Are there any natural over-the-counter products or supplements I can use on my dog's skin? - The Waggin Train Veterinary Clinic

Fish oils would be the first one that comes to my mind. While there are veterinary options, you can probably find very comparable OTC products as well. Beyond that, not really. Topical things, yes, but anything oral additives? I wouldn't think so. I would discuss that with your veterinarian first before trying any kind of at-home remedies.

Contributed by Scott J. Broussard DVM from

Could a grooming product be the cause of skin conditions in my dog? - The Waggin Train Veterinary Clinic

Yes, but the only way I can think of that happening is if your dog would be specifically allergic to an ingredient in that grooming product, maybe a medicated shampoo. Most of the hypoallergenic ones, by their very name, should not induce an allergic reaction. But yeah, certain ones that do contain antihistamines, antibiotics, antifungals, and other things like that do run the potential of causing an issue.

Contributed by Scott J. Broussard DVM from

Can anxiety or stress cause skin conditions in my dog? - The Waggin Train Veterinary Clinic

I wouldn't answer that in a way where I would say it could cause skin conditions, but I think it can exacerbate skin conditions. As we all know, stress is a real thing, and it is a factor when it comes to our immune systems and how they function. So an animal that is continually stressed will probably be more likely to have a weaker immune system, which means things like staph or fungal disease have a much better chance of gaining a foothold and causing an issue. So can it cause skin problems? Probably not, but can it make an existing skin problem much worse? Absolutely, yeah.

Contributed by Scott J. Broussard DVM from

Does my dog need to be vaccinated and on flea control to go to the groomer? - Summer Creek Animal Clinic

That's a great question. Having your dog vaccinated for grooming is essential on a couple of fronts. For humans’ safety, having a rabies vaccine is vital. Even if it's a quick experience, they're in and out; there’s still going to be some level of exposure to your pet, and then potentially your pet exposing other pets. It’s essential that the necessary vaccines are current to ensure that all pets are protected as well as possible to the best of our ability.

Contributed by Dr. Shawn McCorkle DVM from

If my dog has behavior problems, will they be welcomed by a groomer? - Summer Creek Animal Clinic

That depends on the grooming facility. So we try our best to cater more to that type of patient, given that we're the only Fear Free certified practice in Fort Worth, and our groomers are Fear Free certified. Behavioral problems are a challenge and something that the groomer has to be willing to work with. We have some things in place to help make that process as comfortable as possible. If we have a highly anxious pet, we recommend that you have a doctor visit first to discuss that and give any medication that might be helpful. Starting in February of 2021, we're going to have an additional staff member with training credentials to help these types of situations and come up with plans. This person will help work with the pet in a more structured way to get them acclimated to grooming.
And so the answer to that is, yes, a pet can receive grooming care if they have behavior issues, but it takes patience, diligence, and working with them at their comfort level. 
Also, one more thing on the flea and tick prevention that was asked earlier is that we require certain vaccines to be current at our facility. We don't require flea prevention, but it's highly recommended because fleas are very often present, even when the owner doesn't know it. And we can't guarantee that your pet will not pick up a flea being in an environment where many dogs are coming in and out.
 

Contributed by Dr. Shawn McCorkle DVM from
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