Home Remedies for Dry Skin on Dogs

While your puppy or dog may be a playful little companion for you, and you probably believe that having a pet is all fun and games, the truth is even this little one is prone to its own set of problems and illnesses. Among the many problems that afflict dogs is that of dry skin. It may be manageable in the initial stages, but later gets worse when the itching sets in due to skin problems. Dry skin usually indicates a problem with your dog's health, that most probably, it is not getting the nutrients it requires for healthy skin. Another reason that may contribute to dry skin on your dog is that you are over bathing it. The chemicals in the shampoos, etc. that you use to clean your dogs may strip their skin off its natural moisture, thereby, leaving it dry. Fortunately, these conditions can be remedied at home by following some simple steps.

Home Remedies

The following remedies are suitable when the condition is not too serious. If you find that your dog's skin is too dry and is becoming itchy, visit the vet immediately, who will then treat it with appropriate medication.

• Use a special shampoo meant for dry skin on dogs. Just like our skin is prone to drying out in winters, so is the case with dogs. As such, in the winters, don't bathe your dog too often, and use a shampoo that has been specifically made for dogs with dry skin. This will ensure that its skin does not dry out as much.
• Pet your dog often. Petting your dog often will promote the circulation of natural oils in the dog's skin, that will then keep the skin moisturized. Alternately, you may also brush your dog's coat often to ensure this circulation. Brushing will also get rid of the flaky skin and promote the development of healthy new skin.
• Improve your dog's diet. As mentioned earlier, more often than not, dog health problems emerge from a poor diet. Thus, give your pet high-grade dog food that is meant to improve its overall health, and the quality of its skin and coat. It has been found that adding a teaspoon of olive oil or flaxseed oil to your dog's food will treat dry skin on dog's belly and every other body part, and make it healthy. Flaxseed oil consists of omega 3 essential fatty acids that are a good nutrient for healthy skin.
• Try an oatmeal bath. Dog health experts suggest that soaking your dog in colloidal oatmeal while bathing, for about 15 minutes, will relieve the itchy skin that is most often the result of dry skin.
• Tackle the source of dry skin. Sometimes dry skin in dogs is caused due to parasitic infestations. For instance, if you notice dry skin on dog's ears, it is probably ear mites in dogs that are causing the itching and the associated dry skin. Use some mineral oil dipped in a cotton ball on the affected area to get rid of the ear mites and relieve the itching and dry skin temporarily.
• Use olive oil on the affected area. Many a time you will notice dry skin on a localized patch and nowhere else on its body. For instance, a lot of people have noticed dry skin on dog's nose without a trace of any other illness. This can be treated simply by applying a swab of cotton lightly dipped in olive oil on the affected area, as many times as required, to treat it.

If these home remedies do not work, visiting your vet is your best option. In some cases, dry skin may be a symptom of some other health condition your pet may be afflicted with. Further, too much dry skin attracts fleas and other insects that only worsen the condition. As such, treat the condition as soon as you notice these problems, either with the aforementioned home remedies, or by consulting the vet.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.

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Stress Symptoms in Dogs

Just like humans, dogs too can experience stress when they are faced with difficult situations. Stress could be the underlying cause of certain health problems in canines. If it goes unrecognized, it may have serious psychological implications for your dog. It may be responsible for inappropriate and erratic dog behavior. As a dog owner, it is essential that you learn about the common contributory factors for stress in canines.

Stressors for Canines

Separation
Dogs are social animals. Since they share a strong bond with their owners, they may display abnormal or erratic behavior when left alone. This erratic behavior could be a sign of separation anxiety. The abnormal behavior may include barking, urinating, defecating, digging, or chewing. If confined, the affected dog may try to escape from the confined area. Such a behavior could even result in self-injury. This condition affects the dog physically as well as emotionally. The incidence of separation anxiety is high in case of dogs that have been neglected or abandoned by their previous owners. There may be a sudden onset of anxiety if the dog experiences a traumatic event while the owner was away. Bad treatment by previous owners or trainers could also make them susceptible.

