https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/Recent content on Dermagic JournalHugoen-gbThu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dermagic-skin-essentials/Fri, 15 Jan 2021 14:57:53 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dermagic-skin-essentials/The Skin Essentials kit is the three-product starter system for any dog with a skin condition — shampoo bar, lotion, salve. Used together, they cover the full cycle from cleansing to recovery. What’s in the kit The Dermagic Skin Essentials pack is the right starter for dogs with skin conditions. It bundles three products that work together as a system to deliver the most effective results on common skin problems.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/covid-19-our-preventive-measures/Fri, 03 Apr 2020 21:52:07 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/covid-19-our-preventive-measures/A note from Alex Shipley, Director of Dermagic, on how we kept the business running and our customers cared for during the COVID-19 pandemic. Open for business On behalf of all of us here at Dermagic, thank you for your continued trust in us to care for your dogs’ needs. We are open and operating as normal. The office is staffed between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, and we are answering all calls as usual.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/gunners-butt-grows-new-fur-gunner-lost-hair-and-skin-went-black-after-surgery/Mon, 02 Mar 2020 14:01:41 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/gunners-butt-grows-new-fur-gunner-lost-hair-and-skin-went-black-after-surgery/Gunner had surgery in 2011. After the surgical shave, his hair never came back and his skin turned black. Daily Skin Rescue Lotion brought the lot back — pink skin, whiskers, fur and all. What went wrong: a close surgical shave Gunner went in for surgery in 2011. The surgical team shaved him close — close enough that months later, the crisp outline of the razor was still visible on his rear.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/yogis-the-pomeranians-miracle-recovery-from-losing-hair-and-skin-turning-black/Thu, 27 Feb 2020 16:44:45 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/yogis-the-pomeranians-miracle-recovery-from-losing-hair-and-skin-turning-black/Yogi was diagnosed with Black Skin Disease at age 10 and told it was “just cosmetic”. Years later, his family found DERMagic — and got their dog back. Yogi’s diagnosis: told it was cosmetic, told to live with it Yogi was diagnosed with the “Black Skin” condition in 2005, at 10 years old. As the condition worsened, so did his overall health — but his family were told the skin disease was cosmetic, and his other problems were age-related.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/golden-retriever-regrows-hair-after-five-months-on-dermagic/Mon, 10 Aug 2015 14:12:43 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/golden-retriever-regrows-hair-after-five-months-on-dermagic/Lucy Lu, a Golden Retriever, lost the hair on her chest to Alopecia X. After five months on the Dermagic system she had it back — and a year on, she still does. A frustrating, miserable problem One of the most common problems Dermagic resolves is hair loss — and one of the hardest skin conditions to treat in the conventional system. It’s miserable for the dog, frustrating for the owner, and many of the cases we hear about have been going on for a year or more before the owner finds us.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/what-ingredients-should-i-look-for-in-choosing-the-right-joint-supplement-for-my-dog/Fri, 10 Apr 2015 12:59:36 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/what-ingredients-should-i-look-for-in-choosing-the-right-joint-supplement-for-my-dog/A practical, no-nonsense guide to choosing a joint supplement for your dog — what to look for, what to skip, and how to give it a fair shot. Why daily joint support matters Joints don’t fail suddenly. They wear down quietly over years. By the time a dog is visibly stiff on cold mornings or slower to get up the stairs, the cartilage has been thinning for some time.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/aloe-vera-the-plant-of-immortality/Thu, 12 Feb 2015 14:33:08 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/aloe-vera-the-plant-of-immortality/Aloe vera has been used as a healing plant for nearly 6,000 years. Here’s why it sits at the heart of nearly every Dermagic formulation. A 6,000-year-old healer Aloe — a succulent, a member of the lily family — is believed to have originated in Africa. The earliest written record of its medicinal use is a Sumerian clay tablet from 2200 BC listing it among the plants of great healing power.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dermagic-hot-spot-salve/Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:45:28 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dermagic-hot-spot-salve/Hot spots come on fast and spread faster. The Hot Spot Salve is the concentrated, sticky version of Skin Rescue Lotion — built to grip a wound and stay there. What a hot spot actually is A hot spot — known clinically as acute moist dermatitis — is a patch of skin that has become inflamed, raw, infected and intensely itchy. They develop quickly. One small bite, a scratch, or an allergic flare can become a weeping, painful patch within hours as the dog licks, chews, and worries at the area.