Myths and Facts about Skin

 

Myth - Bathing is bad for dogs. It should only be done once a year.

Fact - Bathing with harsh chemicals like dish liquid or even baby shampoo is very damaging to the skin of both dogs and cats. Our pets have a different ph balance (6.5 to 7) than humans (5.5). ISB line was formulated utilizing exhaustive research which shows that the oil, or sebum, on canine and feline skin and hair is essential and necessary to protect them from bacteria, pollutants, and other environmental factors. If you do not replenish this necessary layer of protection, problems such as dryness, itching, skin problems and health issues begin to occur. With ph balanced ISB shampoos, balsams and therapy treatments, you may bathe daily. These products are safe to use on puppies and kittens.

Myth - Shave him down, he has dry skin.
Fact - Shaving will only continue the cycle. Shaving the hair strips natural oils from the skin.

Myth - It's too hot for my dog to have hair.
Fact - Hair is a sun and wind barrier. The hair will raise and lower to insulate or ventilate the animal when cold or over-heated.

Issue - I can't afford to have haircuts all the time.

Solution - We offer low cost maintenance brush-only appointments, nail trims, and ear cleaning.

Myth - It grows too fast.

Fact - Shaving will not slow growth, it will compound skin irritation and may lead to future problems.

Complaint - I can't handle all the shedding, just shave the hair off.
Fact - Hair growth is cyclical. Shaving means shorter, pin-like hairs everywhere as well as the danger of exposing the skin to bacteria and pollutants as well as harmful UV rays.

 

Hair is the skins first physical barrier against toxins and pollutants in the environment.

It is structured as follows: skin and folicle
Medulla- core (main structure)
Cortex- inner layer (where pigmentation lies)
Cuticle- external layer (consists of scales)

A dog or cats follicles are arranged in groups consisting of primary hairs surrounded by secondary hairs. The density of hair depends on the breed and age of the animal. The softer the hair, the denser it is. The movement of the hair is controlled by the pilipherous muscle. Hair color and length are genetically predetermined. Hair does not last forever nor does it fall out at the same time. Shedding starts at the rear of the animal and moves towards the front.

Epidermis: 1st layer Formed of keratinized cells.Protective physical and chemical barrier.
Dermis: 2nd layer Responsible for flexibility,pigmentation, structure, and sensory perception..
Panniculus: 3rd layer (Also known as, subcutaneous fat)
Regulates body temperature,prevents disaster to body. The skin is the bodys protective barrier. Without it life would be impossible. This protection works on physical, chemical and microbiological levels.

Hair loss is cyclical and consists of 3 phases. It is exceptionally important to know this cycle in order to understand the importance of proper intervals between grooms , including regular brushing and de-shedding.
They are as follows:

  1. Anagen Phase: a period of growth for the hair and its follicle, which grows in the dermis. It lasts about 130 days in the average pet and up to 18 months in the Afghan Hound.
  2. Catagen Phase: a resting phase. The growth stops and the follicle shrinks.
  3. Telogen Phase: The follicle shrinks all the way to the orifice of the sebaceous gland. The base of the hair shrinks to a cone shape and the hair falls out. Another hair begins to grow, starting with Anagen and growing in the same follicle as its predecessor.

 

Factors that may affect hair growth are:

 

The skin is responsible for exchanges through secretions. The sweat gland and sebaceous gland produce sweat and sebum. Together they form a protective fluid or mantle (PH balance of 6.5 to 7) on the surface of the skin and hair.

The skin has a role in metabolism. This helps with production of vitamin D, pigmentation, and regulation of body temperature.

The skin helps the body perceive changes in temperature, pressure, pain and surface contact.

Skin renews itself on a 21 day cycle. This is the reason we recommend scheduling grooms at least 3 to four weeks apart.