Introduction of a New Puppy
The introduction of a new pet in the house could also arouse feelings of stress in the old dog. Dogs have territorial instincts. The old dog would instinctively try to defend its home. The introduction of another dog could trigger stress especially if the dogs have not been introduced to each other in a right manner.

Disruption in Routine
Dogs are used to going out for walks and having meals at a certain time. It's essential that their daily routine is not disrupted. It is hard for canines to adjust to changes. Dog owners must therefore pay a lot of attention when they are relocating or planning a vacation. Presence of unfamiliar people or absence of the owner can certainly cause stress to the dog. Dogs could get stressed due to boredom. They need to play. Lack of exercise can cause them to get stressed. Stress levels could increase if the owner doesn't spend time with the dog.

Other Causes
Dogs could also develop anxiety if they are in pain and discomfort due to an injury or an illness. Older dogs who suffer from an illness may become more attached to the owner as their dependence on the owner increases. They may develop anxiety if left alone. The abnormal behavior that they exhibit is their way of relieving the tension. Fear of loud noises or any phobia could also be contributory factors.


Symptoms

It is extremely essential to ascertain what triggers stress. Here is a list of symptoms of stress in dogs and the steps that can be taken to prevent them.

Unusual Behavior: If a dog is under stress, it may not follow commands and concentrate on training. It may appear quiet or withdrawn and may not show response to pampering. Affected dogs may refuse to eat. They may exhibit compulsive behavior.

Excessive Barking or Whining: If a dog is stressed, it may bark or whine too much. The barking may continue for an extended period of time without any particular reason and can get quite troublesome for the family members.

Panting: Dogs usually pant if they are tired from physical activity or due to thirst. But if your dog has been panting excessively even if it's not tired or thirsty, it could be one of the signs of stress in the dog.

Trembling or Shivering: Fear can also induce stress. If your dog is trembling or shivering, it may be feeling threatened. When frightened, dogs may keep their tail between legs.

Restlessness: Restlessness in dogs could be a heat-related symptom, especially in female dogs. Female dogs in heat tend to get increasingly restless due to the various changes taking place in their body during that period. It could also indicate that your dog is stressed out or worried.

Destructive Behavior: Most dogs tend to indulge in destructive chewing to show their unhappiness regarding certain things. It may also mean that your dog is trying to signal its discomfort or nervousness regarding a person or another animal.

Lethargy: When your dog is stressed out, it may fall asleep more often just to avoid anxiety. It may refuse to indulge in any kind of physical activity like playing, going for walks, etc. It may refuse to move within the house and may confine itself to a corner in the home or its crate. In extreme cases, it may also refuse to eat or drink.

Other symptoms include sweating of the paws, furrowed brows and glazed eyes, droopy body posture, diarrhea, persistent skin and coat problems and considerable weight loss.


What Can be Done

Spend time with your dog. Lack of human contact and contact with other dogs can cause stress in dogs.

Protect your dog from situations that may generate fear or stress. Make sure that your pet is treated well by all the members of the family. Don't let other dogs bully your pet.

It is essential to adhere to the established routine. But if there's going to be any change in your routines, and you think that you wouldn't be able to spend as much time with your pet, it would be best to prepare your dog.

Desensitization and counter-conditioning program are required for treating separation anxiety in canines. Leave your dog alone for shorter periods. Increase the time gradually.

Emotional goodbyes should be avoided. Just a quick pat would suffice. Keep chew toys so as to provide your pet with a way of relieving tension.

If possible, get someone to stay at home in your absence. Ensure that your dog is not overtly dependent on you.

Follow all the necessary steps while introducing a new puppy to the old dog.

A dog under stress will need a lot of care and love. As responsible dog owners, you should watch out for the aforementioned symptoms and take adequate measures to prevent stress in your dog. If these symptoms persist, it would be best to consult a veterinarian.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a qualified vet.

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How to Choose a Correct Dog Bowl

If you are someone who feels that the dog bowl does not make a difference, as long as you are feeding your dog the right food, then let me tell you, feeding your dog can be much easier if you have the right bowl. The bowl that you choose should be with respect to the size, food intake, age, and the nature of your dog.