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/glycanaid/Wed, 10 Dec 2014 11:14:16 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/glycanaid/GlycanAid is a daily, natural joint supplement for dogs — chewable tablets formulated to support joint health for life. Daily joint support, in a tablet your dog will actually eat Most joint supplements fail at the first hurdle: the dog won’t take them. GlycanAid is formulated as a tasty chewable, which removes the daily wrestling match and keeps the supplement working consistently — which is the only way joint supplements ever work.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/looking-after-you-dogs-this-halloween/Fri, 31 Oct 2014 11:17:07 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/looking-after-you-dogs-this-halloween/Halloween is genuinely fun for children, and genuinely stressful for the dog at the centre of it. A short, practical list of precautions for the spookiest night of the year. A dog’s-eye view of Halloween From the dog’s perspective: the doorbell is going off every few minutes, strangers in odd costumes are shouting on the doorstep, and there’s a constant stream of toxic food at child-height. It’s a recipe for stress at best and a vet bill at worst.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/natural-green-organic-whats-the-difference-for-your-pet-by-adelia-ritchie-dermagic/Fri, 19 Sep 2014 12:55:00 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/natural-green-organic-whats-the-difference-for-your-pet-by-adelia-ritchie-dermagic/Natural, organic, green, eco-friendly, holistic — most of these words sit on pet products with no regulation behind them. Here’s what each one actually means. A forest of buzz words “Made in USA.” “Natural.” “Organic.” “Eco-Friendly.” “Green.” Walk into any pet shop and the shelves are covered in this language. Most of it is doing more work as marketing than as description. For owners trying to make a genuine choice — and for retailers trying to give straight answers — it’s worth knowing which words mean something and which are decoration.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/how-your-dog-adapts-to-autumn-weather/Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:48:12 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/how-your-dog-adapts-to-autumn-weather/Autumn looks idyllic to us — leaves turning, cooler air, a break from summer heat. For dogs it brings a new wave of allergens, shorter walks, and a list of seasonal hazards worth knowing about. A different season, a different set of risks Cooler weather changes everything about your dog’s routine. Walks happen in the dark. Allergens shift. The two biggest food holidays of the year — Halloween and Christmas — sit either side of autumn, both packed with foods that can poison a dog.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dog-allergies-or-is-it-something-else/Wed, 14 May 2014 16:37:54 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dog-allergies-or-is-it-something-else/Many dogs labelled as ‘allergic’ are actually fighting a systemic yeast infection. Here’s how to spot the difference, and why it matters. “There’s nothing that can be done” We hear from owners every week whose vets have shrugged at black skin, hair loss, or persistent itchy feet and said: “just put a t-shirt on the dog — there’s nothing to be done.” A large share of those messages come from Pomeranian owners.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/grass-pollen-allergy-in-dogs/Mon, 07 Apr 2014 12:35:43 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/grass-pollen-allergy-in-dogs/Grass pollen allergy in dogs doesn’t show up as a runny nose — it shows up as itchy paws, hot spots and a miserable, scratching pet. Here’s how to manage it. Not the same as hay fever Grass pollen allergy in dogs is fairly common. You’d expect — since grass pollen is an inhaled allergen — that symptoms would mirror what humans experience: runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes. They don’t.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/what-is-the-difference-between-atopy-and-allergy-in-dogs/Fri, 04 Apr 2014 13:27:24 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/what-is-the-difference-between-atopy-and-allergy-in-dogs/Atopy and allergy aren’t the same thing — and the distinction matters for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Here’s the difference, the breeds at risk, the pattern of symptoms, and what you can do. The short answer Atopy is the genetic predisposition to develop allergies. Allergy is the symptomatic reaction itself. A dog needs to be atopic to become allergic — but being atopic doesn’t guarantee they will be. The long answer is worth understanding, because it shapes what you can and can’t do about it.