Neglected Shih Tzu Rescued from Hoarder, Left with Urine Scalds, Now Ready for a Fresh Start
Neglecting a pet—failing to provide them basic needs like food, water, safe shelter, veterinary care, cleanliness, etc—is animal abuse. Reportedly the most common type of animal cruelty, neglect cases also often involve animal hoarding.
“It is likely that up to a quarter million animals — 250,000 per year — are victims of hoarders. Recently, the number of reported hoarding cases has steadily increased,” says a report from the Animal Legal Defense Fund. “In terms of the number of animals affected and the degree and duration of their suffering, hoarding is the number one animal cruelty crisis facing companion animals in communities throughout the country.”
Luxury—or Lux, for short—is a 2-year-old male Shih Tzu mix who was rescued from a hoarder. Hoarding animals quickly becomes hazardous for both pets and humans in the home, and Lux’s case is a great example of how having too many pets can lead to neglect. Lux was found covered in ticks with severely matted fur. Lux was dirty and covered in his own waste which had caused irritated skin and urine scalding. Unsurprisingly, Lux had never been to a vet before, which is common for pets in hoarding situations—it’s expensive to bring two or three dogs to the vet, imagine what it would cost to bring a group of dozens.
Lucky for Lux, I.C.A.R.E Dog Rescue in Corona, California (which specializes in “unadoptable dogs” with difficult pasts and serious medical concerns) stepped in to help him recover and prepare for a new life. Despite his very difficult start, Lux is full of love and ready for a family that will truly appreciate him.
Could Lux The Shih Tzu Mix Be The Perfect Dog For You?
Lux is almost 2 years old, male, and an adorable light tan Shih Tzu mix. At just 11 pounds, Lux is a tiny dog with a lot of love to give. Even though his early life was stressful and you might think a dog from a hoarding situation would dislike other dogs, Lux loves other dogs and would happily join a family with other pups. Lux also loves everyone he meets and is kid-friendly, social, and playful.
“Despite his past, Lux is a happy-go-lucky high-energy [dog] who loves his newfound freedom!” says the team at I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue in their description of Lux. “He is a pup who adores kids and other dogs. His favorite activities are playing and running around with doggy friends, and he’s always up for a good romp.”
If you’d like to give this little resilient dog the forever home he deserves and you live in or near Corona, California you can apply to adopt Lux online through I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue.
What Is Urine Scalding in Dogs? Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
If this is your first time hearing the term “urine scald” or “urine burns” you’re probably wondering, “What does urine scald look like on a dog?” How does urine burn an animal’s skin? Before you jump online and look up urine scald dog pictures (be aware, some can be graphic) let me give you a quick rundown of this skin condition.
Urine contact dermatitis or urine dermatitis in dogs (colloquially called urine scald or urine burn) occurs when a dog’s skin is exposed to urine for a long period of time. As the urine sits on the skin, the affected areas become irritated, red, and inflamed because of the ammonia, bacteria, and moisture. The skin irritation can look similar to diaper rash in babies since dog urine scald also causes bumpy, red, and sensitive skin around the groin.
How To Prevent Urine Scald in Dogs
Most dogs that are being properly cared for will never experience urine scald and are not at risk of urine burns. However, it is important to understand that urine scalding happens even when pet owners are being diligent.
Urine scalding is also sometimes called incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) since dogs that struggle to “hold it” and inadvertently leak urine can experience urine burn. Female dogs are also more likely to experience urine scalding than male dogs either because of urination posture, length of fur in the groin area, or because females are more likely to experience mild incontinence.
The best way to prevent urine scald is to keep your dog clean and dry. If you have a dog who struggles with incontinence or gets urine caught in their fur, regularly cleaning the area with a wet cloth and drying it with a soft towel can help prevent urine buildup. If your dog wears a belly band or a diaper to manage urinary incontinence, change it regularly to avoid prolonged contact with urine-soaked fabric. You might also consider speaking with your groomer about trimming the fur around your dog’s groin if the length inhibits the area from getting completely dry.
What Is The Best Treatment For Urine Scald In Dogs?
If your dog has urine scalding, bring them to the vet as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will likely run tests for urinary tract infections, which can cause urinary incontinence associated with urine burns in otherwise healthy dogs. Your vet will also be able to suggest other diagnostic options to find the root cause of your dog’s urine scalding and offer urine scald dog treatment to manage the skin irritation.
It is not recommended that you use a urine scald dog home remedy, and it is especially important not to follow random advice found online even for simple skin issues. For example, using zinc oxide barrier creams can help humans with urine scald, but zinc oxide is toxic to dogs if ingested and should never be used on their skin.
Veterinary recommendations will include safe topical treatments, anti-inflammatory oral medications, regular gentle cleansing of the area, and basic instructions for keeping the area dry and clean of urine.
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