Your dog is scratching: the condition of your cat's or dog's skin and coat is an indicator of its health . Indeed, if your pet's fur is shiny, it is healthier than if its coat were dull. Its coat should look healthy, and its skin should be neither too dry nor too oily. Various problems with the coat and skin can be underlying issues, including diseases requiring veterinary attention.
Cat and dog food
The food we give our pets is often responsible for their health . Indeed, a poor or unsuitable diet can lead to deficiencies in your pet and may cause skin problems and scratching in your cat or dog. The absence or insufficiency of essential nutrients for your dog will have several consequences, such as:
Deficiencies in proteins and amino acids
Your dog's skin is the first natural barrier against external aggressors. However, for this to work effectively, the animal needs a diet rich in good (animal) protein and essential amino acids that it can easily absorb. The consequences of a deficiency include hair loss , brittle fur , and poor skin quality , which can lead to poor wound healing.
Essential fatty acid deficiencies
In particular, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for the natural production of cell membranes. A deficiency in these essential fatty acids can lead to dermatological problems , dandruff , and even intellectual disabilities . This deficiency can stem from your pet's diet, but also from an internal imbalance in the digestive system, which is no longer able to properly assimilate ingested food.
Mineral and trace element deficiencies
Zinc deficiencies can be observed in dogs and cats suffering from hair loss , dermatosis , but also skin depigmentation and skin inflammation which can be painful for the animal.
Vitamin deficiencies
This deficiency can cause symptoms such as seborrhea , weight loss , and hair loss . Both vitamin deficiencies and excesses have consequences for the animal's health. Vitamin H, for example, helps the skin remain supple, shiny, and odor-free, thus maintaining a healthy coat.
As you've probably gathered, your dog's and cat's diet is the first line of defense for their health . Even the slightest dietary imbalance can lead to dull skin and coat, itching, excessive scratching that can cause lesions, or even hair loss. Adding salmon oil , choosing the right kibble, or providing fresh food can help your pet digest better and address certain nutritional deficiencies.
The skin and its diseases
Your pet can have a good diet and still have skin problems. It's important to carefully assess the situation and take them to a veterinarian specializing in canine and feline skin to avoid a misdiagnosis. An incorrect diagnosis can worsen the situation. From allergies to trauma, many things can cause skin problems and a dull coat . Here are a few examples:
- Canine dermatoses are skin infections that can have several causes. They lead to a dull, brittle coat that may fall out. Only a veterinarian can determine the cause and help your dog or cat. However, brushing your pet and deworming them regularly will allow you to detect any problems.
- Seborrhea : Many dogs can suffer from seborrhea, which is an excess of sebum on the skin. This makes the skin very oily, to the point that it eventually develops a strong odor. The dog appears dirty, which is why it smells bad. This can be caused by an allergic reaction. Black or brownish patches may be visible on the skin.
Be aware that illness isn't the only thing that can make your dog or cat's coat dull and cause itching. A dog or cat that is emotionally sensitive or experiencing chronic stress may also scratch excessively and have more sensitive skin than usual. Furthermore, it's common for pets to experience itching and scratching during shedding season. This is perfectly normal.
Caring for your dog daily
The best prevention is to care for your dog every day . This includes everything from choosing the best food to providing medical treatment if needed. A beautiful coat and healthy skin are just as important for cats as they are for dogs. It's a sign of good health in both species. Good hygiene promotes well-being.
Regularly brushing your pet will maintain and strengthen the bond between you and your animal : it's a special moment to share. You'll be able to remove dead hair and allow the skin to breathe. By brushing your dog or cat, you'll immediately notice if their skin is becoming red or oily, if there's dandruff, or if they have parasites. All cats and dogs should be brushed at least twice a week. A bath every three months can also be beneficial, provided the products used are suitable for the animal and there are no health contraindications. Your dog's/cat's fur and skin form a natural barrier that needs to be cared for.