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/how-to-help-you-dogs-skin-allergies-in-spring/Tue, 25 Mar 2014 12:53:55 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/how-to-help-you-dogs-skin-allergies-in-spring/Spring brings pollen, blossom, fresh grass — and a wave of seasonal allergies in dogs. Here’s how to spot the flare-up early and the natural products that bring fast relief. The seasonal pattern Does your dog suffer from seasonal allergies — breaking out in hot spots, itchy skin, or canine dermatitis at the same time each year? With spring here, many owners are seeing the familiar symptoms reappear after hoping they had gone for good.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/what-are-mites-and-mange-in-dogs-and-cats/Thu, 13 Mar 2014 11:08:30 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/what-are-mites-and-mange-in-dogs-and-cats/Mites and mange are widely misunderstood and often misdiagnosed — sometimes with steroids that make things dramatically worse. Here’s what each kind of mite actually does, and how to treat the infestation naturally. What are mites? Mites are microscopic creatures that resemble miniature spiders. Several species can attack cats and dogs. Sarcoptic mites (scabies) Sarcoptic mites are members of the family Sarcoptidae. They burrow under the skin — and they are nasty creatures.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/has-the-word-greenwash-become-a-bad-word/Thu, 06 Mar 2014 16:27:52 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/has-the-word-greenwash-become-a-bad-word/“Greenwash” has become a deserved insult — but the case for actually doing the green thing in your pet’s bath is still strong. Here’s the Dermagic argument for shampoo bars. A definition we accept Here’s one definition of greenwashing: companies that carelessly jump on the eco-friendly bandwagon in an attempt to cash in quick. They may convert some traditionally carbon-heavy services to electronic format or offer one or two green products while masquerading as an authority on environmental education.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/bath-time-for-cats/Wed, 26 Feb 2014 12:21:33 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/bath-time-for-cats/Most cats don’t need a bath — they’re meticulous self-groomers. But when one does, the wrong shampoo causes more harm than the dirt. Here’s the sensible approach. The bath debate Some people think cats should stay out in the barn, catch mice, and never see the inside of a bathtub. Others recommend the rubber-storage-bin approach: fill it with warm water and detergent, add the cat, put the lid on, shake a few times, then stand well back when you open it.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/looking-after-our-dogs-teeth-and-gums/Thu, 13 Feb 2014 15:01:53 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/looking-after-our-dogs-teeth-and-gums/Dental health gets forgotten in the swirl of more obvious skin and coat problems — but bad breath, plaque and gum disease are among the most common medical complaints in dogs. Here’s how to spot trouble early and a practical product that helps. Why it matters We’re aware we need to see a dentist regularly — and yet our pets’ teeth often get less consideration than our own. Tooth and gum disease is one of the most common medical problems in modern dogs, and dental treatment is one of the most common procedures carried out in veterinary surgeries.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/parabens-sls-in-dog-shampoo-are-they-harmful/Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:33:15 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/parabens-sls-in-dog-shampoo-are-they-harmful/Parabens and SLS appear in most commercial pet shampoos. Here’s what they actually are, why owners are increasingly avoiding them, and what to use instead. What are parabens? Parabens are a chemical compound of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. They’re used as preservatives — they fight bacteria and fungus, they’re widely available, and they cost almost nothing to manufacture. That’s why they end up in millions of grooming products around the world.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dermagic-skincare-natural-ingredients-their-benefits/Wed, 08 Jan 2014 13:46:55 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dermagic-skincare-natural-ingredients-their-benefits/Rosemary appears in many Dermagic products — and there’s a reason for that. Here’s the history, the science, and what this Mediterranean herb does for your pet’s skin and coat. Why we keep coming back to rosemary For many years, Dermagic has focused on bringing the best, most effective natural skincare solutions to the pet industry — which means using only the finest organic ingredients. One herb you’ll see appearing again and again is rosemary, and there’s a good reason for it.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/does-your-pet-suffer-from-winter-dry-skin-or-a-dull-coat/Fri, 13 Dec 2013 11:45:54 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/does-your-pet-suffer-from-winter-dry-skin-or-a-dull-coat/Cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating both strip moisture from your pet’s skin. Here’s how to spot winter dry skin, what to do less of, and which products bring the coat back. Why winter wrecks the coat Cold dry air outside. Central heating and air conditioning inside. Between them, the moisture in your dog’s skin doesn’t stand a chance — and a dull, flaky coat is the result.