Sunshine State Westie Rescue
Articles of Interest
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Demodicosis or Demodectic Mange
Taz is a 4 year old male Westie that was a stray
pulled from a Jacksonville shelter. He was immediately taken to a
wonderful Vet that specializes in Allergy and skin conditions where he
was diagnosed with Generalized Demodectic Mange with secondary
infections of the skin, eyes and ears. In addition to the mange
and infections he is severely malnourished. The good news is that this
type of mange is not contagious and if properly treated, can be
controlled.
Demodicosis, also called demodectic mange or red
mange, is caused by a sensitivity to and overpopulation of Demodex mites
and Taz’s immune system is unable to keep the mites under control
without help.
Demodex mites occurs naturally in the hair follicles
of most dogs in low numbers around the face and other areas of the
body. In most dogs, these mites never cause problems. However, in
certain situations, such as an under-developed or impaired immune
systems, intense stress, or malnutrition, the mites can reproduce
rapidly, as in Taz’s case. This overpopulation of mites causes symptoms
that range from mild irritation and hair loss on a small patch of skin
to severe and widespread inflammation and secondary infections, again as
in Taz’s case.
If you would like to learn more about Demodectic Mange
follow this link:
http://www.VeterinaryPartner.com
Enter Mange in the search bar.
Taz has endured a lot yet he continues to have a
beautiful and tender personality. Unfortunately he has a long and
expensive road to his recovery ahead and he can use all the help he
can get.
You CAN make a difference! Sunshine
State Westie Rescue appreciates every contribution made to keep our
rescue going and to help Westies like Taz. If you would like to make a
donation for Taz follow the link below and make sure to note on the
bottom of the form, “For Taz in Florida”.
Donate Here
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If you the type of person that likes
to be active with your dogs outside of your home,
you should carry a first aid kit.
You never know when they might end up with a cut or
scrape, or even worse. It never hurts to be prepared
for an emergency. That preparation could end up
saving your pet's or even some other pet's life.
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Here are the
veterinarian recommended items that you should have
in the kit.
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4 oz. Eye and Skin Wash or saline
solution
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artificial tear gel for after eye
wash
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mild grease-cutting dish
washing liquid to wash animal after skin
contamination (pesticides, etc.)
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muzzle to protect against fear
inspired biting
●
non perishable can of your pet’s
favorite wet food
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cold pack (breakable cold sports
packs are best)
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styptic pencil or styptic powder for
small bleeds
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thermometer with case
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4″ x 4 yd. flexible, cohesive,
stretchable gauze wrap
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alcohol prep pads
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2″ x 2″ and 3″ x 3″ sterile pads
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gauze pads
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two 5″ x 9″ trauma pads for
compression
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1″ x 2 yard adhesive tape
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3 ply towels
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iodine solution
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hydrocortisone cream
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triple antibiotic ointment
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cotton swabs and cotton balls
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latex or vinyl gloves
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1 pair scissors
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4″ plastic forceps or tweezers
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hand wipes
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antiseptic wipes
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hydrogen peroxide, 3 % to induce
vomiting
●
turkey baster to administer the
hydrogen peroxide
●
blanket that can double as a pet
sling carrier
Acknowledgments; This information
came from the blog “TRAVELS WITH MY DOG”, found on
www.traveldogbooks.com and was posted by Raja, June
8th, 2011. The Three Rivers Veterinary Clinic in
Madison , New Jersey assisted in putting together
this list.
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Vitamin E, an antioxidant, may be given
to dogs to improve their overall health. Dogs with coat
problems and immune diseases have the greatest need for
vitamin E, but some veterinarians recommend vitamin E
supplementation for all dogs.
- An Antioxidant
- Vitamin E, an antioxidant,
destroys the free radicals in a dog's body. Free
radicals cause degenerative conditions in the
body, such as aging. The presence of industrial
chemicals and other pollutants increase free
radicals, so dogs have more of a need for
antioxidants than when the earth had less
pollution. Vitamin E works to stabilize free
radicals, so that they do not cause damage in a
dog's body.
Helping a Dog's Coat
- Vitamin E works several
different ways to improve a dog's skin. A
supplement of vitamin E strengthens tissues and
makes a dog more resistant to cold weather.
Vitamin E also has an anti-inflammatory effect
on some dog skin disorders. It can cut down on
redness and itchiness due to allergies. If a dog
does not have enough vitamin E in their body,it
may become more susceptible to skin mite
infestation.
Dosage
- Different researchers and
veterinarians recommend different dosages
of Vitamin E supplements for dogs. Some
recommend 200 to 300 IU (International Units)
for a dog weighing 15 to 50 pounds, and 300 to
400 IU for a dog heavier than 50 pounds. Another
expert recommends 400 IU for all dogs under 2
years old, and 800 IU for dogs over 2 years old.
No known side effects occur as long as the
dosage stays below 4,000 IU of vitamin E each
day.
Applied Topically
- Vitamin E also benefits a
dog's skin when applied topically. Vitamin E
capsules may be pricked with a pin, and the
liquid vitamin E squeezed out onto a dog's skin.
Vitamin E ointment helps to nourish, moisturize
and heal dry skin and small cuts. This treatment
may commonly be used on chapped paws and ears,
as well as minor skin irritations under the
coat.
Other Supplements
- Dogs receive similar and more
effective benefits when vitamin E combines with
other supplements. Large dosages of vitamin E
increase a dog's need for vitamins A and D.
B-complex vitamins complement vitamin E to
improve a dog's skin. Vitamin C works with
vitamin E to make it more effective in a dog's
body. Selenium, another antioxidant, has similar
and complementary benefits when paired with a
Vitamin E supplement. As a topical medication,
aloe vera also nourishes dry, damaged skin.
Read more: Vitamin E for Dogs |
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6073432_vitamin-dogs.html#ixzz1PMLyKjUV
written by Rachel Schwartz, eHow
Contributor
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As you all know, seatbelts save lives. Have
you ever thought about what could happen to your westie if you
were ever in a car accident? As you can imagine, it could
result in some very bad, if not fatal injuries. Pet
seatbelt restraints could help save your pets
life. Not only would it help them stay safe in the event of an
accident, but it helps keep them restrained to their seats
instead of jumping all over the place and creating a distraction
for the driver. What about those dogs that like to dart out the
door the minute it's opened? This would absolutely help keep
your dog safe in many ways.
Ok, so what on earth is she talking about....I
bet that's what you're thinking. Well, I'm talking about the
Clix, car safe harness. This information comes courtesy of our
Northwest Regional Director, Becky Ann, who has had up to 5 dogs
to walk at the same time. This is her review...
Although we aren't necessarily endorsing this
brand, it's proven to be the best I've found. Very versatile -
allows the pup to move around a little and get comfortable, sit,
lay down or stand and see out the window, at the same time,
being 'plugged in' to the seat belt buckle for safety. The
padded chest piece lends comfort and safety. When traveling with
multiple dogs, it is extremely reassuring to know they are
buckled in safely, and cannot 'charge' the open door when you
stop the vehicle. This harness also doubles as a walking
harness, unbuckling from the seat belt, attaching to a leash. I
have walked 5 dogs in Clix harnesses at once, using only one
leash!
The 'small' size is a perfect fit for a 12 -
25 pound westie. Xtra-small would be recommended for puppies.
This website is where she found the best
prices so far available for this harness.
PercarX
Here is one of her fosters, Willy, modeling
the harness for us.
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