'Skin Parasites'

Skin Parasites

Shelly (64.76.36.108) -

I have a black German Shepard and she seems to be scratching a lot. She has a rash on her hind legs and ears. She is six months old. Do German Shepards have a lot of skin ailments that are normal to them or is there a skin parasite that may be responsible?

Comment #1 Suzy (152.163.40.166) -

The shepherd is a "double-coated" breed. It has a "down" type undercoat next to the skin, with longer, coarse hair as an outer shell. Under normal conditions, the shepherd will only require regular brushing, and an occasional bath. Diet plays a significant part in coat condition, so feeding quality foods will help prevent any skin problems.

Brushing

The shepherd can easily be brushed from start to finish in 10 minutes or less, provided it is brushed 3-4 times per week. Time and frequency will vary according to coat length and condition. Although long coats are considered a fault, some shepherds do sport long hair and will require more extensive brushing, more often. Use a wire "slicker" brush available at most pet stores, or coat grooming rake, and brush with the grain of the coat. Regular brushing and handling will teach your shepherd to stand quietly and enjoy these sessions.

Bathing

Shepherds will need baths rather infrequently, provided they are fed quality food and brushed regularly. One bath per month should suffice. During flea season it is sometimes necessary to bathe more often as part of a complete program to control pests. Please do not bathe more frequently than every 10 days or so as over-bathing will strip the coat of it's natural oils. It is also important to use a shampoo made for dogs, as their "pH" is different from shampoo meant for people.

Bathing

Toenails

Your shepherd will also need to have his toenails, ears, and teeth attended to. If your dog runs on pavement daily, you probably won't have a problem with nails. However you should check the nails on a weekly basis (while you are brushing) to avoid future headaches caused by split or broken nails left growing too long. Commercial nail trimmers for dogs are available at any pet supply store. Most black and tan shepherds will have black toenails. These are usually hard in density, and will hide the "quick" (small vein that feeds the nail). It is better to trim off small amounts of nail a little at a time. If you cut the nail too short it is painful for your dog and he will bleed. If you do cut the quick of your dog, use styptic powder, scrape the nail against a bar of soap, or press cornstarch firmly into the quick to stop the bleeding. Have one of these items on hand, and within easy reach when trimming.

Ears

Ears should be checked and cleaned at least weekly. Your vet has products that will dissolve excess wax when used regularly. To clean excess wax and dirt simply deposit a few drops of the ear solution into each ear, massage the base of the ear for a few seconds, and then wipe out any debris with soft tissues or a cotton pad. The remaining solution will be shaken out by the dog or will evaporate quickly. The ear solution is inexpensive and should be purchased from your vet.

Try to avoid getting water in your shepherd's ears as it will sit at the bottom of the ear cand can create infection. The ear solution helps keep ears dry. Prevention is the key to maintaining healthy ears.

Ear Cleaning

Teeth

Check your shepherd's teeth once a month or more, and during your yearly vet check-up. Teeth will accumulate tartar over the years, and will need to be cleaned occasionally. Feeding hard "cookies" will help keep teeth and gums healthy.

Try to brush your shepherd's teeth at least three times a week and every day if possible. Follow these steps to get your dog used to a brushing routine.

Step 1: Acquaint your dog with the process. Begin slowly, merely touching the muzzle and lifting the lips to expose the teeth and gums. Over a few days, begin handling the mouth gently, and eventually stroke the dog's teeth and gums with a finger.

Step 2: Introduce the toothbrush and toothpaste. Always use an edible toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs; do not share your own toothpaste (which is not meant to be swallowed) with your dog. Place a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and allow the dog to sample the taste. Then, apply a small amount to the teeth and gums. When you can touch all of the teeth, place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and gently brush one tooth and adjoining gumline.

Step 3: Begin brushing. Gradually increase the number of teeth brushed, working your way to the back molars. The dog's mouth may remain closed - the accumulation of plaque occurs mainly on the outside of the teeth. Angle the brush at a 45° angle toward the gumline and use small back-and-forth or circular strokes, gently brushing all of the teeth. Once the habit of toothbrushing has been established, brush the teeth every day if possible.

• www.petgroomer.com/Grooming101/Breeds/german_shepherd.htm

Comment #2 kabir from around the globe -

yes!!

the parasites are the problem as i also have a german sheperd......

you would have to find them in his skin or treatment for those till a year....

then we have vaccinations to prevent exeternal parasites

:)

Comment #3 endora (24.45.126.104) -

Well eww! Do they have to worry about the parasites jumping to a human or around the house? Can they do anything at home without involving a vet to remove them? What about prevention of them in the future? What caused it?

Comment #4 nick simon (71.193.83.156) -

my german shepard has blue skin, some darker than in other parts of his body, why is that and is her ok? And also do I have to worry about him spreading some kind of disease to my baby?

Comment #5 michael (68.47.107.122) -

I have a 9 month old GS, for the last 3 months he has broke out in severe rashes (leading to scabs) on his legs and on his testicles. He is on IAMS dog food. The vet just keeps giving him antibiotics, but it continuously comes back. His rash is only on the back part of his body only, and he bites his rear legs a lot. I need help. Any suggestions.

Comment #6 worried (67.70.111.236) -

my german shepherd has had a severe rash on her belly and lower chest area, it is also on her back where she scabs in the last little while she has been getting worse she now bites her hind legs until she is bleeding ...her brother had to be put to sleep a month ago with the same problem antibiotics and allergens were tried several times but it just kept getting worse........georgia in the last day or two has slowed down on her eating today she ate nothing at all??she sticks to me like crazy but now she has also not even bothered getting up with ne in the morning.PLEASE ANY COMMENTS THAT WILL HELP ARE GRATEFUL

Comment #7 Bernie's Mom from Minneapolis -

I spray my dog with vinegar water when I groom her. It really repells fleas and biting flies...also works on humans. Keeps skin clear. 1 part vinegar to 10 water. Ask Vet about yogurt treatment for possible yeast infection on skin

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