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/the-three-most-common-dog-allergies/Fri, 29 Nov 2013 15:59:47 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/the-three-most-common-dog-allergies/If you think your dog has an allergy, the only way to manage it is to find the root cause. The three most common dog allergies are food, fleas and environment — here’s how to recognise each, and what to do. Why the root cause matters If your dog is itching, breaking out, or losing hair, treating the visible symptom won’t get you very far on its own. The skin keeps reacting until the underlying trigger is identified and reduced.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/natural-cat-shampoo-bar/Fri, 08 Nov 2013 18:47:35 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/natural-cat-shampoo-bar/If you’re looking for an all-natural, paraben-free cat shampoo, a shampoo bar is the practical solution. Easier to use than a bottle, gentler on the skin, and safe enough for kittens. Bathing cats — start young if you can Many people are unsure about bathing cats. Sometimes you have to: a cat with a skin condition, a long-haired cat that’s matted, or a kitten that’s got into something they shouldn’t have.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/alopecia-x-how-to-use-the-dermagic-skin-rescue-lotion/Wed, 30 Oct 2013 17:48:14 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/alopecia-x-how-to-use-the-dermagic-skin-rescue-lotion/Black Skin Disease (Alopecia X) can be managed with good results using DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion — but the protocol matters. Here’s exactly how to use it, day by day, for the best chance of full recovery. What to expect With consistent application, improvement usually shows around three to four weeks in. New hair growth and visibly healthier skin typically follow over three to four months. The single most important factor is consistency — applying the lotion every day, without skipping, throughout the treatment course.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/soap-shampoo-or-shampoo-bars-to-bathe-your-dog/Wed, 23 Oct 2013 12:29:05 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/soap-shampoo-or-shampoo-bars-to-bathe-your-dog/Soap, liquid shampoo, or a solid shampoo bar — what’s the difference, and what should you actually use on your dog? A short history, an honest look at the ingredient lists, and a sensible answer. What the customer wants vs. what the manufacturer wants We want to get our pets clean without irritating or drying out their skin. We want a healthy, shiny coat. We don’t want to spend a fortune, we’d like it to be greener if possible, and we’d prefer the bottle wasn’t another piece of plastic going into landfill.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dermagic-receives-award-for-employment/Fri, 18 Oct 2013 12:13:23 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dermagic-receives-award-for-employment/DERMagic Skin Care for Animals has been awarded the Outstanding Washington Employer award by the Community Employment Alliance and the Association of Washington Business — recognising the company’s work employing people with developmental disabilities. The announcement News in from Adelia in the USA — DERMagic Skin Care for Animals has just received the coveted Outstanding Washington Employer award from the Community Employment Alliance (CEA) and the Association of Washington Business (AWB).https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/our-happy-customers/Thu, 03 Oct 2013 12:26:14 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/our-happy-customers/Real customers, real dogs, real cats. A small selection of unsolicited reviews of Dermagic products from owners who tried everything else first. Shampoo bars from Australia “Those shampoo bars are the best things I’ve ever used. Thanks again.” — Nathan, Australia Black skin after a groomer visit “I just wanted to leave positive feedback on DERMagic shampoo. After my dog went to a professional groomer for the first time, her belly started turning black within the week.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dermagic-feline-shampoo-bar/Wed, 02 Oct 2013 16:30:06 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dermagic-feline-shampoo-bar/Bathing a cat is hard enough without a slippery bottle in your hand. The DERMagic Feline Rosemary Shampoo Bar is gentle, organic, and designed to make the whole job easier — for you and the cat. Why a bar makes sense for cats Most cats are not enthusiastic about water, and the ones that tolerate a bath rarely tolerate it for long. The practical problem is that liquid shampoo bottles need two hands — one to grip the slippery bottle, one to squeeze the lid open against a wet, wriggling cat.