Types of Dog Bowls

Before I tell you how to choose a dog bowl, you should know the different types of bowls available in the market. I have mentioned the popular ones:

• Plastic Bowls: It's cheap and durable.
• Ceramic Bowls: It is available in a variety of styles.
• Stainless Steel Bowls: It is the best in terms of durability and maintenance.
• Automatic Bowls: Food is automatically filled in the bowl when it is empty.
• Travel bowls: They are inexpensive and portable.
• Elevated Bowls: These bowls are raised above the floor.
• Slow Feeding Bowl: They have projections in them.

Choosing a Dog Bowl

Here I have considered a few cases, and suggested appropriate dog bowls with respect to the cases.

If You Have a Puppy
Puppies are mischievous, they are obviously going to play with their bowl. So, you need a durable bowl. The bowl should be small, and should not be able to skid easily. I recommend you to go for plastic, ceramic or stainless steel bowls. You should replace the bowl once your puppy grows.

Note: Plastic bowls might get damaged, if your dog has the habit of chewing his bowl.

If Your Dog Overeats
Overeating can lead to problems in digestion, and may also make your dog obese. If your dog has a problem of overeating, do not go for automatic dog bowls. Get your dog a slow feeding bowl, he won't be able to hog. Slow feeding bowls also prevent choking, as the dog takes small morsels at a time.

If Your Dog is Old
Aged dogs often experience pain in their joints, so it is necessary that they maintain a proper posture. Having food from a normal bowl, strains the joints of your dog, it especially causes problems in his neck. Such a posture may also affect his digestive system. I recommend you to get an elevated bowl if you have an old dog.

If You Are Busy
If you are someone who cannot find enough time to feed your dog personally, then automatic bowls are the best choice for you. Automatic bowls will ensure that your dog stays full and hydrated in your absence. I always prefer feeding dogs personally, do try to take out some time from your busy schedule to feed your dog.

If You Travel With Your Dog
If you have the habit of traveling with your dog, then you need a bowl which is portable, and the best option for you will be a travel bowl. They can store enough food for your dog, and are convenient to use.

If You Prefer Style
If you want your dog bowl to be stylish, then you should surely go for ceramic bowls. They are available in great designs. There are also a wide range of plastic bowls, you can also opt for them (but nothing beats ceramic bowls in terms of style).

Once you have the correct bowl, you have to ensure that it is always clean. An unclean bowl will surely make your dog susceptible to health problems. If the bowl gets damaged, you should replace it, rather than repair it. If you feel that your dog does not like his bowl, then you should get him a new one, he will enjoy his dog food more, if he has the right bowl.

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What Do I Need to Buy for My New Dog?

You're getting ready to bring your new dog home, and you walk into the nearest pet store to gather up a few necessities before your furry friend joins your family, only to find yourself totally overwhelmed with all the options for bedding, toys, food, and even cleaning products. Don't worry; it has happened to all of us first-time dog owners. The most important thing to remember is to use your common sense and know that, as long as you have the absolute necessities, the rest can wait.

Bedding

One of the most important decisions you can make is where your dog is going to sleep. Will you put it in a crate at night and while you are gone? Will you gate off an area of your house and put a doggie bed in there? These decisions will dictate what you need to purchase in terms of bedding. If you are going with a crate, you will need one just big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down. If it's bigger than that, you could have a problem with the dog using part of the crate as its own personal bathroom. If you're gating off a portion of your house, you'll need to measure the doorways you want to gate and purchase gates to fit. Many dog gates are very similar to baby gates, and there are a lot of gate options out there, so do your research and choose the one that's best for you. You will only need gates or a crate, not both, so plan accordingly.

Toys

Buying toys for your new dog is where it is really easy to go overboard. All the toys are so cute and squeaky and fuzzy, you may just want to take them all home. At first, its best to buy one fluffy toy, one squeaky toy, one tennis ball, and one rubber toy. See what your dog likes to play with first, then go back and buy more similar toys. Dogs are just like babies in that respect: they have a favorite toy and tend to ignore the rest. Watch your dog closely with toys at first, especially those that have stuffing in them. Dogs tend to like to tear toys apart and eat the stuffing, which can make them sick.

