Keeping Your Pet’s Skin and Coat Healthy
Caring for your dog’s or cat’s skin and coat is crucial for their health. A shiny, healthy coat can indicate your pet is receiving essential nutrients. A poorly maintained coat can lead to or indicate serious health issues. Here’s expert advice on maintaining healthy skin and coats for your dogs and cats.
Preventing Parasites
Your pet’s skin hides under its fur, so the first step to keeping it healthy is keeping it free of ectoparasites like mites, ticks, and fleas by ensuring it is on a regular prevention plan. Products like Heartgard, Proheart, Bravecto, and Simparica Trio are great options.
If you notice redness or irritation, it could be due to allergies. Pets can suffer from different types of allergies, including contact, environmental, food, and flea allergies. Common signs of allergies are excessive paw licking, biting its rear end, and obsessively scratching its ears. If you see these signs, consult your veterinarian so they can develop a treatment plan.
Treating Dry or Itchy Skin at Home
If your pet is scratching due to dry skin, you may be able to treat it at home with an aloe and oatmeal-based shampoo, which helps soothe the skin. When the culprit is fleas, use a flea shampoo. If these home treatments don’t work, it’s time to visit your pet’s vet. Persistent issues indicate a deeper problem that needs professional attention.
Choosing the Right Food for a Shiny Coat
Many pet owners and veterinarians consider healthy coats an indicator of good health in dogs and cats. With this in mind, foods on the market may claim to improve coat health, but the key ingredient to look for is Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. These fatty acids help hydrate your pet’s skin and create a shiny coat. When choosing the right food for your pet, look at the ingredients. Chicken is a common ingredient in dog foods, but it is also an allergen that may cause or increase skin irritation. Your vet can help you identify the best foods for your pet, if needed.
Checking for Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks often hide on your pet’s lower back area near the tail. To check for these pests:
- Part the fur in the opposite direction to see the skin.
- Use a magnifying glass, if needed, to examine the skin closely.
- Look for small bugs or black specks. These specks are flea dirt (dried blood).
If you find any evidence of fleas or ticks, it’s time to start flea and tick prevention treatments.
Excessive scratching in dogs and cats can lead to secondary bacterial infections if dirt enters their skin. If you notice crustiness, yellow discharge, or increased fur loss, consult your vet for effective treatment.
Keeping your pet’s skin and coat healthy involves regular prevention, proper diet, and sometimes professional help. Regular vet visits and monitoring your pet’s behavior can ensure they stay comfortable and happy. For more information on skin care and treatment, contact us to schedule an appointment.