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/the-most-common-skin-conditions-in-dogs-and-cats/Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:04:08 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/the-most-common-skin-conditions-in-dogs-and-cats/Cats and dogs share most of the same skin troubles — fleas, allergies, mange, yeast, ringworm. Here’s a plain guide to the six most common skin conditions, what causes them, and how each one is recognised. Why pet skin disease is so common Dogs and cats live close to the ground, share our homes, and have permeable skin under a coat of fur. They pick up parasites, react to airborne triggers, and develop secondary infections when their skin barrier is compromised.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/sulphur-the-healing-mineral-for-pets/Tue, 10 Sep 2013 13:59:03 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/sulphur-the-healing-mineral-for-pets/Sulphur is one of the most powerful natural healing minerals for pet skin — but constant confusion with sulphates, SLS and sulpha drugs has given it a bad name. Here’s the chemistry, clearly explained. A question we get all the time We often get questions from customers about ingredients in our products. One of the most common confusions surrounds sulphur-containing compounds. Some are beneficial. Some are vital to cellular function.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/what-is-the-dermagic-system-and-how-can-it-help-your-dogs-and-cats/Fri, 06 Sep 2013 12:04:46 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/what-is-the-dermagic-system-and-how-can-it-help-your-dogs-and-cats/The Dermagic System is a four-step natural skincare regime — clean the skin, kill the pathogen topically, support recovery, restore. Here’s how each step works and the conditions it treats. What the system is for Severe itching, skin allergies, mange, Black Skin Disease, hair loss, hot spots, dandruff, seborrhoea, cuts and sores — these are miserable for your pet and miserable for you. Until now, treating them has usually meant steroids, antibiotics or strong chemicals.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/the-earth-in-crisis/Thu, 05 Sep 2013 11:47:45 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/the-earth-in-crisis/Every ingredient Dermagic uses traces back to soil — the oils, the botanicals, the beeswax. So when the soil is in trouble, our whole industry is in trouble. Here’s why we care, and what we’re doing about it. We worry about ingredients At Dermagic we spend a lot of time worrying about ingredients. We look at what they are and where they come from. We look at quality and purity.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/golden-retrievers-suffer-from-skin-conditions-too/Fri, 23 Aug 2013 14:57:43 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/golden-retrievers-suffer-from-skin-conditions-too/Golden Retrievers are stunning dogs — but the same thick golden coat that makes them beautiful also makes them prone to hot spots, seborrhoea and allergies. Here’s how to spot the trouble and treat it naturally. Why this breed needs extra skin care Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular working and family dogs in the world — clever, friendly, capable as guide dogs, hearing dogs and detection dogs, and easy to live with at home.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/why-use-dermagic-natural-shampoo-and-conditioner/Thu, 22 Aug 2013 14:32:31 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/why-use-dermagic-natural-shampoo-and-conditioner/Dogs’ skin is three times thinner than ours — and most pet shampoos are designed for human skin. Here’s why a proper natural shampoo and conditioner matters, and how to bathe a dog without making things worse. The thing most dog owners don’t realise There are a lot of things people take for granted about dogs. Most are harmless assumptions. One isn’t. A dog’s skin is fundamentally different from yours.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dermagic-feline-skin-rescue-lotion/Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:38:38 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dermagic-feline-skin-rescue-lotion/Dermagic Feline Skin Rescue Lotion is a topical lotion built specifically for cats — fast, natural relief from hot spots, scaly skin, flea allergies and dermatitis. Here’s exactly what’s in it and why each ingredient is there. Built for cats Cats are not small dogs, and their skin doesn’t tolerate dog products. The Feline Skin Rescue Lotion is formulated specifically for feline pH and sensitivities — the same principles as the canine lotion, tuned for cats.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/is-your-dog-losing-hair-skin-turning-black/Wed, 07 Aug 2013 16:23:27 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/is-your-dog-losing-hair-skin-turning-black/Gus the dog had a thyroid problem, allergies, and the unmistakable signs of Black Skin Disease — hair loss and skin turning black. His owner Angela’s story shows what real recovery looks like. A real dog with a real problem This is the kind of case so many dog owners recognise. Gus is Angela’s dog. He’d been diagnosed with a thyroid problem and was losing his hair. His skin was turning black across large patches of his body.