm is done with the help of certain medication called anti-fungal drugs. These usually come in the form of ointments, and must be administered strictly, in order to eliminate the infection and prevent it from returning. When the ringworm has spread to many areas of the skin the doctors prescribe anti-fungal pills that are much stronger. If the rash is left untreated and eats through the skin and reaches the blood you may have to take antibiotics.
The complications that ring worm can cause are skin infections when it starts to spread to other places.
If the area where you work or live is infected with the ringworm bacteria then you can prevent getting an infection by washing your skin often, avoiding to touch things that are touched by many other people and wear loose clothing.
In conclusion ring worm is a disease that must be prevented and treated as soon as it shows its first signs and before it spreads to other areas of the body and infects them too, or especially before reaching the blood. So consult your doctor for the appropriate ointments as soon as you suspect that you have ringworm or when your friends or relatives have it.
So, if you want to find out more about ringworm treatment or even about cure for ringworm, please click this website http://www.ringworm-center.com
Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/facts-about-ringworm-88477.html
To find a successful pet ringworm treatment, look here.
What is the Best Treatment for Ringworm?
Ringworm is the name of a common skin infection that is caused by fungi. It doesn’t have anything to do with worms, the name ringworm comes from the fact that the infected areas have the shape of a ring, they are circular, more colored towards the edge and less colored in the center.
The areas where ringworm appears are itchy and irritated, so the skin from the margins of the circle is a little irritated, so it resembles a worm.
Ringworm is very contagious and it spreads quickly in a warm climate, because warm and humid areas are the ringworm’s fungi favorite places. It can be taken if you touch the skin of an infected person or if you touch an infected animal, for animals can carry it too. Cats are known to be the most common carriers of ringworm.
You can prevent being infected if you live in an area where ringworm has started spreading by always washing your skin, avoiding to touch things that might have been touched by infected people, and finally by wearing loose clothes that do not touch and press against the skin like tight clothing.
The symptoms of ringworm are the red itchy worm-shaped patches of skin that appear where the fungi develops but if they are not treated the infection can eat through the skin and reach the blood, infecting it too. In this case antibiotics are needed to kill the foreign organisms from the blood.
Ringworm has an incubation period of 4-5 days, after which the symptoms start to show up. You must visit a doctor as soon as you discover that you have ringworm, in order to avoid its spreading to other areas of the skin and to other people. The most common medication that can treat ringworm are special ointments and antifungal pills. The ointments must be applied to the infected areas of the skin until the ringworm goes away and afterwards, because some of the bacteria can re-appear.
It is very ease to diagnose ringworm, doctors usually do it by simply looking at the infected areas, sometimes a sample from the skin surface is taken and analyzed, but not too often. Since it’s easy to put the ringworm diagnose most of the ointments are available without prescription. However asking for a doctor’s opinion is recommended.
The pills are prescribed when the infection has spread to many places and something stronger is required. These should be taken only when the doctor advises you to do so.
If it’s treated properly ringworm will disappear in a few days, and if it’s not it will spread and irritate more and more areas of the skin, reaching deeper and deeper, so if you have ringworm start treating it right away.
So, if you want to find out more about ringworm of the scalp or even about ringworm, please click this website http://www.ringworm-center.com
Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-is-the-best-treatment-for-ringworm-87730.html
To see some cat ringworm pictures, look here.
All About the Ringworm Symptoms and Treatment
Ringworm is a common infection of the skin that can be found both at humans and animals, especially cats, which are the most common ringworm carriers.
Although its name suggests that it is caused by a worm, in fact it is caused by a fungus. This fungus grows on the skin and feeds with the dead skin and hair cells there. The areas of skin that are infected with ringworm are usually round, and they have a red color at their edges, but in their center the skin looks almost normal. The red areas are shaped like a ring and they are also swollen because the fungus irritates the skin, so the place looks like a red round worm. This is where the name ringworm comes from.
The symptoms of ringworm can be seen on the skin surface. A doctor can diagnose ringworm just by taking a look at the infected areas. In some cases a more thorough analysis needs to be made to determine the nature of the fungus, so the doctor may take a small sample of skin tissue from the places where the fungus grows.
In the beginning ringworm looks like a small pimple or mosquito bite. Then it starts to grow as the fungus begins to evolve and spread. If hair grows in the area then the infected place will lose it, so red bald patches of skin will appear. Some patients also have a yellow crust over the infection.
As ringworm progresses the areas get bigger and they begin to be shaped like a ring. The skin in those areas in always itchy and soon more red patches will appear if it is not treated.
Depending on where the symptoms appears ringworm is called ringworm of the scalp, ringworm of the groin, or athlete’s foot if it appears on the feet.
The treatment for ringworm is easy, especially if the doctors discover it early.
If there are only a few places with the fungus on them then the doctor will prescribe you an antifungal cream. These ointments can be purchased without a prescription but it’s best to ask the doctor before deciding to use one. The cream must be applied directly on the infected skin for as long as it takes to for ringworm to go away and some time afterwards to make sure all the fungus cells are dead.