Food

There are so many food options out there that it can be daunting to make the right choice. Depending on where you're getting your dog, ask your breeder or shelter what food the dog is used to already, and try to get that brand for them. Suddenly switching foods can cause dogs' stomachs to become upset. If you can't ask anyone, get some dry food first. Dry food is usually best for the dog's digestive system. Make sure you buy a good brand, though, because cheaper, off-name brands contain fillers that could make your dog sick.

Cleaning Products

One of the biggest fears people have about bringing home a new dog is what to do if the dog relieves itself on the carpet or fabric couch. That's why you'll find a huge array of cleaning products for your pet at the local pet store. Your best bet is to choose one cleaning product that eliminates stains and odors from carpets and fabric. Be sure to test it out on an unseen corner of fabric first, though, because it might cause discoloration. Also, make sure the bottle says it's safe to use around pets. Another must-have cleaning product is a container that attaches to your dog's leash that holds plastic bags. These bags are used to pick up after your dog when you're out on walks, and are often scented to mask any unwelcome odors as well as treated with antibacterial agents to help prevent the spread of disease.

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Is Your Dog Sick?

Being able to detect if your dog is sick is not that hard. The same principal that you use to detect illness in a friend or family member applies here too. If you have a strong bond with your pet, you will be able to detect even small differences in your dog's behavior or appearance. Less obvious indications such as less enthusiasm than usual, sleeping for longer, reluctance to go for a walk or loss of appetite in the dog can be easily noticed by a caring and attentive owner. However, more obvious symptoms, such as whining for no reason or limping, are sure signs that something is wrong. It is obvious that something has prompted you to think that your dog is sick or dying, so here are some symptoms which will help you first detect if your dog is sick, and then guide you to gauge if your dog is slightly or seriously ill.

Serious Symptoms
These symptoms in all probability will indicate serious problems, that may require emergency treatment. They include sudden breathing difficulties, blood in the urine, bloated abdomen, choking, collapse, convulsions/seizures, excessive foaming at the mouth, fixed and dilated pupils, fainting, fever, inability to stand, extreme lethargy and weakness, pale pink or blue gums, retching, paralysis, staggering and persistent vomiting or vomiting blood. Needless to say, if your dog has broken a bone, got burnt, electrocuted, almost drowned, or has excessive blood loss, then he needs immediate medical attention.

Less Serious Symptoms
If you see your dog displaying any of these symptoms, you should first call your vet and then panic, for chances are that it is not a serious life-threatening condition. Any of these symptoms in isolation may or may not indicate a serious dog health problem:

• Loss of appetite
• Bad breath
• Arching of the back
• Biting himself
• Diarrhea
• Incontinence
• Lethargy
• Coughing
• Muscle tremors
• Rashes
• Pain
• Lumps
• Redness
• Discharge from the eyes
• Smelling badly
• Ear or nose discharge
• Restlessness
• Difficulty in eating
• Excessive thirst
• Scratching himself excessively
• Worms in the feces

Other Signs
When you are wondering about your dog's health, but aren't sure, you can watch your dog for any of these symptoms and signs that will confirm a problem.

Eyes, Ears and Nose: Check to see if there is an increase or decrease in tear production or if the eyes seem cloudy or red. Also check if there is any unusual discharge from the eyes, and if the size of both pupils is the same. Check to see if your dog is squinting, or eyes seem sunken/excessively protruding. Rubbing or pawing at the eyes may indicate a problem. Is there any swelling or discharge from the ears or are they drooping when they normally stand erect. Are they red or smelly? Is your dog rubbing or pawing his ears, shaking his head, or crying when you touch his ears? Is there any blood or other nasal discharge? Is he sneezing or coughing?

