So... I have this Chinese Crested thingy. Ena is having skin issues. All down her back, where she sweats, she's broken out. I've been on it, double time, for two weeks, now. Every evening, I wipe her down with a warm, clean washcloth, then dot each bump with tea tree oil. It's helped, some, but we're just living with doggy acne. Part of it is age, and part is probably hereditary. I believe that part is diet, so soon, she'll be off of kibble and grains. I'm keeping her skin covered while we're out (because I will NOT put off socialization for anything!), so people aren't touching her with their dirty hands.
Today, I left her home when I went to the beach. I really was disturbed about it, but she loves to swim, and I'm afraid the sand and bacteria in the water might irritate her sensitive skin. I called a friend of mine, and I was telling her how I felt bad about leaving the puppy, and she randomly asked what I feed out of. Stainless and ceramic, of course! My dogs have always eaten from stainless or ceramic, or regular dinner plates (for Emma, who is spoiled, and doesn't like food in her whiskers). Then, she got all deep, and asked what Ena's crate was made of. DUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLASTIC!!!!! I keep the bedding in it clean. I wash everything twice a week (partially because *I* have inhaled allergies). This week, I bleached and scrubbed her crate, because she pooped in it. If a plastic bowl can cause chin "acne", though.... why couldn't a plastic crate cause acne along the spine? Of course, she's nekkid in her crate!!! She's getting a new crate ASAP.
I think it's funny that I never thought of the crate being a potential problem.... plastic sensitivity. Maybe it'll help somebody that has a dog with skin issues. Maybe it'll help Ena.... PFFT. Anything that makes it better is good, with me. I know that skin is sore!