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/what-is-canine-atopic-dermatitis/Fri, 02 Aug 2013 09:26:12 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/what-is-canine-atopic-dermatitis/Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common — and most miserable — skin conditions in dogs. Here’s what it is, why it tends to worsen with age, and how to keep your dog comfortable without falling into the steroid trap. What it actually is Most owners whose dog has just been diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis are surprised. Allergies are as common in pets as they are in people, and they cause just as much suffering.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/sir-winston-the-pomeranian-beats-black-skin-disease/Fri, 26 Jul 2013 11:32:27 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/sir-winston-the-pomeranian-beats-black-skin-disease/A five-year-old Pomeranian, bald and lethargic from full Black Skin Disease, was six months away from being unrecognisable to his own family — once his owners started the Dermagic system. This is the letter they sent us. A Pom in trouble In September 2011, Mary and John Houska wrote to Dr. Adelia Ritchie about their five-year-old Pomeranian, Sir Winston. Two years earlier he had started losing his hair. As the disease progressed he slept more and more during the day, his appetite waned, his social skills faded, and walks — still his favourite thing — became shorter and less frequent.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dog-skin-problems-caused-by-parasites-fleas-ticks-mange-mites-and-more/Fri, 26 Jul 2013 11:24:38 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dog-skin-problems-caused-by-parasites-fleas-ticks-mange-mites-and-more/Parasites are behind a huge share of dog skin problems — fleas, ticks, chiggers and microscopic mange mites. Here’s how to recognise each one and why steroids are the wrong response. What counts as a parasite A parasite is an organism that lives in or on the tissue of a host and causes harm without immediately killing it. Some are relatively innocuous, some are downright nasty, and some cause the worst skin problems you’ll ever see on a dog.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/alopecia-x-dermagic-skin-rescue-lotion-for-dogs-black-skin-disease/Tue, 23 Jul 2013 14:15:35 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/alopecia-x-dermagic-skin-rescue-lotion-for-dogs-black-skin-disease/Step-by-step on using DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion for dogs with Black Skin Disease (BSD). The protocol is straightforward, the patience is the hard part — and the results are reliable. Start with a clean dog We recommend using a bar of our organic Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar, which has sulphur florets and neem oil. It’s very effective at exfoliating, deep-cleansing, and rinses very cleanly. It’s also strongly antifungal without being harsh, and it’s the correct pH for dogs.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/top-signs-of-yeast-in-dogs/Thu, 18 Jul 2013 15:20:15 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/top-signs-of-yeast-in-dogs/Yeast infections in dogs are common, frequently misdiagnosed, and easier to spot than most owners realise. Here are the top signs to look for — and why a topical antifungal usually clears what allergy medications can’t. By Dr. Adelia Ritchie. The key signs of a yeast infection Any single one of these is a very strong indicator, regardless of how the infection got started. If you can see two or more, it’s pretty much a given that the dog is systemically infected with yeast:https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/gunner-the-dog-grows-new-fur-gets-rid-of-his-black-skin/Sat, 13 Jul 2013 10:09:26 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/gunner-the-dog-grows-new-fur-gets-rid-of-his-black-skin/Gunner had surgery in 2011. His hair never grew back, his skin turned black, and the crisp outline of the surgical shave was still visible months later. Here’s how four months of Dermagic Skin Rescue Lotion brought the pink skin and fur back. By Dr. Adelia Ritchie — Dermagic founder. The starting point — November 2011 Gunner had surgery back in 2011, and after the surgical shaving, his hair never came back.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/hot-spots-on-dogs-and-how-to-treat-them/Sat, 13 Jul 2013 09:49:24 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/hot-spots-on-dogs-and-how-to-treat-them/A hot spot is a wet, painful, infected patch of skin that can spread alarmingly fast. Here’s what triggers them, how to stop the cycle, and the natural treatment that clears the infection. What a hot spot is A hot spot — also referred to as pyotraumatic or moist dermatitis — is a condition where a patch of skin has become inflamed and infected. The affected skin is typically seen as a wet, oozing, reddened patch that’s painful and very uncomfortable for the dog.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/hot-spots-rashes-and-dog-skin-irritations/Fri, 12 Jul 2013 14:06:35 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/hot-spots-rashes-and-dog-skin-irritations/Hot spots, rashes, and skin irritations are among the most common complaints in dogs and cats. The trigger varies, but the engine driving the misery is almost always the same: infection. Here’s how to recognise what’s happening and what to do. What a hot spot actually is One of the most common medical complaints in dogs and cats is the familiar “hot spot” — also called acute moist dermatitis.