Mouth: Check to see if your dog has any swelling of the lips or tongue? Are his gums discolored, or is there any bleeding from the mouth? Check to see if there are any bones or sticks stuck on the roof of the mouth or around the teeth. Can your dog open and close the mouth normally, or does he seem to experience pain while doing so? Is your dog foaming at the mouth or drooling excessively?

While these are some checks you can do to detect if your dog is really ill, the best course of action is to call your vet and follow the instructions he/she gives you. A good step to take when you think your pet is unwell, is to check if his heartbeats are steady and consistent.

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Top 10 Most Expensive Pet Health Conditions

Did you know...

... that though there are fewer incidences, intervertebral disc disease (IVD) costs a whopping $3,282 per claim, making it one of the most expensive diseases to treat.
Pets can change your life with their constant companionship and loving nature. As their owners it is our responsibility to provide them with the best that they can have, which include good food, a nice place to live and not to forget, lots of love. Along with these basic necessities, it is also important to provide the dog appropriate medical care when required. Despite the best care provided for the dog or cat, it may inevitably require medical care at some point in its life. This applies to both indoor and outdoor cats and dogs. The question now arises as to how much are you willing to spend on veterinary bills.

Most owners believe that health conditions cannot cost more than $1000, but this may not be true, especially in a country where healthcare costs are constantly skyrocketing. According to the claims submitted to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), which is the oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance in the nation, in 2010 alone, there were around 14,000 claims with an average cost of more than $1000. The most common and expensive health condition is a torn knee ligament or cartilage with more than 6000 claims being made with the average cost of more than $1500. Here is a detailed list of the top 10 expensive pet health conditions along with the number of claims and average cost per claim.

Most Expensive Health Conditions in Dogs and Cats
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Number of Claims: 879
Average Cost per Claim: $3,282

The Condition
One of the most common neurological problems especially in dog breeds like dachshund, Pekingese and beagle, intervertebral disc disease occurs when the intervertebral disk (the shock absorbing, stabilizing structure between the spinal bones) herniates, resulting in compression and injury to the spinal cord. Common signs include paralysis, lameness and extreme pain.

Treatment
One of the most expensive diseases to treat, pets with intervertebral disc disease often respond favorably to decompression surgery. Unfortunately, recurrence is pretty common with around 20% of dogs with the surgery suffering from the symptoms within three years. In majority of cases, the dogs require lifelong care.
Stomach Torsion/Bloat
Number of Claims: 372
Average Cost per Claim: $2,509

The Condition
Stomach torsion also known as bloat in dogs is a condition that is caused due to excessive gas or fluid in the stomach. The gas can lead to the stomach extension or rotation. This condition usually affects large, broad chested dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes, German Shepherds and St. Bernards. Usually, these dogs tend to have more of dry nibble rather than wet food, and have a history of digestive disorders. Excessive drooling, attempts to vomit and defecate, abdominal distention and pain are some of the common symptoms of this condition.

Treatment
This condition requires immediate medical attention, as surgery may be needed to relieve the torsion and resume the blood supply to the stomach and the spleen.
Ruptured Bile Duct
Number of Claims: 102
Average Cost per Claim: $2,245

The Condition
The bile duct is responsible for transferring the bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. The gallbladder stores the bile that is necessary for proper digestion of the food. An inflammation of the gallbladder or the bile duct can cause a rupture in these organs. This would necessitate surgery and medical treatment

Treatment
A resection may be needed to treat a serious case of ruptured bile duct in dogs and cats.
Laryngeal Paralysis
Number of Claims: 126
Average Cost per Claim: $2,042

The Condition
Laryngeal paralysis occurs when the abductor muscles of the larynx fail to function properly leading to excessive panting, voice change, loud breathing sounds and gasping or distress while breathing.

