This entry was posted on 2018-04-16 by Guest Writer.

Skin problems can be of great discomfort to your furkid. There are several reasons your beloved pet may be suffering from skin problems including: diet, the environment, and allergies. In fact, 40% of vet visits are related to skin problems.

The most common skin problems and their solutions

Itchy skin – Pruritus

Pruritus is the medical term for itchy skin, and can be caused by a variety of factors including, flea allergies, food allergies, and seasonal allergies. For many pets this issue cannot be cured but only controlled.  For most dog’s, pruritus is seasonal and usually from flea bites.

Solutions: Some pets will require intermittent treatment their whole lives This includes using flea & tick shampoo when flea season arrives or hypoallergenic shampoo for pets with sensitive skin. Try using flea spray around your home, and making sure your pets’ diet is suitable to their needs. One can also try a herbal pet supplement catered for cats and dogs with allergies to stop excessive scratching.

Top tip: Always see a vet first, to narrow down what may be causing the pruritus.

Atopic dermatitis (atopy)

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition resulting from the inhalant or contact with allergens. Examples of these allergies are: moulds, gasses, trees or pollens. Atopic dermatitis leads to excessive itching and licking, which can lead to scabbing in these areas along with bacterial infections. Pets with atopic dermatitis are more likely to develop hives and raised eruptions. Atopic dermatitis is diagnosed by the pattern of skin lesions in your pets history, as well as a blood or skin allergy test.

Solutions: Sebbaderm shampoo is used to relieve dermatitis issues in animals, and this can bring some relief to your pet’s life. One can also try an anti-lick solution for when your pet does break out with atopic dermatitis. Because this issue is based on allergies, it is best for vets to combat and narrow down what may be causing the breakouts and target it specifically.

Dry skin

Dry skin can result from nutritional imbalances, to various skin allergies and disorders. Pets with digestive disorders and intestinal parasites are more likely to develop dry skin. Symptoms of dry skin are dandruff, flaky skin and hair loss.

Solution: Try using our soothing shampoo for cats and dogs to control flare-ups of dry skin, and a supplement filled with fatty acids to maintain their coats. Make sure to use parasiticidal medication for your dog or cat, to eliminate this as a cause for dry skin. Finally, check that their food is not allowing for any nutritional imbalances.

Hair loss

Hair loss and excessive shedding can be caused by a variety of factors, including: dietary imbalances, allergies, mange, and ringworm. Hormonal disorders can also play a part in hair loss, this can include: thyroid and adrenal gland problems, metabolic diseases affecting the liver or kidneys, or cancer. Hair loss is usually followed with secondary skin lesions. Treatment for hair loss is not simple and a vet visit is required to narrow down what may be the cause. The vet will usually take a skin scraping to examine what may be the underlying cause of the hair loss.

Solution: Manage hair loss by brushing your cat or dog daily and following a strict shampoo program to minimise the shedding in your house. Pet supplements, as previously mentioned, will target any dietary issues that your pet may be lacking. You can also feed a food that is especially formulated for skin conditions and hair loss. Try using hairball control food for cats. Consult a vet to get to the root of the problem if it persists.

If your pet suffers from skin conditions, make sure their food caters for it by using food specifically designed to assist with skin care control for either your cat or dog.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tamsyn Halm

Tamsyn Halm is a proud academic, who is currently focused on her Masters in History. She grew up surrounded by her two favourite things - books and cats. While she loves her dog, Honey, Tamsyn has a special place in her heart for every cat that crosses her path.