However if ringworm has spread to too any areas then antifungal pills are required to cure it. They are usually taken once a day and they are pretty strong so the effect should be seen in a few days.
IT’s easy to cure ringworm, but first you must recognize it from its symptoms and go to a doctor for an accurate diagnosis as soon as you see any signs of it. If you want to prevent it, always wash and clean yourself and avoid using items that are regularly used by many people.
So, if you want to find out more about ringworm or even about ringworm of the scalp, please click this website http://www.ringworm-center.com
Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/all-about-the-ringworm-symptoms-and-treatment-87094.html
For more information on a ringworm cream for dogs, look here.
Skin Disease in Cats
Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm. It’s actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.
With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.
If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside. They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease. Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime they are more apt to get common disease such as ringworm.
The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws. Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed. There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat.
If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets. What he describes however, will determine on how serious the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically. You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more.
Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious. If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution. Even though it’s a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that it’s contagious.
Jess Shaw
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/skin-disease-in-cats-703977.html
For more information on pet ringworm creams, look here.
Cats And Ring Worm
Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm. It’s actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.
With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.
If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside. They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease. Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime they are more apt to get common disease such as ringworm.
The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws. Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed. There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat.
If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets. What he describes however, will determine on how serious the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically. You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more.
Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious. If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution. Even though it’s a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that it’s contagious.
Tristan Andrews
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/cats-and-ring-worm-103446.html
Learn more about Cat Ringworm today.
4 Tips About Cats Ringworm and Your Children
Did you know that your cats ringworm is not a real honest to goodness worm? That’s right cat lovers. Your cat isn’t infected with a worm, but a fungus. If you’re into big names the medical term is dermatophytosis. Let’s keep it simple and use ringworm throughout this article. This article will give you 4 tips about your feline’s ringworm.
1, Your Cats Ringworm And Your Children.
Ringworm is extremely contagious. Your cat can pass it on to your children, you and other animals. You or the kids can infect someone else or another pet. Not only can it be passed on to others, it can be spread to other parts of your body or the bodies of your child or pet.
It is impetrative that you have your animal treated as soon as possible. In addition, if your child or you, are infected you should consult with your family physician. In most cases if the fungus is treated properly you will start to see improvement within the first few days.
Within 7 to 10 days there should be a complete recovery from the fungus. However, the doctor or your vet may recommend continued treatment for up to 2 or 3 weeks to make sure there is no reoccurrence of the infection.
2. How Can I Tell If My Cat Has Ringworm?
You should understand that in some cases there will be no outer signs of the fungus infection on some cats. However, your cat can still be a carrier and infect you, your children and your other pets. If you suspect your animal is a carrier call your vet.
If this is the case how can your cat or you be a carrier? Actually that is pretty simple to explain. The fungus can be anywhere. It can be in the grass, on the sidewalk, flowerbeds and can even be in the air ducts of your home.
During the incubation period of the fungus it develops spores, which can be picked up by your pet or you. When your animal or you move about the spores will drop off into the carpet, furniture, clothing, and bedding. Therefore the spores then can be picked up by your heating and air conditioning unit to be circulated through out your home.
3. How You Can Identify The Cats Ringworm.
First let’s talk about how ringworm can be spotted on your favorite feline. In most cases you will spot the fungus on the head, around the ears or eyes or on the paws and nails of your cat.
Generally this is demonstrated by the circles of hair loss or flaky red skin in a circular form. You may notice your kitty scratching and licking the wounded area. Furthermore you may well see an increase in broken hairs and patches of flakey skin on the pets bedding, the carpeting, your clothing or your furniture.
One area you need to think about checking closely is the cat’s paws. There is a variety of the fungus, which seems to concentrate in the pads of the paws or under the nail beds of your pet.
Second let’s talk about how to spot it on your child’s body or on your self. Very likely you will have an itchy sensation, in the area, where the fungus has penetrated the skin. As it continues to fester you will see a red circular pattern on the infected area. You may also observe dead looking skin flakes. Again you should contact your doctor in the event you see an outbreak on you or your child.
4. What Are The Treatments For Your Cats Ringworm?
At last there is some good news. Ringworm is easily treated by your vet and you. In the majority of the cases the vet may prescribe an antifungal cream and shampoo. It’s usually a matter of shampooing your favorite pet every other day and applying the cream as directed by the vet.
Surprisingly enough your personal physician will recommend a very similar treatment for you or your child. It’s possible they may prescribe and antifungal soap and cream. However, the doctor may just tell you to pick up the soap and cream across the counter at your local discount store or drugstore.
In conclusion you, your children and your wonderful pet can be infected by cats ringworm. But it is easily treated and cured with the proper medication.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended for any type of medical advice for you or your pet. It is intended for information purposes only. Always consult your personal doctor and your pet’s vet in case of a medical problem.
Andri Irawan
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/4-tips-about-cats-ringworm-and-your-children-710365.html
Pet Ringworm Presentation
Presentation on pet ringworm and effective pet ringworm products that should be used to heal the fungus.