Treatment
Ventriculocordectomy also known as De-Barking surgery (thinning out the vocal folds), Partial Arytenoidectomy (removing one vocal fold and arytenoids cartilage), Laryngeal tieback and castellation surgeries are some treatment options for this condition.
Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies
Intestinal - Foreign Object
Number of Claims: 1,005
Average Cost per Claim: $1,967

Stomach - Foreign Object
Number of Claims: 954
Average Cost per Claim: $1,502

The Condition
Gastrointestinal foreign bodies occur when the pets consume items that do not pass readily from their gastrointestinal tract. Toys, clothes, strings, pennies and sticks are some commonly ingested foreign material. Based on the location where it is trapped, the degree of obstruction and the time it has been trapped, the pet may suffer from health problems. For example ingestion of strings by cats can lead to perforation of the intestinal tract and cause the intestinal contents to spill out into the abdomen. Similarly, ingestion of lead materials can lead to systemic toxicities.

Treatment
Based on where the foreign material is lodged, surgical removal may be required. If the foreign bodies are lodged in the stomach and intestines, gastronomy and enterotomy may be needed. When the foreign bodies have completely obstructed the intestines causing severe damage, then multiple enterotomies or even anastomosis, which is procedure where a segment of the intestines is removed while the remaining portion is reattached, may be adopted.
Tumor of the Throat
Number of Claims: 124
Average Cost per Claim: $1,677

The Condition
Throat tumors, also known as laryngeal tumors, can affect the larynx, thyroid and trachea of a dog or cat. Some of these tumors like chondrosarcoma or a thyroid tumor can be malignant in nature and is often life-threatening.

Treatment
For malignant tumors of the throat, the surgical removal of the affected part of the throat is recommended. External beam radiation therapy and radioiodine therapy are some treatment options for thyroid tumors in dogs and cats.
Broken Leg (Plate)
Number of Claims: 350
Average Cost per Claim: $1,587

The Condition
The curious, overactive nature of your cat and dog can result in some broken bones in the legs. The fractures are extremely painful. Along with the swelling in the leg, look out for grinding under your fingers.

Treatment
Most of the time when there are chances of frequent leg breaks, the broken leg is fixed with a plate. Although setting the leg is far cheaper, it also puts the dog or cat at a greater risk of frequent broken legs and in certain cases the pet may lose its entire leg. As opposed to this, a plate and screws treatment ensures that your dog or cat's leg remains in a good condition.
Torn Knee Ligament/Cartilage
Number of Claims:6,831
Average Cost per Claim: $1,578

The Condition
The stifle joint or the knee joint in cats and dogs connects the thigh bone to the lower leg bones which include the tibia and fibula. The complex bone structure is further supported by anterior and posterior cruciates or "cross" ligaments that provide stability to the kneecap. Due to jumping, or while the pet is engaged in some athletic activities, there can be excessive stress on the ligaments, resulting in a slight fray or a complete tear. The risk increases when the dog or cat is overweight.

Treatment
To treat a torn ligament or cartilage, the veterinarian may recommend a stabilization surgery, especially if the pet is overweight. This is often followed with range-of-motion exercises, electrical muscle stimulation and massage. Apart from surgical intervention, an implant in the joints can be used to repair the cruciate attachment to the joint.
Ear Canal Surgery - Ablation
Number of Claims: 104
Average Cost per Claim: $1,285

The Condition
The ear is the site of frequent infections in dogs and cats. These long-standing infections often result in irreversible damage to the ear canal. The ear canal becomes thickened and the eardrum is ruptured due to the chronic infection. In certain cases cancer may also necessitate a surgery.

Treatment
The ear canal surgery, also known as ear canal ablation, is done to remove the diseased ear canal completely. After the ear canal has been removed, the area is sutured closed.
Most of these conditions are not very common. However, when the steep veterinary bills are put forth it can be quite a shock for most pet owners. It is best to save up and keep a pet contingency fund or better still, get pet insurance to cover the expensive bills. Meanwhile, it is a good idea to watch out for any abnormal behavior in your pets to identify any health problem. The earlier the problem is diagnosed the lesser are the costs, and the chances of recovery are increased as well.

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Cancerous Moles on Dogs

While the presence of moles on dogs is natural, the appearance of new ones is definitely a matter of concern considering that some of these are cancerous in nature. In some cases, the presence of these hard lumps or moles is an indicator of skin cancer in dogs.

