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Veterinarian
Skin, ear and coat have many roles in dog’s life, notably being the first line defense against the outside world. As dog's skin is delicate, it deserves specific care.
DOUXO®, 20+ years of expertise
Key Points
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The dog’s skin
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A dog's skin serves vital functions—environmental protection, temperature regulatio...
A dog's skin serves vital functions—environmental protection, temperature regulation, and pheromone release. Three interconnected barriers require balanced care for optimal well-being.
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The dog's ear
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Diverse ear shapes in dogs share common internal anatomy. Knowledge of ear componen...
Diverse ear shapes in dogs share common internal anatomy. Knowledge of ear components is essential for infection prevention and proper cleaning practices.
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Diversity and care
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Dog coats vary in color, length, and texture. Understanding these differences guide...
Dog coats vary in color, length, and texture. Understanding these differences guides effective grooming. Tailor products to coat needs for optimal health.
The canine skin barrier, a complex and fragile ecosystem
The skin plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your pet's well-being, serving as a multifaceted barrier with critical functions such as environmental protection, temperature regulation, and the release of pheromones for territorial marking and social communication. It forms a sophisticated and delicate ecosystem that intricately manages moisture retention, supports normal bacterial and yeast microfloras, and prevents the intrusion of allergens while ensuring regular cell turnover.
This intricate skin barrier relies on three interrelated components working in harmony:
The mechanical skin barrier: Comprising skin cells and fats, it forms a resilient brick-and-mortar structure, acting as a protective wall to retain moisture and repel allergens and irritants.
The immunological skin barrier: Composed of cells and molecules, this defends the body against environmental insults and regulates interactions with the outside world.
The microbiological skin barrier: Consisting of healthy bacteria and yeast, it plays a vital role in protecting the skin.
Maintaining the delicate balance among these skin barriers is crucial and requires attentive care and protection. Dog's skin is quite different from human skin in terms of anatomy and physiology. And dog's lifestyle of exploring the world can put its skin to the test. These specificities illustrate the delicateness of dog's skin and encourage to use products specifically developped for them.
Regardless of fur color or thickness, all dogs may encounter skin issues. Signs such as dryness, irritation, oiliness, flakiness, hot spots, itching, and bacterial or yeast overgrowths can indicate a compromised skin barrier. If you observe any of these signs in your furry friend, consult your local vet promptly.
The canine ear, a complex organ
Dogs exhibit remarkable diversity in appearance, with one of the most noticeable distinctions being the varying shapes of their ears, extending beyond mere size differences. From straight and floppy ears to unique button-shaped ears found in breeds like Pugs, external variations abound. However, delving into the intricacies of ear anatomy reveals a surprising similarity among dogs.
Understanding the internal workings of a dog's ear is pivotal for comprehending susceptibility to infections, recognizing signs of ear problems, and adopting proper cleaning practices. Let's explore some fundamental aspects of ear anatomy:
The Ear Flap: This refers to the Pinna, presenting diverse shapes across breeds.
The Ear Canal: Shaped like the letter L, with visible portions termed the outer ear, encompassing the pinna.
The Eardrum (Tympanic Membrane): A delicate barrier separating the ear canal from the middle ear.
The Middle Ear: Houses crucial structures related to hearing.
The Inner Ear: Comprising the cochlea, responsible for hearing, and part of the vestibular system, contributing to balance.
These ear components play vital roles in both hearing and balance, intertwining to form a complex auditory and equilibrium system. Notably, dogs with long, drooping ears are prone to infections due to restricted airflow and a conducive warm environment for microorganism growth.
Observing signs like imbalance or a tilted head indicates potential issues in the middle and inner ear. During ear cleaning, it's crucial to avoid inserting cotton wool buds into the ear canal, as this may exacerbate problems by pushing earwax and debris deeper, risking damage to the delicate eardrum. Enhance your understanding of your dog's ear structure for proactive care and a harmonious bond with your canine companion.
The dog’s coat, a huge diversity
Diversity in a dog's coat is a fascinating aspect of canine genetics, contributing to the unique charm of each breed. Coats come in a kaleidoscope of colours, ranging from the rich black fur of a Labrador Retriever to the striking merle patterns of an Australian Shepherd. Additionally, the length of a dog's coat can vary significantly, from the sleek, short fur of a Beagle to the flowing, long locks of an Afghan Hound.
Beyond colour and length, the type of hair and its texture play crucial roles in defining a dog's coat. Dogs can have double coats, like the thick, insulating undercoat of a Siberian Husky, or single coats, like the smooth, glossy fur of a Dalmatian. Texture varies from wiry and coarse in breeds like the Scottish Terrier to soft and fluffy in the Bichon Frise. Understanding these differences is essential for proper grooming and coat care.
Age is another factor influencing a dog's coat, as puppies often have softer, finer fur that changes as they mature. Knowing the life cycle of your dog's hair can guide your grooming routine. For instance, senior dogs may develop specific coat issues, such as thinning or graying, requiring tailored care.
Considering these diverse coat characteristics is crucial when selecting grooming products.
Regular skin & coat care not only keeps a dog looking their best but also promotes overall health by preventing matting, reducing shedding, and monitoring for skin issues. By selecting the right products based on your dog's unique coat needs, you ensure that grooming becomes a tailored and effective practice, keeping your furry friend healthy and happy.
DOUXO® Skin & Coat SPA can help you every day to take care of your dog.
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Unlock the beauty of diversity in your dog's hair and ears. Whether your companion has long or curly hair, droopy or pointed ears, or smooth or wrinkled skin, all dogs are special and deserve specialized care. Our expert-formulated products are uniquely tailored to address concerns across all dog breeds, ensuring overall skin health. Embrace the richness of diversity in your furry friend with DOUXO® SPA, offering an experience as unique as your dog.