Atopic Dermatitis (Itchy skin!).

by Yasmin | 2 Apr, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health

Written by Helen McKee (MRCVS), PDWRA Vet Advisor:

Atopic Dermatitis (Itchy skin)

Atopy is a condition where the body has an allergic reaction to certain substances (like pollen and household dust), and in dogs, it’s expressed as itchiness of the skin (atopic dermatitis). The immune system reacts inappropriately when the dog comes into contact with allergens to which it is allergic and this leads to the skin becoming itchy. Once the dog starts to damage the skin by scratching and rubbing, secondary bacterial and yeast (Malassezia) infections commonly develop.

These dogs have a genetic predisposition to develop allergies and unfortunately, it is a condition we see all too commonly in pugs. It is generally caused by inhaling allergens, but less commonly, can also be due proteins in the diet (food allergy).

The main sign is the dog scratching excessively; they can also rub along on their bottom which can be mistaken for anal gland problems. The skin can be red, flaky or with little bumps on it.

Ears are likely to be irritated and inflamed. Because of a pug’s narrowed ear canals, and their enclosed (and moist) nature, it can often result in ear infections.

If left untreated, a dog can become more itchy (pruritic) and develop secondary signs, such as hair loss, thickening (lichenification) and/or blackened skin. Ear canals  can be become inflamed, swollen and thickened causing further narrowing of the ear canal.

The first step is to ensure that the itchiness is not being caused by parasites, such as fleas or mites. Ongoing effective flea treatment is important; many of the flea treatment products on the market now also work against mites (such as Bravecto).

Depending on the severity of the condition, a vet may do a skin scraping to to look for mites and secondary infections such as fungo. Once parasites are ruled out, any excessive growth of bacteria and/or fungi need to be treated. Often this is by the use of a medicated shampoo such as Malaseb.

It is also important to treat any associated ear infections. Again, the vet make take a swab of the ear, and look under the microscope. If they see bacteria, especially rod shaped ones (which can be a nasty bacteria) they may go on to culture. Treatment can involve both local treatment (drops into ears), which can be as long as 6-8 weeks in serious cases, and tablets, depending on severity.

Once under control, it is vitally important that ears are part of the ongoing management of the atopy, as ear canals can become so thickened that they block the ear canal resulting in deafness. If this occurs, an expensive operation to remove the ear canal (TECA) may be needed to prevent infection spreading into the middle and inner ear (head tilt, dizziness) or in the most extreme cases, reaching the brain.

Once a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is made, it can then be treated. The condition does not go away, but generally can be  controlled with ongoing management.

If a dog is under 12 months of age, then it is more likely to be food related. If it develops after one year of age, then more often that not, it is due to breathing in allergens like pollen.

The easiest way to rule in (or out) an allergy to certain foods, is to exclusively feed hypoallergenic food for a minimum of 6 weeks. Although these specialised foods are expensive, in my opinion, it is worth the cost to find out if food is a factor in the dog’s atopic dermatitis. There are only three commercially available hypoallergenic diets (where the protein is hydrolysed in the food so the body doesn’t react to the protein), and these are produced by Purina, Royal Canin and Hill’s.

If the condition improves on the diet (without concurrent medication) it gives a positive diagnosis and the dog will need to remain on the diet.

Some vets may suggest blood tests to ascertain the proteins a dog is allergic to, but unless considering immunotherapy, dermatologists can often feel they are not needed and can incur unnecessary extra costs too.

There are a number of drugs that can be used to treat atopic dermatitis. Traditionally, steroids were used but they can have bad side effects.

More modern drugs (with less side effects)  include Cytopoint, a monthly injection, and Apoquel, a tablet.

Regular medicated shampoo baths, along with the use of ear flushing products are often used alongside the medication, to control the atopy.

If the symptoms persist despite the use of Cytopoint or Apoquel, I would recommend being referred to an Advanced Practitioner or Specialist in Dermatology to ensure the diagnosis is correct and optimal treatment is given.

This is by no means an exhaustive article, merely a summary of atopic dermatitis which I hope will give a better understanding of the condition.

Helen McKee (MRCVS)
PDWRA Vet Advisor

For further pug health related articles please see: Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)

Pug Health & Wellbeing

Spring is here, at last!

by Yasmin | 20 Mar, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health

Spring is here, at last!

After a particularly wet exit from winter, we’ll all be looking forward to drier, brighter & warmer days. New temptations for our furry friends will be indoors and out, so as usual we have to be the sensible ones, for them!

Outdoor hazards: Springtime activities such as gardening and picnicking can expose pugs to potential hazards like pesticides, fertilizers, and sharp objects. Keep a close eye on your pug when they’re outdoors and ensure they’re in a safe environment.

Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, grass, and other allergens that are more prevalent in the spring. Symptoms may include itching, scratching, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Please see: Atopic Dermatitis (Itchy skin!). | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)

Ticks and fleas: Warmer weather means an increase in ticks and fleas, which can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and tapeworms. Pugs, with their wrinkled skin, can be particularly susceptible to flea infestations if proper preventive measures aren’t taken.

Toxic plants: Many plants and bulbs that are common in spring gardens, such as lilies, tulips, and daffodils, can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Keep pugs away from these plants, both indoors and outdoors, to prevent accidental poisoning.

With Easter, it may be worth reminding visitors or children who may not be as aware of the hazards, as we are, so everyone can enjoy this time of year, safely:

Chocolate poisoning: Easter often involves chocolate treats, which are toxic to dogs if ingested. Make sure to keep all chocolate out of reach of your pug and be cautious about where you hide Easter eggs if they contain chocolate.

Most of us know about keeping Easter chocolate away from temptation but our dogs will endeavour to seek things out with their highly sensitive sense of smell.

Theobromine found in chocolate is a stimulant. It may cause excitability or muscle twitching, tremors, even fitting, or they may have an increased heart rate. They may initially be sick, but you must never try to make them sick.
-If vomit is frothy and foamy it could get into their lungs, making matters worse.
-Other signs might include drinking a lot, drooling, not walking in a straight line and fast breathing. If enough is eaten then the effects can be severe or even fatal.

Some sugar-free chocolates contain xylitol, also branded as birch-sugar, which is an artificial sweetener especially poisonous to dogs. It can cause a dog’s blood sugar level to drop to dangerous levels, also possibly liver failure.

If you suspect your pet may have eaten chocolate, keep the packaging and call your vet immediately. Help them regarding the type of chocolate that’s been eaten (dark, plain, milk, white etc.) and how much has been consumed.

To learn more about chocolate toxicity and the signs and symptoms:https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/chocolate-poisoning?

Overeating Easter treats: With Easter celebrations often come feasts and treats, which can lead to overeating and digestive issues for pugs. Be mindful of the types and amounts of food your pug consumes to prevent obesity and gastrointestinal problems.

FURTHER FOOD HAZARDS include:

– Fruit or Simnel cake, Hot-Cross buns, anything with sultana’s and raisins (grape family).

– Traditional roasts where cooked bones can easily splinter.

– Stuffing, gravy, anything which may contain onion, chives, garlic.

– Other foods, such as certain nuts, blue cheese, fatty and salty foods.

Although chocolate foil wrappers are not poisonous, they can cause an obstruction if eaten. This can be dangerous enough to require surgery. Signs of an obstruction may include being sick, being tired, they may be be off their food, or finding it difficult to go to the toilet!

For more on Easter dangers: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/easterdangers?

If you are Spring-Cleaning, make sure that products are inaccessible to your dog and that they are kept away from areas while being cleaned, or have recently been cleaned.

There’s a whole array of OTHER hazards, especially outdoors, including: poisonous plants & bulbs, weed killer, pesticides including slug pellets, compost bins, even grass cuttings!

Many different plants commonly found in the home, gardens and outdoor areas can make your dog ill. Some of these are highly poisonous, while others may only cause a mild tummy upset. Incidents of poisoning from spring bulbs are most likely to occur from dogs eating the bulbs in spring when they begin to flower and autumn when they are planted.

For more information, please see: Poisons | Dog health | The Kennel Club

Including a comprehensive list of poisonous plants: Poisons in your garden | Dog health | Kennel Club (thekennelclub.org.uk)

On a sunnier note, here are some, from many, that are regarded to be safe for our dogs:

However, if you suspect your dog might have ingested anything that is appearing to make them ill, contact your vet immediately.

Seasonal Hazards for Pugs

Pet Dental Health Month.

by Yasmin | 29 Feb, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health

February is Pet Dental Health Month.

Our furry friends, especially our beloved pugs, need some extra TLC when it comes to their dental health.

Here are some tips to keep those adorable pug smiles healthy:

• Regular Brushing: Just like us, pugs need their teeth brushed regularly. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to gently clean their teeth. Start slow and make it a positive experience for them.
• Healthy Diet: Providing your pug with a balanced diet can contribute to their overall dental health. Avoid sugary treats and opt for dental chews or toys that promote good oral hygiene.
• Routine Vet Check-ups: Regular visits to the vet are essential for maintaining your pug’s dental health. Your vet can spot any issues early on and provide guidance on how to keep their teeth in tip-top shape.
• Chew Toys: Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and can help keep their teeth clean. Invest in some quality chew toys for your pug to gnaw on, which can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
• Stay Vigilant: Keep an eye out for any signs of dental problems such as bad breath, swollen gums, or difficulty eating. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further complications down the road.

Remember, a healthy smile leads to a happy pug! Let’s make sure our furry friends get the care they deserve this Dental Hygiene Month.

Read PDWRA’s Vet Advisor’s article for more information about how you can best care for your dog’s dental health, here:

https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/dental-disease-in-pugs/