Characteristic Features of Malignant Moles

• Cancerous moles are mostly present under haired skin as small, dark brown or black lumps.
• Their width is up to two inches.
• They gradually increase in size.
• They swell and elevate above the surface of the skin.
• Such moles may bleed at times.

A microscopic examination of mole skin is required to determine its cancerous nature. The pathologist will evaluate a small portion of the tumor to check the overgrowth of cells. There are different types of skin cancer and each type is determined by the rate of proliferation showed by the cancerous cells.

Types of Malignant Moles
Melanoma: Melanomas are malignant new mass of tissues that develop in a pre-existing mole. They are dark in color. The dog breeds commonly affected by melanomas are cocker spaniel, Scottish terrier and Boston terrier, Chihuahua, Doberman pinscher, etc. Moreover, black dogs are more likely get melanoma of the skin. Male dogs are genetically more disposed to it than their female counterparts.

Sebaceous Adenocarcinoma: They are the cancerous lumps occurring in the sebaceous or oil-producing glands. Such tumors are generally less than an inch in length and are light-colored. They appear as ulcer-like red mass and are found generally on the legs, head and eyelid of the dog. Almost all dog breeds are at a risk of developing this types of cancerous mole, however cocker spaniels are the most common victims.

Epidermoid Carcinoma: These cancerous moles are commonly found on the dog's legs. They resemble a cauliflower in shape and are hard to touch. They are grayish ulcers that do not heal. Dogs afflicted with this disease often suffer from other health problems like irregular bowel movement, lack of appetite, weight loss along with swelling in the body parts. They are commonly found in dog breeds of Boston and Scottish terriers.

Mast Cell Tumor: Older dogs of boxer and Boston terrier breeds are the most common victims of mast cell tumors. Such moles occur on the hind legs, foreskin of the penis and lower abdomen. These moles or tumors might differ in size and appear as raised lumpy mass on the skin. The lump usually has a granule like material in it which if released, can lead to inflammation in that area.

Treatment for Malignant Moles
The methods of treatment are surgical excision of the mole, destruction of tumor by radiation and tumor-killing medicines. The selection of treatment method is done on the basis of the type of the mole in question, presence or absence of metastasis, age, and the general health of the dog. The best treatment of this condition is the surgical removal of the entire mole. As a precautionary measure, surgeons prefer to remove out the tissues surrounding the cancerous mole as well. The cut out tissues are again histologically tested to confirm the diagnosis. In case the mole is found to show metastasis, the doctor use radiation therapy and tumor-destroying drugs to provide complete treatment.

Prevention of Malignant Moles
Dogs in their middle or older age are more prone to this disease than young ones. Canines with thinner and lighter shade of coat are more likely to get skin cancer due to overexposure to sun. Genetics plays a major role in the development of tumors, although poor diet can also be a causative factor. In order to protect your favorite companion from cancer, you can take the following measures.

Healthy Diet - Talk to your veterinarian about the nutrition rich diet that your dog needs. Commercial products contain a lot of preservatives and it might not be good idea to feed your pet only these products. Do your best to make his meal wholesome.

Side-effects of Vaccination - Every year dog lovers pay a hefty amount of money to safeguard their beloved pet from harmful germs and viruses through vaccination. But do you know that vaccination itself can lead to serious health issues for the canine including cancer? Canine Health Concern, a renowned charitable organization for dogs, believes that vaccines reduce immunity in dogs. They also maintain that over-vaccination is deadly and the pet owners are being given wrongful information about these medicines. That's why the dog owners have to be aware about all the possible repercussions of giving one too many vaccine shots to their pets.

Loads of Physical Activity - A healthy and playful dog has better resistance to maladies than an inactive dog. Exercise is good for your pet as it aids in endorphin production which in turn helps in controlling weight issues, detoxifying the body and promoting overall health.

If you happen to see a mole on your dog's body, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible for timely detection and treatment. You should regularly get your furry friend checked by the vet for any sign of cancerous cell growth. Last but not the least, keep your pet healthy and happy.

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