Pets skin problems causes and solutions?

[poodlek]

I'm wondering if the administrators can create a separate sub-topic for pet related issues? There seem to be a fair number of threads that could be grouped together.

My question is, I've noticed that my dogs have some various skin problems since moving to Singapore. I understand high humidity has a lot to do with that, and I've been keeping them on the combination meds for the internal and external parasites. I'm wondering though, if the common practice of fogging all the flower beds and common areas where my pets like to do their business at my condo may be causing additional issues? Does anybody know what exactly is in the "fog" and how it can affect my pets? Should I be washing their feet when they come in from outside, or taking other precautions?

[rickjames]

Like what sort of skin problems? Fungal or allergies?

I would wash their paws off upon returning home especially if people are putting out pesticides on the grassy areas. Your dog can easily have a reaction to something like that.

[poodlek]

Like what sort of skin problems? Fungal or allergies?

I would wash their paws off upon returning home especially if people are putting out pesticides on the grassy areas. Your dog can easily have a reaction to something like that.

One dog has developed bald spots that the vet has no diagnosis for...not bacterial or fungal in nature, so perhaps not related to the environment, just old age or a metabolic problem. But it didn't occur until about 2 months after arriving here in Sg.

The other dog chews her toes until they bleed. Again, it could be environmental or it could be a behavioral thing, ie boredom/frustration.

The pesticide thing just occurred to me today...just wondering if anybody has data on what the chemicals are and how they may affect the pets on a long-term basis. I will begin washing their paws regardless.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Most of the pesticides used here by the various pest control companies are non-toxic to humans & pets. Also, most fogging is dispersed with water based carriers so there isn't the old kero smell problems. The stuff used here has been through so much testing with NEA that it's pretty safe for pets & humans alike

I think you will find that most pets that are showing bald patching and the worrying of paws & tail are, if not because of mange or infestation by fleas/ticks, are being caused by stress. Stress on this island does affect not just humans but also pets as well. Unfortunately, there isn't much dialog between humans & pets so it's hard to tell if that's the problem. Maybe there is a "dog whisperer" here somewhere?

[Seasoul]

I'd go for stress or difficulty to adapt to new environment. Were they used to live maybe in a larger space, go out more often before? Or run around a specific environment (forest, beach, lake.. ?) and now they can't anymore ?
Don;t know how this would work for you (and for them) but suggest you take them to the beach (east coast or any other place where it's allowed - I don't have pets anymore so I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to advise more). Maybe some fresh air, something different once a week will help them release the tension/stress/frustration ?

[poodlek]

I'd go for stress or difficulty to adapt to new environment. Were they used to live maybe in a larger space, go out more often before? Or run around a specific environment (forest, beach, lake.. ?) and now they can't anymore ?
Don;t know how this would work for you (and for them) but suggest you take them to the beach (east coast or any other place where it's allowed - I don't have pets anymore so I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to advise more). Maybe some fresh air, something different once a week will help them release the tension/stress/frustration ?

I'd love to...easier said then done right now unfortunately. They don't get the exercise they're used to since I got pregnant and I'm supposed to be on bed rest for preterm labour. I do take them out to pee and poo when my husband's not home to do it but that's all for now and the next while. When I was more active I once took them to Sentosa and they had a ball, but it was rather a hassle with taxis on the way there and especially back, even though I'd cleaned them they still seemed rather wet and sandy after their romp. I guess we just have to get over this hump and reassess what we'll do when we add an infant into the mix

[ksl]

You need to get them out more, hire a dog walker if you cannot do it yourself. The dogs are sure to be suffering stress all day locked up in doors, after they have been used to a lot of freedom. It's a prison sentence being locked in for sure.