First Aid Rediness Key to Pet Ownership

Pet owners today take their 'parenting' skills seriously when it comes to their animals—and with more than 64 million households reporting pet ownership, the need to educate consumers on comprehensive dog and cat healthcare has become essential. Treatments are widely available to savvy pet owners who want to protect their animals.

Skin serves as the first layer of health for pets, so rashes and excessive itching can mean major trouble for Fido or Fifi. Knowing what to do in a variety of circumstances brings faster relief and healing to suffering pets. It is imperative that owners pay careful attention to labels when purchasing medicated treatments for their four-legged family member.

As an organ, the skin is as vital to the animal as the kidneys or liver. It provides a barrier to infection, destructive substances and ultra violet light. When allergies, ticks, fleas or other irritants attack pets, they respond by attacking their own skin with digging, scratching or licking. Hot spots often result from the abuse and infection that follows. Owners should be alert to incessant rubbing, scratching and biting, hair loss, redness, scaling and secondary infection.

Sulfodene offers a line of remedies to treat and manage skin injuries. The dermatological products provide a solution to hot spots and first-aid protection for scrapes and abrasions. The brand is widely available at grocery and drug stores.

There are several causes behind skin injuries, but the most prevalent start with pests or allergies leading to trauma and infections when the dogs or cats try to relieve their pain. And cuts and scrapes happen all the time to animals who play outdoors and with each other—that’s just part of owning an energetic pet, said Carrie Crawford, product manager for Farnam Pet Products, distributors of Sulfodene. The best thing an owner can do for a pet is to keep a home supply of all the necessary items needed in the event of injury, including skin medication and cleansers.

The Sulfodene line includes:

* Sulfodene Skin Medication for Dogs specifically treats hot spots and skin problems in canines. It is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter aid in treating hot spots. It also serves as first aid for scrapes and abrasions.

* SulfodeneHC Anti-Itch Lotion for dogs and cats, a safe and potent medication that stops itching and accelerates healing. The lotion penetrates the skin quickly to speed recovery.

* Sulfodene Medicated Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs fights itches with veterinarian-recommended active ingredients, while moisturizing, cleaning and deodorizing the skin and coat. It also uses an antibacterial to help prevent infection.

* Sulfodene 3-Way Ointment treats wounds by helping to prevent infection, aiding in pain relief and providing a fly, water and germ barrier.

* Sulfodene Antiseptic Ear Cleaner loosens wax and debris, reduces risk of infection and inflammation, and contains aloe vera to soothe irritation.

Sulfodene products are sold at Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, Albertsons and many other grocery outlets and drugstores.

To help skin stay healthy, pet owners can bathe their dogs with shampoo and conditioner to keep coats clean. Anti-flea and tick control products will help ward off pest infestation. Brushing helps remove dander and loose hair from both cats and dogs.

But when owners see pets licking and chewing to the point of hair loss, it’s not a result of nerves but a condition that requires treatment. If skin conditions and symptoms persist more than a week, and include excessive hair loss, open sores or dull, dry hair, pet owners should consult their veterinarian. For more information, see natural pet foods .

About The Author:

Elize Widler is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-pets.com. Pamper your pet and get up to date information on pet health, food, accessories, behavior, gifts and toys.