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/rosemary-cat-shampoo-bar/Tue, 09 Jul 2013 16:00:09 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/rosemary-cat-shampoo-bar/The DERMagic Rosemary Shampoo Bar is gentle, deep-cleansing, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial — formulated specifically for cats, and designed to make bath time considerably easier on both of you. A shampoo bar made for cats Does your cat suffer from skin conditions? This natural organic shampoo bar from Dermagic will leave their coat and skin soft and healthy. The DERMagic Rosemary Shampoo Bar for felines is gentle, deep-cleansing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/alopecia-in-dogs/Thu, 04 Jul 2013 17:45:26 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/alopecia-in-dogs/Alopecia is one of the most common skin complaints in dogs — partial or complete hair loss with several possible causes. Here’s how to recognise the pattern, what’s likely behind it, and what to do. What alopecia is Alopecia is a very common condition in dogs. It causes partial or complete hair loss and can affect the skin, the endocrine system, the lymphatic system, and the immune system. It affects dogs of all ages, breeds, and genders.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/why-avoid-steroids-for-temporary-relief-for-pet-skin-conditions/Wed, 03 Jul 2013 11:20:00 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/why-avoid-steroids-for-temporary-relief-for-pet-skin-conditions/Steroids stop the itch — and that’s exactly the problem. They mask the symptom while the real cause spreads underneath. Here’s why corticosteroids so often make pet skin conditions worse, not better. Why not steroids? Corticosteroid drugs — “steroids” for short — are potent chemical substances that reduce swelling and inflammation quickly. Common corticosteroids used to treat skin issues in dogs include cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, and prednisone. These compounds reduce itching by reducing inflammation.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dog-skin-allergies/Tue, 02 Jul 2013 09:00:00 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/dog-skin-allergies/Skin allergies are common in dogs and they’re miserable — for the dog and the owner. Here’s how to recognise the three main types, why steroids often make things worse, and how to bring real relief naturally. Why skin allergies are so common It’s very common for our pets to suffer from skin allergies. The triggers can come from almost anywhere — mould spores, food ingredients, plastic food dishes, carpet chemicals, pet beds, lawn treatments.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/black-skin-disease-in-dogs/Mon, 01 Jul 2013 09:00:00 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/black-skin-disease-in-dogs/Black Skin Disease — also called Alopecia X — is one of the most distressing skin conditions a dog can develop. Here’s what it actually is, why it happens, and how to treat it without steroids. What is Black Skin Disease? The word alopecia is nothing more mysterious than the medical term for hair loss — Latin via Greek alopekia, meaning fox mange. The condition known as Alopecia X or Black Skin Disease is far less well understood than the name suggests.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/the-dermagic-skincare-system-for-dogs/Fri, 28 Jun 2013 11:09:04 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/the-dermagic-skincare-system-for-dogs/The Dermagic System is a four-step natural skincare protocol — built for the dogs and cats whose owners have already tried numerous vet visits, topical and injected steroids, and antibiotics with little to no relief. What the system is for Dermagic is an all-natural, organic range of skincare products for cats and dogs. The four-step system below covers the aggressive skin conditions — Black Skin Disease, hot spots, mange, severe allergic dermatitis — as well as everyday grooming.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/what-is-dermagic/Wed, 26 Jun 2013 17:14:37 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/what-is-dermagic/Dermagic is a natural pet skincare range — created in 2006 by a chemist who refused to lose her dog to a skin disease. Here’s how it began, what’s in it, and how the four-step system works. The story: a chemist, a Yorkie, and a vet who said it was time to put her down Dermagic exists because a vet once recommended euthanasia for a show dog named Shenanigan.https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/welcome-to-dermagic/Tue, 25 Jun 2013 07:23:44 +0000https://blog.dermagic.websands.net/welcome-to-dermagic/Welcome. This is the Dermagic Journal — a place for notes, guides, and real recovery stories from the world of natural pet skincare. Why this journal exists Dermagic was created because one chemist refused to put her dog down on a vet’s recommendation. Dr. Adelia Ritchie went home, opened her formulation books, and got to work — and what she ended up making went on to help thousands of dogs and cats whose owners had been told there was nothing more to be done.