An itchy pet can be frustrating for both pet and pet parent - getting to the cause is often easier said than done!
Your pet’s skin is its largest organ, creating a protective barrier against allergens, infections, and potential toxins. When skin becomes unhealthy, this barrier weakens, affecting your pet’s comfort and overall quality of life. Here’s how you can help ensure your pet’s skin stays healthy.
Nutrition: Healthy skin begins with a balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins and fats. Look for pet foods with real meat and oils listed as the first ingredients, as these provide essential nutrients. Cheaper diets often rely on cereals and bone meal, which are less beneficial for skin health.
Nutrients that promote healthy skin:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA): Help reduce inflammation and support the skin’s protective barrier.
- High-Quality Protein: Necessary for constant skin cell regeneration.
- Vitamins C & E: Aid in reducing inflammation and itching.
Parasite prevention - a must for skin health: Regular flea control is essential for both cats and dogs. Fleas can cause severe itching, and some pets may develop an allergy to flea saliva, leading to widespread irritation from just one bite. A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs daily, causing a significant infestation within weeks. Most flea treatments also cover ticks and mites. Ask a Petfirst team member for recommendations on the best treatment for your pet.
Shampooing and grooming: Routine grooming helps prevent matting, faecal build-up, and discomfort. Some pets need regular professional grooming, while “hygiene grooms” may be necessary to keep areas like toes, ears, and under the tail clean. Regular brushing and shampooing allow you to monitor for any skin issues. Using pet-specific and appropriate shampoos can assist in managing odour and support skin health, especially for pets with allergies or infections. Avoid frequent shampooing, as it can dry out the skin.
Allergies: Itchy skin, marked by scratching, licking, rubbing, or bald patches, can indicate an allergy. Allergies can be triggered by environmental factors like pollen, or dust mites. Contact allergies can occur to certain grasses. Food allergies can also occur and are sometimes accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms. Some cases may need referral to a veterinary dermatologist.
Certain breeds are more prone to skin conditions due to genetics. Conditions such as scaling skin, immune-mediated diseases, deep follicular infections, and even sun damage (especially in white-furred pets) require veterinary care. In warmer months, be cautious of grass seeds, which can embed in your pet’s skin, causing infections. Skin issues can be persistent, but proper nutrition, grooming, and parasite control can greatly improve your pet’s skin health.